The Quilt Holes

"The Quilt Holes"

            As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the
            Lord along with all the other souls.      Before each of us
            laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an
            angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together
            into a tapestry that was our life.

            But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I
            noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was.  They were
            filled with giant holes.  Each square was labelled with a part
            of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and
            temptations I was faced with in every day life.  I saw
            hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

            I glanced around me.  Nobody else had such squares.  Other than
            a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled
            with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune.  I
            gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

            My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together,
            threadbare and empty, like binding air.

            Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held
            up to the light, the scrutiny of truth.  The others rose, each
            in turn, holding up their tapestries.  So filled their lives
            had been. My angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise.

            My gaze dropped to the ground in shame.  I hadn't had all the
            earthly fortunes.  I had love in my life and laughter.  But
            there had also been trials of illness and wealth, and false
            accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it.  I had to
            start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to
            quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin
            again.  I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for
            help and guidance in my life.  I had often been held up to
            ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up
            to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin
            beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

            And now, I had to face the truth:  My life was what it was, and
            I had to accept it for what it was.

            I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the
            light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air.  I gazed around at
            the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

            Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me.  Light flooded the
            many holes, creating an image: the face of Christ.  Then our
            Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes.  He
            said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My
            life, My hardships, and My struggles.

            'Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and
            let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was
            of you.'

            May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to
            shine through!

            God determines who walks into your life...it's up to you to
            decide who you let walk away, who you let stay and who you
            refuse to let go.

Influence

I'm back to sewing everyday now.  I think (and pray) a lot when I'm sewing  :-)  I was thinking about different influences in my life from little on.  It's simply amazing how we are shaped and honed by those around us.  They can be close daily relationships, but it can also be observing and watching others. Even the chance meetings or seemingly small conversations.   Books, music, movies, and so much more also do that. It also got me thinking about this new age of technology and social networking.  It's a blessing in so many ways to keep in touch with family and friends far away, or even a few miles away!  Most of the blogs I follow are people I never met, but they also hold influence on me.  It makes me thankful and makes me think of how I am using my influence in my home, and everywhere else. 

On another note, C2 and J performed a dance performance tonight. It was fantastic and lead to a family dance time!  Memories being created constantly. Makes me wonder what memories each will take away.  One event, but each family member can take a different memory away.

Halfway to 70!

My first b-day greeting came from a text from my Dad! I'm enjoying his fun with texting. Heard from my Mom, brother, sister, mom-n-luv, Grandpa and Grandma, and Kristy too.  This is my beautiful birthday gift from Jenette!  We all love it, it's extra special.  She came by with the kids (minus one) and brought lemon scones with chocolate cream cheese frosting.  Enjoyed some Saffron Coffee from Mark and Jodie and then Caroline and Laura came by too!  What a fun day, I think I'm going to like my new neighbors just fine  ;-)  I am beyond blessed and am so thankful!!!!

Also, I purchased my 2012 calendar this year. I was going to get a cheap one from the dollar store yesterday, but they were all out. So I got a $5 one made by Dayspring called Country Churches with hymns on each one. I love it and inside it was the following :

Thank you for purchasing a 2012 Dayspring Calendar

When the time was right,

the sea parted,

the walls fell down,

the lions went hungry,

the sun stood still,

the star appeared,

 the waves were calmed,

the stone was rolled away,

the Lord ascended...

And when the time is right

the King of Kings will return.

God is never early and He's never late -

He's always right on time and His plans for you are good.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Dayspring Purpose: To help people know and share God's love in  fresh, true, and inspiring ways

Getting settled in our new home just in time for Christmas.  Hoping to bake our traditional Nelson Swedish Cookies on Friday. Normally we would have been baking up a storm, but this year we're moving instead!  Made the Stephens peanut butter balls and since we shared with our moving crew - we're wiped out.  Might make more - will see.  Enjoyed a  walk with Christopher on the property today. It was the first time I walked all around it.  Here's a few pics to share. Other than that, busy organizing and hoping to have my sewing room set up to get busy working next week.

Back view of buildings.

Small Town Living

Today was the first day we went into Ash Grove to look around some.  We went to the library and checked out what else was on the Main Street.  We went into the Trading Post and looked around. Found a few little things, and decided to get a 50 cent cup of coffee. Sounded good and I like to support small business. The kids asked if they could have one, and I said I would share mine with them. She gave us 5 cups!!!  10 cent a cup for coffee.  The kids were excited. Caleb stumbled across an ipod shuffle, new and sealed in the box for $20!  He called Aunt Kathy and asked her opinion. She said she's buy it from him for $20 if he didn't want it, plus the store owner said she's take it back if it didn't work as well, AND they didn't charge him tax. Nice being a kid I guess!  So he's super excited about that. We also ran into the Dollar General and looked around. Stopped and checked the air pressure in the tire at the Cenex station.  We all enjoyed the friendly people and small town atmosphere so very much. Country living is the life for me!!!

Trials

My heart is heavy sometimes with the loss my friends have gone through, or friends that are fighting cancer or a disease.   I turn that heaviness to prayers and I also remember our promise of our eternal HOME!  Oh what joy and fun we will have when we all get to Heaven!!!  The fellowship we have here on earth often gives me a taste of that future time. For me those trials we go through here seem to be easier with that eternal perspective and trust in God. 

Dad and Mom

My parents came last week so we have been enjoying fun and games with them. This is one of the most relaxing visits I have enjoyed in a long time, since I don’t have work I need to do while they are here. Well, I DO have work I need to do, but I don’t have my machines to do them on!  

Some funny quotes from my Dad.

“They don’t do it my way, so they are goofed up.”

“Do you know how to stay awake in church? Pull a nose hair, and you will wake up, sneeze and cry all at the same time!”

We have also enjoyed listening to stories from both my parents.  Tell us another one, the kids say! Priceless!

I love to hear them laugh and see them laugh.  What joy!!!