my grandpa and I...

DECEMBER 14, 2009

my grandpa and I…

Thinking of my Grandpa Linton today. Both of us had this compelling urge to write. He was quite prolific, and actually wrote a newspaper column for awhile, and was published in a magazine, although no one seems to have a copy of it any more. He wrote quietly and compassionately. He wasn’t afraid to write what he thought. His stories about the mannequins in the historical museum are priceless.

What was his motivation? I don’t know his, but I suspect bloggers have inborn desire to make a mark, make a difference, not to get lost along the way. To write it all down lest it be forgotten. There is an urgency, for me. Sometimes my life is chaotic and I have an intense desire for it not to be chaotic. When I write, my thoughts become orderly; it is soothing to put those thoughts down on paper.

Most of what my grandfather wrote was historical in nature. An attempt, perhaps, to say, “here I am!” when in the Real World he might have felt rather invisible. He at least was writing to his family; who is my audience?  Barely anyone reads this blog, but that is not why I write it.  There are lots of words in me but it is not easy to express things verbally. I think my audience is just me and the Lord. Documentation of my attempt, no matter how feeble, to live for Him, to work in the fields with Him, to continually turn everything over to Him– to be thankful, to be positive. To continually be aware of the scope of His sacrifice, to constantly be reminded of His grace for me… not as a work, but as a testimony of His great LOVE…

So am I like my grandfather? I like to think so, because he was Your servant. He had a hard life, but his writings reflect a quiet love for You, and for his family. I didn’t get to know him well but I could tell he loved me by the twinkle in his eyes…

Love you, Grandpa Linton. Sorry about the time I dropped that bowling ball on your foot.

cards, cards, cards...

it has been awhile since I've made this many cards at a stretch. I better get with it, though, I need to get them in the mail yesterday.

I saw a tree made with this punch and it was much more elaborate than mine. Now of course I can't find the link.

Added another tree to the slideshow. My cards aren't as "polished" as I would like but practice makes perfect, as they say, so I just need to keep creating. ;)

alcohol inks on foil

Two new cards... alcohol inks on embossed foil. I used spray adhesive to fasten the foil to the card stock, then ran it through the cuttlebug. I added inks for color. The cards were part of a Michael Strong stamps challenge. So finally, I entered a challenge. It has been a long time. I have 2 more foil embossed cards to finish, don't know what I will do yet. These are way prettier than they scan. ;)

my father...

2002 update... we lost my father six years after this was written. I have written a lot about my father, because he was such an incredible man. I hope I told my parents enough how much I loved being their daughter. 

DECEMBER 1, 2009

my father…

Today I was trying to put up a shelf. It needs trimming. Before, I would call my dad, take the shelf over there, and he would trim it on the spot. Now, I have no one to do that for me. I have to figure it out by myself. Sigh. I miss my daddy. He’s still alive, he’s just not right here. So I called him and told him how much I appreciated him and how he was always there.

He has been there in my life so very much. I remember one time when my life was unbearable beyond belief. I had just had major surgery, a friend’s 4 year old drowned, my dog was run over right in front of me, and the cows made friends with some porcupines. I also found out I was pregnant with my fifth child that week. I just knew that there was no way to handle things. I cried for days on end.  My father, knowing that the thought of having another baby was overwhelming to me, said, “oh goody!! another baby to love!” He made it clear that he was there for me no matter what.  He took me fishing. I am NOT a fisherman, I don’t even LIKE to fish. But he said, just cast it out there and wait. Just wait. And breathe. He told me it was going to be okay, that someday I would thank the Lord for this child, and even for the overwhelm.

And I have. I am so blessed that my youngest is here. He is such a wonderful guy. We all would have missed so much if he had not been born. Sometimes it sure doesn’t seem like Our timing, but it sure is HIS timing.  God knew just what He was doing. Lord I praise You!

And now, all those babies are grown and on their own. That little boy is going to be 22 years old this month. And that father will be 85. Time flies by, they all grow up, I can’t believe how quickly.

And amazingly, the love my father has for me pales in comparison to the love that my Heavenly Father has for me. He purchased me knowing my sinfulness, knowing my weakness. He paid the full price for my sins knowing exactly how I am. He loves me even more than my earthly father. I can’t comprehend it.

