tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61892970507088457202024-03-05T21:17:57.260-08:00counting my blessingsamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01303734061612087570noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6189297050708845720.post-24519188237477441832010-06-22T14:01:00.000-07:002010-06-22T14:01:00.577-07:00whoops...I don't know how it happened but I can't seem to get into the swing of this project...I'm shelfing it for a while until I can get back into it.amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01303734061612087570noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6189297050708845720.post-50406219766935033662010-05-11T14:20:00.000-07:002010-05-11T14:20:09.354-07:00I can see!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhZ3b5vfIYfTyqE0P772ddB5Z6685uiCPdK-jSUlgPgBvy2_ktgz_Vt0xZ8wIArN43l8sZjreVlG9zKfbRA7jxb_l780wfvfbA2q-qi1PbFD6WgfnY4pZVyar0AKTR_wCvOjbvpheCcB1/s1600/myeyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhZ3b5vfIYfTyqE0P772ddB5Z6685uiCPdK-jSUlgPgBvy2_ktgz_Vt0xZ8wIArN43l8sZjreVlG9zKfbRA7jxb_l780wfvfbA2q-qi1PbFD6WgfnY4pZVyar0AKTR_wCvOjbvpheCcB1/s320/myeyes.jpg" /></a></div>Dear Lord, Thank you for these working eyes. Help me to see freshly all the blessings around me, especially those that are not apparent to me. Thank you for all the color in my life, vivid and strong. Help me see clearly through eyes of love and caring instead of eyes that disapprove. Help me look for the good and overlook imperfection. Help me to see you in every face I see, however brilliantly disguised. In your name, I pray. Amen.amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01303734061612087570noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6189297050708845720.post-7587818405664970452010-05-11T13:35:00.000-07:002010-05-11T16:09:38.067-07:00My Mother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNAYrddHr-1kMqFwYQ-sL6Tc4SmYUMlr8wGIMKPdR4lS0hM8aF2sZVDfk1yZA7CMM2Ic-JoL-zbHYgJSxRpV13UX6mPl4Ij7V2AFvenobh4N-XWQrohB0SKdFgRKB_bagdLyVxd7YyCmo/s1600/momma2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNAYrddHr-1kMqFwYQ-sL6Tc4SmYUMlr8wGIMKPdR4lS0hM8aF2sZVDfk1yZA7CMM2Ic-JoL-zbHYgJSxRpV13UX6mPl4Ij7V2AFvenobh4N-XWQrohB0SKdFgRKB_bagdLyVxd7YyCmo/s400/momma2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>When I was a little girl, I had an ear infection just about every time I got sick. The pain was so intense it would make hot tears roll down my face. The only thing that would make me feel even a little better was when my mother would hold my head in her lap with my ears cupped in her hands. Her hands were always warm and soft and gentle. I could feel her love flow through her hands like an energy and I would fall asleep there between her hands.Even now whenever I'm sick, I crave that feeling of being in my mother hands and feeling her love.<br />
<br />
I talk to my mother about once a day and I treasure the friendship we have. She's a beautiful person with a big open heart. <br />
<br />
Dear Lord, Thank you for my sweet mother. Thank you for your grace in giving me such a wonderful, caring mother. Thank you for listening to her prayers for me and my family. She has strong faith but she worries so much. Will you help ease her mind and trust that you are there? In your name, I pray. Amen.amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01303734061612087570noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6189297050708845720.post-20739470084646991192010-05-05T05:18:00.000-07:002010-05-05T05:18:55.351-07:00our marriage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0X9xGMjbsWJVsx_zn6DlORRxI2nTPQmXeAwLlHEzfzNegd-w_DjzMzkI66sGYNJtRcyc2hRRQWQ_D2nbuObF7ZNzNCQYTu2CQjf70gwjWrsbcO7KWpao_j8HyjuLNYjuF_i8PPdJlv_I/s1600/ourmarriage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0X9xGMjbsWJVsx_zn6DlORRxI2nTPQmXeAwLlHEzfzNegd-w_DjzMzkI66sGYNJtRcyc2hRRQWQ_D2nbuObF7ZNzNCQYTu2CQjf70gwjWrsbcO7KWpao_j8HyjuLNYjuF_i8PPdJlv_I/s400/ourmarriage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Monday was our wedding anniversary...13 years.<br />
<br />
I am so thankful that we have such a strong marriage. I know I can share everything with Rich. He is my safe place.<br />
<br />
I'm especially thankful for a change in my heart that I had early in our marriage. I remember exactly the moment. I had been arguing with Rich about some little thing. It was something you might argue with a child about...I corrected his behavior in the same way that I would a child. And then I had a little revelation..."I'm not his mother. I'm not in charge of him. He is his own person. And we don't have to argue like this." It seems so silly now but it was really a turning point.<br />
<br />
