Merry Christmas

May the love God sent find your heart ready to receive.

May His Peace, Joy, and Faith reside there so that you may say,

All is well with my soul.

Thank you, Jesus

From the Sewing Room - Hagrid's Quilt

I had shown in an earlier post that I was working on a quilt for my daughter who is fixing her sitting room / office like Hagrid's Hut. When I saw an interior photo online of his hut, a quilt thrown across the chair caught my eye. I knew my daughter would love to have it, so I started figuring out a pattern for it right away so I could give it to her for Christmas. It's all scrappy with variety-sized pieces, which took more construction time than I thought it would. I hand quilted big stitches using pearl cotton thread with a cross hatch quilting design. I'm almost finished--just a bit of binding left to sew down. I hope she sees the resemblance!

A Stand for Decency

ClipArtBest

Congratulations, North Carolina, on your legislature's upholding decency and the protection of privacy rights for all who live there. The blackmail by big business, big sports, and big celebrities shows the effort by some outside of North Carolina to control the quality of life of the citizens living there.

What foolishness, anyway, to okay boys going into the girls bathroom! No wonder so many adolescents and young adults are having an identity crisis. They've lost their moorings. So glad there are some like those in North Carolina who are willing to take a stand and throw a life line.

Sounds like North Carolina would be a good place to raise a family.  We have family living there, and we've frequently vacationed in the state. It's good to know that I need not be concerned about who's going to be in the restroom with me while I'm there. 


Want to be clear about HB2? Follow this link to Focus on the Family.
Seven Things You Should Know About North Carolina’s HB2 from Focus on the Family.

The Most Important Event - God With Us

Annunciation to the Shepherds, Govert Flinck 1639

Sharing with you today a brief excerpt from my devotional reading. This comes from the devotional insights in the chronological Bible that I read in the morning hours. It's part of the introduction to the gospels of the incarnation of Jesus, the Christ. A thought from F. LaGard Smith:

All is now ready for the most important event in human history. It is an event planned even before the creation of the world. It is the keeping of a promise made to Abraham over 2000 years earlier. It is the fulfillment of a host of prophecies regarding a Messiah who would come to establish his kingdom. Most importantly, it is the beginning of a dynamically new relationship between God and man. The event is the coming of the savior of the world, the Messiah--or, as referred to in the Greek, the Christ.

BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL, which translated means, "GOD WITH US."

Matthew 1:23

from ~ The NIV Daily Bible in Chronological Order

The Driving Force

As mothers and grandmothers, would we say the same?

I am the Lord's servant.

The trust in this statement is almost childlike. Mary defined herself with startling simplicity: "I am the Lord's servant." She stated her life-purpose clearly: "May it be to me as you have said." Obedience to God's will was the driving force of her life. 

~ Susan Hunt, in Spiritual Mothering

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Linking up today with The Simple Woman's Daybook

Click on the image below to read other simple women's entries.

For Today

Looking out my window

My Beloved built a new accomodation for the nativity.

We have it in the front yard.

I am thinking

It would be nice if more folks in our neighborhood did a little outdoor decorating for Christmas. It need not be elaborate, a simple wreath or window light would bid good tidings to us all, but only a few give any indication that they're celebrating the season.

I am thankful   

That I have loved ones to buy gifts for and God's provision to do so. 

Did a little shopping today.

One of my favorite things

Quiet evenings with My Beloved, listening to music.

I am listening to

The Messiah as I write. 

Beautiful and Uplifting.

 
I am hoping

That the weather is clear for our daughters and families to come after Christmas.

I am learning

I'm not at all techy, but My Beloved is teaching me a little bit about ipads and tablets as we help my mother think through getting one for my dad for Christmas. 

I just might end up wanting one myself. ;-)

In my kitchen

Just finished some No-Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. Yum!

Looking forward to settling down in a few minutes with a little snack and a glass of milk. 

In the Sewing Room

I made several pillow cases for pre-Christmas gifts from holiday fabric. Forgot to take pictures before I gifted them, but I did get a photo of the ones I kept for our bed. 