And I will praise You, Father, always. I thank You for my earthly father, but more, I thank You for the gift You have given me.

I HAVE TO vs I GET TO...

NOVEMBER 16, 2009

I have to vs I get to…

The more I thought about what I get to do, the less I realized I had to do. It was just a shift, just a new perspective, just a new and more grateful method for labeling the things in my life. Think about it—if you stopped yourself every single time you were about to say, “I have to” and changed it to “I get to,” it might change your entire experience. – Kristin Armstrong

A friend posted this on facebook this morning. In my quest for ways to change my negatives to positives, I need all the help I can get. Frankie my counselor told me to change my “I can’t” to “I want to” and that has been very eye opening. It always makes me smile, because that little girl in there says I can’t a lot and rebels when I try to change it to “I want to”.  That little switch is like a light to show me the truth of my thinking.

 “I just can’t handle this” turns into “I want to handle this” and somehow clarifies what “this” is… or pulls me up short, reminding me that I am putting everything into one big pile again.  Just like a pile of leaves, you can’t bag them all at once. But certainly you can bag them an armload/ rake load at a time, and eventually you will get them all, at least until more fall from the tree.  What I am looking for, I realize, is a Magic Wand or a Magic Nose (think, “Bewitched”) that will make it all go away without any effort.

So today I get to clean the kitchen. Hey, I have a kitchen! I have dishes, and food to eat, God has blessed me abundantly! And I get to do laundry. I have a washing machine and a dryer. I am not going down to the river to rub the clothes on the rocks and spread them on the bushes to dry, or heating a big pot of water in the back yard– or even running them through the ringer!  I get to clean the carpet. I can use a vacuum cleaner! I have a carpet– a house! Lord You have indeed provided for me in amazing ways. Forgive me for looking at things through a negative filter. This morning you have given me so many reasons to rejoice.

And the main reason to rejoice is that  YOU, the Creator of the Universe, love me. You loved a sinner like David and called him a man after your own heart. You have taken a negative, whiny, self centered sinner like me and DIED to pay the penalty for my sins. Amazing. Humbling. Incredible.

another another year older...

NOVEMBER 14, 2009

another year older…

another one of my precious ones is another year older. Joel’s name means “Jehovah is the Lord”. He is named after so many– my grandfather’s name was Joel, and his father’s brother is Joel, and his great-uncle is Joel. I loved naming Joel after my father and grandfather (Joel Thomas) and having all those other “named afters” fit in so nicely.

Happy birthday, wonderful son, I am glad you were born, and glad you are my son. 😉

creative adventure with Liv

Liv and I got to spend the day playing with alcohol inks. Fun! I bought some gloss paper, supposedly made for use with the inks, but not very satisfied with the results. My favorite project of the day was tile. Paul gave me some that have 9 tiles together, so that's what we used. We also glued aluminum foil to card stock, and ran it through the cuttlebug. I think that's going to have some very good possibilities.

There have been too many things going on in my life to make creating possible. But I also know that I NEED those times of creativity and better get them scheduled in. I've been looking over all the blogs I have found for inspiration, and the juices are starting to flow again. I added a few to the my list as well.

My next project has to be the camera.

an olive tree...

NOVEMBER 9, 2009

like an olive tree in the House of the Lord!

Today is my precious daughter’s birthday. She was named after her grandmother, Olivia. I love the name, it is such a pretty and musical name. Her middle name is Grace after the Grace of the Lord.

My first two were given names with very special meanings. My first son’s name means “gift of God”. My second son was named after 2 great men, the apostle Paul and one of the great theologians. I looked up the name “Olivia” and it said “olive tree” and then I thought, well it’s a pretty name, and it’s after her grandma…

But years later,  the Lord showed me how her name is straight from the Bible too. Here is the scripture He gave me for her…

It is Psalm 52:8-9

 8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;

         I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.

 9 I will praise You forever,

         Because You have done it;

         And in the presence of Your saints

         I will wait on Your name, for it is good.

