Senior Graduation Quilt Order

A local Order for a Graduating Senior

I felt very blessed to have this order because the mother was looking through a magazine when she came across the T shirt Quilt idea and she almost went with a big company, not me.

I love that it is a local order because that means the potential for word of mouth is that much greater. She said she will keep this in her shop for a little while before she gives it to her son for graduation at the end of the month. I am honored- so I gave her a 10% discount. I also will do the same for any customers that she sends my way.

The quilt fully fits the Full Size Bed that my son has. I didn't think until after the sewing of the shirt blocks that her sons bed might need the squares to go from the top to bottom. Hmmm hopefully that is not an issue. All my children's beds face out from the wall so I just don't remember to ask at times.

I love the binding that I used for this one. The backing was quite a bit darker and I needed a way to tie it in more. You can see the little specs of blue on the denim color binding fabric. I think this will be perfect. Still very masculine.

I also love that I am getting really good at using polo shirts and also with this quilt I had to be very careful because two shirts were really small. I was able to use part of the sleeve to get the full 14 inch square. I am hoping the son will treasure this forever and that the mother will be very happy with her purchase.

Wordless Wednesday and a Giveaway

Wow is it Wednesday already? I was told yesterday we had 19 days of school, that made me grin and want to cry all at the same time. Grin because I love summer break and cry because that means they are that much closer to graduating and being done. I know they eventually leave the nest but gosh it feels like they were all just born yesterday.

So I have about 6 pages left on my Sun Stand Still Book I have been praying so much as I read it, and the Lord shows us quite often that there is validity in the words of this book. It is based off of Joshua Chapter 10.

I admit that I have read the bible a few times all the way through but never took the significance of this chapter until reading this current book. I never saw the VALUE of this chapter. Let me share, it is quite long..

Joshua 10

The Sun Stands Still

 ¹ Now Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken Ai and totally destroyed^[a] it, doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king, and that the people of Gibeon had made a treaty of peace with Israel and had become their allies. ² He and his people were very much alarmed at this, because Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters. ³ So Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem appealed to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish and Debir king of Eglon. ⁴ “Come up and help me attack Gibeon,” he said, “because it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.”  ⁵ Then the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon—joined forces. They moved up with all their troops and took up positions against Gibeon and attacked it.
 ⁶ The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us.”
 ⁷ So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. ⁸ The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.”
 ⁹ After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. ¹⁰ The LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, so Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. ¹¹ As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.

 ¹² On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel:

   “Sun, stand still over Gibeon,
   and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.”
¹³ So the sun stood still,
   and the moon stopped,
   till the nation avenged itself on^[b] its enemies,

   as it is written in the Book of Jashar.

   The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. ¹⁴ There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a human being. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!

 ¹⁵ Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.

Five Amorite Kings Killed

 ¹⁶ Now the five kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah. ¹⁷ When Joshua was told that the five kings had been found hiding in the cave at Makkedah, ¹⁸ he said, “Roll large rocks up to the mouth of the cave, and post some men there to guard it. ¹⁹ But don’t stop; pursue your enemies! Attack them from the rear and don’t let them reach their cities, for the LORD your God has given them into your hand.”  ²⁰ So Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely, but a few survivors managed to reach their fortified cities. ²¹ The whole army then returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one uttered a word against the Israelites.
 ²² Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me.” ²³ So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon. ²⁴ When they had brought these kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had come with him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks.
 ²⁵ Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.” ²⁶ Then Joshua put the kings to death and exposed their bodies on five poles, and they were left hanging on the poles until evening.
 ²⁷ At sunset Joshua gave the order and they took them down from the poles and threw them into the cave where they had been hiding. At the mouth of the cave they placed large rocks, which are there to this day.

Southern Cities Conquered

 ²⁸ That day Joshua took Makkedah. He put the city and its king to the sword and totally destroyed everyone in it. He left no survivors. And he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho.  ²⁹ Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Makkedah to Libnah and attacked it. ³⁰ The LORD also gave that city and its king into Israel’s hand. The city and everyone in it Joshua put to the sword. He left no survivors there. And he did to its king as he had done to the king of Jericho.
 ³¹ Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Libnah to Lachish; he took up positions against it and attacked it. ³² The LORD gave Lachish into Israel’s hands, and Joshua took it on the second day. The city and everyone in it he put to the sword, just as he had done to Libnah. ³³ Meanwhile, Horam king of Gezer had come up to help Lachish, but Joshua defeated him and his army—until no survivors were left.
 ³⁴ Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Lachish to Eglon; they took up positions against it and attacked it. ³⁵ They captured it that same day and put it to the sword and totally destroyed everyone in it, just as they had done to Lachish.
 ³⁶ Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron and attacked it. ³⁷ They took the city and put it to the sword, together with its king, its villages and everyone in it. They left no survivors. Just as at Eglon, they totally destroyed it and everyone in it.
 ³⁸ Then Joshua and all Israel with him turned around and attacked Debir. ³⁹ They took the city, its king and its villages, and put them to the sword. Everyone in it they totally destroyed. They left no survivors. They did to Debir and its king as they had done to Libnah and its king and to Hebron.
 ⁴⁰ So Joshua subdued the whole region, including the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills and the mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded. ⁴¹ Joshua subdued them from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza and from the whole region of Goshen to Gibeon. ⁴² All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.
 ⁴³ Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.

