Small and Simple, But Oh, So Essential!

There it is, right where I left it. Small, but sew essential!

I wasn't sure if I would go to quilt class today. We were under a flood watch with heavier rains expected toward the afternoon, and I don't like driving on the interstate in the rain, even though it's just a 20-minute drive. But since the class was in the morning, I figured I would be back before any flooding. Wanting to spend some time at the quilt shop outweighed my concern on the highway. Some of you know how that is!

So, after driving carefully (and being annoyed by all the trucks throwing water and making it difficult to see), I arrived at the quilt shop, got everything unpacked, my little iron and sewing machine plugged in, and sat down to thread the machine. What's this? No bobbin case? Ugh!! I had absent-mindedly forgot to put it back into the machine in my preparations to leave. No bobbin case, no sewing.

So, I chatted a bit, drooled over some fabric, purchased a fat quarter, and headed home, thinking that, at least, I would be getting safely home before any flooding. Hauling my gear back upstairs to the sewing room, there it was.... I had left the bobbin case on the sewing cabinet as I had packed up to head out this morning.

Some things are essential, no matter how small or simple. A bobbin case...not much to it. A Bernina machine (er, excuse me, a Bernina computer), that I'm sure I don't understand a fraction of what it can do. But it wasn't capable of doing anything at quilt class today without that one simple, small, essential part. 

We're all essential in some way, even if it's a simple, small way. Some things just don't function without us. And if you're a child of God, you're gifted in some particular way. There's purpose in your gift that's bigger than you.

As each one has received a gift, 

employ it in serving one another 

as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 

~ 1 Peter 4:10 ~

I spent some afternoon time in my sewing room, alone, working on today's quilt class assignment. Here's my progress .....

To Market

To Market ~ John James Hill

Today was market day. Spent the afternoon running several errands with several additional stops I hadn't intended to make--a result of trying to shop as much not-made-in-China as I can, especially if it's something that I can just as well do without. I know I'm going to have to come to some inner agreement with myself soon, though, especially about necessities because I'm finding that skirting around here and there is not really good stewardship of my time and gas money. However, my hunt for some winter-interest pods, dried flowers, etc. was productive. I found some from South Africa and Italy. Satisfaction!


If you're in Hobby Lobby and you enjoy their music, let them know. I commented to the cashier about it today, and she said that they get just as many complaints about it (too religious) as people who like it. As for me, their music is much more desirable than what is played in most other stores where I hurry to make a purchase so I can get out of there before the music drives me batty! I told her that HL's music makes me want to linger awhile--and you know that usually means more purchases! A good many of their things are made you-know-where, but not my dried centaurea! I like shopping there, too, because of their statement of purpose: Honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with Biblical principles. How often do you find that as a company's purpose?!  You can also see their ministry projects here.

Found a super sale at Christopher and Banks. Love their clothes. Modest, yet stylish, and I always head to their sale racks whenever I go in. I have several friends who shop there, but it's rare that we've purchased the same article of clothing (maybe because my clothing purchases are infrequent). A friend and I wore the same sweater to church once, and she looked lovely, so it was fun to imagine we were twins for a few moments.

Stopped at the fabric shop to pick up a piece that I came up short on for the quilt I just started. They didn't have it, so now it's back to the cutting board. I did get a couple of fat quarters, though, that I think would look even better than my first choice.

Last stop was the grocery store. Several new recipes this month as I renew my menu rotations. Looking forward to slow-cooker Cranberry Pork Tenderloin on Thursday.

My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). And many of the not-so-necessary little lovelies as well.

How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! 

Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Psalm 36:7

God's Ongoing Act of Creation

Went to a baby shower this evening and was reminded of the awesome privilege as a woman to participate in God's ongoing act of creation. Setting this means of creating life in motion in Genesis 1, God has chosen to create a brand new human being through the miracle of human birth!

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, " Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth." ... and God saw everything that he had made and it was very good.

All God does is very good, and the way he does it is very good. God does all things for his glory and our good. One of the ways he has chosen for us to glorify him is through his plan of creating new children, to magnify and exalt the wonder of it all. For his glory, and for our good. 

"And God blessed them." Children are God's blessings to us. They are his gift to us. Every good and perfect gift comes from him (James 1:17). I recently heard a new father remark that he had no idea being a daddy would be so awesome. And a new mother agreed that a baby opens up a completely new dimension to life. Not that it's an easy gift to have responsibility for, but one that we can glorify God through. One of God's good and perfect gifts, blessing us in ways we would not know otherwise. I'm so thankful to have participated.

A third little blessing coming soon to this young mother we honored this evening. God does all things well. 

Painting ~ The Crib, George Goodwin Kilburne 1839-1924