Scoffed...

Have you ever been laughed at?

How did it make you feel?

How did you react?

My heart went out to a friend of mine, who recently experienced this situation.   They were being told of another person's ill health.  The person is suffering from cancer and is terminal.  My friend responded that they would pray for that suffering individual.  As they walked away, they heard laughter and someone saying "they are going to pray for him", laughing out loud as if it was a ludicrous thing, praying for the sick,

After hearing this, I was compelled to write what I have learned in my walk with the Lord about scoffers.  I believe every believer will face being scoffed or laughed at, at one time or another, if they are truly trusting and trying to live their life for God.

My first thought went to Job.  Remember how he suffered and was mocked?

• Job 21:14-15 (NIV) Yet they say to God, 'Leave us alone! We have no desire to know Your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him?  What would we gain by praying to Him?'

Or perhaps a scripture in the book of Psalms fits it better.

• Psalm 73:11 (NIV)  They say, "How would God know?  Does the Most High know anything?"

I can only imagine what my friend felt at the moment upon hearing the laughter. I'm sure questions started going through their mind. Questions like "Are they laughing at me, questioning my faith?", "Are they really that insensitive?", or maybe "Are they that angry at God?".

My friend continued on their way after hearing that scoffing statement.

It's a natural instinct, for a lot of people, to turn around and tell the person laughing exactly what they think about their rude behavior.  Then there are others who wouldn't waste their breath on them again if they had too.  Needless to say a scoffer does not make very many "brownie points" with people.

So, how should we respond to scoffers?

• Psalm 1:1-4 (NIV) Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on His law day and night.  That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers.  Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

In 1 Peter it tells us to live good lives among the unbelievers.

• 1 Peter 2:15 (NIV) For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
• 1 Peter 2:21-23 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.  "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth." When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats.  Instead, he entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

These verses tell me that we should "turn the other cheek" so to speak.

Give it to God and carry on.

Keep on living for God to the best of your ability, and last but not least, pray for the offender so that they might learn to walk in the light.

Sonia

Busy Day...

Boy, the day has just flown by.  I was busy with homework this morning, then after lunch I did a little more organizing in my sewing room.

I took things that were on my cutting table and made a place for them up on the wall for storage when not in use.

I organized my fabric cabinet, mostly the bottom section next to the batting.

Then I worked on my crochet/yarn area.  I was able to organize the top of this yard dresser by moving items to the window sill.

Then I took a break and did my Bible study.   I finished Romans and am now studying Acts.  I got to tell you, the Apostle Peter sure could preach, not backing down from those who opposed what he was teaching.

from http://newlife.id.au/bible-study-notes/the-apostle-peter/

Okay, then I sat at my sewing machine.  I finished the last "Gift Box" I needed for the quilt guild.  Then I started chain piecing some charm squares I found in my organizing endeavor earlier.

I also have new garden blooms to show.  If you'd like to see them, please go to my WordPress blog.  Here's a link to it.  https://sonia67bones.wordpress.com/

Hugs,
Sonia

Too blessed...

Got a little stressed today and thought about using the anti-stress kit as shown above, but I didn't want to add a headache to it.

I knew that if I didn't do something, the stress would do me in and make the rest of my day a bummer.

So I went to my sewing room and opened my Bible.

God gave me hands for work.  So, I went through my books and jewelry and got rid of old, wore out or broken items and then organized the rest.

Then I took one of my favorite sweaters that had a hole at the elbow on one sleeve and patched it up.  I had some flannel fabric that matched the buttons. I will use it here at home when I get chilly.

I was then feeling less stressed and remembered my husband had brought home donuts and that something sweet or chocolaty is always a tasty bonus when I'm stressed.  Yes I'm having one now with a cappuccino.

And when I taste something so yummy and think about the blessings I have, I realize shouldn't be stressed and that maybe I'm making a mountain out of molehill, subconsciously.  

However, in the future I need to skip this last yummy step to dealing with stress, as I am having to ride my exercise bike and do a full body stretch workout each day to try to get rid of few pounds(or more) I've put on.

