Author: Yarrowhouse

Steadfast

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Good evenings Wonderers:

Hi guys!

If you know me, well, you know I did not want to learn to sew. I like the idea of it however me and the sewing machine would alwaysend up in a fight. All the women in my life sew. My mother tried to teach me, It just was not in the cards for me. I wanted to make quilts like my grandmothers did but it missed me and passed to my daughter. I did not completely give up. I once sewed sheets together and covered an old store bought quilt and darted little bows throughout it to give it the look of a quilt and gave it to my daughter Kerrie when she was young. I can’t remember how old she was but she still has it. She told me the other day that it is the only thing she covers herself with that helps her feel better throughout her pregnancy. When I think about it this quilt got her through high school, heart break and war. All the places I could not go with her but I could hold her in my arms and comfort her and love her unconditionally.

Over the summer she took me to Fabricate Studios in Atlanta Georgia where I met instructor Diana. Diana, the angel that took my fear of the machine helped me make two quilted oven mitts that started the beginning of this journey.

In November Kerrie invited me to Glamp Stitchalot where I was inspired by about 150 beautiful spirits full of life and love of their craft. At Glamp I came back with so much fabric I actually have a stash. That’s an important term for quilters, it means the possibilities are endless 😛. And five days ago I got to thinking about what to do with some of it.

I know how inspired I get when I think about painting but quilting is different. Going through your fabric is spiritual. I can’t explain it but you can spend some time going through it. You can’t rush it. It’s like when you were a kid and you saw a pile of leaves, you just jumped in and laid in them and you rolled around for the pure joy if it. No worries just pure joy.

<<<<<<<<<<<
ame to me that I should make something so I went throughout my stashed when cowardly I selected this package of charm packets by Windham Fabric. This design is Makers Home by Natalie Barnes. I love the colors and designs. They were calling to me. I said cowardly because they are already cut into squares and I was just going to sew squares together. This fabric is too bold for that! For a day I rearranged those squares until I thought I had it all in my mind how it was going to go when something happened. Why not make a pinwheel? You remember how to do it. My daughter labored through it with me the first day of Glamp and it was perfect. So I decided to step out on faith and do it. Of course I didn't remember it actually right but I just kept ripping out the seams and turning fabric around until I finally got the triangles going in the right directions. There was something about rearranging those little fragments of cloth, ripping the seams apart and putting them back together in a new perspective, the right perspective, made me think of my life. This is where I am! God will meet you where you are and turn you around.

I was thinking there are two perspective to every thing. As much as I thought I had a steadfast spirit, I had been living a lie. The pinwheel was representing my past sins versus the new perspective of my time spent with Jesus. Like the pinwheel I had to be broken and put back together again. God willing I plan to do a pinwheel a day and label it. Every fragment of my life and heart has to be separated, corrected and rearranged. It is not going to be easy but with God's help I can be whole with a clean heart. Like the quilt I'm going to have in the end I will be forever changed. That's what I want to be "fixed in place" and be who God has called me to be. I'm claiming my authority!

I called my daughter and she is going to do the same. You can follow her blocks on Instagram at karefullymade. God willing we are going to do a block until Thanksgiving and we will present our quilt at Christmas.

I'm only on day three Wonderers. I invite you to join in. Maybe we can exchange scriptures to encourage each other. Having a steadfast gaze is my goal to help me fight against the many things that distract me. It takes about twenty minutes to make a pinwheel but it is also a part of my meditation on scripture so it takes me longer. Just the same I would love the fellowship. Thank you for perusing and may God bless you and keep you.

Create in me a pure heart, O’God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Good night.

X Marks The Spot

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Wonderers:

Cloud formations constantly change.  You look at the sky and you see one thing.  You look back and the image has softened or disappeared.  You only have an instant to see, meditate, reflect and share a provoking image but with technology we can now capture an imagine and hold it to analyze our thoughts into words and put all the pieces together and have proof of our experience.  Not that we need proof but sometimes we can not explain the supernatural in words.  We wait on evidence of an unspoken promise.  Confirmation.

Praying for help is the only resource available and I have faith that my supplications and prayer requests are being heard.  I sometimes question if I really am experiencing the supernatural and I did not want to be the person that reveals and connects they see God in everything but guess what….he is in everything so try to convict me if you must but here it goes.

I’m trying to be both parents in my household and I’m praying to be the structure that my husband was to our children.  I’m the unorthodox parent, the fun and flaky disciplinarian.  But my young men need the structure and I cried out to God in desperation for help.  It came to me to do one of my husband’s tricks which I threatened for several days when it came to me I had to actually do it to get the point across.  So you can follow my thoughts process, my husband would talk of sprinkling water on the children if he could not get them out of bed.  Just hearing the water run was enough to get them stirring.  I tried it but they knew I wouldn’t go through with it.  Instead of yelling and getting upset I had to get their attention.  I started to trickle the water on the pillow and the boy sat up and he said, “there’s an “x” on the pillow.  I looked and said, “x marks the spot.”  We had a long talk about expectations and what kind of person I needed him to be so I could be the person God needed me to be.   We left the conversation at that and I took him to school.  You have heard me speak of the road we travel to school everyday and I feel God is with me most on this path and this day was no different.  When we arrived at the entrance of school, he got out and when I looked up this is what I saw.