And I love Matthew Henry’s commentary on these verses…

52:6-9 Those wretchedly deceive themselves, who think to support themselves in power and wealth without God… Those who by faith and love dwell in the house of God, shall be like green olive-trees there. And that we may be as green olive-trees, we must live a life of faith and holy confidence in God and his grace. It adds much to the beauty of our profession, and to fruitfulness in every grace, to be much in praising God; and we never can want matter for praise. His name alone can be our refuge and strong tower. It is very good for us to wait on that saving name; there is nothing better to calm and quiet our spirits, when disturbed, and to keep us in the way of duty, when tempted to use any crooked courses for our relief, than to hope, and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. None ever followed his guidance but it ended well.

Happy birthday, wonderful daughter!!

listening to the Lord...

OCTOBER 30, 2009

listening to the Lord…

  What I plan isn’t always what actually happens. My plan wasn’t to be in that accident, or for my kitty to swallow thread, or the dog to get an ear infection… or for the washer to decide it has had enough, or for there to be a leak under the sink in the kitchen, or on and on.

My plan today was to write some of my fond memories of raising beef with my parents. That’s not happening, at least this morning.  I always want to listen for what God wants me to write about. He has given me this compelling desire to write; so I write. Sometimes I don’t have a clue. So I just pray. That’s what I am doing this morning.

Praying for my friend Kjaere as she ministers in San Francisco. She’s listening to You, Lord. She’s much braver than I am. She just jumped to San Francisco without a place to live or a job. She’s relying on You to provide her needs. Thank You for putting this into her heart; help her keep listening.

Praying for Becki and her ministry to those hurting and struggling to get out of the mormon church. She struggles physically and has a busy life yet takes time for her blog.

Praying for Ellen. She’s trying to listen too and struggles to understand what You are talking about. Bless her ministry; make her path clear.

Praying for David. He’s ministering far away. I’m sure he struggles too as he tries to listen.

Praying for Britt Merrick and his ministry in Santa Barbara. Right now, his 5 year old is fighting cancer.

Praying for Dennis Jernigan and his song receiving! He has blessed so many. And though I don’t know him personally, I know the God He serves. Praying for him as he struggles too. Praying for his wife and family as well.

Most of us are not obviously in a “ministry” yet we are. Show us as we go about our lives where we are shining for You. As we meet people, help us listen to and act upon those nudges that You give us. Struggles are a normal part of our human-ness; they remind us that WE are not the Answer, God is. Struggles remind us of our weaknesses and the fact that we must lean on our Lord! We are unable to do what He asks without His power in our lives. Thank you for the ministries of these friends. You are awesome, Father!

A Mighty Fortress...

 OCTOBER 25, 2009

a new song…

This dream last night has been in my heart all morning… it was by far the most intense dream that I can remember.

But just now there was a new song in my heart… an old one, for sure, by Martin Luther.

A mighty fortress is our God,

a bulwark never failing;

our helper he amid the flood

of mortal ills prevaling. 

For still our ancient foe

doth seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

2. Did we in our own strength confide,

our striving would be losing,

were not the right man on our side,

the man of God’s own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be? 

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth, his name,

from age to age the same,

and he must win the battle.

3. And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God hath willed

his truth to triumph through us. 

The Prince of Darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo, his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

4. That word above all earthly powers,

no thanks to them, abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours,

thru him who with us sideth. 

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill;

God’s truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever.

decisions (a dream)...

2020... this still brings tears to my eyes.

OCTOBER 25, 2009

decisions (a dream)

Standing there, in the doorway. My father was urging me to go. He said to run wherever I could find shelter. He was pushing me to go, go, go…  There were four of us, there, imprisoned by someone, I don’t know who they were. I could hear them whispering in the other room, but couldn’t hear their conversation. I came out of a room, and saw my father there standing in the doorway. He said two had fled. They knew where they could go.  He urged me to go after them.  And so I stood there, knowing that if I fled, my father would die, perhaps be tortured. If I did not run away, we would both die…

And then I woke up. My heart was racing and the tears would not stop. Part of me knew it was the cupcake and the cookie and that one last piece of candy and the party and going to bed with a slight case of indigestion. It was just a dream.  A horrible dream; but just a dream.