Thank you Bible Gateway. I love Copy and Paste, don't you? So there are some very important aspects in this chapter. Can you imagine the Sun Standing Still? WOW. I can say that I need to do some major work in the prayer area. I pray frequently but I would say the quality of my prayers need some more work. I need more Sun Stand Still Prayers. I truly believe this book will impact those I know. I am hoping to eventually purchase a few more and give them as Christmas Gifts this year, for now I would like to do a giveaway.

So the rules:

You must be a U.S. resident to win- sorry to everyone else. You must first comment that you are a follower by GFC  as your mandatory entry. Please leave an email so I can contact you if you win.

Here are some other ways to enter-
* Follow this Blog on Network Bloggers- Facebook (1 Entry)
* Go to my Blog Posting for Baby Genius Quilt Donation and post your own blog about it. I figure this book will bless you and more advertisement about the quilt will allow the Lord to help this family. (5 Entries)
*Tweet or Facebook about this Blog or the Baby Genius Quilt Donation : ETSY LINK 
 (1 each- you can do this daily) Make sure you post your link source please and user name.

This giveaway will end on Memorial Day May 30th, 2011 at noon. Please leave your email so that I can contact you for mailing instructions.

Mekenzei's Egypt Tomb Shoebox Project

Mekenzei's Ancient Egypt Tomb ShoeBox Project 2011

I love love love love love that she did 98% of this by HERSELF! Such creativity and talent after some minor research online.

This is the ground floor, we read that some tombs had multiple levels and everything in them had a purpose for what they believed would be necessary for the afterlife.

This is the Sarcophagus- it is actually made of cardboard and then spray painted gold. I affixed it lightly to stand with some hot glue for her

These are to resemble the jewelry, amulets and makeup pot.

These are the "canopic jars" they would hold various intestines etc that were thought to be needed in the afterlife. The heart was very important. There is a story that if the heart was light as a feather the person would go on in life fully restored. However if it was heavier a monster came and ate it and the person wandered.

This is a table with a mummified Cat- which would have been of high importance, a boat which they might need to win battles in the afterlife and a pot.

Here we have a tablet with hieroglyphics on it. Also various swords for weapons in battle. All the pictures hold importance, it is believed that they could call out something in a art drawing to come to life and take form in various afterlife situations.

This is a scroll- would contain laws, covenants etc. Then also more weapons- bow and arrows

Photo of the top level. She did so much work after probably ten hours I said enough was enough even though this was not just full of more items. I think she covered a good share of the basics and am praying for the A she deserves.

Todays Blessings

You may ask why I took a picture of our oleander bushes, which honestly are pretty sad looking. See we moved in to this house 4 years ago this summer. I have yet to see these bushes ever flower. Okay so I am strange- I will just preface that before I continue. I see symbolism at times and whether that is a good thing or bad I will let you decide.Here was my impression of this bush right or wrong.When I was growing up we had oleanders in the back yard all along the fence line. They were this color and a light color. I thought of Mother's Day approaching, how I missed her then I saw all these flowers. Hmm just something amazing about bushes with no flowers for three years then this Mother's Day without her there they are. Anyway was to me..

 

So interesting story. I called my husband to see if he could bring some big trash bags home from work because we were out. He said they were out too but on order. I said oh okay and was a little disappointed. He was driving home from work tonight and he saw these two black rolls. Of course if you knew my husband you would know that he stops for all kinds of things on the side of the road, even circles back for them. Your junk or lost item might just be his treasure. I see this one as the Lord's sense of humor of provision for us. These are extra large contractor bags by the way. Enough to last all summer or longer. What a true blessing. I am loving this Sun Stand Still book, I can see and feel the Lord just moving through our lives, shaking them up and showing us daily HEY I AM HERE! Ask...Pray...Believe!

Menu Plan Monday

I cannot believe it is May already. It seems like we just started the year.
I know this month will be hectic since the school year is ending, there will be some activities, last minute projects and papers so Menu Planning will be essential to us. Thankfully if I plan I can include some BBQ nights. I love those because that means I get some help cooking.
Hubby made a brisket today that means I will incorporate some of it into our meals this week.

