The Quilt

Here is a quilt I am working on. I started it about 9 months ago with exception to the center block was cross stitched close to 20 years ago. When I did the cross stitch many years ago it was from a children's book that I had and I graphed it out and designed this block and many other cross stitches. Some I framed and gave as presents and a few of these blocks I still have and am now putting into quilts which I always thought would be neat. Of course this is my first queen size quilt the other one I did was only a baby size and I am quilting this by hand. It is very relaxing to me and I'm starting to get all these Ideas of new things I want to do.
My Mom was a very creative talented woman, that gave God credit for her talent. She could draw, paint, sew, cook, and pasted most of those on to my Sister and I. She can draw, I can paint and we both can cook and sew. However, we can both sing and Mom could not so I guess that works too. She went home to be with the Lord January 2006.
I look at talents that God gives us as our little bits of uniqueness. God has us on the potters wheel, and as he decorates us for the purposes that we will have in carrying forth His word and works, He dabs a little talent for decoration. Something to give us joy and peace, and something that we can share and pass on to others as a gift of love and kindness. Just as with parts of the body, arms, legs, eyes, we really do have a place and purpose in Gods great design. He really did choose each and everyone of us. It's amazing how much we discount ourselves, when you stop and think of the intricate detail that God put into making us. If he didn't want us why would he waste His time. He wouldn't.

Find something you like, something that your good at and do it. It's Gods present to you.
Lynn

Doggie paddle if you must.

Well for anyone out there that doesn't know what the title of this blog means, because I know some of my new friends are from other countries, let me explain. When a person is trying to learn to swim, before they have developed the art of swimming gracefully, they paddle their arms in front of them like a dog just trying to stay afloat, or to get to the side of the pool, or where they can stand up again. So with that being said, I must ask, do you ever feel like you are doggie paddling trying so hard to get somewhere and barely staying above the trials and trauma in your life. I have. You have to lean on God. Yes that sounds so easy and anybody that has had a trial knows it's work to lean on God and let him do the unknown to your life. That's why it is called faith. There were times I was such a baby whining and crying to God. (Boy is he patient or what). I had to do things I didn't feel like doing. (I don't feel like it) Quit feeling yourself - do it because it's right. In other words, doggie paddle if you must. None of us popped out perfectly in Gods will 24-7. We have to work at it.
It also takes diligence. So many times we will run to God in a time of need, and then when the storm is over we become complacent with our fellowship and relationship with him. We take a day or two off from our studies (to rest) after all we have been through a lot. No No No! I always like to use the example of standing in a river. You may be ok to stand there briefly and not move forward but quicker than you think, the force of the river (life, the devil...) will carry you back to where you were. Keep your eyes on God and moving forward. "The diligent man prospers" Oh that could get me on another one, but I'll say it for later.
Have a great evening. God Bless.
Lynn

Time

Good Morning,
Well there is Seed - Time - and then the Harvest. The time part is the most difficult for us, because it is a time of waiting, believing, & trusting, all of which are areas that me as well as others offen are not developed in. But I also believe that "Time" is a growing time. Sowing your seed is an act of obedience to our Father. There are all types of seed, it could be money, physical seed, a smile a kind gesture or deed, or spreading Gods word. I've been through the TIME and as I continue to ask God to "grow" me there will probably be more "time" but I've also reaped the harvest. Gods harvest is beyond our imagination. Our human mind tries to rationalize and justify what we earn. God just gives freely. To all my friends and Sisters that are struggling, do not grow weary in your well doing. Be obedient to the one and only that can truly help you. Trust God no matter where he is taking you even if it is scary. He will give the harvest of your life.
Have a day of peace, a day of ease and a stress free day!
God Bless you all,
Lynn

A different kind of Love

As I'm reflecting on Gods word and desiring to have His heart, I hear Him loud and clear saying "My heart is Love". As simple as it seems, it is not. Oh it's no problem loving your friends, and people you don't know, but what about that irritating neighbor or co-worker? What about your Christian Brother or Sister that isn't living up to your expectations of a Christian. God is showing me that I need to have mercy because he gives mercy. That each of us have strong points and weak ones. That even though I have conquered an area does not mean that someone else has. After all they may just have revelations that I don't. Gods love is a different kind of love. It is not based on what we do or how we act, God loves us because he has chosen to.

I was sitting in my car one day at a fast food restaurant eating my lunch in a hurry so I could get back to work. I looked up between bites and noticed what appeared to be a homeless man. He was dirty and ragged and my mind was flooded with thoughts and emotions. Where did he come from? What caused him to be homeless? Is he from another town? Does his family or parents know where he is? Do they care or has he burnt them out. My questions were not in an audible voice I was only meditating..... God does his family care, God he's someones child, someones little boy that was bounced on a knee and played on a swing, God he's someones little boy. I thought about my child and how I would feel and questioned what I would do. I could hear God answering my thoughts. He said "He's my little boy" - "I care where he is at". "As much as you would and could ache for your child, that is how I ache and long for all my children to come to me." I love each of you unconditionally". It gave me a different look into Gods love and into lost children at whatever age.
My family has been involved in helping and rehabilitating homeless and recovering substance abusers in our area. Not sure if this sparked it or just stoked a fire that God built a long time ago.
I am working every day to walk more in Gods different kind of Love. "Unconditionally"
Blessings

Lynn