But part of me can’t slow down. Part of me knows there are those in this world that have had to make such decisions in this life. We in America are spoiled and soft. If (when) hard times come we will perish. We are living our lives in softness and peace. It will not always be so. It is not always so.

Lord, you have saved me for a reason. I certainly don’t understand that at all. There are so many that are so much better people than I… better speakers, better teachers, I am stiff-necked and selfish. Oh Lord, again I ask forgiveness for my weakness and thank You for your indescribable mercy!  I pray that You would shine in my life somehow, that I would remember that there may be times when we are called to suffer.   There are people out there who have already had to make that decision, should I go and live, but my father (or mother, or sister, or children) will die? There are those that have been forced to watch as their families have been brutally murdered, and somehow spared; some lived through the Holocaust when others did not; some live through famines and wars; only God knows why. 

I am thinking now of my father, my earthly father, who I know would die for me in a heartbeat. He would gladly give his life so I might live. But my Heavenly Father loves me even more. The thought that His Son Jesus suffered and died so I might live should shock me and grieve me just as much as that dream does. I saw in that dream a glimpse of the suffering. Just a little glimpse. I know I cannot know its depths.

And so I go on. It makes the struggles of life seem pretty trivial, doesn’t it? My car is smooshed, but will be fixed.  The cat is pulling out her hair. So I feel like pulling out mine! I can’t decide what to do with something.  I have a meltdown over silly things. Even though there are way more serious things going on in my life and in those around me, we can be sure that God is in control; and that He loves, He forgives. Our bodies may not survive, but we will… to dwell in His presence, forever.  

There are a couple of songs running through my head. One is, He is the King of the Jungle by Steven Curtis Chapman. He has certainly been in the jungle with the death of his daughter. He still knows the King of Kings.

 But the one that I am remembering more is this…. I think about verse eight of “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”, a hymn from the 1600’s. It is a beautiful, haunting hymn.

        What language shall I borrow

        To thank Thee, dearest Friend,

        For this, Thy dying sorrow,

        Thy pity without end?

        Oh, make me thine forever!

        And should I fainting be,

        Lord, let me never, never,

        Outlive my love for Thee.

All of the words are here… http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/hymns/osacred.txt

And hear it here…

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6Hr0Am4Wk&feature=related

So thanks, Lord, for the horrible dream. And for Your great LOVE.

neurotic...

OCTOBER 16, 2009

neurotic

Wouldn’t it be nice if our walk was always neat and tidy and things were never out of whack? This morning I woke up to cat hair everywhere. Big tufts of it! I was kind of afraid to look for the cat, it looked like something died. She just had surgery, so hoped she had left alone her belly, but since her belly isn’t hairy, it couldn’t be that. But there’s a spot on her side where she pulled out all her hair!  It doesn’t look infected or anything but I called the vet just in case. She said not to worry, it’s a pretty normal reaction to the irritation of all she’s been through. We had been given one of those cone collar things and she told me to have her wear it for a couple days so she can’t bother it.

The dog is already wearing one. He gets ear infections and then won’t leave them alone and gets them raw and shredded. He’s got one now. Most of the time he’s okay with it, but sometimes it drives him batty and he runs around like a crazy dog.

The cat just runs around like a crazy cat right away. She just won’t tolerate it at all.

Just like me. I’ve been going through armloads of trials lately. Sometimes it makes me want to run around like crazy. But, just like those collars for the pets, it’s for my own good. Even though as a human I understand this concept, it doesn’t always stop me from running around like crazy trying to get out from under the trial. If only I would just submit to it, as something that is for my eventual healing, it could be easier! We are told to be joyous in our trials! What?? Joyous when my nephew is suffering with cancer, a friend has myeloma, when my car got smashed, when my pets are sick, when the roof leaks, when little 5 year olds are going through chemo, and my husband’s job may be ending?

The thing is, I have a choice to make. I can sit around and mope. I can crawl into my little hole and feel sorry for myself. I can rant and think it isn’t fair that my 35 year old nephew and 5 year old Daisy and my other friend with cancer are going through what they are.  I can hold on to that car and have a little tantrum that I have to give up my really nice car that wasn’t someone’s nearly worn out hand-me-down. I can let myself go crazy with worry about the people and pets that are sick.

