It all started this morning...

Feeling a little stressed and overwhelmed lately, there has been little blessings today, to remind me that though I'm stressed, I'm blessed.

It all started this morning...

I found a note lying on my keyboard, as I turned the corner into my cubicle...

     God is no stranger in a far away place...
     He is as close as the wind that blows across my face.
     It is true I cannot see the wind as it blows.
     But I feel it around me, and my heart surely knows,
     That God's mighty hand can be felt everywhere,
     For there is nothing on earth, that is not in God's care.

I thought that was a very nice way to start my work day.

Later in the morning, I thought I had totally lost a very detailed spreadsheet, which took me hours to create, only to find it and restore it.

We were also missing a key in the front office, only to find it tucked tightly in the corner of a cart on the other side of the plant.

Around mid-morning, I stepped outside to collect myself... isn't that a funny saying?...

Anyway,  I stepped outside and the flowers, planted near the front entrance, were full of butterflies and moths fluttering from one flower to the next, with bees busily collecting their harvest.   Realizing they were amazingly, wonderfully created and I had the opportunity to see them at their finest, brought a smile to my face.

I heard joyful chatter and laughter coming from the conference room.... that hasn't happened in quite some time.

I also saw a friend this morning, I haven't seen in a few months.

This evening I enjoyed a nice chat with a friend I haven't been in contact with for several months.

So... I think HE got HIS point across today.  Even though I may be stressed, I am blessed.

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TODAY'S QUESTION

How did you rebel as a child?

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So... what little blessings have come your way?

Have a terrific Thursday!

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:  I like Christmas and Easter the best.

Ashes to Beauty

This song has been going through my mind a lot, lately.

I sang it as a special, about a year ago, after hearing it for the first time.
It has stuck with me.  It speaks of the change, that's made in my life.

It is written and performed by Kathryn Scott.

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What is your favorite holiday?

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I'm cutting it short tonight.  Hope you enjoy the video.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to the last question:  I think a hobo.

YUMMY!

Today, has been a day of headache... woke up with it and still have it.  Med's haven't made much of a dent in it, but I did get some things done today.   I worked on the big quilt, worked on the pumpkins, and worked on a baby afghan for a niece I have on the way.  I will post pics when I get them done.

I now have to catch up on my Daniel study, as I'm a day or two behind.

Here are the pics of the Upside Down Pumpkin Cake, I promised.  I didn't receive permission to post the recipe but you can find it at www.allrecipes.com.

Don't let the look of the cake fool you, this is one YUMMY cake!   It is rich and a little goes a long way.

Here it is, just in the oven.

Here is one hour later, just out of the oven.   It cools for an hour or more and then is served.

The texture is soft, kind of like pumpkin pie.  My first thought was, "Oh my goodness", then as I tasted it - "OH MY GOODNESS!"  I'm telling you this cake is good.

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What's the best costume you've ever worn?

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 Irene continues to pound the East coast, I continue to pray.  

Father, I ask You to keep all my friends safe during the storm.  Calm any fears there may be and let them know You are with them.   I love You Father and I place them in Your hands.   I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Well, I'm going to sign off...

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:  The unfaltering faith of my parents. 

Irene, Pumpkins and Samplers

IRENE!

Hello All!   The hatches are battened down, the winds are high and the waves are rising.   Lighting and thunder energize the air as the storm draws closer.

Let's lift up all family and friends, on the East coast, in prayer as Irene rocks through the area.

Here is what she looks like now  http://crisislanding.appspot.com/?lat=44.343290953058954&lng=-82.18994140625&z=4&layers=1314280383792&t=hybrid

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THIS WEEK'S RECIPE

I have this huge can of pumpkin in my pantry and found a yummy recipe on allrecipes.com, called Upside Down Pumpkin Cake.

I'm waiting on permission to share their recipe on my blog before I post it.  Don't want to break any copyright laws.   You can check it out though at http://allrecipes.com/recipe/upside-down-pumpkin-cake/detail.aspx

I will post a pic and the recipe when I get permission.  If I don't, I will post a pic of my cake anyway.  :)

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What's your best memory of your mother or father?

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You know how the Autumn fever has hit me and I'm buzzing on an Autumn high? 

Well, I have decided to make pumpkins, to decorate my cubicle at work, along with a Autumn theme wall hanging.  

