Psalm 12:3, Fiber Fun and a video! Literary Life and Finding Joy

Hello There,

    Welcome!  I hope you are doing well today!  This past week was so busy! I had a couple of gatherings with friends and a few doctor appointments. The friends were fun; the doctors... not so much.

Psalm 12:1, Fiber Fun, Literary Living, Finding Joy

Hello There,

    I hope you're having a blessed day with joy, peace and love!  My week has been filled with writing, studying, playing with fiber arts, reading and a bit of time with friends.  I did have a different kind of day on Tuesday.

    Our school district honors bilingual students by offering them the opprotunity to graduate with a Bilingual Seal added to their diploma. 

Psalm 10, Fiber Fun - or not? Literary Life, Finding Joy

Hello There!

I hope you had an amazing week!  We're going to several of my grandson's baseball games each week.  This weekend will be filled with his basketball games.  I love having this time with my family while the weather is still cool enough to attend.  Heat is my kryptonite, so soon I'll just be hearing about his baseball games rather than attending.  

I finally had some time at home to play with fibers and read. 

Monday's Strength. Scrappy Love. Pressing On. Book Date.

Monday's Strength:

Now that we've finished the verses from Until We Reach Home, I was wondering where to go from here.  For now, I want to share this verse that speaks of gratefulness.  

You see, we, my husband and I, had a COVID scare, but thankfully we both tested negative!   

As you can well imagine, it’s been hard to find time or even enough focus to blog or craft. 

Monday's Strength: Song of Songs 3:2. Machine Embroidery and Scrappy News! Book Date Reads! To Do Tuesday.

 Monday's Strength: Song of Songs 3:2

Continued study of some of the verses shared in Lynn Austin's Until We Reach Home.

In this book, Sofia and Ludwig speak different languages. All they have is their Bibles and basic drawing skills to communicate. He/she would find a passage that explains their thoughts and share that passage with the other. As their time to separate nears, Ludwig shows Sofia this verse to reassure her that he will find her.

Monday's Strength: Song of Songs 1:15. A New Scrappy Project Takes Off! Book Date Reads! To Do Tuesday.

Monday's Strength:  Song of Songs 1:15

Ludwig expresses his love for Sofia so beautifully! Interesting that he compares her eyes to doves. In fact, he states that they are doves. 

Matthew 3:16 and Luke 3:22 state that the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. 

Could it be that he saw God in her eyes?

Monday's Strength: Psalm 107, part 3. A Scrappy Finish. Book Date. Pressing On.

Monday’s Strength:  Psalm 107:31-32

As I shared on before, I was so inspired blessed by the Scripture shared on PeaBeas’ Photos and Scribbles so much so that I’m writing a series on them.  Next up are verses 31 - 32. 

He stilled the storm to a whisper; 

the waves of the sea 

They were glad when it grew calm, 

and He guided them to their desired haven. 

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love 

and His wonderful deeds for mankind. 

Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people 

and praise Him in the council of the elders. 

Psalm 107:29-32 

Once we allow ourselves to be still enough to hear God’s voice and calm enough to be guided by Him, we will indeed give Him thanks for His unfailing love. What is unfailing love? A love that does not fail…
even in the face of rejection,
even in the face of fear,
even in the face of mistrust,
even in the face of anger.
His love is there, waiting to guide us to safe harbors.
Many times, after we have seen His wisdom, we praise Him for His unfailing love and we see His wonderful deeds for mankind.
Let us learn to exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders before we see proof of His mighty deeds, unfailing love and faithful guidance.
Amen?

Brown Baby Quilt

When I first started the Qube Crush QAL, I thought I would make a baby quilt/table topper for each square.  It was too ambitious of a goal for me, so I started making all four weekly squares at the end of the month.  My goal is to make a finished quilt by the end of the QAL. 

But, here is the first quilt I made with Block One of the Qube Crush.  This is definitely not one of my favorite finishes.  

I used some scraps I had on hand, but ran out of my original fabrics, so I pulled the lime green.  I'm thinking of adding some yo-yos to the center in that same green......we'll see if I can fix it up...

Book Date

It has been a fabulous sewing week, but lacking in reading time.  How do you make time for reading and sewing?  

I'm enjoying the The Library Book, but very curious how the author is going to tie everything up with the investigation.  So far, there is a lot of information about libraries, their workings and historical information.  Ms. Orlean offers her reflections on many topics, which I am finding quite interesting and enjoyable.  