I used flannel with bird motifs that match the bedroom decor. The fabric was barely wide enough for our king pillows. The other standard pillowcases worked up just fine with a yard of fabric. The kings needed about 1 1/3 yard. I made these plain as well as some of the others. For one set I followed Crafty Gemini's tutorial to make cases with contrasting bands.

Shared Quote

It's not how much we have but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.

- Charles Spurgeon

A moment from my day

Our newest grand just began walking this week, so I set up the Christmas Village in the curio cabinet this year. There are five shelves filled with hustle and bustle. 

Makes me want to just step right in!

Closing Notes

May God bless your and yours as you celebrate the season and contemplate the incarnation of God's Son, Jesus Christ.

 

Where Is Hope?

I listened today to Michelle's lament--"Now we are feeling what not having hope feels like.” Hope has been misplaced by many among us. It cannot be found in mankind, no matter how much we hope so.

I've never had hope in a president...past, present, nor future. My hope has been and continues to be found in God's Son, Jesus Christ.  He offers us hope in His sovereign purposes, no matter who we voted for...or against. I find peace in that knowledge this Christmas and for the coming years.

Yes, "hope is necessary"... and we need to be sure where our hope is.

Photo ~ Our Tree

Recommending: The Word Became Flesh with RC Sproul

Listening this evening to this beautiful interpretation of the carnation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It begins with the words, "In the beginning was the Word." It tells the plan of salvation as RC Sproul continues the narrative from the book of Genesis through Revelation, with familiar carols, hymns and newer choral pieces throughout.

I find it to be a thrilling narrative to listen to as I ponder the fact that God Himself became flesh and dwelt among. It gives me goose bumps!

We're listening on Spotify, but if you click the image above, you can listen on Amazon or buy the CD.

Independent Study to Scholarly Research

As I mention in the sidebar, we joyfully taught our daughters at home through high school. Those were years filled with learning on both sides of the desk--for them and for us. We knew the girls were doing well in many ways during those years, and our family reaped many benefits as we went along. It was when they went to college that we found out what an advantage they had gained. There have been many studies over the years showing the value of home education, and we like to encourage those who are on their own journey.

An article I read today speaks of many of the same advantages. Written by a university faculty member, titled "Homeschooled students bring own skill set to university campuses." 

Parent-educated students that I’ve met exhibit a strong intellectual vitality and passion for exploring difficult concepts. On the average, they have a penchant for open-ended problem-solving. It is plausible that in their homeschool environments, they’ve already been given a vast number of opportunities to grow their capacities for self-direction. Consequently, their inclination for independent study seamlessly transfers to the scholarly research environment.

If you're a home-educating family or considering it, I'm sure you'll find encouragement in reading the entire article, found here at floridapolitics.com. If you'd like more information on educating your children at home, or just want to learn a bit more about it, you can click on the image above that will take you to HSLDA, advocates for homeschooling.

We began our journey in the 1980s when the road was less traveled. We were some of the pioneers, and much could be said about the joy in all of that--as I've touched on here and there in some posts. Our daughters married home-educated fellas. All graduated from universities, two at the top of their classes (our daughter being one, another daughter with honors), three with master's degrees, and all are doing well with what they've chosen in life. AND our grandchildren are being taught at home as well. The proof is in the pudding.

If you're on your own journey, I do wish you well. Keep on keeping on!

Image from the Home School Legal Defense Association

Coming Alongside

Thinking today of the affirming relationship between Jesus' mother Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, how each encouraged the other in their miraculous calling as mothers. Mothers who would nurture two boys, who themselves would one day change the world. Each woman needed the other, each understood the other. Although Mary and Elizabeth were experiencing something others of us could hardly imagine, we all need affirming relationships with other women who can empathize and encourage.

Scripture speaks of being a Titus 2 woman, one who nurtures younger women in their journey through life. Life can be a struggle. I remember thinking how complicated it was as I tried to figure out this thing of being a wife and mother. In His wisdom, God gives older women instruction to teach the younger women the ways of womanhood. Too often we get our instruction from current culture, from the media, from the celebrities. More often than not, it's hollow and empty. 

