Jemi’s Noble Quest, a story of Creation; A Novel Quilt

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.

“If only we could have wings like a butterfly, our burdens would be lifted high to the heavens and God’s shower of blessings would fall to our feet.”
14.4 – A Novel Project – Challenge 4 of Project QUILTING Season 14

Come join the fun!

Beloved Stripes

Leviathan

As the Wind Blows

The wind goes toward the south,
And turns around to the north;
The wind whirls about continually,
And comes again on its circuit.

Ecclesiastics 1:6

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.

Monday: 2 Minutes With God

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.

Owl’s Call

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!

Monday: A Second Bloom

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.

Happy Monday

Winter Wood

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.

54-40 or Fight, A Real Battle

No matter the amount of planning, if one doesn’t have the skills or equipment to accomplish a quilt challenge, there is a way to participate and enjoy a finished project. Above is my take on 54-40 Fight; believe me I fought every inch of this challenge.

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.”

This is the block. We were to use the pattern or historical event to capture the spirit of the block.
My snowman fabric represented the Canadian boarder, the Stars and Stripes the US and the shiny fabric the snows of the north.

Thank you Persimon Dreams

Check out https://kimlapacek.com/2023/01/14-3-54-40-or-fight-challenge-3-of-project-quilting-season-14.html

Monday: Snow

Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.

Isaiah 1:18

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!

Snowflakes

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.

Monday’s: Fellowship

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Matthew 18:20

I had the pleasure of organizing a ladies event this past weekend, at my church. It was a time of fellowship, spent in enjoying warm soups and smiles. What a special afternoon to brighten a rather gloomy January weekend.

There was nothing fancy to the event. All attending shared food and testimonies of things God was doing in their lives. Huddled in groups of 3 or 4 I heard abundant laughter. A genuine feeling of loved filled the room.

Somewhere in the middle of the event, I received a phone call. Prayer was needed for a young family member facing impossible health issues. I was deflated. In the midst of joy, the enemy was attempting to steal it away. Then someone prayed for the situation; and another prayer need, still another as the laughter in the room turned towards peaceful prayer. 

No matter how gloomy the situation, remember there is always prayer!