Currently Reading

free ebook from RB Digital

Bless Me Ultima by Rodolfo Anaya
(free audio book on RB Digital)

Next Up

 

Pressing On
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Las week’s goals

1. Visit Mama and Daddy ✔

2. Machine Embroidery:  Finish up the last of the Xmas Decos (gifts)  ✔

3. Continue my Thursday tea towel/secret sewing  ✔

4. Finish flimsy for the Fall Table Topper X  I had a few squirrels in my sewing room!  This should be finished this week.  

5. Finish binding a new quilt. ✔

This Week's Goals

1. Visit Mama and Daddy 

2. Machine Embroidery:  Dish Towels

3. Continue my Friday tea towel/secret sewing  

4. Finish flimsy for the Fall Table Topper 

5. Get at least halfway finished binding my $7.50 30's quilt.

I’d love to hear what your crafty goals for the week are!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? @ Book Date 
Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
Oh Scrap! @ Quilting is More Fun Than Housework!
To Do Tuesday @ Home Sewn By Us (Tuesdays)

 Your comments are so appreciated!  

I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)

Thoughtful Tuesday. To Do Tuesday.

Thoughtful Tuesday

Remember when we first met our husbands?  Again, Crystal from Crystal Storms blessed me as she took me down Memory Lane in her post How to Cherish Your Unique Husband.  She reminded me how much I wanted to learn about him back then.  

Now, 39 years later, I still study him, wanting to know more about him.  It is amazing how much we have changed over the years - he still surprises me - and I still cherish him.  

Crystal shares beautifully thoughtful ways to increase our knowledge of our husbands.  Her last question:  What is one way you can affirm how God created him? This question was my confirmation that my daily habit of thanking him and making positive comments about his actions and character on a daily basis can never grow old.  We are after all the mirror in which our husbands see themselves. 

To Do Tuesday

Last Week's List

1) Quilt the fabric and cut out the pieces for the 2nd backpack. ✔ 

2) Cut out the pattern and create templates for the cute whale!  My hubby cut out the templates for me!  Sweetie Pie!  ✔

3) Work on my Spring Granny Square Afghan!  ✔

4) Join these corners to these Flying Geese for Comfort Quilt #3.  ✔

5) Make more four patches! ✔

 These are ready to be trimmed.

 These are paired up, ready to be sewn into four patches.  

This Week's List

Luckily, my appointments are minimal this week (knock on wood), so I think I can get the following finished!

1) Backpack:  I would like to stitch all around my quilted pieces to seal the edges.  After that, I am going to prepare the rest of the pieces by fusing the various interfacings, making the bias binding, padded handle, straps and strap tabs. I also need to prepare the front flap of the backpack pocket.  It sounds like a lot, but I do not think it will take too long.  

2) This actual instructions for sewing the Oreo Orca are three pages with tons of pictures.  I am hoping to finish the following sections:  patches, tummy, tail, fin and sewing the top together.  Luckily, there is a "Sew with Me" webpage!  I am getting excited about this project!  

3) Continue making those pretty, green flowers for my Spring Granny Square Afghan! 

4) Finish the flimsy for Comfort Quilt #3.  

5) Make more four patches - of course!

Hope you will visit and link up to these great parties!

 To Do Tuesday @ Stitch All Things

LinkyTuesday @ Freemotionby the River

Trekking Thru The Week @ Trekking Thru

Mid-WeekMakers @ Quilt Fabrication

Still Stitching #12 Part 3. Scrappy Four Patch Progress. Finished Tree Hugger. Book Date + a New Reading Challenge!

Still Stitching #12 Part 3.  

Still Stitching #12 Part 2 Still Stitching #1

The pain is still there.

The effects of various types of abuse are still there.

But, I am doing the hard work to be a thriver:

Talk therapy.

Growing in my faith.

Support groups.

Begin gentle with myself.

Forgiving those who hurt me.

Forgiving those who failed to protect me.

Understanding that man has free will.

Understanding and believing that all things work together for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

I no longer ask, “Why me?” , but instead ask, “God, please use this experience to help me help others.” 

I no longer ask, “Where were You, God?” because He has shown me exactly where He was:  at my side weeping.

I can tell you that every experience I have had has served to bless others in one form or fashion.  Therefore, it was worth it. 

God is faithful. 

God is trustable.

God is there – when you are ready.