Coincidence, maybe.  I say it is God confirming he heard my cry and he let me and the boy both know he is with us and he will never leave us.  I went home and prayed for over a few more things that were blocking me from having a clean heart and stilling my joy .  The response:


Keep in mind I live 15 minutes from school so it is not the same sky.  What it is no matter how they got there is this.  God has dominion over the heavens and earth and he loves us enough to answer our prayers.  Be assured he is listening. 

And I think this could be the heart be my next painting.

Thank you for perusing and may God bless you and keep you today and always.

Thankful

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Good Morning Wonderers,

I did not know how it was going to be done, this getting through Thanksgiving without falling apart.  This day made up of our traditions without the usual participants and their predictable actions.  The day just started revolving on it own without knowledge or interference.  It just revolved.

It started with an invitation, one that should have went out 6 years ago with the birth of the child that united our families.  This family may have never known the gratitude felt that they are apart of this child’s life and therefore are an extension to mines.  There should be no separation in a family that loves each other.  It should not matter how we became family only that we are and the fact that the invitation was accepted and honored really supports our hearts are kindred spirits and we have something in common.  The love of a child.

The menu kept changing as ingredients went missing, side dishes burnt up and things had to be restarted.  Laughter was constant and attitudes were adjusted and we got through it.  Some traditional dishes made it to the final list and some were deleted.  Some new items like the coconut cake were welcome along with the new guests.  Memories of thanksgiving past echoed throughout the kitchen especially last year’s challenge with no oven to use.  It was not a problem, just a chance to go back to a simpler time we shared.  The purchase of a roasting pan and the toaster oven saved the day.  The children experienced how back in our time it took all day to cook Thanksgiving dinner while we bake one thing at a time in the toaster oven.   There could have been nothing sweeter than to rejoice about this memory except for you being there and because of it you were.  Its funny how we sometimes do not recognize our blessings when they are happening but when realized they are the most precious moments of our lives.

All day news of family gatherings and events all around the world had a new meaning.  It felt good to hear that people where sharing the day with others and life was moving forward despite heartbreak and tragedy.  After dinner was over and the house was quiet there was a phone call from a hospital room.  Thank God that he is in control and every one is okay but there was a fleeting feeling.  A reminder that we need to be thankful for every moment of our life and for every person in our lives past, present and future.

The day ended with another phone call from my friend.  She knows God’s love and knows my heart.  She was calling to confirm everything felt today was real because she felt it too through her own circumstances.  So thankful for the many talks we have shared over the years and although I some times do not know how I am going to get through I’m Thankful we know….with God’s help this too shall pass.

 

 

 

Hidden Talents

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Good evening Wonderers!

The past few days I have been visiting Ann Arbor, Michigan at GlampStitchalot 2017. Oh, is it cold here! This event was hosted by Pink Castles Fabrics. What a wonderful time I had learning new things and meeting new people. This weekend I spent time with about 150 quilters who shared their experiences along with four of the nicest instructors. I learned so much about people in the last four days but mostly I learned a lot about myself. I learnt that I don’t have to know everything, keep up with anything and if I let my guard down, there are people willing to let me lean on them. I could allow myself to be the weak one, the person in need. Wonderers, Pride is a dangerous thing because it isolates you into believing you are alone and you can not trust anyone or anything. You can only rely on your thought and perception on how things appear. You know I have been fighting the sewing machine for some time but I surrendered to it this weekend and along with an army of strong talented women that inspired me, encouraged me and showed faith in me, I succeeded. Titus 2 Women, both old and young supporting each other, looking for the good in every situation. Every conversation was noble, respectful and laced with kindness. The weekend was refreshing and welcoming and I am so grateful to have been apart of it. Now Wonderers I know you want to see what I did?

Fun and games.

I look forward to keeping in touch with the blue team over the upcoming years. Wonderers if you get the chance to step outside of your comfort zones, do it. There is nothing holding you back but you. Life is waiting. Joy is waiting. God is waiting for you to seek an abundant life.