Dear Lord, Thank you for blessing us with a strong union. Help us to trust each other and to be kind and gentle with one another. Guide us to live the truth. In your name, I pray.amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01303734061612087570noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6189297050708845720.post-88503038241339772802010-05-03T12:12:00.000-07:002010-05-03T12:12:23.693-07:00Rich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMnf068VDxW6KE7NDtY6phMg8NwKfPwhlE1pq7fei-71GJWHnTU8ANu9m40XjIlHAqubwWEmpESxtRsTpgmg61iEEjPFlfoiytWllPcK1ebKhBm3qYv5M_EIgGZAPfAAZ6tc4RshDSOC0/s1600/rich2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMnf068VDxW6KE7NDtY6phMg8NwKfPwhlE1pq7fei-71GJWHnTU8ANu9m40XjIlHAqubwWEmpESxtRsTpgmg61iEEjPFlfoiytWllPcK1ebKhBm3qYv5M_EIgGZAPfAAZ6tc4RshDSOC0/s400/rich2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
His heart is so big and beautiful. It's amazing. And the love he feels for me and Alfredo shows so clearly through everything he does. He makes me want to be a better person. I am truly blessed.<br />
<br />
One of the blessings I love most about my Rich is his complete honesty. He values truth and honesty in a way I don't think most people do. Maybe the reason I love it so much is that it is not so easy for me. God Bless me, if I can think of an untruth, a little white lie, that will make everything tidy and easy, my first impulse is to use it. My Rich though never even tells white lies. He is as honest as the day is long. When he tells me something, from how I look in a dress to how much he loves me, I know I can believe it. <br />
<br />
Rich just celebrated his 41st birthday on Saturday. Happy Birthday, Rich. You are a blessing to me. <br />
<br />
Dear Lord, Thank you for blessing the day that we met and giving me a heart that would welcome him. Thank you for guiding us together and for helping us to be extra tender with each other, especially when times were tough. You knew that he would help me be a better person. Please help us to live a life worthy of your promise. In your name, I pray. Amen.amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01303734061612087570noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6189297050708845720.post-38356001654749051802010-04-30T06:58:00.000-07:002010-04-30T06:59:51.971-07:00Alfredo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G6ezyR_lDleWi2PiPyDZAES2QaX6u7RV6945r97MQL5Rige3E4AzsJmyzRiZLsWKk9_33oM5YuX0_rbFWKU8IgDGCWNOW4-7henH2HO6X6IAgk-Y71dHiJYHhjFyrZaYOKA_n_b-MsGo/s1600/alfredo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G6ezyR_lDleWi2PiPyDZAES2QaX6u7RV6945r97MQL5Rige3E4AzsJmyzRiZLsWKk9_33oM5YuX0_rbFWKU8IgDGCWNOW4-7henH2HO6X6IAgk-Y71dHiJYHhjFyrZaYOKA_n_b-MsGo/s400/alfredo2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My little bird with a broken wing. I understood then that my job was to tend to his wing, help him feel happy and secure and loved. And then I let him go. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. Then the hardest thing was breathing.<br />
<br />
Every breath was a whisper of his name. I felt broken. <br />
<br />
But then a miracle happened. He flew back into our home. He never left our hearts but now he is here and I am filled with awe and gratitude about how the Lord works.<br />
<br />
<br />
He is my blessing.<br />
<br />
Dear Lord, Thank you for working through us and for showing us your amazing grace and love. We thought we were happy before but you showed us that real happiness is beyond ourselves. Help me to live in your light. Thank you for your blessings. In your name, I pray. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">To read more about our story with Alfredo read <a href="http://inspireco.blogspot.com/2009/01/love-chapter-one.html">here</a> , <a href="http://inspireco.blogspot.com/2009/01/love-chapter-two.html">here</a> , <a href="http://inspireco.blogspot.com/2009/01/love-chapter-three.html">here</a> , <a href="http://inspireco.blogspot.com/2009/01/love-chapter-four.html">here</a> , <a href="http://inspireco.blogspot.com/2009/01/love-chapter-five.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://inspireco.blogspot.com/2009/12/dawn-of-2010.html">here</a> . </span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01303734061612087570noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6189297050708845720.post-26081092230952082472010-04-29T11:52:00.000-07:002010-04-29T11:52:00.887-07:00100 is a lot!Wondering where I've been? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2enZEtpWQ4suQzxgeDXXyly6lmXyji-29R2peYI8qY8xrijeZcwOZjZW0wGuq75ZQ1JJSu8z5_CiQClfSTQuuB1_Qp4S5zpRDoLDYCgp7uHWCw40TBw1lFNSQlHTCFc19EZBKkWxhTh8e/s1600/100squares2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2enZEtpWQ4suQzxgeDXXyly6lmXyji-29R2peYI8qY8xrijeZcwOZjZW0wGuq75ZQ1JJSu8z5_CiQClfSTQuuB1_Qp4S5zpRDoLDYCgp7uHWCw40TBw1lFNSQlHTCFc19EZBKkWxhTh8e/s400/100squares2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Well, 100 is a lot of squares! I found that out when I stitched this grid. It's taken me a full week!<br />
<br />
