DALLAS – Matt Chandler doesn't feel anything when the radiation penetrates his brain. It could start to burn later in treatment. But it hasn't been bad, this time lying on the slab. Not yet, anyway.

Chandler's lanky 6-foot-5-inch frame rests on a table at Baylor University Medical Center. He wears the same kind of jeans he wears preaching to 6,000 people at The Village Church in suburban Flower Mound, where the 35-year-old pastor is a rising star evangelical Christianity.

Read more of the article about Matt Chandler here...

My first introduction to Matt Chandler was via Wretched Radio when they played this sound bite several months ago.





I've been listening to Matt's sermons via podcast ever since. This man preaches the gospel, preaches it well and is living what he preaches.

DALLAS – Matt Chandler doesn't feel anything when the radiation penetrates his brain. It could start to burn later in treatment. But it hasn't been bad, this time lying on the slab. Not yet, anyway.

Chandler's lanky 6-foot-5-inch frame rests on a table at Baylor University Medical Center. He wears the same kind of jeans he wears preaching to 6,000 people at The Village Church in suburban Flower Mound, where the 35-year-old pastor is a rising star evangelical Christianity.

Read more of the article about Matt Chandler here...

My first introduction to Matt Chandler was via Wretched Radio when they played this sound bite several months ago.





I've been listening to Matt's sermons via podcast ever since. This man preaches the gospel, preaches it well and is living what he preaches.

The LORD is my shepherd

"The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need!" Psalm 23:1

The shepherd is a favorite Scriptural picture of the divine love and care. In the Old Testament, the twenty-third Psalm gathers the whole wonderful truth in exquisite lines, which are dear to young and old wherever the Bible is known. Then in the New Testament, when our Lord would give His friends the sweetest revealings of His heart toward them, and tell them what they are to Him, and what He would be to them—He says, "I am the Good Shepherd."

The Hebrew shepherd lives with his sheep. If they are out in the storm—he is with them. If they are exposed to danger—so is he. Just so, Christ lives with His people. He enters into closest relations with them.

The shepherd knows his sheep. He has a name for each one and calls them all by their names. Just so, Christ knows each one of His friends, has intimate personal knowledge of each one. He knows the best in us—and also the worst—our faults, our sins, our wanderings. Yet, knowing us as we are—He loves us still and never wearies of us!

The shepherd is most gentle with his sheep. He does not drive them—but goes before them and leads them. When they need rest on the way—he makes them lie down, and chooses for their resting-place, not the dusty road—but green pastures. He is especially kind to the lambs, gathers them in his arms and carries them in his bosom. All this is an exquisite picture of the gentleness of our Good Shepherd in His care of His sheep. He is thoughtful toward the weak. He loves the lambs and makes room for them on His bosom. Whatever the need is, there is something in the heart of Christ which meets its craving and supplies its lack!

The shepherd defends his flock in all danger. Often he had to risk his own safety, even his life, in protecting his sheep. Just so, the Good Shepherd gives His life—for His sheep!

Christ's sheep are absolutely safe in His keeping. "I give unto them eternal life," He said; "and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!" Then at last, He will bring His own all safely home, "and they shall become one flock—with one Shepherd!"

JR Miller

"The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need!" Psalm 23:1

The shepherd is a favorite Scriptural picture of the divine love and care. In the Old Testament, the twenty-third Psalm gathers the whole wonderful truth in exquisite lines, which are dear to young and old wherever the Bible is known. Then in the New Testament, when our Lord would give His friends the sweetest revealings of His heart toward them, and tell them what they are to Him, and what He would be to them—He says, "I am the Good Shepherd."

The Hebrew shepherd lives with his sheep. If they are out in the storm—he is with them. If they are exposed to danger—so is he. Just so, Christ lives with His people. He enters into closest relations with them.

