Too Many Ideas

cross stitch chart

My oldest asked for a “Tree of Life” and so here is my design. I’m still workingon it but thought I’d share.

If you’d like the design in PC Stitch format, leave a comment and I’ll send it right out to you.

I plan to upload a lot more designs soon.

I got a call a little while ago. My oldest told me, in a very solemn, serious voice, that, “Teddy has something to tell you,” and handed the phone to her husband.

Oi. So I spent 3 or 4 year-long seconds worrying what he could possibly have to say that she was making him say, only to hear his voice:

“Hello, fellow citizen.”

Woohoo!!!!!!

He’s been working toward this for a while but I hadn’t heard much.

Congratulations, Teddy.

It really is. Not perfect, but great. Beautiful. Always challenging, amazing, awing, satisfying.

Would I be so happy with it if I weren’t in the financial position I’m in? Uh—probably not. I think of Saint Paul, how he says he has learned to be content in plenty and in need. Hard lesson, that.

Sometimes I grouse and worry that I need more. I don’t. I know that. But you know how it is.

So I’m grateful for what I have. Aware that I’m blessed. Aware that I have more than most people now living.

And I’m more determined than ever to hold onto that gratitude, to give it presence in my life every day. To thank God for all He has given me.

And to give back. Or pay it forward. Whichever direction He chooses.

Book Review The Pastor’s Wife

By Jennifer AlLee

 Jennifer AlLee starts The Pastor’s Wife with just the sort of situation I love to put my characters in: they’re married, but separated, and now, they’re back together. Reluctantly. Fighting all the way. Especially fighting the love they still feel for each other. It makes for a great story and Jennifer doesn’t disappoint.

 Maura Sullivan left Nick and never told him why. Now she’s back, and she has to stay for six months in order to inherit the Music Box Theater, and for Nick’s church to inherit the money it needs for programs. And as much as Maura wants to hightail it back to California, she wants the theater more. And California has nothing she wants, now.

Nick Shepherd couldn’t understand why Maura left, and having her back is a strain. But he’d willing to do what he has to, to help her reach her dream and to help her church. Doesn’t hurt that he never stopped loving his wife.

 Lots of stories use this set up but Jennifer gives it some interesting twists that make it fresh. I give it five stars, absolute-must-read status!

She was born this past Sunday, just a few days before her mommy’s birthday. Already this little one has had a great impact on her world. We’ve all been praying for her—for her heart, mostly, but also for all the other little things they thought were problems—and you know what? God answered us. Boy, did He! She’s fine now—she’s home. She’s drinking her milk and the doctors don’t foresee any problems. She’ll have surgery on her little heart when she’s six months old but I say, there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s perfect. God’s already touched it.

Funny, this isn’t as easy to figure out as the scrapbooking thing.

 I keep writing because I have too many stories I need to tell. Too many characters inside my head who need a voice. Too many ideas (maybe you’ve heard that before).

 I love writing because it takes me out of myself, takes me away from the problems and drudgery of everyday. Sort of like reading does. I love it because I can make the story come out how I want. I’m not just following some other author’s idea of a perfect story.

 It’s a creative outlet, sure, but I have a lot of those, and they’re a lot more quick with the gratification. I can be looking at a new scrap page in about an hour. A new book—um—a year. Not so satisfying. Not until it’s done, anyway, and the wait between is so long.

 I feel I’m fulfilling my purpose by writing. God gave me this talent, gave me the need, gave me the stories. What better use of my time than to thank Him by writing?

 It’s a good idea, though, to study your reasons, and reaffirm them.