continuation - a new day

Today is a new day with a continued project.  I was lucky to happen into a 'bushel' of apples and now am continuing into the third day of making applesauce.  I like making 'product' with what nature supplies.  Product that I can shelve and retrieve at random to be enjoyed in the years' cold days.  As I've stood for hours peeling, dicing and cooking my apples thoughts keep pouring through my mind.  I'm a very visual person when in deep thought so these thoughts have almost become reality making me quite anxious for all the new possibilies.  Of course I'm not invincible and have to put aside many such ideas, if not just 'till a future year.  But I admit my heart-strings were recently pulled and now I believe this is what triggered my frame of mind.  I will explain.

I visited an organization that offers a wonderful service to the dear ones in our community.  The name is Family Building Blocks.  I was able to take a tour of their facility and was near tears the entire time present.  They told stories of clients that had come in hopeless and broken but were brought into the program to be taught and healed of past addictions and wounds and then to be led out towards education and unity in their new formed families.  I'm talking about single mothers needing support and teaching, and young addict couples needing direction and a parenting figure.  The teachers work with the children and the parents to form new relationships that are statisticly proven to last.  With lack of any better way to state it - it's beautiful! 

And why is this so on my mind?  I'm still trying to figure that out.  I too have a family I'm focusing on and believe with my whole heart that this is where I am to be...but...am I being pulled towards something else?  Being blessed with simplicity and family and love! is what I look forward to daily. Society makes me struggle to hold onto my family given responsibilities;  it grabs at what I provide and promises an easier day if I let go.  So many people have been sucked into that 'society' lifestyle but I just cannot let go.  The picture is becoming bigger to me!

The bigger picture:
I see the beauty in working in my garden, providing home cooked meals and goodies.  I see the rest in seeing my family healthy and strong from the garden grown and home canned foods; and from the camping trips and outings in mother nature.  And then you can't beat the time spent talking through long driven trips to unknown locations or just sitting around the dinner table where everyone is available and there to listen and talk even if no one wants to or sees the need to.  Presence in so important. 

Now the outer borders of this picture:
God didn't just form families to be self-focused.  He planned communities and churches to be your family extensions. We are told to take care of the sick and homeless and poverty stricken.  We have a responsibility to care for more than just who's right here. That's my bigger picture.  And now I can pull in one of my mind's "visual pictures".  Imagine a link between self-sustaining people in the community and those who are so lost.  Those young single mothers and addicted couples may feel more connection with life and love and God if we were to reach out to them and let them experience our simple lives.  Teach them to bake bread or can applesauce...teach them the reward in going to the park with a child or taking a family walk.  Give them the opportunity to grow a garden.  I suppose it's similar to a child mentor program but instead you're mentoring a family.  And what do you get out of it?  Maybe a bigger family!

It's still in the thought process....it's not exactly easy to see an idea with no experienced plan and then step out on a limb to accomplish it but with the support of my family it can be done.  After all that 'limb' we'll have to step out on is much sturdier than the limb on which the one we reach to help clings. 

Don't figures from speech motivate!

I hope I'm not alone here!


I  

Spiritual Blessing In Christ

Ephesians
Chapter One:Verses 3-14
New International Version


     Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons  through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will -- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.  And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfullment -- to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
     In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.  And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.  Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession -- to the praise of his glory.

This is Beautiful!  I had to share it!

Sunshine

The weather is a parable with the daily cloud cover, grey and dismal; dreary, continuous rainfall. We are fine emotionally to start with, it's exciting and scary all at once.  But then we get sucked lower and lower as it never ends.  It becomes the norm and we focus only on our immediate moments. Then a patch of blue opens.  Individual clouds appear forming fluffy white billows along with the dark greys.  And the sun...in it's radiance glints orange and warm-yellows on the mountains, clouds and on yourself.  There you think, "I knew it would return!...Just didn't know when."  It's a relief.  A burden removed.  Uplifting your spirits.

