Sunday morning

http://bible.com/111/HEB11.1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Bible.com/app

Hebrews 11:1

I have been praying for weeks to stay faithful and open to God's plan for my life.  I have a sense of peace in facing the unknown that I've not experienced before.  Thank you God for the encouragement your love brings.  Thank you for the hope you instill in me.

Friday Tidbit

http://bible.com/111/1JN4.18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. Bible.com/app

Today I spent some time in my feelings.  My emotions are all over the place lately.  Knowing that God loves me perfectly, in spite of my imperfections helps me give that love to others.  When I am tempted to carry bitterness or anger in my heart I think of all the reasons God could be bitter or angry towards me.  But, He isn't.  He loves me. Right now. With pain and hurt knocking at my heart, He loves me.  So I don't have to be afraid of my feelings.  I acknowledge them. I accept them. I move on to praying that those who hurt me will know this love also.

Sunday Morning Blessings

http://bible.com/111/1pe5.10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

This was the scripture of the day when I opened my Bible app. Thank you God for reminding me that our suffering is temporary.

The migraine that woke me up this morning will respond to the pain meds and release it's grip on my forehead.

I will not be unemployed forever. We will have a roof over our heads and food to eat.  My van will keep running so I can get to work when I do find a job.

Recently from the pulpit (I'm sorry, I can't remember who said it) I heard that blessing doesn't mean material gifts.  It is more a state of being. That all the things in our life, good or bad, combine to create a blessed life.  I like this because it takes my focus off material worries like mortgage payments or money for gas and turns it toward gratitude and joy. 

There was a dark time in my life when I would pray every night that God would just take me in my sleep so I wouldn't have to wake up to the pain of existing.  This was before I committed myself to living a holy life, before I had the promise of heaven.  I'm grateful that God's answer was no.  My life is a blessing. 

Thank you Lord for helping me persevere through suffering.  Thank you for helping me to see my life as a blessing and not a curse.  Thank you for the promise of 1 Peter 5:10.

Friday Tidbit

Philippians 4:4-13

Today God showed me I could be content even in suffering.  I haven't looked at this passage before with the mindset that suffering is not something just to be endured. I also want to be grateful that God is refining me.

I can be content to suffer faithfully until my situation changes. I can be joyful in spite of circumstances that are not enjoyable.  Thank you Lord, for opening my eyes.

The 1912 project

I just signed on to be part of the 1912 project.  This is a new endeavor by the Vintage Pattern Lending Library.  2012 is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.  The Library is undergoing a project to scan and digitize the patterns and magazines of La Mode Illustree from 1912.  The library sends me patterns and I make them. How fun is that?  All I have to do is post here on my blog once a month and take photos of my progress.  I'm really excited to be part of this project, 'cause who loves vintage clothes more than me?  :) 

New Year, New Life

Starting in January I'm starting an Etsy shop and posting more regularly here to chronicle my progress.  2011 was a crazy year.  I am constantly amazed at the blessings that have come to us.  Watch for my next post in January to start it all off.

Merry Christmas 2009

This is a little photo scrapbook I put together on scrapblog.  Fun and free!  Happy Holidays everyone!