The shepherd knows his sheep. He has a name for each one and calls them all by their names. Just so, Christ knows each one of His friends, has intimate personal knowledge of each one. He knows the best in us—and also the worst—our faults, our sins, our wanderings. Yet, knowing us as we are—He loves us still and never wearies of us!

The shepherd is most gentle with his sheep. He does not drive them—but goes before them and leads them. When they need rest on the way—he makes them lie down, and chooses for their resting-place, not the dusty road—but green pastures. He is especially kind to the lambs, gathers them in his arms and carries them in his bosom. All this is an exquisite picture of the gentleness of our Good Shepherd in His care of His sheep. He is thoughtful toward the weak. He loves the lambs and makes room for them on His bosom. Whatever the need is, there is something in the heart of Christ which meets its craving and supplies its lack!

The shepherd defends his flock in all danger. Often he had to risk his own safety, even his life, in protecting his sheep. Just so, the Good Shepherd gives His life—for His sheep!

Christ's sheep are absolutely safe in His keeping. "I give unto them eternal life," He said; "and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!" Then at last, He will bring His own all safely home, "and they shall become one flock—with one Shepherd!"

JR Miller

Money saved since I quit smoking 27 months ago.

Money saved since I quit smoking 27 months ago.

Setting: Right after the smell of smoke took over my basement because of the dryer.

Me: Mitch, I need you to reach your hand into the dryer vent, it's that hole in the wall right there, and get the lint out. 

Mitchell: I'm not putting my hand in there.

Me: Mitch...It's what men do. Now go get the lint.

Mitchell bravely puts his hand in about 4 inches.

Me: You have to reach all the way in to the end.

Mitchell: *sigh*

After a few seconds...

Mitchell: Here. *hands me some lint*

Me: Great! Go see if there is more.

Mitchell: There isn't any more. I got it all.

Me: Go check one more time.

Mitchell reaches in again....

Mitchell: Here's some more. *hands me more lint*

Me: Excellent! Check again.

Mitchell: Mom...I got it all.

Me: Go check again.

Mitchell: Mom! I got it all!!

Me: Just go make sure.

Mitchell: sighing with annoyance as he reaches in.

Mitchell: Here. That's it. It's all gone. *hands me more lint*

Me: Great! Check again.

Mitchell: MOM!! I got it ALL.

Me: You said that 3 times already and you found more. Check again.

Mitchell: Mom, I am serious. I got it all.

Me: Okay...Go get Reagan. I want him to check it for me.

Mitchell muttering to himself as he walks upstairs: Why doesn't she ever believe me....

~~~~~~~~~

Hmmm...I wonder why?? ;o)

Setting: Right after the smell of smoke took over my basement because of the dryer.

Me: Mitch, I need you to reach your hand into the dryer vent, it's that hole in the wall right there, and get the lint out. 

Mitchell: I'm not putting my hand in there.

Me: Mitch...It's what men do. Now go get the lint.

Mitchell bravely puts his hand in about 4 inches.

Me: You have to reach all the way in to the end.

Mitchell: *sigh*

After a few seconds...

Mitchell: Here. *hands me some lint*

Me: Great! Go see if there is more.

Mitchell: There isn't any more. I got it all.

Me: Go check one more time.

Mitchell reaches in again....

Mitchell: Here's some more. *hands me more lint*

Me: Excellent! Check again.

Mitchell: Mom...I got it all.

Me: Go check again.

Mitchell: Mom! I got it all!!

Me: Just go make sure.

Mitchell: sighing with annoyance as he reaches in.

Mitchell: Here. That's it. It's all gone. *hands me more lint*

Me: Great! Check again.

Mitchell: MOM!! I got it ALL.

Me: You said that 3 times already and you found more. Check again.

Mitchell: Mom, I am serious. I got it all.

Me: Okay...Go get Reagan. I want him to check it for me.

Mitchell muttering to himself as he walks upstairs: Why doesn't she ever believe me....

~~~~~~~~~

Hmmm...I wonder why?? ;o)

Guess its time...