He is also there when your loved one is ready.

https://serenityvista.com/ the-three-cs-of-al-anon/

https://serenityvista.com/

the-three-cs-of-al-anon/

It is not your fault. 

You are not responsible for their habits. 

You did not cause them to drink/drug. 

You cannot cure them. 

You cannot control them. 

Our loved ones need to make their own choice: 

Will they be a victim?

Will they be a survivor?

Will they be a thriver?

By the way, so do you, my dear reader.

When my children tell me about a bad

“mothering moment”, I now am ready with a heartfelt response:

“I am so sorry.  Don’t blame me, you showed up without an owner’s manual!”

It may sound trite, but it’s true. 

We do the best we can at the time with what we have. 

Period.

None of us came with an owner’s manual. 

But we have The Manual to learn.  God’s Word. 

Maybe you’ll pick it up and try reading it, if you haven’t already? 

Our series has come to an end.  Here is the link to the first post and then you can follow the links to subsequent posts if you like.  I hope you have been blessed and encouraged in some small way.  Be Blessed my dear reader, Be Blessed!

Scrappy Four Patch Progress

More patches made:

And more to be pressed and sewn up!

So excited!

Finished Tree Hugger
I had mentioned before that I have been taking classes at my LQS this summer.  One of them is a PhD class - Projects Half Done!  
This beautiful wall hanging for Hoffman is called Sew Into It Tree Hugger by Cindi Edgerton.  It was a previous class and I took it to finish last Saturday.   It was my first paper piecing project and I'm tickled at how it came out!

 The tree skirt was a bit time consuming, but worth the effort.  

It now hangs in the quilting queue.  I plan to use red binding for the finish!  Did you notice it would work as an Advent Calendar?  I see making the decorations in my future!  

Book Date
Reading

My church is taking a break from reading this book for the summer.  I finished the Old Testament and will also take a break so that I can read it with my church in the fall.  So far, I'm still enthralled with this book!  I've read through the Old Testament in this book!  Yea!

I have begun regularly reading The High Tide Club.  There's a bit of mystery and intrigue that I am enjoying.  

I started Peace in the Valley by Ruth Logan Herse and am already sucked in.  It's interesting to be in the mind of a person struggling with their faith and wondering how in the world this romance will come to be! 

Audiobooks

I am currently listening to The Time in Between by María Dueñas.  I am hooked on both the book and the author!  I hope to read more of Ms. Duenas' books!

I've started How Hard Can It Be?  by Allison Pearson.  It is the second in the Kate Reddy series.  I have put it on hold until I finish the above book because of library time limitations.  

Finished

I put off finishing this book because I didn't want to say goodbye to Malala.  But, I finished it last night and was not disappointed.  I recommend reading this book slowly so you can digest the thoughts and story of this young lady.  

Robyn Carr did not disappoint with Any Day Now.  Though it is the sequel to What We Find, it can be read as a stand alone as well.  

I've also decided to stretch a bit and joined the 12th Annual Canadian Book Challenge hosted by Melwyk at The Indextrious Reader!  So, from now until June 30, 2019 I should read 13 books by Canadian authors or about Canada.  You can find all the details here.  I don't know many Canadian authors, so this list is very helpful!  

The first book I chose was Fifteen Dogs a novel by André Alexis, but I noticed it was #2 in the series, Quincunx .  So I ordered the first book, Pastoral by Andre Alexis.  

Until it comes in, I'll be looking for another book that meets this challenge's requirements.  Any suggestions would be much appreciated.  :)

You can see the list of books I've read over at Goodreads!  My user name is, of course, Miaismine!

Linking up to

Monday Making @ Love, Laugh,Quilt

Moving It Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag

Show and Tell Mondays with Bambi

Main Crush Mondays @ Cooking Up Quilts

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? @ Book Date

a jar filled with marigolds

Book Date. Scrappy Four Patch Progress. Xmas All Year!

Scrappy Four Patch Progress
I've made even more four patches - up to 140 or so now!

Xmas All Year!
I also decided to join the Xmas All Year project.  It's really quilt simple:  make 1 Christmas gift/ornament/one year long project to be finished by Christmas!  This way, we have the potential to have 12 gifts ready to go and hopefully avoid the Christmas sewing rush!  It's hosted by Jeanette at 1 Xmas Item a Month.  