Monday- Mommy meeting out.
BBQ Brisket Sandwiches
Turkey or Ham sandwiches for those that don't want BBQ

Tuesday
Tacos or Taco Salads

Wednesday
Baked Potatoes, Veggies and BBQ Brisket

Thursday
Pancakes and Eggs

Friday- Movie Night
Homemade Pizza- for some reason we missed that last week

Saturday
BBQ Chicken Legs,
 Sliced Potatoes with onions and carrots,
Corn on the Cob

Sunday - Mother's Day
Not quite sure- hopefully hubby will have a EAT at Home Plan.

Surprising Ways of Our Heavenly Father

This morning I went with my husband to help with a side job he had. Then we were to head to the store. While sitting and waiting for him to finish grinding some drill bits- my job being the painting end of it, I read more of my book Sun Stand Still. Today's portion was in regards to prayer.

I was sharing a section with my husband on our way to Walmart. When we got inside we did our normal routine, I left him at the deli counter and went and got some supplies, while he waited for cheese and meat. As I walked back some people started to walk towards him. Me being the probably more antisocial of the two of us, stayed over by the rolls for a few seconds to see if they were going to try and sale him something. Of course The lord was about to deliver a powerful message I just had no idea.

We would come to learn, after my husband so polietly made it impossible for me to walk away, that this group of 5 people were in Walmart today praying for people on their list. They sat in church sometime this week and had a list of qualities, names, situations. Each list being different to each of the five. One lady had Paul's name on there and that he needed encouragement. The other lady well she said that she was confused and felt possibly mislead by her name on her list- It was Jennifer, but the reason she questioned it was that her daughter's name was Jennifer, she felt she might be wrong. The lady that was with them had financial situations and sewing on her list. They knew they had found one of the many that the Lord was wanting them to bless today through the power of prayer. I admit I did read the paper and I personally saw the ladies own handwriting that said Sewing- under prayer of Talents. We allowed them to lay hands on us, two praying for my husband the other three praying for me.

The Lord sure impacted my life. I did not want to pray for financial blessings, even though my husband and I had just talked about that before walking in the store, instead when they asked for a topic I prayed for my business that I would continue to be able to bless others, that it in turn would continue to bless us. The prayers- healing to come over me as I sew each stitch of my next few quilts, that business would flourish and we would have income provided to meet our needs, she continued for quite some time about other things like feelings, emotions and needs. 

For me there are too many connections to not know that this was DIRECTLY our Lord. First it was a mother with a name of a daughter- who happens to match mine- I admit that with this next weekend approaching I am having such difficulty. I took such comfort in that.  Then I know that after my daughter's quilt is done I wanted to begin my mom's butterfly quilt. Hmm healing you think? I do..I marvel at the impression the Lord left on us today. I am so thankful for these faithful servants who spotted us and did not know us, who asked politely if they could pray for us, who invited us to their church if we are ever in the area, and who wanted to make sure we knew Christ as our savior.

Their footsteps amaze me. How often do we go through life and not reach out to others. How often could the Lord use us and we have no clue because we are not still and listening to him. I am thankful the lady listened to our Lord, that even though she doubted that she was hearing correctly she had my name written down, that she would share that story with me. I wish I had been able to explain some things to them and how much their kindness meant, however, I was trying so hard not to become a crying spectacle in the middle of hte produce department.

So if anything take from this story that the Lord does know, that when you hit rock bottom He will move mountains to make sure you understand that you are forever in HIS arms, that He cares and that you matter.

Etsy Treasury of Donations

Today I put together a treasury on ETSY for items where proceeds in percent or full go to different causes, from animal shelters to Japan to Different medical difficulties such as Autism or Breast Cancer. I love buying items where you know that a partial percent or all of what you spend benefits someone else. Its a great feeling to Pay it Forward for blessings we get in our own life by our Heavenly Father. It is a great way to spread the wealth and help him meet the needs of others.

Orindary to Extraordinary

Well as I mentioned this week I am reading this incredible book- which I will giveaway later in May. While sitting in the dr office I read this one portion this week and it really sunk in. I shared this same portion with my husband as it fit both of us, the same but differently. See often when I say that I am a SAHM people then just come back with oh. Its like its not good enough, like I don't do much. I just sit on a couch eating candy and chips all day long. Hmm not the picture at my house for sure. So when I read this portion I thought WOW that is so true, that is so us.

Steven Furtick writes, 

God may lead you to stay at home with your young children, forfeiting a second income. Ordinary. But along with diapers, dishes, and naps, you receive the gift of time- to model discipline, instill values, and speak life into your kids. They could grow up to be Joshuas in their own generation. Extraordinary.

