Thursday, December 30, 2021

A Heart Adrift

 

Pre-revolutionary war in Virginia finds the story of Henri and Esmee, finding their relationship resuming after a ten year absence.

This historical fiction has everything to draw you into 1755. There is mystery, romance, faith and history brimming with detail. 

Laura Frantz is a master story teller in this time period. She brings her characters to life, with hope and believability. It's a fascinating redemption story. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Revell. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

To Do List

 

Can't think of a better way to finish out the holiday season :-)

Monday, December 27, 2021

Happy Birthday

 To our beautiful girl .................


Best Christmas present we ever received!!

Saturday, December 25, 2021

Merry Christmas

 

May the celebration of the birth of Jesus inspire us all to rejoice and to serve Him with humble hearts. May we always remember the "Reason for the Season". That our Heavenly Father loved us so much that He gave His beloved Son to this fallen world, to die for our sins so that we may live forever with Him. 
It's a gift that cannot be earned or worked for. 
It's free to all men.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Down time

A couple of weeks ago, I somehow injured my back. So I have not been able to do much. I believe it is an old injury that has flared. I've been taking Aleve and trying to rest.

So that means no sewing or even finishing the Christmas decorating and sending out cards. 

But a very sweet friend sent me the most adorable Mug Rug and I wanted to share it with you.


 Isn't that just the cutest?  Thanks Darlene.

I have been doing some reading and reviewing during my down time. I read a lot of books, both on my Kindle and paper ones. You can go to my Book Reviews at the top of this page and take a look.

Hope your days are Merry and Bright :-)

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

The Gift of Prayer

 

Who is on your heart today? Prayer is a powerful thing. It connects us to God, one on one. You can pray for big things but God also hears us when we pray for little things. Nothing is too small for God. You can pray for our nation and our leaders. For protection for our children, and those you love.

If someone is on your heart, spend time praying for that person, and then send them a note letting them know. You may be surprised how appreciated it will be.

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Cute gift idea

 

I've posted this before but I still think this is a cute idea.

A couple of years ago I made these cute little snowmen for the children of some friends.  They were fun and easy.  There's a Hershey bar wrapped under the snowman.  The hats are those inexpensive children's gloves. I still think this is one of the cutest little gifties for someone whether they are young and old :-)

You can find a link for the template HERE.
(p.s. be sure to turn the template to the Landscape position before printing)

Happy Christmas Quilting!

Monday, December 20, 2021

The Gift of Generosity

 


Many of us give to our family and friends during the holidays. But consider giving to someone who is not the usual recipient of your generosity. Maybe give a token of your appreciation to your local delivery person, mailman, your child's teacher, your Pastor or a banker. Your gift needn't be expensive, but as a little surprise it just lets them know they are appreciated and valued.

"The only true gift is a portion of yourself - a kind look, a heartfelt compliment, a little smile, a word of thanks."  - Miss Madeline

Sunday, December 19, 2021

Saturday, December 18, 2021

Friday, December 17, 2021

The Gift of Forgivenss


Sometimes it's hard to let go of a hurt. Especially when it is a long time standing.  But in the end, holding on to a grudge only hurts the person holding it. Anger built up only hardens your heart. 

Forgiveness is a choice. There is no one I cannot forgive. There is no one I cannot love. I can give thanks in all things. 

And above all things have fervent love for one another,

for "love will cover a multitude of sins."

1Peter 4:8

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Christmas Quilts

Christmas quilts. who doesn't love them. So many different styles.

This first one was gifted to my daughter in law.

I've always loved this quilt
a Wall hanging
12 Days of Christmas 





I hang this one in our entry way
Loaded with Christmas colors

Have you finished all of your Christmas projects

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

The Gift of Hospitality

 

Have you ever thought about how easy it is to invite someone to your home for lunch or coffee ? Yes it takes a little bit of time and effort, but it will give you so much more than it took. It really doesn't take much to brew some coffee and share some little treats.

How can you bless the people living near you?  Maybe you can run an errand for someone who is shut in. Take them a meal or grocery shop for them. Invite someone to your home for coffee or dinner. Find a way to let them know you care.  That you would like to get to know them better.

Monday, December 13, 2021

The Gift of Christmas - Gratitude

 

"Thank you." Two simple words. 

When you do something special for someone, and they do not acknowledge it with a simple Thank you, it could break the bond and prevent you from wanting to do anything for that person again. I know when I have made a quilt for someone, and get no response, not only does it feel like it wasn't worth it, it hurts a little as well. 

Saying Thank you has become a lost art. Especially with the younger generation. It only takes a few minutes to write an email, text or a Thank You note. It shows how grateful  you are for someone to take the time, thinking of you and giving a gift. 

So today, think of someone who has blessed you in some special way and acknowledge them with a Thank You.

Friday, December 10, 2021

Christmas is about giving

 


DONATE - 

During this time of  year, we tend to donate to charities. But what if we donated throughout the year? Making a quilt for someone who has lost everything. Or pillowcases for children in the hospital or those going into foster care.  Making masks for the mailman or delivery person. Soup kitchens work year round.

There are always needs for monetary donations to worthy charitable causes. It truly is more blessed to give than receive.