So, if you're feeling a little stressed, take to it God, get busy and if you feel the need for chocolate, go ahead and have chocolate too and remember, you're too blessed to be stressed.

Hugs,
Sonia

Overcoming a glitch...

The first signs of our veggie garden are beginning to show.  My husband started seeds for the garden and today we noticed they are up and have vented the top of the seed starter tray.

We have cabbage and iceberg lettuce.

The beets and basil have started too.

I think they will do well.

I was needing a single vase a week or two ago and didn't have one.  I was at a flea market last week and found this pretty vintage milk glass bud vase.  It is diamond cut in the pineapple pattern.  

I finally finished one of the small quilts I've been working on.  It didn't happen without a glitch though.  Here's the quilt finished.

.

Here's the glitch.  I had to stop and have some repair done on my machine.  I was sewing along and then the casing that holds the needle just dropped out of the machine.  

Thankfully my needle was not broke or bent, amazingly.

So that's Monday for me.  It started good, had a glitch, then ended good.  

Isn't that how life goes?

Everything is going along good, then a glitch happens.  How you overcome that glitch depends on how you face it.  In the case of my sewing machine, I turned to my husband.  I have never had my machine do anything like it.  He repaired it, and showed me what I need to do if it ever happens again.  I am now prepared  with the knowledge and the tool to take care of it next time.   

But what about bigger things in life?  How do you overcome glitches then?  I personally rely on my relationship with God.  I search my heart and pray asking God to reveal what I should do, and at some point, either through discernment or Scripture, I know what needs to be done or what to expect next.  These verses sum it up nicely.

Psalm 16:8-11 (NIV) 

I keep my eyes always on the LORD.  With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will You let Your faithful one see decay.  You make known to me the path of life, You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

Hugs, 

Sonia

Jump start...

Where has the time gone?

This week I'm able to slow down and relax.  I have all my handmade projects for Christmas done, my home is decorated thanks to my daughter, and my son is home to spend Christmas with us this week.

In all the hubbub and stress of life, I have let the reason for the season slip behind all the tinsel and glitter, the songs I was trying to use to bring on the Christmas spirit within my self, the decorations and gifts, letting all that "stuff" clamor to front of my life and letting the One true reason for my joy to be pushed to the background.

I attended two services celebrating Christmas.  The Christmas that is focused on Christ. Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.  This, is what I needed.  A jump start you might say, a kick in my Christmas merriment, to get me back on track.  I realized I had gotten my priorities mixed up.

I realized too that I had let all the "stuff" get in the way of my blog.  This is the first I've written anything since Thanksgiving, I think.

I'm truly sorry for that.

As I left work today I noticed the moon hanging big in the sky, reminding me of the wonder around me.

********************************************************

My nineteen year old is saying "let's have Monday Christmas" as she looks at her brother.  I'm tickled because he commented back "I'll be here on Christmas day too."  It's nice to hear the banter between the two.

As usual, we caved and the kids opened two gifts. We have done that so much over the years that it just happens now, that some gifts are exchanged early. It all started on my and David's first Christmas together and we just kept it up.

UPDATE on my Dad:  My dad is doing better in the past week.  He walked 35 feet one day and has been sketching ships.  He still doesn't know who I am most of the time but he is being more responsive.

The new year will be here soon and I'm thinking of revamping my blog as it seems to be hard for me to update all the pages, but I will think on it and then decide.

 Okay....
well I'm getting side tracked with the kids playing a game.

I'll be back soon,
Hugs,
Sonia

A lot going on...

Hope this finds you doing well.

There's been a lot going on in my life of late.  You can learn more about it by checking out the My Walk tab.

Summer is almost here and if the weather continues as it has been we are going to have a wet summer.

The rain has been good for the flower garden.

David harvested kale out of the veggie garden today too.  We had it for dinner.

I've been planning for a set of place mats. I'm thinking of doing a seasonal theme, like summer or winter.

I plan to start on them soon.