I am making a set of three pumpkins.   Here's what I've done so far.  One little pumpkin stuffed.  Need to stuff the other two (they are larger) and then add embellishments, leaves, stems, etc.  

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I will begin posting a "block of the month", after Labor Day.   Keep watch for it.  I look forward to seeing the block you all make as we go through them.   I'm trying to decide between two sets.

1.  Underground Railroad Sampler

                       or 

 

2. Crossing Over Time Sampler

So, be ready... Labor Day week, I will post the first block and you will know which Sampler we will be doing.  :)

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When hurricanes blow in, I'm reminded of a passage in the Bible.

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.  And He (Jesus) was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow; and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?  And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.  And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?  ~  Mark 4:37-40

I pray there is a peace and calm, with those going through the storms, at this time.  

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:  The bill I dislike paying the most... hmmm... I guess the electric bill.

It's been several days since I last posted.   Been busy, wore out, low energy... etc...  I don't have pics of projects I've been working on yet, but hope to have some soon.  

I have started and new Bible study on Daniel.  It's a Beth Moore series.   I think this one is going to be another good one. :)   I have given up soda pop, I figure if Daniel could refuse the king's food and drink I could give up soda's for this study, and then break my addiction to them.   I haven't had a soda pop since lunch on Monday.  Haven't missed them yet, either.  :)


I didn't cook this evening (was out of town), so I don't have a recipe to share.  I will post one tomorrow.  I do however have some pics of the sunset as I drove home (actually, David was driving) on Highway 23 this evening.

After we got home, I tried a frozen banana.  Have you ever had one?  

David cut some bananas in half, put them on popcicle sticks and froze them.   They were good, but I think I prefer them fresh.  :)




Earlier today, at work, there was this huge butterfly... I tried to get a pic of it... my pic doesn't do it justice though...

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What bill do you hate paying the most?

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Though I have been busy, I've been mellow... this sums up my mood....

Here's wishing you a fabulous Friday!  :)

God bless and keep you,
Sonia






My answer to the last question:  my super power?  the power to heal hurting hearts.

Silent Saturday

This Is The Day...

 This morning, around 8:15, a song came to me and I found myself singing it all day long, especially these words.... This is the day the LORD hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it...

But having that song in my head, brought me to the following scriptures, this evening.

I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

I have set the LORD always before me.

Because He is at my right hand,

I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

my body also will rest secure.

~Psalm 16:7-9 (NIV)

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WEEKLY RECIPE

I will post the weekly recipe on Thursdays, because it is the most likely the day of the week I will be home in the evenings.   Tonight I cooked a delicious Mexican Casserole.  I received the recipe from my Sister-n-law Sandy.  : )

Mexican Casserole

1 lb. ground beef (cook and drain)

Add all the following to cooked ground beef.

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can mild enchilada sauce

1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

1 cup of milk

Heat through, until bubbly.  

While waiting for the above mixture to bubble up, take 1 large bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos and crunch them kind of flat and pour into a 9 x 13 pan that's been sprayed with Pam.  ( I didn't have any non-stick spray, so I lightly oiled the pan and it worked fine).

Pour the hot hamburger mixture over the Doritos and spread it as evenly as possible.  Top with grated cheese.

Cook in a 400° oven until all the cheese is melted and it's bubbly.    Let it cool a few minutes to thicken, then serve. 

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TODAY'S QUESTION

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

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GIVEAWAYS

p.s. i quilt is having a Sponsored Giveaway!!
It's a bundle of fat quarters!
Check it out at http://www.psiquilt.com/


Little Island Quilting  is having It's a WOOF WOOF Giveaway!!
Another bundle of fat quarters!
Check it out at http://littleislandquilting.blogspot.com/2011/08/its-woof-woof-giveaway.html?showComment=1313725918132#c7437165188306405487

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I guess that's it for this evening.  
Keep an eye open for the Monthly Quilt Block coming up soon!

Have a Fabulous Friday!!

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

My answer to the last question: My least favorite word is any word that uses the Lord's name as profanity.

Burning Rubber!

Tonight was the Logan County PieceMakers Quilt Guild meeting.   Charlotte handed out a sheet of helpful resources.  Look for Resources on the side bar and check them out.