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." Matthew 6:3

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

The gift of Friendship

 

Have you ever wondered why friendship is such a special gift? When I was in high school, I was a new girl and didn't know anybody. A girl, Dorothy, came along side of me and welcomed me. She exhibited the true spirit of friendship.

Friendship is about trust. I've known people who act friendly but in the end they were not a "true" friend. They mostly wanted to see what they could get from you. These were the energy takers. A "true" friend is an energy giver. My late mother in law always said if you want a friend you must show yourself friendly.

"A genuine friendship is a heavenly present. It blesses our hearts because God's love is in it."  Evelyn McCurdy

If you see someone who needs a friend, why don't you make the effort and invite them into your life. You will never regret it.

Monday, December 6, 2021

The Gifts of Christmas - Time to bake

 This time of year I love to bake my very favorite cookies.

Holiday Party Cookies -

Cast of Characters

1 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
1/2 cup sugar

Blend together, then add

2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon Wheat Germ (optional)
1 Tablespoon Flax seeds (optional)

Blend everything together and add 1 1/2 cups M&M's or Chocolate Chips

Drop by teaspoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

Now that they are done, I fill plates and give them to family, friends and neighbors. It's a pass it on gift. Hopefully the recipient will do the same.
                                                        Grace at Home

Friday, December 3, 2021

The Gifts of Christmas (3)

 


PATIENCE -

Sometimes we reserve our kindest actions for strangers, while letting ourselves deal irritably with those who live with us. Today, find a way to bless your spouse, child, parent, sibling, or co-worker. Tell them how much you love and appreciate them. It's a simple thing, taking the time and opportunity to truly listen to what they have to say. 

Patience: 

1. the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.

2. an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay:to have patience with a slow learner.(dictionary.com)


Thursday, December 2, 2021

The Gifts of Christmas

 


TIME -

Our days and hours are precious to us. Once they are gone, you can never get it back. How can you give your time and attention today? Maybe you can call someone who needs a listening ear or silence your phone to give someone your undivided attention. It can make someone feel special or fill a lonely heart.

Time: A daily treasure which attracts many robbers. 

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

The Gifts of Christmas

 

How can you share the Gifts of Christmas? Some gifts don't fit in a box! Lets look at some unexpected ways you can share God's love with others this Christmas season.

CARE - The needy are all around us, and we are often called to care for them. Consider a way you can help today. Ask about how you can volunteer to serve. Whether it's Meals on Wheels, or sharing a ride to a Doctors appointment. Can you volunteer at a local shelter? Give canned goods to a local food pantry or buy a gift card for someone who is struggling.  

Today I was impressed to visit my home-bound cousin. I brought her Panera soup, and as I put it in her refrigerator, I noticed it was quite empty. She is a widow and it made me realize there are needs we often don't notice. 

Let's make an effort to be discerning in sharing with others.  There is always someone who can use a helping hand.

Monday, November 29, 2021

Together again

 This Thanksgiving is the first time the whole family has been together in two years.



Except for my boys and their families, everybody was there. It was a nice get together with good food and fellowship. 


My sister in law, who was so close to dying this year, has been doing better. So that made it a double blessing.

I hope you had a good Thanksgiving weekend.


Saturday, November 27, 2021

Shop the sale

 



In case you didn't know or get the memo, Fat Quarter Shop is having a Black Friday sale of 20% off all orders. Sale ends tonight!

Thursday, November 25, 2021

Happy Thanksgiving


                          In all things give thanks.

                                                             1 Thessalonians 5:18

Monday, November 22, 2021

The Grands

The Grands came over for a visit on Saturday and they (we) had the best time!


Higher! She kept asking me to go higher :-)



Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Apple Dip

Apples, don't you love them? It's a perfect time to make Apple Dip.




1 8 oz package Cream Cheese (soften at room temp)
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1/3 cup 10x Powdered Sugar
2 T Vanilla
1/3 cup crushed Salted Peanuts

Blend first 4 ingredients together til smooth.  Add peanuts.

Simple recipe.

Simply delicious!

Monday, November 15, 2021

So sad

 Have you ever gone back somewhere, thinking that you will find the magic like before? On our recent trip to the mountains, I wanted to go the co-op in Dillsboro NC. We have visited it for years and I always enjoyed finding some little something that caught my eye. 

Well this time I was so disappointed. Yes, they had a lot of stuff that was hand made by locals, I guess. But they just weren't up to what it used to be. The most interesting was the few wall hangings.




We drove an hour out of our way, but we won't be going back. There was always two friendly elderly ladies at the desk, but this time there were two young girls, who were more interested in socializing then helping you. Almost all the shops were closed in the town. I'm so sorry to see this little gem of a town losing how special it used to be. 

Friday, November 12, 2021

The color of fall

 As we traveled through the mountains, we were pretty amazed that there was still lots colorful leaves.


We spent a couple of days at the Top of Georgia Airstream park. It was really quite lovely.







Traveling further north, there was a little more color in the leaves.

Of course we had to stop at a quilt shop.

We found the Quilt'n Kaboodle quilt shop. And let me tell you it is huge.





The shop had some really beautiful fabric, and a very large section of mark downs. It was one of the nicest shops I have been to in a long tim.