He goes on to say,

God may have placed you in a line of work that seems to have no eternal value and provides very little in the way of personal fulfillment.Ordinary. But he knows you're the only Christian witness many of your coworkers and clients will ever meet. They'll observe what God looks like as you labor with excellence and integrity every day. Extraordinary.

This is what led me to make a difference this week. To take a simple quilt and donate the proceeds to a much needing family. The Lord planted the seed in my heart, I put that faith into action, now I will believe that this quilt will sale, it will go to a loving family and the money will help make another day or two a little easier for the family in need. If you missed the post about the Baby Genius Quilt please read Here

Furtick concluded the section by saying the following,

Look around your desert today. It might be your office, your living room, your church, your neighborhood, your classroom. If God is calling you to make a BIG DIFFERENCE, he usually starts in a small way- a flaming bush that only you will notice.

Will you remove your shoes, draw close, and receive your assignment? Will you give the Lord permission to ignite your ordinary? If you will, I promise it won't be long before your faith starts carrying you to  a level higher than you ever thought you could go.

Now all I can say to that is AMEN! Have a wonderfully blessed weekend. I am on Fire over SUN STAND STILL. Oh and please feel free to share the word about this quilt and donation. Word of mouth is the best advertisement and I would really love to help this family.

Baby Genius Quilt and a Donation of Proceeds

Purchase this quilt and the funds are donated for a great cause. You can get purchasing info at my ETSY page.

Discovery and Learning Baby Quilt Custom Made Sale of Quilt is donated to a great cause

This is a custom made quilt, yours can have your own family name or babies name on it- included in the price. It can also be made without a name.

This quilt sale will be completely (minus the cost of shipping) DONATED to my friend Joy, who's son has pars planitis in both eyes. This requires many doctor visits, medications, and other situations in which extra money is needed. She is a Sahm and I would like to help. I felt the Lord speak to me as I traveled the journey of her Blog. If you would like to read about her please convo with me and I will share with you how your purchase can bless this family.

This is a great playmat for new babies ranging from 5 months on. The cognitive stimulation is wonderful for their little growing brains. All the colors, shapes etc...
This particular playmat was made square because mommy wanted it for her little one's belly time. It measures about 42 inches. I also can make them rectangular if that is preferred.

It is also embroidered with a last name rather than a first name so that it can be used for future babies.

I use Warm and Natural Batting in all my quilts.

This quilt is backed with ABC flannel fabric which is soft and cuddly, or it can be made with a solid flannel.

It has a black and white polka dot handmade binding on it.



It comes from a smoke free home. Again this is a custom made quilt, it takes under 2 weeks for your order to be ready once details are finalized. Please contact me to know what you need and I will alter this listing to for you.
 

Thankful Thursday

Wow what a week. I am so thankful the weekend is almost here. We have had one busy afternoon after another. I have much to be thankful for.
1. I am thankful that I have had all these appointments and waiting time picking kids up etc, it has allowed me to work on my reading of an incredible book called Sun Stand Still. I am nearly done with it and I just have such a better outlook. I feel great. It is reminding me of some important biblical principles and helping to inspire me in life.
2. I am thankful for the 2 desk like chairs Paul brought home from work, they were clearing out an office so now Jakob and I both have these nice office like chairs- free of cost.
3. I am thankful that we have had a slow homework week, it has helped Paul and I get several nights of quiet time this week. With the end of the school year within 30 days now, I am thankful we were able to recharge.
4. I am thankful for the Deposit Paul made into my Love Bank last night, with two bags of Reisen Chocolate candies and some peppermint patties- I do still pray for Resses Peanut Butter cups for Mother's Day, I keep hinting.
5. I am thankful for the extra money Paul could make last night and will make again on Saturday, with all the dr appointments and Jakob's prescriptions we have spent an extra $100 I did not have planned. It is nice that the Lord met our needs.
6. I am thankful that today I finished the Tshirt Quilt top and I can work tonight on getting the backing made and the quilt finished so that I can hopefully deliver it sometimes between tomorrow and Monday. I pray that it will be a quilt that will give me some local business, since it is a woman in our school district that actually found me online through my ETSY page.
7. I am thankful that we pick up our pool tomorrow and get to do the delayed Easter Egg Hunt. I am looking forward to another weekend of family time.
Lastly, I am thankful that the Lord continues to speak to me. I am thankful that He continues to lift me up and nurture me. I am thankful for his warm embrace and the beautiful sunshine every day. I am thankful for the couple of friends that read my Blog occasionally and the communication gained from that. I pray for continued blessings and uplifting as a tough week approaches. I also pray for all the families and areas this week affected by the many storms. May their needs be met, may their hearts be filled with peace, may the Lord comfort them through this time.