Tis so with Jesus lifting our sorrow, pain and the doldrums of this life.  We bear it awhile struggling...getting lower. Then Jesus steps in and reminds us we can deal because He is there too.  He is always close even when the clouds make Him seem so far away.  But that reviving feeling whether from seeing the sunshine or the Sonshine is absolutely invigorating.  We can survive because of Him!

Raccoon Hat

I was inspired to make a gift for my friends little guy. His imagination is I dramatic and I could see him rushing about in a different imaginary world with this new gift.

A hat. A raccoon hat! One for winter to keep his ears warm. One that could be secured with a knot. Realistic. Fit for a two year old.

So after browsing pictures of raccoons and hats and raccoon hats and refiguring my adult hat pattern I finally accomplished what my mind inspired.

Humility and Last Place

My experience today was while driving the kids to school. Where the lanes merge together becomes a speedway and hotspot for road rage. I was inspired to take the right lane knowing I would need to merge over soon. And yes as the lanes came together car after car rushed by me and I had to slow down to enter last in line. A good lesson in patience and humility for me. But hopefully an example for those rushing by me. Maybe they saw someone not fighting to be first.

So I've decided taking the merging lane option is ok now and again to slow myself down, get my dose of humility and share my deed of service. And when in the fast lane I can let others ahead of me. Do a good deed and someone will see it. Pray that they will be inspired and pass it along!

Thank you Lord! You are inspiring!

You are my Confidence

I've decided that my family tends to question my abilities and decisions and capabilities (such as in driving or organizing) but on the other hand are helpless without me. So maybe when they judge me or challenge me they are questioning themselves and need to use me to learn. I need to stay strong, firm and gentle! Kindly stay assured and let them see my confidence is YOU!

Ministry & Missions Weekend

I had a great weekend with about 250 other people at a Teen Retreat this weekend.  I had two classes thru the weekend.  First one was telling a story thru art by overlaying transparencies to build the story.  They did great!  It is always so inspiring to see their interpretation of what is presented to them.  Second, we learned of different organizations that distribute charity knits, crochets, and quilts.  We focused on Chemo hats, NICU hats, and soldiers hats.  Didn't accomplish a lot of finished projects but the goal was more to get the kids excited about what they can do themselves in their community. And I believe we did just that.  I'll finish up the started hats this week and then include their names on tags for donating. Teens are so fun to work with!

What is this life...

What is this life really about? How can we settle in to this world and feel comfortable? I can't look at my everyday routine and feel at home. With all the hurt and deceit and false pleasures I feel very uneasy. Don't let it get you down when something hurts. I see it as a reminder of why we're here. Look to Christ and his union with His bride the church. The comparison says so much. Our families and friends...relationships, jobs, losses. These are what we live for. They teach us of Christ. They bring us closer to Him and farther from what we've been taught to live as reality. Do you see? We've all heard that in every raindrop there is a rainbow. There really is. We exist to grow close to Jesus and to feel His presense and to see His grace fulfilled in us and in those we touch. I know nothing more enticing and exhuberating than this. I need not another. I need HIM!

Happy Birthday to me!

I love my family. I had such a nice day today. Even the wind and heavy rains were wonderful to me. Reminds me of the winter coastal weather I grew up with.
I realizing that women in their 30's tend to feel like they aren't measuring up to expectations. I'm not the only one? I know I have a wonderful family including two great kids and my loving husband. My friend are genuine and I have talents people appreciate. But I still feel at a loss. Like I'm not contributing in an individualized way. Everyone has an ability that helps people out. What do I have? Ever wonder this? Guess I'll just have to keep growing and living to figure this all out. Never too young or old to learn.

Happy Sabbath

I can see blue through the clouds today. Yoga and jogging to Christmas music woke me up this morning.

What is Christmas Today?

This whole season just feels weird. Unusual weather; sunny 50 degrees out. People wanting our time. Family growing up. Family to take care of. Family personalities to deal with. Time schedule. Expectations. Visitations. So much of it is senseless and emotional. We've lost sight of fellowship and appreciation and reliance and peace. Simplicity and humility. Gratitude. Expectations are too high.
I am grateful for new beginnings.
So again this coming year I will again search out the answer to all my holiday emotional quandaries. The answers are either hidden or so simple they are too obvious. Searching may be taking me farther from the answer I seek.
I pray Lord that you lead and that we do Your birthday Christmas day justice in the plan You have. In You it is ok to not know for you will lead. Thank you, thank you!