...for a new dryer. I went to check to see if the clothes were dry. As I was walking down the steps, I got a whiff of smoke. When I opened the dryer, it became very clear where the source of smoke was coming from. Yup...My dryer was catching fire. I am very thankful I caught it before there were flames coming out of it!!

Edit...Maybe not!! I had Mitchell help me clean out the vent pipe exit that leads outside and he was able to get out LOTS of lint. Maybe it was just clogged??

...for a new dryer. I went to check to see if the clothes were dry. As I was walking down the steps, I got a whiff of smoke. When I opened the dryer, it became very clear where the source of smoke was coming from. Yup...My dryer was catching fire. I am very thankful I caught it before there were flames coming out of it!!

Edit...Maybe not!! I had Mitchell help me clean out the vent pipe exit that leads outside and he was able to get out LOTS of lint. Maybe it was just clogged??

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know yesterday Apple announced their new toy...the iPad.

I confess, I have been anxiously waiting to see what it was going to be like and have been following the rumors for months about it , so I was pretty pumped when it was announced. After watching the videos, reading the specs and measuring my purse to see if it would fit, I calmed down enough to really think about whether I would use it. I concluded it was just an overgrown iTouch and one that I can't carry easily. If the later generations come out with features that make me want to take a second look, maybe I'll consider it, but for now, it's a "no go" for this Apple fan...

Sorry, Josh Harris, I am with Tim Challies on this one....

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know yesterday Apple announced their new toy...the iPad.

I confess, I have been anxiously waiting to see what it was going to be like and have been following the rumors for months about it , so I was pretty pumped when it was announced. After watching the videos, reading the specs and measuring my purse to see if it would fit, I calmed down enough to really think about whether I would use it. I concluded it was just an overgrown iTouch and one that I can't carry easily. If the later generations come out with features that make me want to take a second look, maybe I'll consider it, but for now, it's a "no go" for this Apple fan...

Sorry, Josh Harris, I am with Tim Challies on this one....

Isn't that a beautiful promise from our Lord Jesus? This morning's Grace Gem speaks on that very promise. His sufficient grace is holding me up as I continue to walk the difficult path of letting go of someone I love very much. A new layer of acceptance has been dealt with the last few days. How many more levels I have to go, I am unsure, but it feels like I am nearing the end....Only God knows and His grace is sufficient for me...

I trust today's Grace Gem will bless you today, as much as it did me...

~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

There is a secret of victorious living which, if people knew it, would make all of life easier for them. It may be stated thus: that as we take up any duty and go forward with it, we shall receive the strength we need to do it. There are several Divine promises that give this assurance.

One reads, "As your days--so shall your strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25. This seems to mean that the help which God gives, varies according to the necessity of the particular day. God fits His blessing--to our days.
When we are faint--He increases strength.
When we are sorrowful--He gives comfort.
When we are in danger--He grants protection.
When we are weary--He gives rest.
"As your days--so shall your strength be."

Another of Christ's promises reads, "My grace is sufficient for you." Every word of this assurance shines with radiant light.

"My grace is sufficient for you." It is Christ's grace that is sufficient. We know that He has all Divine fullness, and therefore we are sure that no human need can ever exhaust His power to give help!

"My grace is sufficient for you." It is Christ's grace that is sufficient. If it were anything else but grace, it might not give us such comfort. Grace is undeserved favor, goodness shown to the unworthy. We deserve nothing, for we are sinners. But it is Christ's grace which is sufficient, and so we can claim it.

"My grace is sufficient for you." It is present tense--IS sufficient. Christ is always speaking personally to the one who is in any need, and saying, "My grace IS sufficient for you."

"My grace is sufficient for you." The word "sufficient" is one whose meaning expands and amplifies with the measure of the need. No necessity is so small as not to be included; and none is so great as to go beyond the capacity of the blessing that is promised.