Until next time…..thanks for perusing and have a good night.😘

Silo Update

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Today I added a background using paint and Saran Wrap.  I started with the wheat field by adding the plastic strips with gesso.  I then painted them.  I’m going to sit on it a few days and wait and see what develops both in my mind and in the painting.  Jesus is working on me while I work it out.  I have no words for it yet.  Just a feeling.  I was told to keep painting and I want to be obedient.   
 Yesterday I gave you a peek at the first painting I am working on in the 3D acrylic painting class.  So you know what I am trying to capture here are a few pictures of the scene.  This is the Shiloh Road and this is the sun that shines down on me from this point to the children’s school.  Isn’t it beautiful.  It leaves me at the school

I’m trying to translate it from where it picks me up and so far this is what I got.

It came to me about 3:00 a.m. To use strips of plastic that were made ironing flat groceries bags that were used for a Earth Day project with the York County Musuem.  A few friends from The Catawba River Art Guild and I ironed bags for days to assist children in making recycled artwork.  Everyone had a blast!  I love to recycle things.  I think that is why I’m so excited about this class.  I haven’t attached anything it to yet, I’m still working on the placement.

What do you think Wonderers?   Any suggestions?  Do you see God?

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/peek/”>Peek</a&gt;

Silos

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Hello Wonderers:

Those that follow me on Facebook know I’ve been on a commitment to represent my artistic abilities in fabric.  Kerrie invited me to Glamp Stitchalot which is next week.  I signed up for a pouch swap that even my son-in-law couldn’t believe.  Well I did and now I have completed it and for the first sewing project I have ever completed all by myself I’m proud.  The person I’m sewing for gave a few examples of things she likes so I also made her a card to thank her for opening the door of creating with fabric.


I think I will do more things.  I can’t wait to attend and feel the creativity of the textile artists.  I can’t call them quilters.  They are artists too.  Now that I am finished today I started a new class that is currently giving me life.

I started a 3-D acrylic painting class at Fewell Park, Rock Hill, SC. with Dr. Bradley Sabelli.  We will be experimenting with paint combined with non-traditional materials to create an original finished product.  Today I was painting with aluminum foil.   Over the next six weeks we will be using almost anything we can come up with.  Time to dig in the closets and see what I can find. 🤗

There is a title for this piece.  I will call it “Shiloh Road” because every morning while driving on this road taking the children to school, when the trees break at this farm especially at the point of the silos, the sun suddenly gets bright and shines down on me.  I respond, “Good morning God”, then thoughts of Derrick come and I sense their presence.  They are with me letting me know how proud they are for being strong and courageous.  It’s the time I feel I am not alone and I remember what I was told, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s a coincidence a friend told me to read Joshua this week and the passage came back to me.  I will take you along with me through the process of this painting and here is today’s beginning.


Can you see the foil?  I think the texture is cool.  

Well that’s it for today.  Until next time, thanks for perusing and enjoy the rest of the evening.  Love you all!

An Exceptional Gift

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imageAcrylic Ink on Tile.

 

Everything about art is exceptional to me and nothing about me is exceptional to art. 

This reminds me of my father saying he was a Jack of all trades but a master of none.  However in reality everything he did was exceptional.  He was a good painter, electrician and contractor and people hired him to do all kinds of projects.  It was not his job, it was his passion.  He was humble about his abilities and would read up on the skills and just do it.  I was in awe of his commitment to his exceptional gift of remodeling people’s homes and lives.

Today my daughter told me with each new medium I learn it only enhances my artistic abilities.  She said she can’t wait to see what I come up with next and what I heard in my mind was….I’m a Jack of all trades and a master of none.

I pray I am showing those following me what my Dad gave me.  Be humble and be willing to improve yourself and the lives of others through the means of your God given talents.

In reality it is all I have to give.

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/exceptional/”>Exceptional</a&gt;

Believe

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Thank you for the chance to respond to the challenge on Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie Lucky Dip 1.

I believe in God.  I believe in justice and I believe in karma.  The patent statement that I lived by used to go like this.  “What comes around goes around.  If not, justice will prevail. When they both fail, God is in control.”

I awake most mornings around 5 a.m., turn to the clock to see what time it is and then say a little prayer. I open the good book for a answering word to start my day. Depending on the answer immediately I think I know how my day will go. I may imagine today I am going to take flight and soar to the clouds in pursuit of a good day. Other days I may be a chess pawn playing the game of life. When I win I see the rainbow. If I’m in a harrowing storm, any minute I might be pushing up daisies. When I escape, I get out of bed and head towards the kitchen to start the coffee maker. That’s my poison of choice. I sit down and meditate on the word I was given and I thank God that he is in control. I don’t have to hold on to a crutch or cane. No matter what comes my way I can stand tall like my ancestors did. After all it’s in my DNA that I believe and serve the Most High God and his justice always prevails.

My personal statement then shifts to God is in control. Period!

With God all things are possible.

Thank you for perusing and have a good evening.

Casting Your Cares

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Cast your cares on him Wonderers!