I used a pencil to draw the grid on the fabric but I noticed two things...there were areas where I made the pencil mark too thick (so it still showed after I stitched the border) and in some places the floss picked up the pencil and it looked dingy. So today after I finished stitching the last of the grid, I soaked the cloth in a little cold water with some baby shampoo. Then I took a bar of ivory soap and rubbed it over the areas where I could see pencil. I gave it a good rinse and then rolled it in a big fluffy towel. After it was mostly dry but still a little damp, I ran a hot iron over it to press out any wrinkles.<br />
<br />
A few of you asked where I'd gotten the fabric from. We have an upscale fabric store here in suburban DC called G Street Fabrics and that's where I got it. I think if you do a search online for 100% pure linen you can find it...or maybe you have an upscale fabric store in your 'hood. Another thought is that you could buy the inexpensive Osnaburg fabric and dye it. It's linen and all natural so it should take regular rit dye well. The fabric has natural imperfections (like darker threads interwoven) and dyeing it would probably turn out really nice. Let me know if you give it a try.<br />
<br />
Another question was how often I'll be stitching squares. I don't think I'll do just one a day. Instead I think I'll stitch when I have time and do a few at a time. My goal is to do at least 5 a week... <br />
<br />
So now here I am, ready to stitch the first square...trying not to feel nervous. The first stitch is the hardest.amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01303734061612087570noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6189297050708845720.post-60189938629026880672010-04-22T11:18:00.000-07:002010-04-22T11:18:02.640-07:00getting set up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxznK3CXYQYzj9Oe39Mbw0V6wKy_kPPUTKWov1oQw_1TYkq_cHDCksf3KR0gHyCoYxwN06KykNWlxBj7LLmGFtm0IpKTpsdpNJwvtIH8bLhf8FZUtGjhKOC8edsUJ9azoXvumjisJBU3Y/s1600/yummycolors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxznK3CXYQYzj9Oe39Mbw0V6wKy_kPPUTKWov1oQw_1TYkq_cHDCksf3KR0gHyCoYxwN06KykNWlxBj7LLmGFtm0IpKTpsdpNJwvtIH8bLhf8FZUtGjhKOC8edsUJ9azoXvumjisJBU3Y/s400/yummycolors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Even though I have enough floss to stitch a million squares, I always like to start each project with a fresh batch (probably why I have enough floss to stitch a million squares!) It's relatively cheap (especially when you hit a sale) and the colors are so yummy. I let Alfredo help me pick so some of the colors are new to my palette. And, for the record, he's just like a little me. He said "pick this blue...it's yummy!" So I encourage you to indulge in a new palette yourself...be like a kid in a candy shop and show little restraint.<br />
<br />
I indulged a little with the fabric too....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuB0TFkegVWhPtZfCgWO_FJcgJqToilT_ARlqwPKPk3X962AmA75fI8gPiD9F35uzgtwE9gA9zGRpS50qL_6gbLrS7FRn4c4TZ2MPX-mucLfoSfLNYX1r_nTGDhZt5IEpfk7xYtfNsmm2/s1600/pinklinen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuB0TFkegVWhPtZfCgWO_FJcgJqToilT_ARlqwPKPk3X962AmA75fI8gPiD9F35uzgtwE9gA9zGRpS50qL_6gbLrS7FRn4c4TZ2MPX-mucLfoSfLNYX1r_nTGDhZt5IEpfk7xYtfNsmm2/s400/pinklinen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Instead of my usual Osnaburg (a very inexpensive unbleached linen utility fabric), I decided to stitch this grid sampler on this beautiful pure linen in a soft bubblegummy pink. This is going to be a big sampler that I'll invest a lot of time into...I just wanted to stitch on something special this time.<br />
<br />
Also, since it is such a big sampler (100 squares) I'm going to draw the grid and stitch it first. Sometimes the grid disappears or gets a little wonky when I stretch the fabric onto the hoop. If I start out with the grid already stitched it'll help me keep it all square. I'm going to stitch the grid in a pink close to the color of the fabric.<br />
<br />
Here's how I draw the grid...I use a straight edge ruler that's roughly 1" wide. I lay the ruler on the fabric even with the weave of the fabric and draw a line the width of the sampler (in my case, about 10"). With the ruler still in the same place, I also draw a line along the bottom of the ruler. I use that line to line up the next line, and so on and so on, until I have all of the horizontal lines of my grid. I repeat the same for the vertical lines, being extra sure that the first line is along the grain, as perfectly perpendicular to the horizontal line as possible.<br />
<br />