One of the ladies at the guild meeting showed a quilt she has recently finished.  It was multicolored in many very small pieced blocks.  She designed the blocks and hand quilted the whole thing.  It was very pretty!  I didn't get  a picture of it, but believe me, she did an awesome job.  She even inspired me to hand quilt a small project.  I haven't done that in a few years.  I'm not ready for a big project, but I think I can handle a small one.

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I have mentioned before about being in the Autumn frame of mind.   Well, my "Autumn High" has kicked in.  It's a little earlier than normal this year, but when I hit high gear like this, the wheels in my mind start burning rubber!

Today, I decided it's time to improve upon my blog, some more.  So I'm going throw out a few ideas to you and I'd like your feedback.

The first thing is, when I get into the Autumn frame of mind, I start wanting to cook or bake.  Now understand, this is the only time of the year I want to cook (I'm thinking it's my body wanting to store up winter fat).   LOL...    Anyway,  I'm thinking of adding a weekly recipe to try.

Microsoft clip art

The second thing is, having a monthly block tutorial.

The third thing... I will be adding a weekly inspiration to the side bar as well.

I will continue with the Daily Question, until all the questions in my question jar have been asked.

1. Weekly Recipe
2. Monthly Block Tutorial (which I will also copy onto a separate tab, in case you need to go back and look at it.)
3. Weekly Inspiration

So, there you have it, a few things I'm thinking of adding.

Comments, Thoughts? Please share. :o) 

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What' your least favorite word?

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This morning, as I was doing my scripture reading, the Lord spoke to my heart and gave me the message to share one of the verses.   So, here is God's message for you today.
 
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. ~ Hebrews 13:5

 

Did you get the last part?  "I will never leave you, or forsake you".  That's God speaking.

 

 

Have a great Wednesday!!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to the last question:  Something that most people don't know about me.... well, if I told, it wouldn't be a secret anymore.  LOL

WE HAVE WINNERS!!

WE HAVE WINNERS!!!

The winner of the Christmas Package is....

Hilachas said...

I like the first option best and thank you for the opportunity to win.

July 27, 2011 8:27 AM 

Please email your address to me and I will send it to you soon!  Congratulations!!!

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The winner of the Inspirational Package is...

gill said...

I'd choose #2 please!

July 30, 2011 2:13 PM  

Please email your address to me and I will send it to you soon!  Congratulations!!!

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THANK YOU!!!

I want to thank everyone that participated in this giveaway!

I also want to thank all the new followers for joining my blog! 

It was fun getting this one together and reading all your comments.

You are all awesome!!

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Join me in congratulating the winners.

CONGRATULATIONS HILACHAS AND GILL!!!!

Have a great day!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Blessings & Sweet Treats

Diane walked up to me and asked, "How are you doing?"

"Okay", I replied.

"So, really, how are you?", Diane asked again.

"Is it that evident?", I asked.

"Only to me", Diane said.

I hesitated and Diane quickly said, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, I'll just keep praying."

"Yes, please do keep praying.  There is something... I can't put a name to it, but it's there.  If I had a name for it,  I could pray, asking God to remove the demon from me", I said.

Diane reaffirmed she would continue to pray.  The church service began and she went back to her seat.

Of late I have been in a funk.   Most people don't know it or see it, but my friend, Diane did.  

It's good to have a friend, a sister in Christ, a kindred spirit, that knows when I need prayer and prays for me.

I met Diane, a few years ago, when I walked into a little shop where she worked.   We began to talk and before I knew it, we were sharing the Lord with one another.  I have considered her a friend from that point on.  She is always ready with a smile and kind word.  She is also willing to pray and give sisterly advise when I need it.    

Diane is a blessing, God has sent my way.

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One of my favorite treats of the summer is cold, sweet watermelon.  

This particular yellow watermelon was a sweet treat to end my day with.   

YUM!

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What is something most people don't know about you?

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5000+ Giveaway will end in about 1.5 hours.

If you have not put you name in, now is the time to do it.  :)

http://aquiltingsouthpawsthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/07/5000.html

I will post the winners tomorrow, 8/15/11.

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Have a great week!!

God bless and keep you, 

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:  I took a week off for my birthday.

Pretty Things and Treasures...

I've been looking for pretty plates to decorate with.   One I'm using, is from my personal set of china and the two others, I have found at flea markets.

This one is from me personal set.  It was a wedding gift.  My China doesn't get used much, but I have decided to start using it at least on holidays with my family.  I can't take it with me when I die, so I may as well enjoy it while I can.  :)  I think it is a pretty pattern.  It is the 'Forever Spring' pattern by Johann Haviland, Bavaria Germany Fine China.