OR…. I can put all things in the hands of my Heavenly Father. I think I end up doing both, and I don’t think that it is bad to grieve the loss of my car, or worry about my friends, nephew, and pets. There are times for that. We are not going to be 100% jumping-up-and-down joyous all the time. It is when I feel like pulling my hair and running away that I need to pay attention and go to the Lord. He is providing our needs!! He provides even when I don’t notice. Instead of drowning in my own self I need to commit that self to the Lord, AGAIN… and ask His forgiveness for my unbelief. I need to use the resources that the Lord has given– such as call the vet, to arrange for an appointment with my counselor, to talk to my friends, most of all to pray for my friends, my nephew, and for myself.  To stop and eat. To take a walk. Call my brother and see how HE is holding up with all this. To leave a message on Daisy’s blog (the 5-year-old with cancer– prayfordaisy.tumblr.com — and pray for others in similar situations. To take my naturally depressive, selfish, sinful self and turn around. Again. Thank You, Lord, for loving me even though I am all that and more. You have blessed me SO MUCH!!!   Even though I and my household seem to be neurotic.

positively

OCTOBER 11, 2009

positively

I try to maintain a positive attitude. With my naturally depressive nature, it is often a challenge, some times more than others.

It’s okay to grieve.  A few minutes ago I was crying so deeply that I could hardly breathe. I just got the news that my nephew’s survival prognosis is 2 years… at the most.  It is such a mixed emotional thing. I know God knows just what He is doing, and that He has a plan for Aaron, and he’s not done quite yet.  I grieve because Aaron is going through horrible things right now, especially the sickness of chemo. I know He is the Lord’s, and I am thankful. But I also know he’s in a lot of pain, discomfort, and downright SICK… so I grieve.

It makes my car issues seem positively trivial. And the cat is up and around, can’t worry about that.  The dog stopped digging at his ears. That’s good. My grandson’s birthday party was a success yesterday. THAT was good.

In the middle of all the chaos, I am reminded of that picture of a bird in a nest with the wind all around. God takes us in His arms, and comforts us. He reminds us that our life is but a breeze in the big scheme of things. He reminds us that if we would just look to Him, He will provide all we need.  He is already providing, we just have to see it!!

So that’s what I pray for Aaron, that in the midst of the nightmare, that He would be that little bird in the nest, with the wind blowing all around, knowing that the Father’s arms surround him, and that he is safe, no matter what the earthly outcome.

God's mercy...

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009

God’s mercy

Yesterday we wanted to give my sweet mother in law a little adventure. We took her to the cemetery where her parents, daughter, and granddaughter are buried. Then off to the river where her parents owned a large piece of land. There’s a subdivision there now. She wanted to see what they had done with the land. We walked by the river and had a lovely walk down memory lane.  That’s the adventure that we planned.

God had other things planned though. Got in an accident! 4 cars, 3 of them smooshed– 1 driver sent to the hospital. There were 3 or 4 fire trucks and 4 police cars, sirens, they even closed down the street. There were people all around taking pictures, glass everywhere. Three out of four cars were towed away. Our car? Not bad for having been hit by a car that ended upside down on it. It hit the trunk. No windows broken, even the turn signals work– although it looks pretty nasty, we drove it home!  The three of us in our car– my husband, his 94 year old mother, and me– were fine. Because it came from the top, it jolted us and shoved us over a couple feet, but didn’t send us flying. God showed us His mercy and kept us safe. No fatalities!  I was shaking in my boots so to speak. Someone started yelling, "get out of the car! There is gasoline pouring on the car!" so that's why we had so many fire trucks show up, we were right next to a gas station and there was gasoline pouring from the other car...  My mother in law was cool and calm; she got so many people waiting on her it was funny! I stood there and quivered. 

So thank You, Lord, for your protection, and for your mercy!!

2020 note: that was really crazy and surreal. My problem was that for months I could see that car flipping toward us every time I closed my eyes. And every time I saw a white mini van... well I remembered for a very long time. It is still mind boggling how we could have survived such a smash, and that our car actually drove. I think about the fact that there was gasoline pouring on it and I wonder why they let us drive it home. Whenever we drive past the spot, we always just shake our heads in wonder. 