I've had women through the years who have filled this need in my own life. Like Mary, some have been family. Others have been dear friends. Some have simply taken me under their wings for a season and nurtured me through it. For all, I am forever grateful.

I hope I'm that kind of woman to other women. I know I've had many opportunities and am thankful for the privilege to come alongside. With our move last year, most of my spiritual daughters were left behind. That saddens me, but I sense that God is opening doors once again. I'm eager to walk along a few new paths to empathize and encourage in the coming year.

Painting ~ The Day's Catch, Daniel Ridgeway Knight 1839-1924

A Weekend Visit

Carl Sandburg's Home in Flat Rock, NC

We had a very pleasant visit with our daughter and son-in-law over the weekend, filled with Christmas spirit and wonderful hospitality. One of the highlights was a trip to Carl Sandburg's home in Flat Rock, NC. Although the furnishings and book collections had been removed for preservation work on the house, it was still an interesting visit. I can't recall having read any of Sandburg's works, (although I probably did as a class assignment somewhere in time), but I was totally impressed with the myriad of bookcases he and his wife had added in renovation throughout the house--for his collection of more than 15,000 books. My Beloved recently added bookcases to his office/study, so seeing Sandburg's home in that respect was an inspiration. I'd like to go back in a few years after the preservation work is done to see the actual books and the furnishings of the home. If you click on the picture, it will take you to more information.

Another highlight was the Sunday morning worship service at our daughter's church--totally magnificent! The orchestra, choir, and congregation filled the sanctuary with such heavenly music, that as I closed my eyes, I could imagine God in Heaven receiving it as a sweet, sweet sound in His ear. The pastor reminded us to keep our eyes on the Gift of Jesus, and not  merely on the wrappings and trappings of our cultural Christmas. Truly a blessed time of corporate worship.

The Richest and Best Things

God has so constituted us that in loving and caring for our own children the richest and best things in our natures are drawn out. Many of the deepest and most valuable lessons ever learned are read from the pages of unfolding child-life. We best understand the feelings and affections of God toward us when we bend over our own child and see in our human parenthood a faint image of the divine Fatherhood.

~ J.R. Miller, in Homemaking

Painting ~ Hush, John Henry Lorimer 1856-1936

Welcome, December

Welcome, December

Wasn't autumn just last week?

And have we been here almost a year already? 

Why Do They Rage?

Because they are infants, tossed back and forth by the waves,

and blown here and there by every wind of teaching

and by the cunning craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God

because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.

Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality

so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

~ Ephesians, Chapter 4 (NIV)

Painting ~ A Storm at Sea, Hermanus Koekkoek 1815-1882

They Could Have A Crystal Stream, Instead ...

 If they but understood...

All the delights in the sensual life, all the pleasure that ever your lusts gave you, 

are but as the putrid stinking waters of a corrupt pond, 

where toads lie croaking and spawning, 

compared to the crystal streams of the most pure and pleasant fountain.

~ John Flavel in None But Jesus

Image ~ Freepik 4045

Thankful Thursday ~ A New Day Dawning

So thankful today for God's mercy in giving us new governing officials. Oh, how I have prayed for His mercy to grant us a reprieve from the moral degradation our present leadership has spiraled us into. Yaweh has heard the prayers of the faithful in the land, and I believe He is giving America an opportunity to aright ourselves and to abolish the wrongs so many have perpetuated and forced upon us.

It's the dawning of a new day.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him; bless His name.

Psalm 100:4

Photo ~ White Chair,  Lori L. Stalter, Flickr CC by 2.0

A Thought on Providence

If providence had alike prospered every man's designs, and set them upon a level, there had been no occasion to exercise the rich man's charity, or the poor man's patience.

~ John Flavel, in None But Jesus

Painting ~ The Gleaners, 1854, Jules Breton 1827-1906

From the Sewing Room ~ Hagrid's Quilt

My daughter has taken a liking to Hagrid's Hut. She's in the process of decorating a sitting room like that. She found a similar chair on Craig's list, a lantern on Etsy, a few other items here and there, and is on the hunt for adding little touches every now and then to bring it together.

