SAVED

The little pine tree that allowed me an emotional moment has been saved.  My son unearthed the tree and it is in great shape.  No broken limbs, strong and sturdy ready to continue it's reach toward the sun.

Maybe that is a lesson too.  We all suffer setbacks.  But, there is always a way to stand tall and plow through the tough time to a brighter future.  Faith that all will be better--the sun will shine again.  So our little tree has been saved and I'm ready to continue our difficult journey with the knowledge that I am not alone.   As always Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

Tears over a Tree--what's with me?

My eyes are dry now, but have you ever cried over something and then realized it was not what the tears were really about.  Happened to me today.  My hubby and I had planted a little pine tree.  Really little--about 16" tall about a year ago.  It was doing well, producing new growth and had shot up in the last few months.  We protected that little tree as loads of fill dirt and top soil was delivered to our home for a landscaping project.  Then this morning as more dirt was being delivered, I saw a truck in the area of the little tree.  NO, NO it couldn't be, but it was.  Our little tree was buried under mounds of dirt.

I was surprised how devastated I was.  I even walked to the top of the driveway just hoping I was wrong.  I wasn't--the little tree was gone.  Tears began to fall--even getting a little teary as I write this.  Hubby is out of town--I texted him.  Why was I so upset over that little tree, it can be replaced.  Then I realized it was more than the tree.  For months we have been battling one thing after another within ourselves and our family.  Illness, surgery, helping our son start a business, death of a parent, and a couple of unpleasant people that crossed our paths recently.  It has been like being caught in a whirlwind.   From one thing to another, with no break.

All these months of handling one thing after another with still more to handle in the weeks to come, I guess the loss of the little tree allowed me to have an emotional moment.  I know that is good, but I'm still sad at the loss of that little pine tree.

My son just texted me--he's going to try to unearth the tree to see if it can be saved--good son.  I think Hubby gave him a heads up.  Happy Quilting!

Pocket Prayer Quilt

I made this little pocket prayer flag for my son, when his son was headed to Chicago for surgery.  It was about 1 1/2" square and perfect for him to just hold on to when he needed calm and comfort.  I got to thinking about that little flag and wondered what a pocket prayer quilt would be like.  I'm not the only one who had thought of this idea of a little prayer quilt--Pintrest is loaded with ideas and cards of reassurance to accompany the little quilts.

Today I made my first pocket prayer quilt.  It is an old cutter quilt that I chopped into a 3 1/2 x 3 inch square.  I added stitches along the side to form a type of binding.  Then with embroidery thread created a little dove and a rainbow of color on and though a little piece of  vintage lace.  As I was working on this one, more ideas popped into my head.  And what a great take along.

With each little quilt I would suggest a personal note, scripture or a clever poem.  I don't know the authors of the following, but here are some that were on Pinterest.

"Lay this softly upon your palm, 
Feel God's Grace, His Love, His Calm
Lift your cares and joys in prayer,
Drawing Piece from this little square.
May the Lord Bless You"   
author unknown

"As you carry this prayer square,
May you be surrounded by God's Love.
May he walk before you to guide you.
Beside you to give you courage.
Behind you to keep you safe.
Beneath you to give you strength.
Above you for blessing
Within you to give you His peace."

"This Pocket prayer Quilt was made especially for you
to slip into your pocket or purse.
Throughout the day as your fingers touch the heart
that is tucked inside, be mindful that god is with you 
and caring people are praying for you."

Keep it as a reminder of God's peace or pass it along 
as a little gift to someone in need of comfort and care

"Do not be afraid--I am with you!
I am your God--let nothing terrify you!
I will make you strong and help you;
I will protect you and save you"
    Isaiah 41:10

"Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you.
I do not give it as the world does.  Do no be worried and upset; do not be afraid."
    John 14: 27

 This one will be in my shop "patchworks" today.
                     Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

The Lord gives strength to his people 

and blesses them with peace.

Psalms 29:11, Good News Bible

Washington DC today!!

Sun, Moon and Stars Progress

I started this little project months ago along with Jude Hill and the Sun, Moon and Stars followers.  Many have completed their projects and move on to other wonderful stitches.  I'm still working on my original design.  I've tried to add some motion to the little cloth with angles and outline stitching. As Jude would say, this is my slow cloth.  It is very relaxing to stitch and let the little cloth direct that stitching.  I enjoying watching everything come together.

I have some quilting obligations---so I've made a pledge with myself.

 I'm an early morning person and usually I just have a cold glass of water (not a coffee drinker), watch the early news, feed the dogs and sorta waist time.  Now, I turn off the news, still feed the dogs, and quilt for an hour or so.  My obligations is to my church quilting group.  The little baby quilt (think I've talked about it in previous posts) and a second quilt that needs  binding should be completed by the early February, thanks to my new schedule.  The schedule also allows me to work on Sun, Moon and Stars plus other quilting projects.  Before my new schedule I was always to tired at night to quilt, now I can just relax at night and not feel guilty for not stitching.

I'm linking to Off the Wall Friday.  Click Off the Wall Friday to see some wonderful projects.  As always, Happy Quilting!

Additions

A little group of art quilts will be heading to my "patchworks" shop.  Hand stitching, raw edge applique, buttons and stars make up this offering.  Perfect as candle mats, table toppers or mug rugs.  Check them out.

 As always Happy Quilting

Sunday---Precious Promises

Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your law.  

Psalms 119:18, Good News Bible

Sunday---Precious Promises

For this reason I tell you:  When you pray and ask for something, believe that you have received it and you will be given whatever you ask for.  And when you stand and pray, forgive anything you may have against anyone, so that your Father in heaven will for give the wrongs you have done.

Mark 11: 24-25, Good News Bible

Happy New Year

Wishing you and yours a wonderful  2017

Sunday---Precious Promises

Before the world was created, the Word already existed; he was with God, and he was the same as God.  From the very beginning the Word was with God.  Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him.  The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.

John 1: 1-5, Good News Bible