I feel like I have gotten out of  my routine... hopefully I'll be back on track soon and blogging and keeping in touch with you all soon

Hugs,
Sonia

Treasures

Hi, thought I would share with you my treasures for this week.  I will signify them with a <> shape.

My work week was busy but it went fast, so I won't complain. :) <>

 Early in the week, I noticed the Asiatic Lilies were blooming. <>

I think they are pretty.




Then on Tuesday, the newsman said we had a full strawberry moon. <>  I of course had to take a picture and look that up.

It turns out, and you may already know this, but it turns out it got its name from the Algonquin tribe who used it to know when to gather ripening fruit.  I learned this little tidbit from  www.almanac.com  check it out for more information.

On Wednesday I caught this beautiful sunset on camera. <>

I can say this week has been blessed with beauty.

Thursday, I had an eye opening bible study at lunch.  Read more about it on the tab titled "My Walk". <>

I also received a call that my dad was taken to the hospital with a possible stroke.  He is still in the hospital having tests run.  He is clear minded and talking clearly but has lost all strength in his hands and legs. He is very positive mentally and spiritually.  Please lift him up in your prayers.  My husband also started running fever around midnight and is not feeling ill.  Please also pray for him.

Today, we had a potluck at work, due to one of our team members leaving for a better work opportunity.

So, since I munched off and on throughout the morning, I wasn't hungry at lunch.  I spent my lunch break wandering through a flea market in town.

I found this little treasure. <> A Weave-It in its original box, with the original pamphlet and instructions sheet.  The frame is made of wood with a series of triple prong sets placed all around the frame.

I did some research to find out the age of it.  I entered the patent number and the manufacturer.  I found it was patented in 1935, and this type frame was sold from the late 30's through early 50's.  I call it a treasure because I only paid $1.75 for it.  It's in great shape and I'm going to try using it and see what I come up with.

Well, that's my week in a nutshell.  :)  Don't forget to check "My Walk".

Have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Sonia

Ripples

I woke early this morning.   After my morning Bible reading, I looked out the front window and saw that it was raining.  I could see the rain drops in a puddle in the driveway and thought I'd get a pic.  So put on my jacket, and went outside.  It was a cold, very cold rain.  I tried to get a picture of the ripples in the puddle as the rain fell.

Here's the puddle....

Here are some ripples in the puddle.  Do you see a familiar famous mouse shape, like I do?

When I came back into the house, Elvis was wanting some attention.

After making sure he had food and water in his bowls, I settled down to watch some sewing shows on the local public network ~ got some good ideas and hope to put them to use.   

Did I go to my sewing room today? Yes.  I walked in, looked around, looked through my fabric, looked at the UFO on my sewing table... then I walked out.   

I just needed to rest and chill out today.  So much so, that when David and Audre asked if I wanted to go do something today, I opted to stay home and they went.  I just took it easy; fixed myself a little lunch, watched a little television, and took a nap.  I feel like I could use a few more days like that, but will take what I can get when I can.  :)

I've updated My Walk, at the top of the page.  Check it out.  :)

Hugs, 

Sonia

Changing it up...

Hi, it has been a very cold and wet day.  It started out with ice.  YUCK!

I really don't like cold and ice.

Anyway... besides staying warm, I've been working on a shirt of mine.  It was a little too short in the length for my tastes and the sleeves were between 3/4 and full length, so I decided I would try to change it up a bit and fix those things.  If it didn't work out I would cut it up and use it for something else.

Here's the shirt to begin with.

I decided to add a collar, front and back flaps to lengthen it, and cuffs to the sleeves, to wear rolled up or down.   It has a scoop neck and I think a string of pearls will go nicely with it.  :)

Well, I nee to ge a cu o coffee an tynol...
that's yawn-ese for I need to get a cup of coffee and extra strength Tylenol for a headache that is coming on. :)

I have updated the Crochet tab and the My Walk tab.

Here's wishing you a good night's sleep and a great day tomorrow.

Hugs,
Sonia

Alight...