I'm going to tie this in with One Monthly Goal hosted by Patty over at Elm Street Quilts as well!   One links up their goal the first 7 days of the month and links up their progress the last 6 days of the month.  Set your calendars!  Let's finish up some projects!  

Here's a sneak peek of my July Xmas/OMG item:

Did you guess what it is?  :)

Book Date

I'm on chapter 20 which is about the book of Esther.  I'm forever amazed at the faith of the people!

Consequences were so much more severe in those times!

I Am Malala  reveals such a faith and strength in her family and herself.  She reminds me of an "old soul" with her wisdom and strength!  

The High Tide Club  has been much neglected by me.  No so much because I don't enjoy it, but because there is so much I want to do!  I seem to be in a season of audiobooks.  

I started the audio book version of Any Day Now and am thoroughly enjoying it mostly because it reveals the mind of a recently sober alcoholic as well as continuing the story of the characters from What We Find.  

Next up?

Peace in the Valley by Ruth Logan Herse

You can see the list of books I've read over at Goodreads!  My user name is, of course, Miaismine!  

Linking up to

Monday Making @ Love, Laugh,Quilt

Moving It Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag

Show and Tell Mondays with Bambi

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? @ Book Date

One Monthly Goal @ Elm Street Quilts

and a new-to-me- link up:

a jar filled with marigolds

Still Stitching #12 Part 1. Scrappy Four Patch Progress. Book Date.

Still Stitching #12 Part 1

Still Stitching #11 Still Stitching #12 Part 2

We have reached the final point that my friend shared:

Is is so true!    My loved one is my child and

for many years he blamed me for his problems – all. of. them.

For many years, I accepted the blame because I was not a perfect mother.  However, there is no perfect parent except for God our Father.  He is the perfect one.

Our kids, our siblings, our loved ones have all come without an owner’s manual.  For that matter, neither did we! :)

We are not to blame for how they deal with their issues.  In fact, I have learned something called The Three C’s:

http://diaryrecoveringacademic.blogspot.com/2015/02

/al-anons-3-cs.html

We, to include our loved one, have to realize that we can no longer blame others for our own issues.  Remember this post?  It is much easier for our loved one (and us)  to point the finger at someone else rather than face the real issues in our own hearts.  

I’ve come to believe that we have all suffered abuse of some sort or another.  We all have “issues” with our childhood.  Nevertheless, at some point or another, we, along with our loved one, have to make a choice:  Are we victims living in the past?  Survivors who live without joy?  Or thrivers living in victory and joy?  Let me tell you, I have been all three.  Sooner or later, in God’s timing we will chose which we will be. 

  

Many of us chose to be victims, telling everyone who will listen about our traumas. I know I did – until I heard someone say, “It’s a privilege to know my story – not everyone gets to hear it.”  This is so very true. 

Additionally, we are not alone in our pain, nor is our loved one.  As I meet more and more people like me, I am learning that many others who have had similar experiences and have gone from victim to survivor to thriver!  

My next post will share my journey from victim to thriver.  

#1stitchaday

Scrappy Four Patch Progress
I'm still working on my Scrappy Four Patch! 

I also started an Attic Windows after falling in love with the yellow fabric!  

Just need to add the sashing and borders with cornerstones!

Book Date

Our church has taken a break from The Story for the summer.  We'll resume our reading in September which offers me a chance to catch up on the last three chapters of the Old Testament! 

I am almost finished with I Am Malala!  Her courage,strength and wisdom are such an inspiration!  

I stayed up until 3:00 a.m. finishing The Girls of August by Anne Rivers Siddons.  I hope there is a sequel!  

https://www.amazon.com/
Indian-Cupboard-Lynne-Reid-Banks
/dp/0375847537

My grandson and I are on Chapter Four of The Indian in the Cupboard!  Today I read to both him and my granddaughter.  We were all laughing at Little Bear's "voice" and antics!  

The Endless Beach by Jenny Colgan takes place on the Scottish island of Mure.  The narrator, Sarah Barron, flows between the Scottish and New York accents beautifully!
I love listening to her!

My current e-book is The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews.  Thus far, I've only read the prologue which was a doosey!  

Next up?

Peace in the Valley by Ruth Logan Herse

You can see the list of books I've read over at Goodreads!  My user name is, of course, Miaismine!  

Linking up to

Monday Making @ Love, Laugh,Quilt

Main Crush Mondays @ Cooking Up Quilts

Moving It Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag

Show and Tell Mondays with Bambi

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? @ Book Date