Things that inspire me

A solid silver skeleton key necklace given to me by my hubbie from this trip.

Keys are many times designed in samplers and I love the meaning of them. I'm in love with this necklace. It's long, but not too long, It makes a statement and I will always cherish it.

Tonight as I end this wonderful 2 weeks of leave from the work pace, I reflect on the many blessings that always counteract the confusion. I need to write this to you because you are one of those blessings. I've never met so many pleasant, compassionate, and loving folks as the readers of this blog and every comment and personal email is dear to my heart more than you will ever know.

So, due time to count my blessings because I have so many and many times undeserving of them.

• the close-knit stitching/blogging community who share the love of stitching. To reach out to people all over the world is surreal to me when I stop to really think about it. From where I came from, I never dreamed I would one day be able to connect to so many people. And I thank you with all my heart.
• my husband. He is the catalyst who helps me in many times and is overdue for a big thank you. There are times when I know I totally get on his nerves and he still loves me, unconditionally and it's a blessing in this day and time of detachment in our environment.
• my healthy children who seek goals on their own and strive to make a life for themselves, even if I don't know all the details and closeness. They are always in my heart.
• my relationship with God, the Father, who I admittedly know fail at many things but by His Amazing Grace, He still loves me. Who could ask for more than that?
• Beautiful music that inspires my spirit, I mean really inspires, that reaches into the crevices of my heart as if I'm the only one that is hearing it. Josh Groban and I spent many hours today with ear plugs and his music is absolutely the most inspirational. It calms my spirit.
• A job. Even though I jokingly talk about Monday madness, I have a job. Many do not. I am blessed in this economy and should be more thankful.
• Friends that I've never met but feel like I've known them forever.
• Abbie. She is a comfort that I can't describe but if she wasn't here, I don't know what I would do with Ren's passing. She looks at me with her loving eyes and is happy only snuggling in my lap. Her warmth and complete trust are blessings to me.
• The environment in which I live is nature's beauty that touches my soul. Always has. The mountains remind me of closeness to God and that He is there even when I don't feel Him.
• So blessed with having stitching in my life. Something I cherish so deeply as I pick out the colors and design motifs and feel as if I accomplished something that day.
• My friend, Dot, who I sincerely believe was placed in my life as a strong rock of wisdom.
• My piano. To have a baby grand to sit and play when my soul is low is a blessing because music is therapy for me.
• For hearing from my dad tonight, even if it was only small talk. It was from him I developed a love for animals.
• For in-laws that always treat me with love and respect and their company is missed many days.
• For a soft bed to lie in at night, and ability to write down my worries before.
• For my son, Aaron, who taught me so many lessons, and helped me be more compassionate to parents who have lost children.

These are most important to me and as I list them, I realize I have so many. It's my hope that you are able to find special people, places and things that inspire you through difficult times, because there always will be.

I hope your week goes without blemishes and God holds you in His Hands and tender loving care. Each of us have issues to work on as we are human and need His help. Isn't it wonderful that He won't change or leave us?

From the key of my heart,
Jennifer