Psalm 7, Fiber Fun, Literary Living, Finding Joy

Hello There,

Thank you all for you sweet comments on my new header.  I was playing with blogger's layout and decided to go for it! 

A Week of Jesus, Stitching, Reading, and Crocheting. and "Likes"!

Hello There,

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!     

Song of the Week:  Glorious Unfolding Part 5

Saturday's Song: Glorious Unfolding Part 3. Slow Stitching. Stash Report. Book Date.

 Saturday's Song: Glorious Unfolding Part 3

 In my last post we read about learning and praying the promise of God.  I bet many of you pray them over your loved ones' lives, but do you pray them over your own life? I know I struggle to pray for myself, but I'm working on that.

Saturday's Song: Glorious Unfolding Part 1. Slow Stitching: Binding St. Patrick's Day Topper. Stash Report. Book Date.

Saturday's Song: Glorious Unfolding Part 1

I've featured this song before yet I've felt compelled to share it again.  In fact, I will be sharing a mini series based on Glorious Unfolding by Steven Curtis Chapman.  

Lay your head down tonight

Take a rest from the fight

Don't try to figure it out

Just listen to what I'm whispering to your heart

'Cause I know this is not

Anything like you thought

The story of your life was gonna be

And it feels like the end has started closing in on you

But it's just not true

There's so much of the story that's still yet to unfold

                             - Glorious Unfolding 

Is it time for you to take a rest from the fight?  to stop carrying your burden and give it to God?

Saturday's Song: Not For a Moment. Slow Stitching: Binding and Prayer Shawls. Stash Report. Book Date.

 Saturday's Song:  Not For a Moment

These lyrics are so very true!  Even when we don't feel God's comfort and nearness, He is with us!  In fact, He goes before us - before that trial even started, He was there! 

Saturday's Song: The Cross Has The Final Word. Slow Stitching: An Ornament & A Tea Towel. Stash Report.

 Saturday’s Song: The Cross Has The Final Word

Goodness gracious, how this song blessed me!  My dears!  Focus on Him and His grace!  You are saved! All is nailed to the cross that you might be free!

That is why Jesus died on the cross - for our freedom!

Saturday's Song: Giants Fall. Slow Stitching: The Set is Finished! Stash Report.

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. 

With God, we need not be shaken!

The promises of God are innumerable!

Saturday's Song: You Got This. Slow Stitching: Tea Towel. Stash Report.

Saturday’s Song:  You Got This by Love and The Outcome

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!

Saturday’s Song: Known. Slow Stitching: Pressing Matters . Stash Report.

 Saturday’s Song:  Known

                

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

I hope you’ll visit these link up parties! 
Slow Stitching Sunday @ Kathy's Quilts
Sunday Scripture Blessings @ Peabea's Scribble Pad
Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create

Your comments are so appreciated! I try to respond to each one via email!

Saturday’s Song: Wake Up Dancin’. Slow Stitching: Finished 30's Table Topper . Stash Report.

Saturday’s Song:  Wake Up Dancin’

Last month was a tough one.  I found out a relative passed away....she and I wrote back and forth from the time I learned how to write.  As some of you are aware of, my memory is not the best.  I would tell my children, "If you ever want to know my secrets, call her.  She remembers them all and has my letters to prove it!"  LOL!  

Saturday's Song: Everything He Forgot. Slow Stitching: 30's Table Topper. Stash Report

Saturday's Song:  Everything He Forgot

This song spoke to me on so many different levels… 

I have sinned. 

I have disappointed people. 

I have hurt others. 

I have…I have…I have…the list goes on and on. 

If I let myself, 

I can go to a 

dark place of 

unforgiveness and depression 

over my mistakes. 

But, praise God for His grace and for repentance! 

Saturday's Song: I'm Gonna See A Victory. Slow Stitching. Stash Report.

Saturday’s Song:  I’m Gonna See A Victory

Wow, I read this article and was amazed how Scripturally based this song is!  What the defeated one means for evil, God means for good (Genisis 50:20)!  He really does. 

All of us at one time or other have had to face grueling circumstances, apparently abandoned by God, but He’s right there with us.  However, it’s perfectly fine to question, to argue, to be angry. 

Saturday's Song - God's Not Done With You. Slow Stitching. Stash Report.

Saturday's Song - God's Not Done With You

My dears, no matter what is going on in your life, God is not done with you.  Have faith.  Believe.  Trust Him. He is faithful.  

We've all trembled, experienced faltering faith.  

He understands.

  

Saturday's Song: Burn the Ships. Slow Stitching: Hexagon Afghan & Christmas Surprises. Stash Report.

Saturday's Song

Here is the link to a video with the lyrics.

“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. 

Saturday's Song. Slow Stitching. Stash Report.

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. Slow Stitching. Sunday Stash Report.

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!     

Stash Report

Fabric in

This week:  no change

This year: (since April 1) 7.5 yards

Fabric out

This week:  no change

This year: (since April 1) 20.56

Yarn In

This week:  0 ounces

This year (since April 1) : 0 ounces

Yarn out

This week:  0 ounces

This year: 42 ounces

Blessings to all!

Linking up!  

Slow Stitching Sunday @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create
Sunday Scripture Blessings @ Peabea's Scribble Pad
A Spirit of Simplicity

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)

Saturday's Song. Slow Stitching. Sunday Stash Report.

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.  

I first read about it in August of 2019 at Nancy's blog, Grace and Peace Quilting and loved the concept!  So far, here's my progress.  

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.  :)

Blessings to all!

Linking up!  

Slow Stitching Sunday @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create
Sunday Scripture Blessings @ Peabea's Scribble Pad
A Spirit of Simpicity

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)

Saturday's Song. Slow Stitching. Sunday Stash Report.

Saturday's Song

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.  

No changes in yarn usage/incoming.

Yarn in

This week:

This year (since April 1)

Yarn out

This week:

This year (since April 1)

Blessings to all!

Linking up!  

Slow Stitching Sunday @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create
Sunday Scripture Blessings @ Peabea's Scribble Pad
A Spirit of Simpicity

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)

Saturday's Song. Slow Stitching. Sunday Stash Report.

Saturday's Song

  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!

Slow Stitching Sunday @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create
Sunday Scripture Blessings @ Peabea's Scribble Pad
A Spirit of Simpicity

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)

Hello There! Saturday's Song. Slow Stitching.

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!  

Slow Stitching Sunday @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create
Sunday Scripture Blessings @ Peabea's Scribble Pad

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)