"My grace is sufficient for you." The grace is sufficient for each of His redeemed children--"for you" the promise runs.

Life lies before us, with . . .
  its burdens,
  its duties,
  its responsibilities,
  its struggles,
  its perplexities.
It does not come to us all in one piece. God breaks our years--into months and weeks and days, and never gives us more than just a little at a time--never more than we can bear or do for the day.

If we take up the present duty or burden--we shall always have strength to do it. If we do not have strength of our own sufficient for the work or struggle, we need not falter--but should go on, just as if we had omnipotence in our arm; for as we obey God, though the task is impossible to our ability--He will sustain us by giving us all the help we need. 

Isn't that a beautiful promise from our Lord Jesus? This morning's Grace Gem speaks on that very promise. His sufficient grace is holding me up as I continue to walk the difficult path of letting go of someone I love very much. A new layer of acceptance has been dealt with the last few days. How many more levels I have to go, I am unsure, but it feels like I am nearing the end....Only God knows and His grace is sufficient for me...

I trust today's Grace Gem will bless you today, as much as it did me...

~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

There is a secret of victorious living which, if people knew it, would make all of life easier for them. It may be stated thus: that as we take up any duty and go forward with it, we shall receive the strength we need to do it. There are several Divine promises that give this assurance.

One reads, "As your days--so shall your strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25. This seems to mean that the help which God gives, varies according to the necessity of the particular day. God fits His blessing--to our days.
When we are faint--He increases strength.
When we are sorrowful--He gives comfort.
When we are in danger--He grants protection.
When we are weary--He gives rest.
"As your days--so shall your strength be."

Another of Christ's promises reads, "My grace is sufficient for you." Every word of this assurance shines with radiant light.

"My grace is sufficient for you." It is Christ's grace that is sufficient. We know that He has all Divine fullness, and therefore we are sure that no human need can ever exhaust His power to give help!

"My grace is sufficient for you." It is Christ's grace that is sufficient. If it were anything else but grace, it might not give us such comfort. Grace is undeserved favor, goodness shown to the unworthy. We deserve nothing, for we are sinners. But it is Christ's grace which is sufficient, and so we can claim it.

"My grace is sufficient for you." It is present tense--IS sufficient. Christ is always speaking personally to the one who is in any need, and saying, "My grace IS sufficient for you."

"My grace is sufficient for you." The word "sufficient" is one whose meaning expands and amplifies with the measure of the need. No necessity is so small as not to be included; and none is so great as to go beyond the capacity of the blessing that is promised.

"My grace is sufficient for you." The grace is sufficient for each of His redeemed children--"for you" the promise runs.

Life lies before us, with . . .
  its burdens,
  its duties,
  its responsibilities,
  its struggles,
  its perplexities.
It does not come to us all in one piece. God breaks our years--into months and weeks and days, and never gives us more than just a little at a time--never more than we can bear or do for the day.

If we take up the present duty or burden--we shall always have strength to do it. If we do not have strength of our own sufficient for the work or struggle, we need not falter--but should go on, just as if we had omnipotence in our arm; for as we obey God, though the task is impossible to our ability--He will sustain us by giving us all the help we need. 

Susan, @ Girls in White Dresses had a giveaway of three 8"x8" hardback photo books by Shutterfly and I won one of them! I can't wait to get started!!

Susan, @ Girls in White Dresses had a giveaway of three 8"x8" hardback photo books by Shutterfly and I won one of them! I can't wait to get started!!

Last night I celebrated with the women of my church the birth of a new baby. It's a joy to welcome a new little one into the fold. In the warm room of our hostess' home there was laughter mixed in the sounds of "oohing" and "ahhing" over his sweet face, as well as admiring the new gifts that were being showered upon the new mom. However, I knew there was something else in that room...Something not being expressed loudly, but I could see it and I could feel it.