I googled pictures of Hagrid's Hut to see what she's going for (to each his own!), and my eye caught the quilt thrown across his chair. Upon closer examination, I see that it's all scrappy and mis-matched--I suppose as a mid-sized giant who lives in a hut in the forest would have it. I thought it would be a nice surprise if I made a similar one for her.

The mis-matching took much more time than if I could have worked with strip sets, but I wanted it to resemble Hagrid's quilt as much as I could manage from the pictures. It doesn't look like much yet, but I've finished the center portion of the quilt so far. Some washing and putting it in the sun to fade will help bring about the "look."

When she came to pick up the kiddos after their visit with us, she was talking about her Hagrid room. In the conversation, she mentioned the quilt--that someday she may have the time to make it. Although I had intended to surprise her with it, I couldn't contain myself and showed it to her. She was elated! As I finish working on it, I know it will be excitedly received. Joy to a quilter's heart!

Thankful Thursday ~ My Beloved

Expressing gratitude too often lies silent in the heart. As Thanksgiving approaches, I'm taking Thursdays to offer a word of thankfulness for specific blessings that God has bestowed in my life.

Today I've been thinking how much I appreciate My Beloved. There are a myriad of reasons, but something I heard someone say this morning made gratitude for him bubble up. The lady commented that "when a man retires, his work is done; but when a woman retires, she still has work to do." Perhaps her hubby leaves all the inside and outside work to her, all the business details, all the grocery shopping, etc. etc., but I doubt it.

However it may be with them or others, I'm so very grateful that My Beloved shares in responsibilities around the home now that he is retired. And when he sees that I'm not having time to give attention to some things, he goes ahead and tends to it, like throwing the clothes in the washer and getting it done (like yesterday). Other days I seem to have more free time than he does. We do life together.

I'm so appreciative of My Beloved's thoughtfulness that produces helpfulness, all born out of a heart of unselfish love, compelled by our Father above. Thank you, My Beloved.

Painting ~ Little Spooners, Norman Rockwell

Thankful Thursday ~ For Grandchildren

The autumn season sets me in mind to be grateful for God's abundant blessings, so I thought I'd take a few minutes  on Thursdays as we journey into Thanksgiving to offer a word of gratitude.

Every good thing given and perfect gift is from above (James 1:7).

We picked up our grandchildren today for a few days stay while their parents attend a conference. They live several states away, so our visits are few and far between. But we relish the times we do get to be together and are thankful that we can. I know many grandparents who have their grandchildren living nearby and get to see them often. You are blessed, indeed. As one grandmother puts it, "All of our children and grandchildren live within 2 miles of us so our home is always full of lively, joyful love." So happy for her, but there are also those who don't get to see their grandchildren much at all, or maybe not at all. This is difficult.

Each time we see our sweet ones, they've grown and changed. So, as much as we'd love to see them more, I'm so very thankful that we get to have them visit every now and then. It does a heart good... until they have to leave. <sigh>

Domesticity ~ From the Kitchen

Domesticity ~ devoted to home duties and pleasures

Taking Carrots with Dill & Brown Sugar to small group tonight. Thought I'd share the simple recipe.

3 cups peeled and sliced or frozen carrots
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 and 1/4 tsp dried dill weed
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Cook carrots until tender. Drain water. Stir in butter, brown sugar, dill, salt & pepper.

Woman Peeling Carrots, Gerard Dou 1613-1675

Quiet Time Thoughts On Trials

I took my mother to the doctor today...and last week..and she goes again next week.... Her medication had been changed and now increased. She was feeling tired and weary, but she came away from the doctor today cheerful and encouraged. Why? Because he said that although the new medication is making her feel bad for awhile, that when it has its full effect she will feel much better--so please endure it and press on.

We have friends in our small group on Wednesdays who have also had serious health complications, who also must endure and press on, and are themselves rejoicing in how they're coming along. Trials in life are inevitable. How we respond is up to us and our faith.

As I thought back to Mom's visit with her doctor today, my mind went to James 1:2-5--

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

We're better able to tolerate trials when we know there's going to be a positive outcome. Mom is looking forward to feeling better and having the medication do its job, so she's willing to endure. When we don't know what the outcome of our trial might be, though, we tend to be beaten down beneath it. If you're like me, we tend to focus on the trial and not its outcome. Or, that the outcome will be the worst possible.

