Thank you so much for visiting my weekly blog! We are reflecting on Matthew West's song, "Truth Be Told", books I'm reading and going on my weekly Gratitude Journey. I hope you enjoy your visit!
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The Cycle of Comfort Part 3: Come as you are
Lie #3:
"There's a sign on the door, says, "Come as you are" but I doubt it 'Cause if we lived like it was true, every Sunday morning pew would be crowded But didn't you say the church should look more like a hospital A safe place for the sick, the sinner and the scarred and the prodigals Like me"
Oh, my heart is full and hurting when I listen to and even read these lyrics. How can we help to set a feeling of welcoming for ALL in our churches? How can we let EVERYONE know that they don't have to wear the "right" clothes, speak "properly" and other such foolishness to come to church to praise God and hear His Word?
This past week has had a few more challenges than usual. I know I'm not the only blogger who faces challenges in life, but wow! I sure admire those of you who can blog consistently despite life's curve balls! My hat is off to all you!
However, I must make changes to meet these unpredictable challenges. After much thought, I've decided to write one post a week and continue linking up to all my usual parties.
Another change is I will be posting daily on my Instagram account (user name: miaismine22). This account is private, but please just request to follow me and you're in! (As this account is private, it will also have a bit more personal posts with "behind the scenes" details!)
So, please, pull up a chair, serve your favorite drink and enjoy the journey with me!
Saturday’s Song: Giants Fall. Remember the story about David facing the giant, Goliath? He killed him with a step in faith and a stone. Are we facing giants today? We sure are! Fires. Floods. Pandemics. Illnesses. Strife. The list goes on and on.
I was so happy to hear
this upbeat praise song! It reminded me when a dear friend of ours shared
an encouraging Word. He said that the LORD had told
him (paraphrased), "Don't worry, I got this."
Let us share this message: The LORD is
capable, He has us in the palm of His hand! He's got us!
He knows us, warts and all, but still loves and pursues us.
The lyrics of this entire song blew me away. After all, how many people fully know us, warts and all, and truly love us. Also, how many people do we fully know and truly love? Ouch. Right?
God's grace became even more apparent to me as I listened to this song with my spirit. This part of the lyrics served to magnify God in my life even more:
"It's hard truth and ridiculous grace
To be known fully known and loved by You
I'm fully known and loved by You"
- from Known by Tauren Wells Can we accept this awesome grace and run to Him?
Slow Stitching: Tea Towels and Pressing Matters
Despite my best intentions, they Friday Tea Towel has been languishing, patiently waiting to be stitched up. Today her patience will be rewarded!
I've been hand binding Pressing Matters as well. I'm hoping to finish this quilt today!
Stash Report 8/14/2020
I've taken three projects to my LAQ and still binding Pressing Matters, so no fabric out this week. Also, no fabric in, so the figures remain the same.
Fabric in
This week: 2.625 yards Since April 1: 76.685 Fabric Out This week: 9.33 yards Since April 1: 114.46 yards Difference: + 37.775
I've finished a few dish cloths, but am waiting until it's enough to make note of.
Yarn In This week: 0 ounces Since April 1: 56.80 ounces Yarn out This week: 0 ounces Since April 1: 87.50 ounces Difference: +30.70
“Burn the Ships” by For King and
Country touches my heart and aroused my curiosity as to the origin on the
title.The story behind the song is here
and is an encouragement to those who long to release the shame and guilt of
their addictions.Though “addictions”
may lead one to think of drugs and alcohol, let us remember we all have
addictions of one kind or another.
So, I'm trying out the new Blogger platform. I've noticed the songs don't come out on my IPhone unless I switch to the web version. The fonts are coming out funky, but other than those two issues, I think this post is ok. I hope so! :)
Saturday's Song
Worn by Tenth Avenue North
Several years ago, a friend shared this song with me and then she shared it again recently. I praise God for her.
George Floyd's murder left me shocked, worn and introspective.
Change must come.
But first, in my opinion, we need to feel the emotions this latest murder has awaken.
Then, when we're ready, we will tell our hearts to beat again.
Saturday's Song Does it feel like your're facing another heartbreak day?
Here's the lyrics if you'd like to reflect more on them. Keep moving on my Dear Reader. Let me be honest. This. Quaratnine. Is. Tough. I'm struggling just like you are. I have days that I all I can do is sleep. I bet you have, too. I have days that I cry. I bet you have, too. I have lonely days. I bet you have, too. I have days that I am close to losing hope. I bet you have, too. My family has experienced great loss alone during this time. I bet some of you have as well. But God is faithful. He is here. He is trying to grow a new thing, a new me, a new you, a new world. The LORD is working through my church's sermons to keep me moving. Today's sermon made a few good points. Here is one of my takeaways. Whose voice will I listen to? Will I be like the person Pastor talked about who read the newspaper with the Bible next to them? They didn't let the newspaper tell them what was going to happen, instead they read what God had to say about the future. But God says.... Will I view circumstances through the lens of hope/hoplessness?