Daisy Love...

 SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

Daisy

Praying for Daisy today. She’s a 5 year old with a tumor in her abdomen. She’s having surgery..

 

Psalm 62:5-8

5My soul, wait in silence for God only,

For my hope is from Him.

6He only is my rock and my salvation,

My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.

7On God my salvation and my glory rest;

The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.

8Trust in Him at all times, O people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us. Selah.

(2020 note….. don’t remember exactly what day, but also found out that Aaron had cancer, and Marilyn had cancer…. it was a sad month.)

 

  

Be Thou my vision

 

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.

Thou my best thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

I sure don’t know everything. My testimony is that I know that I am loved by the Creator of the Universe, and that in itself is way beyond comprehension. I also know that the Savior died in my place, also beyond what I can imagine. I also know that the Holy Spirit dwells within me. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit– ONE GOD. 

And Lord, I do pray that You would be my vision. You are the reason for living at all. I pray for those in my life that don’t know You, and I ask for mercy on their behalf. Show me the direction I should be going, Lord. Show me what the next step is. Without Your guidance, I am lost.

Be Thou my vision.

craftiness

more sweet creations-- peach jam. Didn't cut up the fruit enough, it floated. It has been so long since I made jam I didn't remember that. But it is sure tasty. We also got a shaved ice machine, and have been experimenting with sugar free or sugar reduced syrups for it. I like it best with orange juice, but we needed more variety.

This week is my last week on the job. Planning some creating time next week! Wednesday and Friday this week are the winding down time. I have closets to clean, laundry to do, catching up. Then maybe creating will be more easily accomplished.

This week I bought a teensy baby doll at Target, she's only 8 inches. She's dressed in a plain jammie and hat combo. The plan is to dress her, make her a blanket, and give her to my husband's grand-niece for her baby. Maybe a quilt, maybe something knit or crocheted. I'm thinking about a tiny ribbed hat; I've done both knit and crocheted, just have to sit down and experiment. I have some cotton verigated yarn that I've been using to make wash cloths and have bits left. Might work.

My husband's mom will be a great-great grandmother any day now! Pretty exciting. So far the mom is doing fine, she's due next week.

Craftiness has been on the back burner. Moving it up to the front.

:)

Phillips Craig and Dean...

 That Phillips Craig and Dean song comes to mind…

You don’t have to say it

I can see it in your eyes

Though your heart is bruised

You hide the truth

Beneath a fine disguise

I’ve got something to tell you

Though it’s simple it’s said with love

Nothing new, still it’s as true

As it ever was

[chorus]

He’ll never let you go, oh no

That’s never been His way

When He said that He would love you

He was talking about for always

He’ll never let you go, no matter how low

You feel that you have fallen

His arms are longer still

And He wants you to know

He’ll never let you go

You trace through your failures

And good intentions left behind

And you wonder when you’ll fly again

You’ve lost the will to try

But there in your weakness

You will find the wings of the wind

Should you get scare, He’ll be there

Where He’s always been

[chorus]

And in the desert place where the heart can’t sing

When your faith is shaken

When you can’t face the morning

You’re not on your own

You’ll never walk alone

He’s got you safe beneath His wings, oh

[chorus]

Delightful plummy jam

Finished the plum jam-- now the figs are starting to ripen. Brought home green beans, a cucumber, more plums, and cherries. What a treasure my mother in law is-- still gardening.

This blog was only going to be handicrafts, LOL and it is turning into ANYTHING I have made. That's because all the produce is keeping me hopping. Liv's quilt is ready for the binding, but haven't had time to sew it on. Today was M's second birthday, so we went to the party. Can you imagine this: I have two stepsons. My stepsons have 2 cousins. Son 1 has 2 boys. Son 2 has 3 boys. Nephew 1 has 4 girls. Nephew 2 has 2 boys. Ten of these little ones are six and under! I think it is so great that they all get together and want to encourage it. But that is a LOT of parties! Difficult to draw the line. More for me to make! I better get busy.

the God who provides...

update 2020

this wonderful lady lived until she was 101. She was the mom of a boyfriend. Didn't keep the boyfriend, but kept his mom as a friend. She even cosigned for me when I wanted to buy a sewing machine. When I got married, her gift to me was paying off the debt. Pretty amazing. She told me that she continually prayed for me. 