~Grief~

I knew at least two of the women had suffered the great loss of a child. One lost her first baby boy as a young infant to Trisomy 13. Another had lost her 19 year old son to meningitis several years ago. I watched the mom who had lost her grown son hesitate, ever so slightly, as she introduced her self. I could see her trying to decide if she should say she is a mom of two or a mom of one. She ended up saying she was a mom of two and I was glad she did.

In my own life, I am dealing with a potential loss that I am unable, as this time, to discuss openly. A few of my friends "with skin on" are aware of the grief that I am experiencing, and I am thankful that I am able to talk about it with them. It helps to not feel alone in this sadness. I am grateful for their compassion and love...

As I was saying goodbye to the hostess, I mentioned that I almost didn't come and the tears that are never too far away began to freely flow. She asked me to wait a second...She ran up the stairs and came down with a book in her hand she had purchased for me. She explained she had read it when one of her friends had lost a child so she could understand the grief her friend was dealing with and support her during that time. She said she was waiting until the right time to give it to me. To say I was deeply touched, is putting it mildly...

The book she handed me is titled, "Holding On To Hope: A pathway through suffering to the heart of God," by Nancy Guthrie. I couldn't wait to read it, so when I woke up at 4:30 this morning, instead of snuggling in for a couple more hours of sleep, I got up and grabbed a cup of coffee, my box of tissues, the book and my hubby showered me with chocolate as he made his way to the basement to work out. I settled into my chair and began to read...weep...read...and weep some more. It's a short and easy read that is filled with, well, hope. Would I recommend it? Absolutely!! Would I recommend you give it to someone you know who is grieving? Yes, however, I would recommend you read it first and then decide how to share it with them. Every situation is different. Some situations, like mine, it would be fine to give them the book or suggest the book for to them to read and let them read it when they are ready. Someone else may need someone to read it with them.

I leave you with these words from the Apostle Paul.

 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Chris and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. ~Philippians 3: 8-11

Be blessed...

Last night I celebrated with the women of my church the birth of a new baby. It's a joy to welcome a new little one into the fold. In the warm room of our hostess' home there was laughter mixed in the sounds of "oohing" and "ahhing" over his sweet face, as well as admiring the new gifts that were being showered upon the new mom. However, I knew there was something else in that room...Something not being expressed loudly, but I could see it and I could feel it.

~Grief~

I knew at least two of the women had suffered the great loss of a child. One lost her first baby boy as a young infant to Trisomy 13. Another had lost her 19 year old son to meningitis several years ago. I watched the mom who had lost her grown son hesitate, ever so slightly, as she introduced her self. I could see her trying to decide if she should say she is a mom of two or a mom of one. She ended up saying she was a mom of two and I was glad she did.

In my own life, I am dealing with a potential loss that I am unable, as this time, to discuss openly. A few of my friends "with skin on" are aware of the grief that I am experiencing, and I am thankful that I am able to talk about it with them. It helps to not feel alone in this sadness. I am grateful for their compassion and love...

As I was saying goodbye to the hostess, I mentioned that I almost didn't come and the tears that are never too far away began to freely flow. She asked me to wait a second...She ran up the stairs and came down with a book in her hand she had purchased for me. She explained she had read it when one of her friends had lost a child so she could understand the grief her friend was dealing with and support her during that time. She said she was waiting until the right time to give it to me. To say I was deeply touched, is putting it mildly...

The book she handed me is titled, "Holding On To Hope: A pathway through suffering to the heart of God," by Nancy Guthrie. I couldn't wait to read it, so when I woke up at 4:30 this morning, instead of snuggling in for a couple more hours of sleep, I got up and grabbed a cup of coffee, my box of tissues, the book and my hubby showered me with chocolate as he made his way to the basement to work out. I settled into my chair and began to read...weep...read...and weep some more. It's a short and easy read that is filled with, well, hope. Would I recommend it? Absolutely!! Would I recommend you give it to someone you know who is grieving? Yes, however, I would recommend you read it first and then decide how to share it with them. Every situation is different. Some situations, like mine, it would be fine to give them the book or suggest the book for to them to read and let them read it when they are ready. Someone else may need someone to read it with them.