“Give your worries to the Lord, and he will care for you. He will never let those who are good be defeated.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭55:22‬ ‭ERV‬‬

http://bible.com/406/psa.55.22.erv

Yesterday I landed myself into the hospital. Why? What happened you might ask? Fear. The same fear I said I was not feeling!

Well I thought I was not operating in fear. So let’s break it down.

Fear is defined in Dictionary.com as a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.

For the past few days my oldest daughter had observed that my face was swollen on one side. I saw it but I was not overly concerned about it. Yesterday she asked why was I speaking out of one side of my mouth. Okay! I’m a little concerned now but I move on with my day. “Promise me you’ll call your doctor Mom.” The last words she said to me.

I went on to get some chores completed and true I wasn’t feeling good but nothing really not out of the normal for me except now, I’m feeling impending doom. (Really it could have just been the feeling of impending housework. I like a clean house but I don’t care to do the cleaning). Anyway, the feeling is overwhelming and I start to cry. I pray about it and I then decide to go to urgent care just to get checked out and keep my promise. One ambulance ride and several test later, I get invited to a sleepover at the local hospital.

This morning the mediation is about casting your cares on Jesus. Yesterday I missed the mediation and it was on the topic of fear. This situation comes to mind as being a test. Not that God is testing me but he is convicting me. He did bring it to my attention that regardless of the pending test results he is paying close attention and I have nothing to be afraid of. He is the author of my life and Yesterday I was operating in fear. Fear for my children not for myself. Did I take care of everything. Will they be okay? I even mentioned it in my prayer. I was prepared for his will but what about my children. It was one of them that set this fear in my mind. Maybe the past experience of losing a parent who did not seek medical help influenced her. I had to ask myself am I afraid to be the parent and take the lead and make the decisions for myself and my family? I wasn’t being told by my own intuition that I needed medical attention. I’m not so sure. I do know now fear played a big part of me sitting on this hospital bed.

Fear can come in so many forms. I am not in fear for my future, of being alone or taking care of all the responsibilities left to me to discern. As confident as I am in God’s plans for my life I realize that there are still things I have not surrendered to Him.

If I have anything to fear it will be the hospital bill that’s following this venture. Nope Wonderers, it is already covered. Thank you Jesus!

Thank you for perusing and have a wonderful joyous day.

Walk in Joy!

Denise

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20140129-140110.jpg

Good morning Wonderers:

It’s Monday and you know what time it is.  Today though, my madness is a little bit different.

Last Friday evening my daughter called waking me out of sleep to tell me to gas up my car because a hurricane was on its way to Texas.  I got up and did just that. (Thanks baby for looking out for your mama!)   Saturday morning when I awoke my mind was telling me to gas up my husband’s car also.  We did not know how bad it was going to get and I might need both cars filled with gas.

I try to ride his car around once a week to keep it running in good condition until someone else takes over the car .   So I take it out and ride around the subdivision.  I look at the gas gauge and I can’t determine whether it needs gas or not.  We’ve had this car since 2007 and today I do not understand how to read the gauge.  I mean there is a white line up to the “F” but there is a red dot at the “E”.  My mind is questioning is it full or is it empty.  So I park the car and pull out the owner’s manual looking for clarification.  That didn’t help, it only confused me more.  At this point I’m thinking I had put gas in it the week prior but I can’t remember to be sure.  (Senior moment.)  So I just decide I’m gonna drive to the gas station anyway.  Either way no harm in taking the drive.  That’s when the miracle happened.

I start the car and only two bars show up at the top of the gauge at “F”.  The lower bars had disappeared.  As if the car was saying, “Denise the car is full dummy.”  I had never seen it do this before.  I was questioning whether it was a magnetic glitch in the gauge or maybe the light was blown.  I just keep looking at it and thinking the two bars were glowing brighter than usual but I still felt I needed to go to the gas station.  So off I went.  At the pump it took $1.99 and it was full.

I got back into the car and on the way home I just started crying.  I mean bawling.  I had been praying for discernment and to trust my intuition.  And right in front of me, here it is.  Evidence that God is listening to my prayers and I was questioning it.  I cried until I started laughing.  All this time and through all the things he brought me through I was still questioning what was real.  It gave me a total new perspective on my past, life with my family, my husband’s love and his passing and for my future.  It made me realize going forward I don’t have to question God anymore.  He is working for my good and he loves me.  My faith has been renewed.  If he can darken the control panel in a car, he can do anything!

Now you may think I’m losing it.  Some may say it was just a malfunction in the panel or maybe my husband.  It’s not the first time something strange happened in his car. (That’s another story for another day.)  What I know is:

God has dominion over every thing and he will use whatever he needs to get our attention and if we call out to him he will answer.   Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus or Lord. Roman 8:39

Wonderers, have a great day.  Use your magnetic personalities and draw God’s love into your lives.  Thank you for perusing and remember….

Walk in Joy!

a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/magnetic/”>Magnetic</a&gt;