My first mobile blog

I hope this works...it's my 1st mobile blog.

Sock are done

I finally finished the pair of socks I was knitting for myself. You think it'll be a quick project and then life starts throwing things at you. For some reason everything keeps going wrong. A pipe breaks, the truck needs new tires, kids aren't 'getting their way'.
I need a really cold and rainy few days so I can sit cozy in the house and work on my projects. But I did finish the socks and have worn them around the house.
Started now on a cowl neck wrap. Pretty cool idea I'd say. Not mine but still ingenious. I hope the yarn I chose will do the pattern justice. I'm a cheap skate and will try other cheaper yarns rather than order the one specified in the pattern. Guess it's called supporting the local yarn shops.
My husband is off hunting for a week. I am home to deal with all that accompanies the life of a teen and a soon to be teen. I don't mind entirely. I enjoy the quiet me time...though I'm rapidly loosing sleep with all my late nights...and I enjoy that parent child bonding time. I love my kids. They are God given and I do my best with them for Him.
Football games, a dentist appointment and homework are my near future. But for now, I'll sit here at the computer with my kitten asleep on my lap, warm my feet by the heater. It's was a nice fall day. I know God kept us safe and together and close.
Goodnight until later!

Blah Weather

This weather is so blah! I need sunshine to warm the ground and invite me out to tan. I hear Vitamin D is really good for you!

Graduations this past weekend! So proud of my younger friends. What an accomplishment. They should all know that this is where God wants them to be...it's where he has them in time and they should be proud of that and look to Him for what's next. I can learn from this. Even though that time of my life is past I'm constantly graduating through new levels in life. It really never ends. And it feels good so don't hold yourself back from growing. Learn and live....live and learn. It's all wonderful!

School is ending for the year. What to do through the summer months?! Baseball...camping...
knitting! I woke this morning feeling the need to go backpacking. I really need the wilderness!
I haven't had my fix for months!

Take a new step today!

Got Me To Thinking!

I'm nearly finished with my new work space. Building and moving in for the past month. It's like I'm a little kid getting a playhouse for her birthday! My kids have even asked if they can do sleepovers in my 'dollhouse'. So totally not a doll house though. I plan to fill it with inspiration and create things till my hearts content. Isn't that why we do this?

There's a new yarn shop in Salem now. So excited to see fellow fiber enthusiasts back to give this a try in our economy. I'd start one myself if life permitted. Their name is Tangled Purls. Check them out...I'm planning on doing so myself today.

Finished a Baby Blanket and started a little Jumper. The yarn is soft but synthetic. The more I think about I plan to use natural fibers and maybe even organic if they become more available. I need to get my spinning wheel out again and make some of my own yarn. I love using Cotton Batting...it's fluffy but has little 'knots' in it which aren't entirely bad just gives a different texture and look than I'm imagining. I tend to do that - see something in my mind and am not satisfied until the product looks like it. This is OK for perfectionists but I need to be more open to new findings.

Baseball season is going strong. Too much rain and cold most the time but I still manage to use the cold as an excuse to pull my knitting out - knitting a blanket while watching a game keeps your lap warm and it's productive at the same time. Very nice. Yes I get comments but mostly from my 13 year old daughter. She thinks I'm embarrassing but I know she's watching everything I do and it gives her more confidence when I'm not afraid to be myself.

Time to get back to work!

So much I want to do and so much I need to do...you gotta pick and choose.

BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE! and what you do!

It will help others be more proud of themselves too.

Springtime

Spring green.
I'm busy with kids and flowers and games and projects. And still finding time to play. Walking with my dog each morning to rejuvinate, invigorate and freshen. The highlights of my day are when I can say 'who cares' and let carefree delights fill the moment. I have a new pleasure...a playhouse. Well more properly a craft out-building. But still, it's play to me. I look forward to painting the interior and adding shelves and organizing all my tools and materials. To be able to start multiple projects and leave them out to work at your whim is a dream of any artist. So excited. My relm is to create...it's a stress-free, youthful zone.