James tells us that the trials we go through test our faith. Is our faith real? If it is, then the trial will produce endurance, that inner quality of strength. Over the years, I've seen my mother go through various trials--caring for my handicapped sister, having blood clots throughout her life, colon cancer, a house fire that destroyed most of what they had, and I'm sure many other trials that I know little or nothing about.

Endurance also carries with it a sense of expectancy, of knowing there will be relief or reward. The perfect result of endurance is that we realize that we really lack nothing. Which is how we can consider it joy when we encounter our trials, knowing that God is at work.

We can struggle against trials, and thus despair, or we can let God do His work, knowing that all things work together for good to those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose...to be conformed to the image of His Son....(Romans 8:28-29).

Trials are an essential part of building our faith. The strengthening of our faith produces in us Christlikeness. As I heard someone say who was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer--"If this is to strengthen my faith, bring it on!"

I'm not there yet, and may never be, but I do want to view my trials as faith-builders. I know it's an ongoing process. It's only through God's grace and mercy, though, that I can.

Painting ~ Evening At Home, Edward John Poynter 1888

Recommending ....

If you're like me, you try to get news from various angles. That means looking beyond the mainstream media. Recommending to you today World Magazine. Their mission statement:

To report, interpret, and illustrate the news in a timely, accurate, enjoyable, and arresting fashion from a perspective committed to the Bible as the inerrant Word of God.

It's that perspective that I especially look for. In addition to news articles, their Voices articles by a variety of writers give much food for thought, and their book reviews help direct me to further reading. I could do without their music and movie reviews, but I realize there are some who are still stuck in the muck of current culture.

We've subscribed to World for many years, going back to when our daughters were still at home. There are special issues just for children, which aids parents/teachers as they help their children sort through the chaos of the culture. World Magazine was a tremendous resource when we were homeschooling high school. It continues to be our go-to for a biblical perspective on our crazy world.

You can click on the image above to take a look for yourself. You can also check out the World Radio site at wng.org/radio.

Sunday Ponderings ~ Totally Awesome!

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Pondering today on an article in today's Parade Magazine on the feeling of awe. You may have read it and had the same reaction that I did. The author described the feeling of awe:

“Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast or beyond human scale, that transcends our current understanding of things,” says psychologist Dacher Keltner, who heads the University of California, Berkeley’s Social Interaction Lab.

We might say that it's a response to something that takes our breath away or leaves us speechless. I felt that way this week when we took a day trip to Palasaides Park and saw the beautiful mountain vista stretched out before us. Our daughter has spoken of the same feeling when she and her husband hiked to Oregon's Crater Lake. The author has it right--we are wired to feel awe, but there is something much more transcending than "to get us to act in more collaborative ways, ensuring our survival." 

Yes, "we realize we’re a small part of something much larger. Our thinking shifts from me to we." But the we is not just you and me, the we is mostly God because it's really about Him. The heavens declare the glory of God. It is His glory that transcends anything we understand. It is something far beyond ourselves.

Why, then, as the author states, does "[awe] make us act more generously, ethically and fairly?" Because we are made in God's image, and that is how God is. Awe is our spirit resonating with the one who is drawing us to Himself. Those of us who know Him respond in worship at those times. What an awesome thing it is, to recognize the hand of God!

Photo ~ Crater Lake Panorama August 2013, Epmatsw, Wiki Commons CC 3.0

Thankful Thursday ~ for Honest Sales People

The autumn season sets me in mind to be thankful, so I thought I'd take a few minutes  on Thursdays as we journey into Thanksgiving to give a word of gratitude for the abundance of blessings that God bestows.

Every good thing given and perfect gift is from above (James 1:7).

And today I'm thankful for His directing me to a salesperson who was honest as well as helpful. I went to pick out new frames today for my eyeglasses, and the gal who assisted me could have sold me a much more expensive frame. I was drawn toward a particular one, but she steered me to more appropriate frames that seemed to fit my face better. By the time frames and lenses and coatings and more are added to the cost, eyeglasses can get pretty expensive. So, I'm thankful for people with a heart for God's ways. She was wearing a cross, and if she is a follower of Jesus Christ, she represented Him well. Thank you, Kasey.

