Alas and Did My Machine Break

I'm one of those really strange people that just love the back of the pattern envelope. I get really excited at the fabric suggestions and the list of notions needed to complete the project. I can just hear you all snickering now "weirdo".

I love the smell of bolts of fabric, the excitement of starting a new project and the feel of the tissue paper pattern as I pin it onto a new creation.

So...You can imagine my dismay as my machine slowly broke down in the process of making doll clothes for Grace and Lily's American Girl dolls. This is their 5th birthday and I wanted everything to work out just so. My friend Lynn donated all the fabulous buttons and trims to make these outfits spectacular. A knotted thread here + A broken needle there + A bobbin that refused to cooperate = MELTDOWN for Nana.

B R E A T H E --- Everything's gonna be alright.

Not what I planned, but alright.

Five Years

This journey started five years ago.

My sweet Nana went to be with Jesus in December. Before she passed her nurse and I sang "Jesus Loves Me" to her. Al and I prayed with her. She wanted to make sure I was Italian before she left. I guess that is some sort of prerequisite to Heaven.

Six months later Uncle Bill went to join his Mom. Patty and I prayed with him as he lay dying from cancer.

Then, our dear friend Dorothy left this earth. She left in much pain and I don't know of her condition with Jesus. She always proclaimed much faith. I will trust God.

Sweet Daddy left us shortly afterward. He knew his Jesus was waiting for him. As he lay in his bed in the nursing home he looked up and said "He is coming for me!"

And now my sweet friend Jeannie is with her Father in Heaven.

Five years, wow. If we were Hallmark givers we would give wood or silverware gifts for the five year anniversary. I think I will set my table with my Mom's silverware tomorrow night to commemorate all my sweet loved ones who have lost their battle here on earth but have gained Heaven's Glory.

The picture above is of the Silver Bells. Rejoice!

Jeannie

Our beloved friend, mama, granny, pastor's wife...

went to be with Jesus this afternoon. We will all miss her.

I can't imagine a world without her sweet spirit. God has divinely chosen to take her. Thank you Jesus for ending her suffering.

Endless love to you Starks family.

Sweet Stuff

I redeemed my Hallmark points today and bought the movie "A Dog Named Christmas".

Oh My....They should have included a package of kleenex with it.

If you haven't seen it, find it. Rent it, buy it, borrow it...you can borrow mine :-)

Wren Bay

I just finished the most beautiful, enchanting book. You simply must read it. I will loan you my copy if you would like, but it is worth adding to your collection to read over and over again.

Every page is a delight. As you read about young bride Wren's life I'm sure you will travel back in time and feel part of her story. Wren even shares her own recipes which sound so yummy.

The author Clarice Fox-Hughes is a delight. I sent her an email and I feel already that I have found a new friend.

S T R E T C H I N G

No, This isn't a yoga post. No, it's not a nutrition post.

It is a post about being incredibly human and unkowing.

I had the extreme privilege this morning of ministering to a family that I love dearly.

They have just suffered a very deep loss.

Upon entering their home you would never sense a loss. A toddler runs through the house with all the curly haired excitement that only an 18 month old can generate. There are signs everywhere of family life. The smell of maple syrup in the air. The random toys left in the midst of some great adventure. Yet Daddy tries to gather everything up in one fell swoop and make it right. (By the way Great Job Daddy)

So, I set myself to the task at hand. Feed Mommy, do laundry, clean the kitchen. But, as I start to straighten the living room I start to weep. There are signs of an ongoing, thriving, loving family life here. There are cars and broken branches, scattered crumbs, mail that lies on the floor...

Scene two...Mommy asks me for a meal. I don't know her kitchen. I don't even know how to make the malt-o-meal she is requesting. So I utter a prayer, right OUT LOUD, Please Lord help me bless this family.

Don't be afraid to cry right out loud for all to hear:

"Lord help me bless this dear one!"

Scene Three: My friend is very gracious and says everything was perfect and delicious. Kitchen is clean. Nothing is put back where they can find it. I leave and my precious friend sleeps and heals.

Thank you Jesus.

Come Thou Fount...

Everyone loves Fall for a different reason. One of my reasons, really~~ honestly just one of many, is the song "Come Thou Fount of Many Blessings".

I particularly love the phrase "Here I Raise My Ebenezer."

My stone of help and redemption and remembrance. As we enter our season of harvest, raise your stone of Ebenezer; whatever it may be. Feel free to take a rock from your garden, the lake, the craft store and imprint it with the word Ebenezer as you pray to the Lord of our harvest.