I finished a rooster pot-holder soon to be a gift. It still needs eyes but that's simple enough.
Always wanted to knit cupcakes...our youth group is learning cake decorating techniques and joining them this week inspired me to finally create the knit cupcakes. Whimsical and yummy. It's gotten my mind whirling on many other inspiring projects tucked away in my mind. I'll never run out of things to do. I may need to put some away for my families sake but I will never be bored.

Baseball games tomorrow.
Sunshine too.
Knitting in hand - cheering loudly.
Mother-in-law visiting. She's also a great friend.
Promises of another great day spent with good intentions and promises from God.
I can only be as positive as I allow God to inspire me to be.

Beautiful Day

What a beautiful day! Sunshine...warmth...accomplished a lot of yard work. That felt great! Enjoyed lunch out with my family.

Finally named our kitty. Mia. Poor thing has a cold and congestion. Her siblings all were sick when we picked her up and now she's got the cold. Got her on some medicine to help her feel better; hope it works quickly.

I'm crocheting a kitty bed for Mia. She actually slept in it last night all on her own even though it's not finished. It's round and I plan to add a top - similar to an iigloo - as soon as I figure out how to make it stronge enough so keep it's shape. Just using multiple colors of inexpensive yarn I had around. The stiffness of cheap yarn makes it great for this kind of project.

So now a new week starts again. Valentines day next weekend. Have Valentines boxes to create with my kids. I love making these little projects. My kids often tell me that just buying something simple would be easier and faster but I still like adding the personal touch. I hope they don't mind me 'helping'.

This week leads to a lovely day to remember our loved ones with special treates and dates and sweets. It's a romantic and friendly day. Plan to take a moment to make someone feel special.


Happy Valentine's Day!

Yarn Consumes My Days

So I'm certain I probably bother my family with all the knitting time I consume but they are getting more used to me and my addictions. Can't help it. Knitting makes watching tv, baseball, and watching birds out my front window all the more enjoyable and productive.
I'm working on a new project. Crocheting a table cloth. Thought I'd get a jumpstart on birthday or Christmas gifts.
Then there's all that rough, cheap yarn given to me years ago...no idea what to do with it until I realized it would make great pet toys. So now after a small blanket throw for my beagle I have started on kitty toys. We're planning on getting a new kitten so I'll get a jump start on her toys and maybe have a few extras for the local Humane Society. I hope this inspires others to create for the orphans in their community.
Also thought of kids toys...doesn't that sound like so much fun. Blocks, balls bags, and hearts etc...being creative. Just planning my spare time.

My Meow Kitty

A little tribute to my Meow Kitty. He first came to us as a kitten from the Humane Society 15 years ago. Gray and white and cute all over. All through his years he loveed to play; attacking us and his stuffed kitty and even our beagle when she joined the family. For the past year Meow's been getting sick. After taking him to the vet I wasn't certain how long he'd been sick. There were so many things wrong...nothing could be reversed...so we decided to just help him hang in there. Poor kitty. He got so weak and really lost who he was. Finally we completely lost him. That hurt so bad! I still feel it. There are emotions and happenings that will haunt me forever. Things I can't share with my family for fear that they will be hurt more. But I need to start saying goodbye. So much love. He's gone. Not a waste...not one minute of it. Love those cats.

Fun in the Snow

Spent the weekend in the snow this weekend. The snow was melting and weather warm but still we loved getting out of city life and relaxing with friends. This campout is planned yearly thru our church youth group called Pathfinders. The weekend was a blessing with a theme of going on a safari trip: meaning we're traveling thru life with the trophy of sharing God with others and our destination of heaven. It was the perfect connection and the stories told by friends of their travels in Africa set the scene. (And several naps topped it all off.)

Back to our busy schedule but with the plan of living a little more simply each day until only the things and people and goals that really matter stand out most in my priorities.

Just checking in....