Saturday, December 29, 2012

One more day...

One more day till the end of 2012. An eventful year?  Yes! The big '7 0' birthday,  the big '5 0' years of marriage, eldest grandson engaged, so much to be thankful for with all of our family well and happy. Sadly my mother was told she could no longer live alone and was moved from hospital to her new 'home' in an assisted living facility. On the last day of this year I will be winging my way 'across the ditch' to see her.

This past month has been busy - as it always seems to be leading up to Christmas but we've spent a very lazy week since the 'big day'. Reading and eating have featured large!  Now the task ahead is to shed those unwanted kilos which have sneaked up on me. 

I've recently had a real sewing (machine) frenzy and finished making some tote bags and hanging hand towels which have been given as gifts.  Now I must get on and finish the Scottish Thistle sampler I began at least 6 months ago.

 
 
My brother turns 70 next June and I plan to make this sampler into a cushion cover for him.  The chart is by "M Designs" (Thistle Clock and Sampler) and I am stitching it on a seeded oatmeal colour #14 Aida cloth.  I fear it will be the last cross stitch project I will complete as my finger joints are now very swollen and painful with Hebeden's arthritis. 
 
As I reflect on 2012, there have been so many 'showers of blessings' which have come from God through the Holy Spirit.  Some say twists and turns of fate - I say only a loving Heavenly Father could have planned them at just the right time. 
 
I look forward to what He has planned for me in 2013 and rest on His promise -  'for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' (Jeremiah 29:11 BNIV) My future is secure in Him.
 
May the blessings of God be with you also in 2013!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Thursday, December 20, 2012

Am I ready for Christmas?

Tomato Relish is made...

 
 
Shortbread out of the oven...
 
 
 
 


Christmas pressies finished...
 
 
 
 
 
Is my heart ready to receive Him?