His sermon as well as his sermon notes are a huge part of my victorious journey via these times. Let's reach out and share what is getting us through this journey. Let's move toward victory and growth together. Let's move toward our LORD Jesus Christ. This week I will be sharing how God gave me one amazing tool that led to another amazing tool. Let's listen to Him and move with Him! Amen? Slow Stitching This week's slow stitching has been a mix of crochet and embroidery. The yarn is Mini Moochi by Crystal Palace Yarns and is color 105. I don't know the name, but I'll call it beautiful! It also has a special memory - my husband and I went on a special "buy what you want" visit to a yarn boutique. And, boy, did I ever indulge!
Saturday's Song The ending of this morning's service at our church, online of course, reminded me that we can remember who we are! We are God's children - we are victorious. Naturally, we will have bad days. During this time of isolation, the defeated one will try to attack us via our weaknesses. But sing this song back to him and remind him who you are in Christ!
We are children of the one true King! Yes, we will have sad, difficult days. Absolutely. But when the defeated one whispers trash in our ear, let's shout our victory in his ear! Amen?
Slow Stitching I've had a weekend of slow stitching. Of course, work continues on my Grandmother's Flower Garden. Today, I decided to pick up my long lost project, my crocheted selvage throw rug.
It measures roughly 50" by 6" and its future home will be by my cutting table. I've already stepped on it and it feels so comfortable. The selvages from the masks I've been making as well as donations from my sweet daughter and a sewing friend have helped this little project along.
Stash Report
Fabric in
The last 2 weeks: 6 yards
This year: (since April 1) 7.5 yards
Fabric out
The last 2 weeks: 13.90
This year: (since April 1) 20.56
I've finished a scrappy, very scrappy (to me) baby quilt, many pleated masks and some special order masks as well.
The last 2 weeks: 0 ouncesYarn in
This year (since April 1) : 0 ounces
Yarn out
This week: 42 ounces I finished an afghan which I'll be sharing later this week. Update: Here it is!
This year (since April 1) : to be honest, I haven't kept track, so I'll begin with this week's numbers. :)
Today I was joyful and tearful as I rejoiced in our Lord's victory and missed my family. Bottom line is this: during this time we will have good days and hard days. I embrace both as they are natural and real. But, at the end of the day, I can still praise God and sing this song, even if it's through my tears. Because He lives.
This song also blessed me today.
Yes, these are trying times, but it's only for a blink of the eye. Let's come out stronger, better people. Let's work toward that, yes? Slow Stitching
After setting up my Grandmother's Flower Garden Quilt in the living room, it's much easier to make progress during the week. I hoping to attach those last three hexagons tonight!
During a fun conversation with @twotinymakes on Instagram, a new hashtag has been made: #sloweveningsew! I hope you check out her posts of her incredible quilts!
Stash Report
Fabric in
This week: 0 yards
This year: (since April 1) 1.5 yards
Fabric out
This week: 6.66
This year: (since April 1) 6.66
6.66-1.50= +5.16 yards
I made these cute little Easter bags! The grandbabies loved them - and the treats inside!
I used this beginner friendly tutorial from Ashley Johnston at Bernina's We All Sew.
I also made face masks for various people: a hospital in my home town, some have been sent out to family members and a couple went to a nurse's child.
Ready to be shipped.
I found this tutorial for making my own bias tape - again - it's beginner friendly. The only difference is I don't use the bias tape maker. I just use my fingers to fold the fabric.
I really like this beginner friendly tutorial from Dana at Made Everyday. She has a great video on Instagram as well.
At the end of our fabulous virtual service, my church, Heart for the World, sang this song and wow! What a blessing it was for me! They encouraged us to share a #hopewins testimony, so here's mine!
Great service, HFTW Team. “One Thing Remains “ was my cancer fighting mantra. In fact, right after I was diagnosed, we were on our way to HFTW for the first time. I set a fleece before God to show me if this was our new home church: I asked Him for this very song to be sung during praise and worship. It was sung and we’re still at HFTW. Blessings to you, my church family and the HFTW team! Love you!!!!
Pastor said that during this time, or actually, any time of trial, we have an opportunity to come out stronger in Christ. Let's take it through extra time with God! I encourage you to listen/watch this service as you slow stitch today! If you would like to share your church's online service, please add it in the comments section! Let your hearts be encouraged and encourage others! Slow Stitching This Sunday, I'm working on my Grandmother's Flower Garden.
