Hidden

An amazing tree from Holmsted Manor in England

I was feeling nostalgic, so I pulled out an old journal and landed on a page from 3 years ago. But it strangely fit with where I am today.

I started a new book called "Anonymous" by Alicia Britt Chole. It's exactly what I need to be reading right now. And I'm struck with thankfulness that God always provides books and conversations to me that help me process and grow. Because it's so potent and needed, I'm reading it slowly. I read the introduction- just three pages- about 5 times. I know it really needs to sink in.

It's about being hidden, those "unfruitful" times of silence and winter, the gap between our dreams and our reality. So yeah, that's exactly me right now. I'm trying to really drink it in, that God doesn't waste my time. That each day is a gift. I have to stop living in the future. Today's uneventful reality is just as important. I can do things differently and change my perspective today. I don't want to live with regrets.

God, please keep teaching me, pushing and challenging me. Help me be content and stop trying to rush where we're going. Help me find rest in these hidden years, before the "fruitfulness." It's not wasted and I'm not a failure just because I'm not living in my fullest potential. I am just Yours and I want to use this time wisely. I want to get closer to You each moment I'm here, before we start to move again.

I had no idea that the "hiddenness" would last this long- over 3 years so far. I've learned a lot, grown a lot. Not outwardly with success or fruit, but deep roots grounded in faith. I still struggle with restlessness, self-worth, impatience at the pace I'm traveling. But I trust the One leading me. I look outside and see the evidence of spring everywhere, and I can't help but feel hopeful. Maybe it won't be much longer now...

Sewing Desires

Home Sweet Home

I've always been amazed at those women who can sew, embroider, knit, and crochet. They make it look so easy and fun. With 3 growing kids, I often have to repair holes and sew buttons back onto their clothes. I have an overflowing bag full of misc. clothes, just waiting for me to repair them. I've found that sewing is pretty relaxing to me. Maybe it's my obsessive compulsive need to check things off the list and watch the bag's contents shrink, but I really like sewing.

Heart Samplers

I started seeing some cute needlework online, modern takes on the old cross stitch crafts that used to be popular. And the beautiful embroidery of vintage handkerchiefs and pillowcases made me feel inspired. I wondered if I could make detailed flowers or cute little sayings in thread. Armed with an idea, some embroidery thread, and no knowledge of what the heck I was doing, I started to sew.

Vintage Needlework

Then I did some research and learned about different stitches and fancy knots. Women have been sewing since the dawn of time, so there are even stitches named after different countries that vary in complexity. Not ready to go there just yet. But I'm learning the basics as I go.

Stitch Dictionary

So here is my first effort at embroidery. I drew a vintage looking floral design on the fabric, and attempted a few different stitches.

I learned a lot in the process, and now see all the flaws, but you have to start somewhere, right?

Plus, it was a lot of fun to make my own design and the repetitive motion of sewing is relaxing.

Now I need to start on another one- that thread is calling my name! :)