On the way home this evening it was cold and rainy.  Dreary to be sure, but I had a nice surprise when I got home.   My Christmas decorations were up and alight for the first time this Christmas season.  I went in, got my camera, and took a picture.

The first drink I made myself, after getting in the house, was a cup of hot cocoa.   The perfect thing after work on a cold day.

The movie "A Christmas Carol" was on... it was about halfway through, but I watched the remainder of the movie.  It's a classic after all.  :)

I'm finally beginning to feel better, and am to a point where I think I can relax.  Everything for Christmas is done.  Things are settling down at work.... until after the first of new year, then in a month or so... back to the crazy "hamster wheel".

So I'm going to try to enjoy the next couple of weeks.

I want to show you my new Christmas stocking.  My friend, Judy B. made it and I have it hanging proudly in place of my old one.

I've updated the following tabs.
- My Walk
- What is it?
- Giveaways
- Quilts
- Crochet

Hugs,
Sonia

Time for a change

I decided I wanted a change in the bigger bathroom.  So I went to my fabric stash and picked out some fabric and in any free moments and time of energy I made new curtains.

 When we first moved in I hung these brown curtains.  They went well with the tile work in the shower.  They have served their purpose and it was time for a change.

I decided I wanted to lighten up the room, so I chose a blue floral fabric and decided on using only valances.  This allows more sunlight to enter the bathroom which is good for one of the hanging plants we had to bring in.

So here is how it looks now.

I am ready, so very ready for the weekend.  It is supposed to be stormy this week, but I hope I am feeling energetic enough to work on some Christmas ornaments.

At some point, since I last posted about the Christmas stocking, I made a dust cover for it.  The stocking has a snowman on it and I had some fabric with snowmen, so I made cover out of it.  It has a drawstring closure.

I guess that's all I have for now.

I have updated the following tabs.

• My Walk
• Crochet, Etc.
• What Is It?
• Giveaways

Until next time,
Warm hugs,
Sonia

Update...

Hi everyone... it feels like it has been a while since I last blogged.... another week with long hours at work.

The leaves are beginning to change here in Arkansas more than the last time I wrote and I think this weekend will be the weekend to get pics of the color change.

I have updated My Walk.  Check it out.

I'm wore out and ready for bed so I'll say...

Good night and sweet dreams!

Hugs,
Sonia

Chopped Off...

After another long week, last week, it was nice to find out the day I requested to take off next month was approved.  It is my last personal day off with pay for the year.  It was getting to the point of either use it or lose it.  So I am going to use it.  That is something to look forward to, in addition to the paid holidays coming up.

I'm thinking of starting a block of the month or a mystery quilt to share on my blog, but I need to do some research before I dive into it.  I hope to be able to post it each month for others to participate in and show off their finished quilts when we are done.   I have thought this might be a good project for the guild I attend too, but again, I need to research it all before I present it.

I'm letting my hair grow out again.  It got to the point it was beginning to bother me and one day I got up from a nap and when I looked in the mirror, I pulled my bangs down and chopped off about 2 inches.   So last week, I went to the beautician and asked her to trim it up, straighten it up and thin it out.  It was getting pretty unruly, so she cut in a lot of layers like a shag haircut.  I'm happy with it, I can usually just blow it out, after washing it, and run a comb through it and it looks fixed.

Last night we had three baptisms at church and I saw a friend I worked with for 20+ years.  It was good to see her.  I haven't seen very many people I worked with at my previous job since I started working in another town.   Then today, in two different stores, I saw three more people I either use to work with or had connection with through my last job.  Then this evening, at two different stores, I saw family members I haven't seen in a few months.   Truly a blessing.

As my family and I were on the road this evening, David was driving, and I was able to take a pic or two.

I got this picture of this old house as we drove by.  I honestly didn't know if it would turn out as we were picking up speed as we went by, and I was turned towards the back of the car with my window rolled down trying to get a picture.  I think it turned out pretty good though.

I've updated the following tabs today.

• My Walk
• What Is It?
• last week's may have been unfair as it was of something we don't see very often, and hopefully this week's pic will be easier.

Hugs,
Sonia