Scribbling Spiritual Sand…
My reverse Trapezium bag made from scraps and stash. The bottom piece is from my last project and the back piece was a leftover from an Operation’s Christmas Child sundress. The only thing new is the batting. I’ve just run out due to all these wonderful challenges ☺️
I was so excited for this next quilt challenge; A Novel Project. Of course, there can be several meanings to “novel project”. I took it at face value and depicted my very first book I wrote, “Jemi’s Noble Quest”.
As a writer, there’s nothing more exciting than one’s first published book. “Jemi’s Noble Quest” is the story of creation. It holds adventure and some mystery. Written in Bible times, it brings to life the Jewish culture.
On the bottom right-hand of the quilt, is my interpretation of Leviathan. A bit comical portrayal, but the best I can do with my sewing abilities and simple machine. This is a creature Jemi’s meets in the story. The butterflies on the left, reflect a prayer Jemi cherishes (see below). As for the zebra, Stripes, you’ll need to read the book which is available on Amazon as a paperback or ebook.
The wind goes toward the south,
Ecclesiastics 1:6
And turns around to the north;
The wind whirls about continually,
And comes again on its circuit.
The wind blows,
as wild geese fly.
Trees shake their
branches say hello.
It’s late winter,
gray clouds float by
quickly on a breeze;
as cranes sing a deep
note that wobbles
in the air and floats.
The forest sways;
quivers and quakes.
Cranes tangle
in tug-of-war,
wings soar and sway
upon great gusts.
Squeaking and creaking
echoes in the woods.
Wind, wind, oh how
the wind does blow.
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you,because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
John 6:27
Do you have two minutes for God each day? Think about it! Consider all He has done for you; even during the trials. What is spending time with God worth to you?
How many days can you go without your favorite food? How many days can you diet before you want to quit? Now, can you tell me how many days you can go without any food? Or maybe try eating only junk food for a week or two and see what happens. Your body needs the energy found in food. Every cell cry’s out for nutrition.
Now, think of your spiritual needs. Can you give God two minutes of your day to feed your spiritual well-being? We are not made only with a physical body, but have within us spiritual needs. God created us with a part of which will live on for eternity; our spiritual side which needs to be feed.
May I remind you that God gives you your next breath. His angles guard over your life. When healing comes, it’s because He allows it. And when your prayers aren’t answered immediately, it’s because He is working in your life. Everything about you is a blessing from God!
Spend two minutes with God today. Make it a priority and see how satisfied you can be after feeding your spiritual well-being.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
The owls are calling
deep throaty hoots;
that linger in frozen air
stiff as icy bedsheet;
comes a lullaby calling
past frigid tall trees,
across marshy pond,
over mellow meadow;
they are calling, calling,
calling as morning smiles
and owls say good night!
Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies …
I Peter 4:11
My Christmas cactus is behaving oddly and I’m enjoying the benefits. It is in a second bloom since November. When it originally bloomed it was before Thanksgiving and I thought “crazy it’s not Christmas yet”! Now, it’s blooming a second time and next week is Valentines Day. Maybe it’s a Holiday cactus?
How often, as a Christian, do we do things which may not seems normal to others? Perhaps, it’s our taste in music, books or movies which confuse others. Maybe it’s our constant need to attend church regularly instead of sleeping in on a Sunday. More so, is it our conversation which shares Bible thoughts, instead of gossip regarding others? In many ways our lives are different from before our lives were committed to Christ.
I’m sure there’s some horticultural reason for a cactus’s second bloom so quickly after the first flowering, but I prefer to think it was meant for a lesson. We are in the world, not of it. Take a step to impress God, not man. Let the fragrance of your life glorify Him today and this week.
How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
Psalm 104:25
Winter wood in snow knee-deep;
as red fox snoozes, fast asleep.
Chickadee wears a winter’s muff,
sings sweet tune so grand a stuff;
dapper snow falls, powder to fluff.
Feathers fine as winter flower;
fluff flakes in fine snow shower,
tiny wings hold such great power.
Squirrel scampers looking for more
power strides, seeking winter’s store;
climbing, carousing white forest floor.
Tiny paws dig in frosty, frozen land.
Floor rumbles slowly spills like sand;
grey tail swishes and swirls so grand.
Six stately deer afoot in icy winter pond,
grand a sight, a herd with nature’s bond.
What doth sneaks and moves beyond!
Snow settles on a coarse deer hide.
Then, beyond the wood they now glide;
sauntering from lunch with such stride.
Winter wood settles and stills; when
fox pokes his nose up from his den.
The challenge was to use elements from a traditional block designed in a past time of our history. The block is called the 54-40 or Flight.
Here is a quote, “It’s about land acquisition, and in the 1840s many suggested the northern edge of Oregon should be drawn at the 54°40′ north line of latitude. And they were willing to go to war to make that happen. “Fifty-four Forty or Fight!” After much negotiation (but no war), eventually, the 49th parallel instead become the US-Canada border, and the phrase lives on only in history books and quilt blocks.”
Though your sins are like scarlet,
Isaiah 1:18
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
As many leave for warmer climates, I continue to stroll snow covered woodland paths. I rather enjoy the beauty of a winter walk with its crisp air. A bit of sunshine is a welcomed friend on a chilly January day. I savor the occasional day when the sun glistens on freshly fallen snow.
This year, I for the first time since I was a child, don’t mind being tucked under a blanket of snow. I’m set aside from the problems of the world. Not hiding, mind your, but on a temporary retreat of sorts. It becomes a time to ponder the craziness of other season’s festivities.
Snow also brings a fresh look to God’s creation in the great outdoors. It defines woodsy branches, enhances kettled land and becomes a canvas to the most gorgeous sunsets. Snow is a part of the variety we have with the seasons in Wisconsin.
Of course, there are elements snow brings which are unwelcome: rough roads, systematic shoveling and slippery sidewalks. At the same time it refreshes the earth, cleanses the landscape and reminds me of spiritual truths.
Sitting on a stiff bench, studying the white backdrop of my yard bundled from head to toe, I am reminded that Jesus laid down His life for us. All the dirty little sins we have been carrying around were nailed on the cross where Jesus died. We too can be as white as fresh fallen snow.
Happy wintry Monday. It’s a new week to serve the Lord!
She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
Proverbs 31:21
Snowflakes collect like cups on a shelf
stacking high and lofty in jumbled mess;
as I wonder, is the cup half empty or less.
Snow plows move and groan as a bear
awaken from his short seasonal slumber;
in great despair, dizzily his body lumbers
Snow drifts and dances as a ballerina
on stage drawing the attention of all;
the audience suddenly groans at her fall.
Snow shovels scrape and etch, as an artist
labors over a fine masterpiece which flows; there’s artistry in the language of the snows.
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