Image~ Attack of the Eyeglasses, James Vaughn, Flickr, CC by NC SA 2.0

Won't Vote For ....

I've watched the debates. Most recently the vice-presidential candidates debate. Of all the things said, I cannot vote for a candidate who thinks it's okay for a woman to decide that because it's inconvenient, she's going to have her baby killed that's growing inside her. I don't want that kind of leader. A baby is a baby, inside or out. Inconvenience does not warrant death. What kind of a country have we become that we sanction the death of the preborn?



Photo ~ v.ivash/Freepik

I Wish I Had Said ....

I went with my mother yesterday to her new doctor, and in the course of the discussion he learned that my Beloved and I had recently moved here to be near my parents and to help in whatever ways we could. He commented that I must have a good husband who is willing to do that. Yes, indeed I do. I explained that I had left the decision of where to move to my Beloved because it was a difficult one for me to make. We knew we wanted to be near family, but to which location should we go? We have a daughter and grandchildren who live in crazy Chicago, another daughter near the east coast, and my parents here. My Beloved decided that we needed to be here, so we packed up, sold the house and moved.

I commented to the doctor that that's what families do. They take care of each other. He reminded me that you don't see that much anymore. It was at that point that I stumbled with what to say. Yes, it is sad, that our culture is like that now, but I didn't want to be praised for doing what I think is just the right thing to do. What I should have said was that the love of God compels us to help our family. It is love for His ways that guides my Beloved and me in what we should do.

When we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and love others as ourselves, our new nature compels us to do what's right. Of course, we aren't forced into it. The choice is still ours to make. We are told in Galatians 6:10 to "do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." And we can't get any closer to the 'household of faith' than to our own families.

I wish I had directed our discussion that morning with the doctor to the God of love and made much of Him and His ways. It saddens me that I didn't think about it because to Him belongs the glory, for great things He has done.

Painting ~ Louisa Baldwin 1868, Edward Poynter 1836-1919

On Clearing Up The Mistake

It is true, some wicked men die in seeming peace, and some good men in trouble, but both the one and the other are mistaken: the first, as to the good estate he fancies himself in, and the other as to his bad estate; and a few moments will clear up the mistake of both.

~ John Flavel, England’s Duty

Photo ~ Ross Bay Cemetery Fall Colors, Brandon Godfrey CC 2.0

Sunday Ponderings ~ Causing the Consequences

Pondering this afternoon on an aspect of repentance that I had not considered before. Our pastor's sermon this morning was based in Nehemiah 9:32-38--the Israelites' confession in the renewal of their covenant with God after they had rebuilt the Jerusalem wall. The people had had a  history of repeated rebellion and repentance in following God and His ways. They are at a point once again of confessing their wrong.

Pastor made three points in regard to their confession. First, they recognized that what had been happening to them over the years was their own fault. That is a vital part of confession--that we accept the blame for whatever mess we find ourselves in, that we not blame shift or divert responsibility away from ourselves.

The third point that our pastor made was that repentance is a turning away from our wrongful, sinful ways, and that we turn toward God's righteous ways. It's the 'put off, put on' principle in biblical counseling. We agree with God that our way was wrong and that His way is right. And we turn and go His way. Yes, God accepts us 'as we are,' but He expects us to work in harmony with the Holy Spirit within us to change into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. So we move in that direction.

I was knowledgeable about the first and third points. The second point was a new thought to me, however. Pastor discussed the Israelites' affirmation of the consequences of their actions.

Behold, we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts, behold, we are slaves.  And its rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and over our livestock as they please, and we are in great distress (v. 36-37).

I hadn't actually considered the affirmation of consequences as part of repentance and forgiveness. When I've asked forgiveness from someone, I've typically stated my wrongdoing and asked forgiveness from the person I've sinned against; thus, being brought back into fellowship of spirit with them and with God. But I've not considered the aspect of actually verbalizing  the consequences of my offense. But how necessary that is! To realize and give voice to the harm I've caused. It's more than just an 'oops, sorry about that.' It's the evidence of a contrite heart. A heart after God's heart.

