Goodbye old, hello New (Year)

 

As the old year washes away, the new year brings with it new possibilities and opportunities.  

What are your goals for 2019?

 

Day 30

 

For the last few years I've seen bloggers post their one word for the coming year. It's been an interesting concept, one that takes the place of a New Year's resolution. I tried doing it a couple of times. The problem was, I'm not sure I actually followed through. What's really funny is I can't even remember what those words were.

So tell me, do you have a new word for 2019? Has one word encouraged you to fulfill your goals in 2018? I'd like to hear how your one word for 2018 motivated you throughout the year. And then share with us your new one word for 2019.

If I were to choose one word I think it might be "kindness". I think it's something that I need to work on. I want to show more kindness to others. Whether it's sharing a smile with a stranger in the grocery store, holding the door open for someone else, or letting someone go ahead of me in the line. Being kind means not being selfish and thinking only of myself and my needs. At the end of my life, I would like to be remembered as being kind. 

What about you? Does your word reflect a quality you desire to share?

 

Who I Am With You - a review

Many of my regular readers know that I review books for several publishing houses. There are times I don't have anything to read, and then there are the times when I have several in my pocket. This month has been pretty busy, and I had three books I was reading. The one thing that keeps me on track is reading one book that is a historical fiction and another that is contemporary. Easy to keep them separate.

The latest contemporary fiction that was on my night stand was "Who I Am With You" by Robin Lee Hatcher.

 I don't think I've ever read anything written by Robin Lee Hatcher before, but I can tell you that I will be seeking out her other books. She is an excellent writer, one that takes you into the hearts of her characters.

This story is about two hurting people who find themselves isolated after going through a difficult heart wrenching time in their lives. Ridley Chesterfield hides away at his parents mountain cabin, trying to get a grip on a political scandel that has left his good name in shambles. Jessica Mason, a recent widow, awaits the arrival of her unborn child. Her husband's betrayal digs a pain so deep that she wonders if she will ever climb out of that pit.

I was a little confused with the connection between the stories linking the contemporary and the depression era. When Jessica begins to read her great grandfather's Bible, she finds that his faith never wavered, even in the midst of a trial that nearly destroys his family. That link will, apparently, be carried out in the Legacy of Faith series.

I loved this story. It was tender and heartwarming watching how two people find their way to forgive the people who have wronged them. And in the process, allow their hearts to unharden.

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

 

What the year has brought

This year has flown by. And not without it's challenges. I can't own up to much sewing or quilting. Most of my sewing has been in making pillowcases for Ryan's Case for Smiles.

There has been other things filling our lives. Hubby had some health issues. Between running to Doctors visits, medical tests and some minor surgeries, that put us on hold for several months. And after a long battle with an autoimmune disease for years, my hubby's older brother, passed away.

 

 It's been a difficult time for the family, as he and his siblings were all very close. I have known George for over 40 years, and he was like a brother to me. But knowing that we will meet together again one day in heaven, is a blessing we can all share when we know Jesus as our savior.

So the year hasn't been without their challenges. It's hard to work up motivation to sew and quilt when you heart is not really into it.  But I'm hoping this new year will change that. We have a new grandbaby on the way. So a quilt will soon be in order.

I hope you have a happy quilting day!

 

 

Family gathering

Every Christmas Eve my hubby's family has a get together. There is lots of food and a time when the whole family gathers together. A tradition that started with hubs grandmother, passed down to his mother, and now to us to host. This year we had 45 who came.

Always amazing food

My hubby always fixes this amazing Brisket

Lots of desserts

And of course family

(cousins)

I hope in the coming years, the younger generation will continue to keep this family tradition alive. As they are marrying, there are other families that will be added to the mix. Having grown up in a dysfunctional family, this is one that holds a special place in my heart.

Hoping you had a joyful Christmas and I wish for you a very blessed New Year.

The big reveal

And here it is, Day 26 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge. And what do I want to share today??

 What could possibly be hiding behind this big bow? Any guesses?

woo-hoo! Isn't she a beauty?

Okay, so I've thought about it, pondered it, dreamed about it for many years. It's a BIG decision and like when I knew that Bernina was the machine for me, the Sweet Sixteen holds the same draw. A sit down model, that can be converted to use on a long arm frame later if I change my mind. But for now, this will be my new learning curve. I hope to start off the New Year by finishing up all those UFO's that are still waiting patiently for me ;-)

Happy Quilting!

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!