This one I found, last weekend, at a flea market for $0.50.   This pretty pattern is 'Floral Fantasy' by Fine China, Japan.

 I found this one today, at another flea market, for $1.00.  I'm not sure what this pretty pattern is called, but is by Royalton China Co., Japan.

These will be displayed on my blue wall in my living room, after I collect a few more.  

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What did you do for your last birthday?

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PRETTY THINGS AND TREASURES...

As I uploaded the pictures of the pretty china plates and talked about how I have not used my china much over the last 22 years, I thought about how fragile those treasures really are.  I've decided to enjoy them while they are still pretty, whole pieces, and while I'm still alive to enjoy them.   

Everything turns to dust eventually and I imagine I will turn to dust before the fine china does.  :)

Now, I'm not being morbid, just stating a fact.  As long as I don't break all its pieces, or it's not destroyed in a fire or something, the fine china will be around for quite some time.    But as you know, we all die at some point in our life and we turn to dust quickly.

So, why should I keep my fine china tucked safely away and never use it?  Why should I store away treasure here on this earth?  I can't take it with me, when I die, so I should share with others.  

That same principle applies to our hearts and spiritual condition.    We need to have the love of God and His words in our hearts, but instead of tucking them safely inside and keeping them to ourselves, we should share them with others.

Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal.  But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal; For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ~ Matthew 6:19-21(Amplified)

Have a wonderful Sunday and remember I will pick the winners of my drawing at the end of the day!

God bless and keep you,
Sonia



My answer to yesterday's question: I usually spend my extra money on fabric or yarn.

It's the simple things...

 COUNTDOWN....

ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT!

5000+ GIVEWAY END AUGUST 14TH.

 WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED ON AUGUST 15TH.

CHECK IT OUT.... http://aquiltingsouthpawsthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/07/5000.html

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Today, I was blessed with pretty colors and a reminder, while at work.   

It was after a moment of my feeling just a little bit of aggravation, at someone who just rubs me the wrong way.   

You know what I mean.

Anyway, I walked into my cubicle, and there the pretty colors were - on display for me.   

Earlier in the morning, I closed the blinds to where a little light came through but it didn't glare on my computer.  A reflection from outside was shining through creating my cubicle rainbow.   

The reminder... God is always with me, and no one has power over me, other than what I allow them to have.     That helped me let go of my aggravation.    

I think it's pretty awesome God uses the simple things to remind us of who we are and where we stand.

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ~ Matthew 28:20  (this spoken by Jesus after His resurrection).

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What do you spend your extra money on?

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Have a great weekend!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to the last question: The most memorable class I have taken, would be the Sign language class I took... I think...  :)

Like Rain...

Microsoft clip art

Hi all! 

This evening... feeling a little lethargic and slowed down.  :) 

I took a picture of some cute embroidered ornaments, my friend Charlotte made.    Aren't they pretty?!

I use these on the little Christmas tree I put up in my cubicle at work.

Then I took a picture of the fabric I will be cutting into this week.  I need to wash each one separately and then iron and starch each piece for easy cutting and appliqueing.  

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We were blessed with rain last night!   

 Thank You LORD!!

It even cooled it down some.  We were in the 90s today but it felt so much better than 110 - 114, it put me in mind of fall, especially when it was still a little overcast this morning.   

The rain, cleaned the air, cooled the temps and settled the dust.   

Like rain, grace washes us clean.  

One of my favorite singers, Todd Agnew, sings Grace Like Rain.   Enjoy!  :)

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What's the most memorable class you've ever taken?

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 Well all... I think I'll sign off for now.  

I'm in a good story, Ramshackle Rose by Cathy Marie Hake, and can't wait to get back to it.  :)

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:  on my bedroom walls... a mariner's compass, thimble collection and shelves with my collection of tall sailing ships.

Primitive Christmas Crows!

When I arrive home this evening I had a package waiting. 

I won the Primitive Christmas Crows from the PAFA giveaway!  Thanks Karen!

They are ornaments with a pin on front.  I plan to add small cranberry or Christmas flowers to them when I hang them up this Christmas.

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What's on your bedroom walls?

