Encouragement

 

In my devotional today, I was drawn to this Psalm for a reason I really don't know, but it spoke to my heart and I think many can relate. Whether religious or not, most people have heard of Psalm 23 as it's quoted quite frequently.

 

I find David's life very interesting, and in fact both me and Mr. Darcy have been reading a book by David Jeremiah called A Bend in the Road. This book is well worth reading especially if you are going through hard times as David did or don't quite understand or just need encouragement for you or to help a friend. I don't know of anyone today in this economy or social environment that doesn't need encouragement.

 

The hymns of David reminded me of Fanny Crosby. If you are a music lover, you probably know that she wrote over 8000 hymns that we sing today. When I was a music major in college, a good friend of mine, also a music director, used to always comment about Fanny Crosby in a loving way. He LOVED her music. He loved her attitude and what she accomplished while she was completely blind as a baby. This didn't stop her at all of becoming one of the best loved hymn writers.

 

Fanny most likely, contending daily with a blinding condition, found strength in writing her hymns of praise and encouragement.  She was truly well loved by many and her life still resonates today in many churches.

 

I will end it today from the beginning of chapter 6, A Bend in the Road,

 

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock

That shadows a dry, thirsty land.

He hideth my life in the depths of His love,

And covers me there with His hand.~~~~~Fanny Crosby

from the hymn, He Hideth My Soul

 

Today I pray that each of you reading this will be reminded and comforted.

 

Enjoy the rest of your Saturday,

 

Jennifer

 

What's the New Year Bringing

Well, the New Year came swiftly and schedules are back on track. I've so much to clean up and organize that it's not funny. There have been some really cold mornings in these mountains this week and even though the sun is shining brightly today, rain is headed our way tonight and tomorrow.

 

Mr. Darcy had a good birthday and at least I did get his scarf made in time. We had a couple of nights where we toasted marshmellows in the fireplace stove and YUMMY, I tell you. Yummy.

 

The wood burning stove is keeping the homestead quite warm and toasty and the hum of the blower frequently woos me to sleep early on these long cold nights.

 

I'm ready for some SNOW! Seriously. Ready to make a snowman or two and snow angels! I do hope we get some this year. The thermals are ready!

 

I critiqued the Downton Abbey sampler so much until I had to just stop and say, ENOUGH! LOL

I was going to use the Sullivan threads but now have changed directions with overdyeds which I will have to order. I decided the overdyed sampler threads would look SO much better as this sampler is quite large.

 

Here's a peak:

This is the first printing of Downton Abbey~~~the Family sampler. This copy will go to Jolene as part of the Christmas Giveaway. I really enjoyed working on this for hours and hours and I'm sure this is the first of many smaller of ones I am working on now for DA.

This is the general finished look. I have yet to model stitch this one but I am going to start THIS weekend. Promise. The size finishes to 10 x 15. I  added some specialty stitches as well.

So stay-tuned for copies to go on sale soon as Mr. Darcy helps me get my office in gear to print and manage mailing and such.

There are rich golds, greens, blues, reds, pinks and lavender shades. I can't wait to start the model stitching.

Speaking of Abbie......................

here she is. Herself. Watching me take pics of my knitting and designing this morning.

She is simply the sweetest lover of all computers that generate heat from a fan and lover of all things pork, i.e bacon.

(she also is begging with her eyes for some cheese and crackers I'm snacking on)

 

 

In the knitting chair, I had to frog ALL of the Mixed Berries scarf I'm making for a friend I work with and start all over. I simply had to.

 

The green is really a 3/4 hank I had leftover from something else and I started out making a Kindle cover with wooden buttons to close; however I cast on WAY to many stitches for that and will simply make a carrying back for my cross stitching stash. I will still use the wooden buttons.

 

I am still planning on making a Kindle cover but in another color in the future.

 

So much stitching and so many hours in a day..................

 

 

I'm still practicing the garter stitch and haven't ventured into new things but I have watched many U-tube videos and learned several things.

 

Well, off to get the house in order and plan what we are having for supper tonight.

 

Remember that song back in the 80's Things that Make You Go Hmmmmmmmm???? :p

 

That's what supper tonight is doing for me right now.

Spaghetti, however, is really sounding like a simple make and tonight I need simple.

 

I did see a new recipe which is simple for Cheese biscuits that I might try. I think Mr. Darcy would love those.

 

Cuddling by the fireplace with Abbie and hot tea,

Jennifer

Happy New Years!

 

Welcoming in 2013 with love and peace

 

Mr. Darcy, Jennifer and Abigail

Fox Mountain