Bottom line for me:  Own up to the harm I've caused. It's the way upward and onward. 

The Readers, 1889 Jacques Emile Blanche 1841-1942

Welcome, October

Listen! the wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves.

We have had our summer evenings, 

now for October eves!

~ Humbert Wolfe

Painting ~ Autumn Leaves 1902, Tom Scott 1854-1927

From the Book Shelf ~ The Civil War Diary Quilt

Read some journal entries this evening in The Civil War Diary Quilt by Rosemary Youngs. The book contains 121 entries penned by women during the Civil War (or War of Northern Aggression as some referred to it) and quilt blocks that Rosemary was inspired to make relevant to the journal entries. The blocks are nice, but the journal entries touch the heart.

These were all brave women. Their lives were very difficult, but a common thread seems to have been their faith in God, no matter which side of the conflict they were on. The best and worst of people seep out in times of hardship, and that's seen in sometimes admirable, yet often atrocious conduct of the soldiers on both sides. Those women whose faith sustained them were granted inner strength amid the turmoil.

This evening's reading was journal entries by Isabella Buchanan Edmonson. Belle was a confederate spy, smuggling letters and supplies to the rebel forces. Her mother had died in 1861, when Belle was 21. Belle was 23 when she penned these entries. Leaning heavy into the strength of her Redeemer.

Father of justice and mercy, crown our armies with victory, drive the wicked tyrants from our Sunny land-we humbly crave thy pardon and blessing-oh! give us peace-guide my Bros., keep them from harm. ~ March 28, 1864

Oh! Heavenly Father, we pray and beseech thee to hear our prayers - drive the enemy from our soil and give us peace. ~ June 30, 1864

Oh! my heavenly redeemer, guide me, teach my heart forbearance, and for pity lighten my trials. ~ July 26, 1864

Belle died unexpectedly and suspiciously at age 33, July 1873.

From the Sewing Room ~ Autumn Wall Quilt

I've had Nicole's Autumn Pumpkin Patch pattern for a couple of years, and decided to work on it for our first autumn in our new home. Finished it up yesterday, and it's now hanging in our kitchen, where we'll get to enjoy it for several weeks.

I used mostly batiks from my stash, except for the pumpkins which are just plain cotton, and worked with fusible applique and blanket stitch.

I had intended to do the applique by hand, but the combination of fusible, batiks, and cotton batting made it much too stiff for hand-stitching, so I machine-appliqued and quilted it. Looks like I need to add a door knob. ;-)

I added some veins to the leaves.  

I decided to make yoyoes for the berries instead of trying to applique all  those circles, and tacked them onto the stems by hand, just catching the centers. If you've seen the original pattern, you'll notice that I didn't add the star to the top of the house. Wasn't going for quite that much whimsy.

So, that's it for this week in the sewing room.

Linking up with Amanda Jean for Finish It Up Friday.

Thankful Thursday ~ Hobby Lobby

The autumn season sets me in mind to be thankful, so I thought I'd take a moment on Thursdays as we journey into Thanksgiving to speak a word of gratitude to God for the abundance of blessings that He bestows.

Today's thought of gratitude is for Hobby Lobby where I bought a few autumn sprigs today and this beautiful sunflower. I truly enjoy going there and having a pleasant shopping experience. Their music ministers to my spirit while I shop for items that will help to set the atmosphere of our home--a place to welcome friends and family.

I so very much appreciate Hobby Lobby's CEO's stand for righteousness in our culture of moral decadence. Shopping at Hobby Lobby is my way of saying thanks.

Common, Everyday Blessings

Saying Grace

“As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful. They are the things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with gladness—just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breath it; just warmth and shelter and home folks; just plain food that gives us strength; the bright sunshine on a cold day; and a cool breeze when the day is warm.” 

~Laura Ingalls Wilder

~Writings to Young Women from Laura Ingalls Wilder 

Vol. One: On Wisdom and Virtues

Painting ~ Saying Grace, Cottage Interior,  George Smith 1829-1901