I leave you with these words from the Apostle Paul.

 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Chris and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. ~Philippians 3: 8-11

Be blessed...

Kind of a mess

I've been having some technical difficulty with my blog. I am working on fixing them today, so things may be pretty goofy at times. :o).

Fixed it! I lost some comments, but that's the way it goes, I guess...I got rid of the Disqus commenting system. It's been nothing but a pain and it was no picnic getting rid of it either!!

I've been having some technical difficulty with my blog. I am working on fixing them today, so things may be pretty goofy at times. :o).

Fixed it! I lost some comments, but that's the way it goes, I guess...I got rid of the Disqus commenting system. It's been nothing but a pain and it was no picnic getting rid of it either!!

The one word to accurately define my week would be:

tension |ˈten sh ən|

Tuesday, my chiropractor took care of this type of tension...

•the state of having the muscles stretched tight, esp. as causing strain or discomfort: the elimination of neck tension can relieve headaches.

The next two go hand in hand:

• the degree of tightness of stitches in machine sewing.
• mental or emotional strain : a mind that is affected by stress or tension cannot think as clearly.

See if you can follow along...

I have been battling with my sewing machine (tension) all week. Of course, it only acts up when I have a project that must be done at a certain time (tension). A mom at church asked me to make a crib skirt for her new baby boy. This would be the mom I am avoiding for 100 years due to the butterfly fiasco (tension). With Thursday being the day of her baby shower, I was on a time crunch (tension) to get it done and since it's a gift, I wanted it to look especially nice (tension). I've never made one before (tension), but the pattern looked easy enough.

As I began to sew, I realized something was off (tension) with my sewing machine, but no matter what adjustments (tension) I tried, I couldn't get it right (tension) (tension). In desperation, I came out of lurkdom and posted on Stashbusters (tension). Within minutes of posting, the internet went down (tension). I was on my own in dealing with (tension) and (tension). I dug out the owner's manual and researched (tension). I study (tension). I adjust (tension). I test (tension). Rinse and repeat a dozen times (tension).  Then, in desperation (tension), I turn to the page in my manuel....How To Thread Your Machine...Just in case, you know. Of course, I am not silly enough to have my machine threaded wrong.

No way....

Ummm...Yes, way.

embarrassed | emˈbarəst|

feeling or showing embarrassment : she became embarrassed at her own effusiveness 

As of this morning, all are taken care of, except for the part about cannot think as clearly. That seems to be my status quo.

The one word to accurately define my week would be:

tension |ˈten sh ən|

Tuesday, my chiropractor took care of this type of tension...

•the state of having the muscles stretched tight, esp. as causing strain or discomfort: the elimination of neck tension can relieve headaches.

The next two go hand in hand:

• the degree of tightness of stitches in machine sewing.
• mental or emotional strain : a mind that is affected by stress or tension cannot think as clearly.

See if you can follow along...

I have been battling with my sewing machine (tension) all week. Of course, it only acts up when I have a project that must be done at a certain time (tension). A mom at church asked me to make a crib skirt for her new baby boy. This would be the mom I am avoiding for 100 years due to the butterfly fiasco (tension). With Thursday being the day of her baby shower, I was on a time crunch (tension) to get it done and since it's a gift, I wanted it to look especially nice (tension). I've never made one before (tension), but the pattern looked easy enough.

As I began to sew, I realized something was off (tension) with my sewing machine, but no matter what adjustments (tension) I tried, I couldn't get it right (tension) (tension). In desperation, I came out of lurkdom and posted on Stashbusters (tension). Within minutes of posting, the internet went down (tension). I was on my own in dealing with (tension) and (tension). I dug out the owner's manual and researched (tension). I study (tension). I adjust (tension). I test (tension). Rinse and repeat a dozen times (tension).  Then, in desperation (tension), I turn to the page in my manuel....How To Thread Your Machine...Just in case, you know. Of course, I am not silly enough to have my machine threaded wrong.