JUNE 23, 2009

The God who provides…

I visited with someone today who has prayed for me for the last 40 years! I haven’t seen her often; but God put it in her heart to pray for me! Isn’t God amazing? I am humbled that God provides so much.

I was blessed by her today as she gave God the glory for the 94 years of her life. We told stories of how God has shown Himself in our lives; His healing power, His protection. Thank You, Lord, for a wonderful afternoon.

berries, berries and more berries!!

First batch of berry syrup is done. Woo hoo!! Next, a batch of berry jelly. After that, apple-berry leather. Then, after that, never want to look at a berry. But, there's more! I sampled the syrup-- way better than I remembered. Gotta make some waffles!!

It always makes me feel good to have a cabinet full of canned goods, but quickly tire of canning if I don't have the best attitude. Plums are next! I just have to remember how pretty canned food in glass jars is-- and know that I will be very thankful this winter to still be using this wonderful stuff. Satisfies the hoarder in me in a GOOD way.

I am thankful for such a prolific garden-- there are onions, squash, tomatoes, and more out there. My almost 94 year old mother in law is now more the Supervisor than the main gardener, but she waters everything faithfully and is still the best berry picker. This year, she passed off the canning to me-- not ALL of it by any means, but it's been awhile since I have done any but it seems to be like riding a bicycle.

Oh, and Lorna-- lots of purple!

my hope is built on nothing less...

 JUNE 11, 2009

My hope is built on nothing less…

My hope is built on nothing less

than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain: On Christ the solid rock I stand,

all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand.

O Lord, You are so awesome! You love me in spite of my failures, my shortcomings. You forgive my sins.  I am ALREADY SAVED!!! I don’t have to wait and hope I am doing enough for You. I know I won’t. I could NEVER do enough for You!  So many of the old hymns come to mind. How could they write such things if they didn’t love You?

 2. When Darkness veils his lovely face,

I rest on his unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale,

my anchor holds within the veil.

My anchor holds because You are the anchor! You are the one that holds on to me, because in my own strength, I can’t even hold on! Whatever I have is YOURS, Lord.

(Refrain)

3. His oath, his covenant, his blood

supports me in the whelming flood.

When all around my soul gives way,

he then is all my hope and stay.

This is a “whelming flood” sometimes, isn’t it? And I am here in America, where life is easy. I think about those folks that lived in Western Europe during the Middle Ages– in spite of their hunger and horrible times, I think there must have been those that loved You, that rejoiced in spite of their circumstances.  Would I, with my tendency to whine and complain, have stayed the course? Only if YOU were the One to hold me up. 

 (Refrain)

4. When he shall come with trumpet sound,

O may I then in him be found!

Dressed in his righteousness alone,

faultless to stand before the throne!

Lord, You are worthy of my praise, my adoration, my allegiance! I will be faultless only because of YOU and not anything I have done. 

(Refrain)

Text: Edward Mote, 1797-1874

Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868

Tune: THE SOLID ROCK, Meter: LM with Refrain

Lord, thank You for this hymn this morning!

 

giving timeless gifts...

MAY 28, 2009

Giving Timeless Gifts

I’ve been reading a little devotional book my daughter gave to me. It is Ruth Graham Bell’s Letters from Ruth’s Attic. I’ve been randomly reading them; usually more than one a day. In fact I have read them all! I tend to run ahead and want everything at once. 😦

Anyway, I was touched by Day 17– Giving Timeless Gifts. It tells a little story about some pranksters that broke into a department store only to switch price tags on things. So when people came in the next day, they found fur coats selling for $5, cold cream for $150, umbrellas for $1,000… you get the idea.