I've been struggling to get this last row sewn in and the LORD kept whispering to me, "Use a Clover clip." I kept wanting to do this on my own....
Then, as I was watching the service today, and yes, full disclosure, I was stitching during service, I finally got frustrated enough to use a Clover clip. Wow! My experience went smoother and was more pleasant.
How often do we struggle on our own instead of using the anchor of Jesus Christ to hold us together?
Stash Report
I didn't have a finish this week, but I should next week. So, fabric out this week? Zero! Fabric in? Also, zero!
Take good care and perhaps take a moment to 1) share your church's online service in the comments, 2) visit the parties below and 3) spend a few extra minutes with God! Blessings to all!
Hello There! It's been so long since I've blogged and I apologize for the sudden disappearance. My main focus and energy has been caring for my parents. However, as Daddy has steadily become more stable I have been slowly getting back on social media beginning with my Instagram account. What a different world we live in since I last blogged! I trust in our Lord Jesus Christ that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe. Your blogs have been a mainstay for me, an anchor in my sea. Thank you for your wonderful sharing! Now, onto Saturday's Song, Slow Stitching and Sunday's Stash! Saturday's Song
It may look like we're surrounded, by we're surrounded by the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the great Almighty God! We're surrounded by Him! I hope you join me in dancing and losing yourself in praise to Him as you hear this song! Amen? Slow Stitching Today's Slow Stitching project is a very much neglected oldie but goodie: My Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt. It's been rolled up in my closet, hence the folds. I do believe it's high time to at least finish this quilt top!
I've also been enjoying some hand embroidery using Aunt Martha's Iron On Transfers. These tea towels are so fun and pretty! I just finished "Tuesday" last night and linked up on Instagram with @teaandbrie, @barefootcrater and @charmaboutyou 's #saturdaynightcraftalong!
"Sunday" and "Monday were finished some time ago and have been well used and loved.
All in all, a productive weekend!
Stash Report
I have dropped all fabric/fiber usage goals largely in part that when Daddy needs me, I'm there. However, starting tomorrow, I will try to at least track my usage while on New Mexico's Stay-At-Home orders.
For now, I'll join the party at Quilt, Paint and Create to see how my friends over there are doing!
These parties have great participants and hostesses! You would definitely enjoy them!
The lyrics to this song are so powerful! At first, it sounds like it’s all about Jesus rising from
the grave, but then I realized it’s about us – rising from our own personal
graves in answer to the voice of our LORD and Savior!
As we rise, we come alive with open eyes – eyes that
see. We become victorious. Sometimes that victory doesn’t look like
victory to those looking in from the outside, but no matter! It is OUR victory and it is quite
personal. The chains of darkness of insecurity,
of pain, of secrets, of whatever our chains are fall powerless to the ground as
we cry out to our LORD and Savior. We
are free and our eyes now see!
We rise up with open eyes, with power, with confidence as we
shake off the grave and move with power in His name. The darkness should have known it could not
keep us captive forever.
My dear reader, we are never too far gone, bound by our sins,
our fears, our chains! Though we may
have dug our own grave, as we respond to our LORD and Savior’s call, we become
alive, with our eyes open to the lies of the defeated one! We run with victory and power as our Savior joyfully
receives us with open arms!
Will you answer His call?
Will you become free? Will you
face your own chains, turn them over to Jesus and be free? It’s difficult, my dear, but also so very
wonderful to be free!
Slow Stitching
Confession time: I have not touched my hand piecing project. This month my husband and I went to the Taos (New Mexico) Wool Festival and It. Was. Wonderful. We stayed at a fantastic AirBnB and - yup - I bought yarn, and more yarn. Needless to say, I've been crocheting a ton! I finished two cowls before I even got home! The yarn is from the Good Medicine Sheep Ranch in Lyons, Colorado. It was easy to work with and washed up nice and soft. My husband bought an actual sheepskin as well!
The yarn is from Zombiepenguen Yarns and also worked up fast and is so very soft. I bought quite a few hanks from Guenevere - she and her husband are so fun!
Now I'm working on a lovely shawl from Tamara Kelly over at Moogly! Mine is no where as lacy as her's but the beautiful yarn makes up for my mistakes! The yarn is from the Wooly Lizard in Cortez, Colorado.
I'll be sharing my yarn purchases on Thursday as I link up to Lee Ann's I Like Thursday party at Not Afraid of Color! Guess what I like? Yup! Yarn! Either way, this week I at least pulled out my hand piecing and will hopefully put down my yarn for a bit of hand sewing. Stash Report
Fabric Usage
No finishes this week so no changes in fabric usage.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