No way....

Ummm...Yes, way.

embarrassed | emˈbarəst|

feeling or showing embarrassment : she became embarrassed at her own effusiveness 

As of this morning, all are taken care of, except for the part about cannot think as clearly. That seems to be my status quo.

Even though I stock up on Warm & Natural when I find it on sale for a very good price (most recently, I found the queen size batting in a bag for $10! Woot!) I still save almost every scrap.  One of the members on Stashbusters posted a way to use up the long skinny strips of batting. On this rainy icy day, I decided it was a good time to give it a try.

I pinned them together to get them to my sewing machine and zig-zap stitched all around the edges.

All layered up and ready to be pin basted and then quilted. This little lady is going to be a practice piece for free motion quilting.

Even though I stock up on Warm & Natural when I find it on sale for a very good price (most recently, I found the queen size batting in a bag for $10! Woot!) I still save almost every scrap.  One of the members on Stashbusters posted a way to use up the long skinny strips of batting. On this rainy icy day, I decided it was a good time to give it a try.

I pinned them together to get them to my sewing machine and zig-zap stitched all around the edges.

All layered up and ready to be pin basted and then quilted. This little lady is going to be a practice piece for free motion quilting.

1~ A vintage pillow case...

A very pretty one at that...

2 ~ Insert wedding shower gifts...

3 ~ Tie it up with a pretty ribbon...

 

Equals ~ A cute way to wrap a present and much cheaper than wrapping paper or a paper gift bag.

What do you think? Good idea or not?

1~ A vintage pillow case...

A very pretty one at that...

2 ~ Insert wedding shower gifts...

3 ~ Tie it up with a pretty ribbon...

 

Equals ~ A cute way to wrap a present and much cheaper than wrapping paper or a paper gift bag.

What do you think? Good idea or not?

If you are looking for a way to help those in Haiti, Beki @ the Rusted chain has a generous offer to help Compassion International's disaster fund and it involves the Blessed necklace you see here. Go check it out....

Pray for the people of Haiti...

If you are looking for a way to help those in Haiti, Beki @ the Rusted chain has a generous offer to help Compassion International's disaster fund and it involves the Blessed necklace you see here. Go check it out....

Pray for the people of Haiti...

I love making baby quilts. One of my favorites to make is Speedy Baby 2 by Taffy Talk. It's super easy and cute. It's a great one for beginners. Like me. :o)

This one will be for baby Zeke. This is the first time I have used Minky in a sewing project. The price of it keeps me from purchasing it, however, I had a special coupon so I splurged and bought some. I haven't decided what to use for the backing yet. I need to study it for a while.

I love making baby quilts. One of my favorites to make is Speedy Baby 2 by Taffy Talk. It's super easy and cute. It's a great one for beginners. Like me. :o)

This one will be for baby Zeke. This is the first time I have used Minky in a sewing project. The price of it keeps me from purchasing it, however, I had a special coupon so I splurged and bought some. I haven't decided what to use for the backing yet. I need to study it for a while.

First quilt finish of 2010

The fabric I chose for Amanda's quilt is the Free Spirit line Sweet Escape by Verna Mosquera. I didn't follow a pattern with this one. I love the look of stacked coins, so I used that concept and made the coins into bricks instead. ;o) The finished quilt measures aprox 80" x 90". The white fabric I used is a vintage bed sheet. I live the crispness of the older cotton sheets. I visit the thrift stores regularly to search for them. For the binding, I like to make it scrappy and use the left over pieces of the fabric in the quilt.

I like to make the back of the quilt pretty, too.