The point was, things come into our lives that switch price tags on our values! Material things become more important than the things of eternity! She then goes on to suggest gifts for others that are timeless:

“To your neighbors, nice or not, give thoughtful consideration. Be slow to gossip, quick to sympathize, ready to help– praying all the while that God will give them the necessary patience to live next to you. To your parents, give loving appreciation… to your spouse, give a frank, honest reappraisal of yourself… to your children, give them more of the parent they already have, and make that one more loving. These are gifts of the heart and of the spirit. Those are those you love that long for and desperately need these gifts…”

Ah to be like Jesus! That is what we strive for.  Lord make me a better servant, help me listen to your nudges, follow YOU without hesitation. I love You, Lord. Thank You for all that You have already done in my life through Your Spirit.

almost mother's day...

 (2020... well have I come very far? I think I am where I should be. The continually, I don't get it, Lord, but I don't have to, because YOU get it.)

MAY 10, 2009

Almost Mother’s Day!

Why serve Christ? Not that I am trying to make up my mind, God called me to Himself a long time ago. I’ve had some rough bumps in the road. I’ve had times when I told God I certainly didn’t want to be included in His family and Please Leave Me Alone. Fortunately for me, He didn’t throw me out a long time ago.

Of course I struggle with Doctrinal Things, I am not a scholar, I am a thinker. I don’t study enough. I don’t share my faith enough. I want to love people, pray for people more than I want to study! God gave me the gift of praying– I pray a lot. But still, not enough. The truth is I could never really do enough to pay Him back. Why do I know I am a believer?  I have always known, as long as I remember. No dramatic scene. Plenty of dramatic scenes, but not one that stands out and is called “When I was converted”…

I read historical things in the Old Testament. I see the bloodiness of history. Sacrifices. Wars. Slaughter. Slavery. Wandering. I don’t understand. Isn’t He a God of Love? Yes, and of Grace, and Mercy, and Justice. There is much I don’t understand, maybe I won’t ever.

Bottom line, it isn’t about ME. It is about HIM. I’m a tiny piece in this universe. I don’t know what all is out there. God knows. Are there other worlds? God knows. He, after all, made it. He thought it, He breathed it.

 Why focus on Jesus?

JESUS!! Why did people cast down their nets and follow Him? He didn’t say, you will have eternal life… not then. He said, you will be fishers of men. He didn’t promise any benefits from following him, in fact He told them they would SUFFER! He told them to count the cost. The people He called were just ordinary people. Not the rich of the world.  They followed because of JESUS, not because of the reward they would get!  He didn’t say, I will make you great, I will put you above other men… He said it would be hard. It would include suffering.

And so I will follow Jesus because of JESUS!! He has given me the desire, He has given me the faith, He has granted me forgiveness, He has made me pure. All glory for anything is HIS.

I don’t understand, but I follow.

Lili'uokalani

Speaking of self expression, read about the last Queen of Hawaii, Lili'uokalani. Read her story here:http://www.iolanipalace.org/history/queen.html
A quilt was sewn by the Queen and her companions during her palace imprisonment. See a picture of the quilt here:http://starbulletin.com/2003/03/10/features/story1.html

changes, changes...

well haven't posted in awhile. So many changes in my life, and still dealing with my "stuff". My fabric is mostly together, my yarn is all neatly tucked in containers, but my paper craft stuff has yet to be tackled. When things are in chaos it is hard for me to create. So I move out to the dining room table and work there. :)

I've been busy moving posts from the Quilter's Friend site, which is no longer connected to the site. Another change, it was a good time in my life, but time for change.

Grandma's Windblown Tulips

Well, I had a call from far away quite awhile ago, about my great grandma's quilt. I found out it was called "Windblown Tulips" and was designed by Marie Webster. To see a big picture of the quilt, go here:
http://www.antiquequiltdating.com/ColonialRevivalEraQuilts-on-Exhibit.html
 
It seems that this pattern was first published in 1911 in the Ladies' Home Journal. I wonder how many women made this? Marie Webster was the first to make a "cottage industry" out of quilting. What was she like? The historical aspect of quilters and quilting is fascinating to me.Sorry it took me so long to get back to this. Life just gets in the way. I hope that you found your answer already. Thank you for helping me find a bit more history about my treasured quilt!

One more thing.... you can buy the windblown tulips pattern here:
http://www.practicalpatchwork.com/garden.html