I'll draw my grid today and start stitching it in.amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01303734061612087570noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6189297050708845720.post-49908071325325846942010-04-21T11:35:00.000-07:002010-04-21T13:17:27.309-07:00counting our blessingsCounting your blessings isn't just about mentally listing the things that you are thankful for. It is about recognizing and appreciating all that you have, even and perhaps especially the little things you overlook and take for granted. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"I murmured that I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet." <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>-- Persian Proverb</i></span></span></div><br />
We fall so easily into a trap of complaining about what we don't have or what we've lost. Last week, I got a big dose of that when we wrote a check for our entire savings, savings that took 10 years to build, all to go to the IRS. Easily I could get wrapped up in a cycle of worry and complaint about that, right? But look at how an attitude of gratitude changes that...1. We had the money to pay it. 2. We can save it again. 3. We are proud to contribute money to the government. 4. My husband's company made a lot of money last year in a time when lots of folks are struggling. 5. We are all healthy and happy. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"I have been blessed, with so much more than I deserve, to be here with the ones who love me, to love them so much it hurts." </span><i>-- Martina McBride</i></div><br />
When we complain and worry and stress, we can be blind to the blessings in our life. Counting your blessings helps you to not only recognize what is beautiful and wonderful in your life, it helps you reconfigure your life. You no longer see the glass as half empty or even half full...you just see how much you have in the glass and you are completely grateful for it all.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings each morning, thank-you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf."</span> <i> -- prayer</i></div><br />
I am so excited about this stitchalong project for myself because it will help me in a tangible way show how grateful I am for everything. As I stitch these grid samplers, I almost always lose myself in thought a little bit. With this sampler I imagine that as I stitch each square, I can reflect deeply about each blessing. In that way each square will become a prayer of thanksgiving. When I'm done, I'll be able to look at the entire piece and appreciate how blessed I am, perhaps remembering specific thoughts of gratitude. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"The world can be a horrible, cruel place -- at the same time it can be an abundant, wonderful place. These are both truths."</span> <i>--Lee Ross</i></div><br />
I hope this project helps you in the same way focus on the good in your life. When you are at a loss for what to stitch, just look around again with eyes of gratitude and you'll see clearly the abundance of blessings all around. This is a personal project designed to help you focus your life on the good in it. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Now I know we had no money, but I was rich as I could be, in that coat of many colors, my Momma made for me." <span style="font-size: x-small;">-- Dolly Parton </span></span></div><br />
If you would like to participate in this project, please send me an <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="mailto:amy@inspireco.com" style="color: red;">email</a> </span>with your blog address. I will post the blogs participating by name alphabetically. Please consider creating a separate blog for the project. Dedicated project blogs will have a separate featured listing. <br />
<br />
You may stitch as many squares as you'd like, as often as you'd like. I'm going to shoot for stitching 100 squares on a 10" x 10" grid. I wanted to make it a challenge and 100 squares seems pretty challenging.<br />
<br />
I like to stitch on a type of fabric called "Osnaburg". It is an unbleached linen that is fairly easy to find and inexpensive. I use a large hoop when I embroider...it helps me keep the fabric taut. I also love to embroider with embellishments including beads, buttons and charms. Don't be too hard on yourself. Allow yourself to have fun. This project is less about beautiful stitches than it is about your beautiful life. <br />
<br />
When I post each of my squares on this blog, I'll write a bit about each blessing. I encourage you to do the same, especially if you've created a dedicated separate blog for the project. <br />
<br />
If you apply to participate but don't hear back from me or see your project's blog on the blogroll, please just send another email. Don't take it personally and please don't think for a moment that I've snubbed you. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate. I'm not always the best at keeping up with these things. I appreciate your understanding and patience in advance.<br />
<br />
Thank you for encouraging me to host this project. I know it will be a meaningful one for all of us.amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01303734061612087570noreply@blogger.com21