The fabric I chose for Amanda's quilt is the Free Spirit line Sweet Escape by Verna Mosquera. I didn't follow a pattern with this one. I love the look of stacked coins, so I used that concept and made the coins into bricks instead. ;o) The finished quilt measures aprox 80" x 90". The white fabric I used is a vintage bed sheet. I live the crispness of the older cotton sheets. I visit the thrift stores regularly to search for them. For the binding, I like to make it scrappy and use the left over pieces of the fabric in the quilt.

I like to make the back of the quilt pretty, too.

Have you been to The Poppies Blog? You simply must go and see all the darling children, who just happen to have Down Syndrome, being showcased there. It's one of my favorite blogs to visit.

While I was visiting yesterday, I got curious as to how she got the cute fonts for her blog titles and sidebar titles to show up there. I knew I didn't have her font in my font book, so I knew there had to be a trick. I did a right click to read her page source (Yes, I am one of those geeks who likes to read code and try to decipher it). I couldn't figure it out. Not to give up so easily, I went to Google and ran a search using  "fancy fonts blog post title" as the parameters.  First hit landed me at Cutesify with a link to one of Kevin and Amanda's sites with the detailed instructions on how to  make cute fonts show up on your blog post titles and sidebar titles. Woot!









Now, it looks complicated and I was totally intimidated at first, however I really, really wanted cute fonts on my blog, so I took several deep breaths and dove on in. Take it slow, read carefully and you can do the same thing for your blog, too.

Have fun!

Have you been to The Poppies Blog? You simply must go and see all the darling children, who just happen to have Down Syndrome, being showcased there. It's one of my favorite blogs to visit.

While I was visiting yesterday, I got curious as to how she got the cute fonts for her blog titles and sidebar titles to show up there. I knew I didn't have her font in my font book, so I knew there had to be a trick. I did a right click to read her page source (Yes, I am one of those geeks who likes to read code and try to decipher it). I couldn't figure it out. Not to give up so easily, I went to Google and ran a search using  "fancy fonts blog post title" as the parameters.  First hit landed me at Cutesify with a link to one of Kevin and Amanda's sites with the detailed instructions on how to  make cute fonts show up on your blog post titles and sidebar titles. Woot!









Now, it looks complicated and I was totally intimidated at first, however I really, really wanted cute fonts on my blog, so I took several deep breaths and dove on in. Take it slow, read carefully and you can do the same thing for your blog, too.

Have fun!

Ezekiel Kenneth was born tonight at 6:14. A big baby boy weighing 8 pounds 10 ounces and measuring 22 inches long.

Yeah! A new baby to love up on!

Casey's baby decided to stay put a little longer. It is mighty cold here, so perhaps that's why. However, the medical team is intervening and Casey was induced around noon. Now, I wait...and wait...and wait...

Ezekiel Kenneth was born tonight at 6:14. A big baby boy weighing 8 pounds 10 ounces and measuring 22 inches long.

Yeah! A new baby to love up on!

Casey's baby decided to stay put a little longer. It is mighty cold here, so perhaps that's why. However, the medical team is intervening and Casey was induced around noon. Now, I wait...and wait...and wait...

My dear friend Howard, went home to be with Jesus on the 29th of December. I will miss seeing him at the Northbrook Manor birthday parties listening to him play the piano and sing...However, I don't grieve as those who have no hope, for Howard was a redeemed sheep and he is with His Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

See you later, Howard...

My dear friend Howard, went home to be with Jesus on the 29th of December. I will miss seeing him at the Northbrook Manor birthday parties listening to him play the piano and sing...However, I don't grieve as those who have no hope, for Howard was a redeemed sheep and he is with His Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

See you later, Howard...

This one is for Amanda.

This one is for Amanda.

Sewing Projects 2009

Ironing board cover

My camera case

Amy's diaper bag

Ironing board cover

My camera case

Amy's diaper bag

Sewing projects 2009

Brooklyn's baby doll quilt

Cell phone purses

Totebags

Brooklyn's baby doll quilt

Cell phone purses

Totebags