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GIVEAWAYS

My 5000+ GIVEAWAY

Ending 8/14/11    

Winners to be announced 8/15/11

http://aquiltingsouthpawsthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/07/5000.html

Val Laird Celebrating 400 Giveaway

Ends 8/13/11

http://val-laird.blogspot.com/2011/08/celebrating-400-giveaway.html#comment-form

Stray Stitches Celebrating her Blogiversary Giveaway

Ends 8/14/11

Winners announced on 8/15/11

http://straystitches1.blogspot.com/2011/08/celebrating-my-blogiversary-with.html

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This Week's Goal

To start on a full size quilt for a friend.  

You can find this pattern and kit at Keepsake Quilting

http://www.keepsakequilting.com/productdetail/7418.htm#

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Well, I guess that's it for this evening.   

Celtic Thunder has been playing in the background.

Ready to slow down for a bit...

Have a great Tuesday!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:  I was always teased about being skinny.

Friendship Day

Today is Friendship Day.   

To all my friends, I thank you for putting up with me.  :)   

I thank the Lord each day for the friends He has put in my life.   

Ultimately He is my Friend above all friends.

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What did people tease you about when you were growing up?

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I saw lots of clouds today and a few sprinkles.   The clouds let the temperatures be a little bit cooler, and that alone was a blessing.    

On the way home from church this evening, the clouds were beautifully highlighted by the sun.  But like before, I did not have my camera with me.  :(     

I looked for a pic that might give you an idea of what I saw this evening, but alas, I could not find one worthy.   So I will try to describe them.

To the East of me, the clouds were fluffy mountainous clouds, tinted a pink-orange from the setting sun, and to the West the clouds were more feathery and dark, highlighted pink-orange from behind.   

It truly was a beautiful painting by the Master's hand.

Have a wonderful Monday!!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to yesterday's question:  My favorite toy was a little orange stuffed dog.

Leftovers and Prayer

You know how you always have smaller pieces of fabric or balls of yarn when you are done with a project?  The leftovers?

Well, I put the smaller pieces of fabric that are usable in a tub of their own... for that time when I need a little piece for a landscape or pictorial quilt. 

The yarn however, I wasn't sure what to do with.  But I have decided on a solution.  I crochet the left over bits of yarn into circles.   I plan to connect them all together in a afghan one day.

Here are a few I have, so far.  

And here is what I have to work on thus far...

I finished the Autumn colored cloth... not sure what I'm going to use it for... 

 



 
We went 'school clothes' shopping yesterday.  On the way, we stopped to put gas in the car and David found that someone was selling knitted hot pads for a dollar.  So he bought one for me. 



Audre bought some shirts and another pair of jeans and a book bag.   I found out this evening, she had 'sharpeed' her new book bag.   The first thought that went through my mind was "Oh my word."     

The bag is a black canvas bag with leather trimming.  It had a blue and brown leather butterfly on the flap.

She was happy with change she made and asked me if I wanted to see.  

What can you do, the change has already been made... so I followed her to her room to see the bag.  

  The butterfly is now red and black.   Honestly, I think it looks pretty good.  Audre didn't like the blue and brown coloring of the butterfly, so she changed it.  She spent her money on the bag, so if she's happy with it, I'm happy with it.   

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What was your favorite childhood game or toy?

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PRAYER...

The Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, called for prayer and fasting across our Nation today.  

Why?

I think it is because he knows the power of humbling yourself in fasting and prayer. 

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth.  He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them. ~ Psalm 154:18,19

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. ~ Matthew 21:22

Regardless of where you were today, in a social gathering, a church or your home, I hope you took time to pray for our Nation.

Check Rebecca's Reflections on the National Day of prayer.  http://rjbradley.blogspot.com/2011/08/national-day-of-prayer.html

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

My answer to the last question:   what talent.... I would like to be able to play music, that touches the soul.

Autumn, where for art thou...

I must be in the mood of Autumn already... at lunch today I started crocheting a Autumn colored cloth.  I see now, there is a lot of purple in it, but the oranges changing from light orange into the purple colors make me think of Autumn.

Right now though, I'm thinking of a yummy recipe I just read.   The recipe is called Triple Chocolate Crockpot Cake and you can find the recipe at http://wiseanticsoflife.blogspot.com/2009/11/triple-chocolate-crockpot-cake.html

I don't get into the cooking or baking mood until the cooler months.   I always joke, saying it's my body trying to store up winter fat.   :)

I worked, some, on a 'Ficklestick' project this evening.  I'm hiding most of it, since it is going to be surprise for someone.

