Isaiah 40:31

On the eve of our Nation's birthday, I was blessed to read a blog posting by Sara, aka "Gitzen Girl", called Stutter Steps.  She ended her story with the bible verse Isaiah 40:31 which was very fitting to her story and her faith.  I can't stop thinking about the verse and want to continue the verses' journey of distribution this week.

"But those that HOPE in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;  They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint."

Thrifty Stars finally quilted...

First things first...Just arrived via Fat Quarter Shop...NEW FABRIC!!!!!!!!!!!!  I heart this new fabric by Dena Designs for Free Spirit.  The two on the right are my favorites and I may just have to order some more...

Now, on to the UFO Update:

Back in October my left thumb started to go numb. For a while, it would just happen a few times throughout the day, nothing constant. By November, it became a constant numbness along with pain in my hand. So, off to the doctor I went. Fast forward a few months later, both hands/wrists are now in competition with the other to see who wants to go numb or ache. Carpel Tunnel was ruled out, nerve compression was ruled out, so I have self-diagnosed and resigned myself with tendinitis.

Everything I love to do revolves around using my hands. Sewing/Quilting, Web Design, strength training, and driving. Driving is more about the freedom to go anywhere when I want and to see who I want, namely family who lives 8 hours away in Mississippi and even friends who only live a couple of hours away. I haven't been home in 6 months because it just hurts to drive. Everything takes longer now too. Frequent breaks are important to keep the hands from hurting too much and for too long. My braces help to keep the pain at bay and I found that I can even sew in them.  Just wish I could drive in them.

You wonder what the purpose of the story is...it's my excuse this week for missing my deadline for the Thrifty Stars Quilt. I finally got the quilting done on Sunday, June 20th, one week later. I was a good girl all week while quilting. I took frequent breaks and even took a couple of days off from using my hands at all. I still have to bind it, but I have another excuse for that. I don't have fabric for the binding which will force me to go shopping. (insert GASP!)  I know, more fabric shopping.  

Below is the almost finished quilt.  I can't wait to see it after I wash and dry it (I rarely pre-wash my fabric b/c I love the look after the bit of shrinkage).

Revised UFO List and Deadlines:

1. Thrifty Stars - quilt and bind
• Deadline: June 13th 
• Completed Quilting: June 20th
2. Mom's 2009 Christmas Quilt - put border on, re-piece back since I forgot to put borders on before measuring(silly me), then send off to the quilter to work their magic. 
• Deadline: June 20th
• New Deadline: July 4th
3. Log Cabin - put border on, piece back, and baste
• Deadline: June 20th
• Completed border and backing: June 20th
4. Log Cabin - quilt
• Deadline: June 27th
• New Deadline: June 30th
5. Scrappy Bargello - put border on, piece back, and baste
• Deadline: July 11th
6. Scrappy Bargello - quilt
• Deadline: July 18th

Happy Sewing!
-Darlene

Life Interrupts

Last week I posted a rather aggressive, but totally achievable UFO To Do List.  I didn't factor in getting sick which left me unable to sew since May 31st.  Three nights spent in the ER is not my idea of time well spent but I am thankful to be here, on the mend, ready to tackle life and start sewing again.

One thing I learned this week is that we should never take anything for granted, especially the time God has granted us to spend here on Earth.  Life can be taken away without a moment's notice.  We should treasure each minute, each hour, and each day with our family and friends because you never know if it will be the last time you will hear their voice, hold them, or see their beautiful smile.  Cherish each moment and never take anything for granted!  God is good!

Revised UFO List and Deadlines:

1. Thrifty Stars - quilt and bind
• Deadline: June 13th
2. Mom's 2009 Christmas Quilt - put border on, re-piece back since I forgot to put borders on before measuring(silly me), then send off to the quilter to work their magic. 
• Deadline: June 20th
3. Log Cabin - put border on, piece back, and baste
• Deadline: June 20th
4. Log Cabin - quilt and bind
• Deadline: June 27th
5. Scrappy Bargello - put border on, piece back, and baste
• Deadline: July 4th
6. Scrappy Bargello - quilt and bind
• Deadline: July 11th

Memorial Day Weekend

It's been a month since my husband returned to Iraq from his 2 week R&R. It's always harder to say good-bye the second time. For me, it's because I have to get into the routine of him being gone all over again. Thank goodness for school and quilting to keep my time occupied along with my part-time job at the local quilt shop.  And, there is only 13 more weeks till life returns to normal again.  But, who's counting?  LOL!

School is done for the semester and I only have one class left to graduate. I can't take this last class till Fall, so this summer I will work on updating my resume and prepare to re-enter the workforce after a two-year hiatus. But, more importantly, I WILL SEW. I have so many UFO's, like many other quilter's, that I will appreciate and take advantage of this time that I am blessed with. I think it's best to make a list and set a time goal for each project. So, here I go...

UFO List:

1. Thrifty Stars - quilt and bind
• Deadline: June 6th
2. Mom's 2009 Christmas Quilt - put border on, re-piece back since I forgot to put borders on before measuring(silly me), then send off to the quilter to work their magic. 
• Deadline: June 6th
3. Log Cabin - put border on, piece back, and baste
• Deadline: June 13th
4. Log Cabin - quilt and bind
• Deadline: June 20th
5. Scrappy Bargello - put border on, piece back, and baste
• Deadline: June 27th
6. Scrappy Bargello - quilt and bind
• Deadline: July 4th

That's a start.  These are all the quilt tops that I almost completed but just got busy on the next project and didn't finish.  So, it's time to finish!   What projects do you have that have sat in the closet or shelf for way too long?  I encourage you to take one project out and finish it and just imagine how great it will feel to complete it!!!!!

Learning to depend on God for everything is new for me...

I have been struggling for years to find my path in this life. Noticed I said "my path".  That is my mistake.  I keep trying to make the decision without God's guidance.  We are not here on this earth to serve our own purpose, but we are here to serve God's purpose.   I have always considered myself a Christian, but have strayed from serving the life of a Christian.  This has left me empty and wandering for way to long.  How do I get back on track?  I am not sure, but I am so ready to start.

This blog has been created as an outlet for me to put my thoughts on paper, whether it's about finding my path in this magnificent place called Earth, talking about quilting (my passion), my life as an Army Wife (one of my purposes), or even talking about my dog Ace (my companion).  I hope you will join me on this journey of discovery and pray that you may discover something new about yourself along the way.

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-Darlene
"I am blessed, grateful, and humbled by God's amazing grace and love for us. The love he gives has no conditions; therefore, the love we give should not either."  Darlene Staley