Sunday---Precious Promises

"I've said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. 

In the world you have distress.

But be encouraged! 

 I have conquered the world."

John 16:33

Quilting Disappointment or Not

A  Centered Journey

  I had a thought. I had a message.  I found the fabric.  I created the art quilt.  I used various techniques and I thought it was unique and a possible entry in a juried quilt show.  So I took my photos, completed my artist statement and sent in my $35.00 entry fee. 

The letter came that there was no room in the show for my quilt.  I told my hubby I was disappointed, but I would get over it.  I was to busy to dwell on this negative response.  But, as I think about it, I think "not having room in the show" is a nice way of saying your quilt didn't measure up.

I like my quilt and it speaks to me.  I think that is the most important element.  Quilts send various messages--to the maker, the receiver, the person who views it hanging on a wall.  So my quilt may not have been unique enough for a quilt show, but it is unique to me.  Maybe I will enter in another show and it will receive a positive nod.  Or maybe it will hang in my sewing and be my personal inspiration. Either way it is a work of a life's journey and contains wonderful memories.  Have a great week and Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

But now you have been set free from sin and are the slaves of God.  

Your gain is a life fully dedicated to him and the result is eternal life.  

For sin pays its wage---death;

 but God's free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6: 22-23, Good News Bible

Sunday--Precious Promises

Downsizing Hits a Bump

Downsizing has hit a Bump in the Road.  I have not been to the house in  4 days, there is nothing to do, but everything to do.  We have moved all our furniture except for two pieces to our new house.  But, the old house is still full and it is full of things that I can not manage alone.  So I had to cancel my cleaning help and the photographer until the remainder of items are boxed or removed. 

Here's the story.  First, hubby's sports collectibles will be picked up on Monday the 22nd.  That will free up much room.  But, hubby has to be available to box and make sure the right items are going to the auction.  This is hard as he still has a demanding schedule.  I know we will get this job done, little by little this week, but does cause for some anxious thoughts. 

The real problem that has cause much worry may have been solved in a very interesting way.  I believe I have mentioned that our son has a concrete business and that the place he was housing all his equipment had been sold.  So, we said sure you can put your stuff on our property while you find a place.  Well, he thought he had a place and would have everything moved by April 1, wrong.  The deal fell through.  So not only did we have his business stuff, we had him and his personal stuff with no place to go.  So as we settled into our new little home, son was staying at our old house with all of this things.  The outlook was getting grim. 

As time was ticking by and our window of opportunity for selling the house in the Spring was starting to close, I started looking daily, almost hourly on the various websites for houses for rent that had storage barns, warehouses, shops, anything that could hold his massive equipment.  Nothing was happening.  I was beginning to think we would never get our house on the market.  Until 3 days ago.

I logged on to my computer and typed in craiglist.  I had been visiting that site frequently in my search.  I knew most of the listings by heart, but was on the lookout for something new.  First thing that pops up is a storage barn 1500 sq ft. for a great price, in the town he wanted.  It looked perfect.  I quickly jotted down the contact information.  Call my son to check if that sounded good to him, before I made contact.  He said "sounded good".  So I went back to the site, just to double check and make a printout copy of the information and it was gone.  I immediately thought we had missed our chance.  The price was to good to pass up and I figured that someone acted quicker than me.  But, when I emailed and asked if the property was available, the owner said yes and wanted to know more information about me and why I wanted the building.  I gave her our information and she asked when we would like to see it.  Saturday, 3:00pm was the designated time.  Since, this was just a storage building and no home or apartment, I continued to look on all the websites.  When ever I went to craiglist I would look for the storage building-It was not there.  I didn't say anything to anyone about this strange happening.  Just hoped that it was as perfect in real life as it was on the listing.  Son went to the place, loved it--it is perfect.  After, he and the owner decided that this would work, I decided to tell my story of the disappearing listing. 

 Now, those of you who have read my blog know that I am a believer and through the years I have had many interesting things (even life saving) happen to me.  When the listing disappeared it crossed my mind that someone was helping us locate a building.  When I told the story to my son he said that the owner Anne said she had prayed that they would find the right person to rent their storage building (the building sits on 7 acres along with their personal home).  I had said a few prayers myself.  So, Monday he takes his first months rent and me to sign his contract. Anne requested that I come along.  She is anxious to meet me.

Maybe we will get the house together for a Spring listing and sale after all.  Faith.

Sunday---Precious Promises

"A sensitive answer turns back wrath,

 but an offensive word stirs up anger."

Proverbs 15:1

Slow Stitches

My big day to be at church quilting and the car is acting strange.  Think it is some kind of electrical thing.  So no group quilting this morning.  But, some slow stitches helped to satisfy my desire to quilt.

These little pins/brooches are just the ticket.

They are made from a cutter quilt I found at a tag sale and I added a few decorative

stitches. 

Vintage lace, buttons and beads.

Just a fun little project that makes me smile,  Positive words help to keep the spirit up.

Hope you all get to do some quilting today and as always, Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises on Monday

"if my people who belong to me will humbly pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land."

2 Chronicles 7:14

"Lord we humble ourselves and ask for your forgiveness.

Show us where we have gone astray and

Place our feet on your right path. Amen"

The Count Down Begins

Day 1 of the count down begins.  Overwhelmed is the word of the day maybe the word for the week.  Today I was able to wash walls and woodwork in the office and guest bedroom.  They look great and we will not have to paint.  But, the carpet in the office is in awful shape.  I don't think it will come clean, so may have to replace.  Now here is the question:  Do we replace both rooms or just the office.  The rooms share the same hallway.  Thinking about this one.  What do you all think?  Any ideas would be appreciated.
 Day 2 will begin with me going to quilting at the church.  I have not been there for a couple of months, so I just want to take the time and relax with friends.  Then back to the house, more packing.  If all goes as plans the house will be on the market April 22.  I did take a walk in my woodland garden today and the plants are coming alive.  The property will be pretty by that date and will look great for showings. 
In the middle of all this work on the house, I have an art quilt started for my sister and brother-in-laws 50th Anniversary party on June 1.  I'm planning a mini quilt that will be framed.  More about that later.  So Happy Quilting to everyone!