I'm trying to slow down some on sewing and such, because I have to start on a big quilt next week.    I'm not succeeding very well.... if I sit too long, I get fidgety and before I know it, my hands get busy, crocheting, sewing, 'ficklestick'ing (doesn't that sound funny? 'ficklestick'ing)...    Anyway, I imagine you can  totally relate to what I'm saying about staying busy.


And then!... I saw the cutest pattern for a little handbag key fob, in my email.  The pattern however is a knitting pattern.  This chick doesn't knit.    I'm going to try to crochet one though.  :0)   If any of you knit, you can check it out at http://www.creativehomeartsclub.com/projects/articletype/articleview/articleid/844/mini-key-ring-purses#.TjinNfqVUZc.blogger

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TODAY'S QUESTION

What talent do you wish you'd been born with?

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GIVEAWAYS

Check out The New Fabric Giveaway - With 3 Lucky Winners!

Drawing ends Monday August 8th at 10:00 PM Eastern.

http://blog.1choice4quilting.com/2011/08/new-fabric-giiveaway-with-3-lucky.html 

Don't forget my Giveaway  5000+ !

Ends 8/14/11 - Winners posted on 8/15/11

ttp://aquiltingsouthpawsthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/07/5000.html

Check out Em's Book Giveaway!

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I hear a symphony in the background.  Mozart arias, the Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat major.  The music is beautiful.     If you would like to hear it, click the video below.

 Well, I guess that's it for tonight.   Hope you all are having a good week thus far.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.  Try to stay cool!

God bless and keep you,
Sonia


My answer to yesterday's question:  If I were invisible.... hmm... that's a tough one... I think I would sit down in a very busy place and watch people.   People are very interesting.  You can get some excellent writing inspiration by watching, noticing their characteristics, their personalities, etc... So I guess my answer would I would be doing research.  :0)

Do you feel Him in your bones...

 

I finished my handbag tonight.  

 

Here it is before I put my stuff in it. 

 

 I was able to get every thing in it without cramming it in, like I do with  most of my handbags. 

I'll try it out tomorrow, to see if I need to make any adjustments.  I think it turned out okay, considering I didn't follow a pattern.

 

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TODAY'S QUESTION

If you could be invisible for a day, where would you go and what would you do?

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MY THOUGHTS

The heaviness fell upon her as she drove to her destination.  Little did she know, it was falling on others too.  The darkness followed, sweeping in little by little, trying to take her over.

She cried out, "Father, keep it at bay!  I know You are there, please let me feel Your presence in my bones". 

She continued to pray as she traveled on.  The darkness began to fade back, as her prayers went up.

Every day she is engaged in battle, only surviving with the help of her Heavenly Father.   He strengthens her to face the demons that try to batter her life.

There was a time when she didn't rely on His help and was often overtaken by the enemy.  Those were dark days.   She shuddered at the memory of them.

Reaching her destination, she parked her car and walked in, to the office, as scheduled.  She found a note that someone had left laying on the front desk.

           Gracious God, as the day begins I pray in hope that the new day will bring some measure of inner peace and reassurance...

"That's exactly how I feel", she thought.

There were two scripture references noted along with the rest of the note; Psalm 103:1-6 and Ephesians 1:11-23.  She wrote them down, making note to look them up later.  She continued on to her appointment, with a bit more hope than she had a few moments ago.


Later that day...


She opened her Bible to the scriptures she had written down earlier in the day.


Psalm 103:1-6 (NIV) PRAISE THE LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name.  Praise LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.  The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

"I certainly felt oppressed, earlier", she thought.

Ephesians 1:11-23 (NIV)  In Him we were made heirs, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.  And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.  Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of His glory.    For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparable great power for us who believe.  That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.

"So" she thought, "I've been made an heir, have the Holy Spirit to guide me, I'm God's possession, with the power of God with me...What have I got to be worried about?  He is in control...
          Father, forgive me for fretting and worrying about the situation I face.   I give it all to You, asking Your will be done. I ask this in the name and through the blood of Jesus Christ, Amen."

As she ended her prayer, a presence of peace seeped into her bones.   She felt the presence of God.  :)

 
God bless and keep you,
Sonia



My answer to yesterday's question:  faith, wedding band, earrings, cross necklace, watch