Mission Accomplished

The coulottes were certainly a success...in that we finished them on time, and most of them fit. Of all that we sewed, only three pairs need to be redone! That was such a blessing and a testimony that God was in that. No way could we have done that on our own!

It was a week of Spiritual battes though. I struggled with where Kat is in her life, and once again I was faced with the reality that people seek their own, not the welfare of others. It seems as if everywhere I turn, I have to deal with that reality...has it always been that way, or is it a testimony of the sin sick world we live in!? I keep trying to keep my feet under me, because I know with every Spiritual victory, a mountain, there is also a valley. I hit the valley way sooner than I was prepared for. I was on such a high from the week before, all the opportunities God had opened for us to share and give to someone else, not the giving so much, but the amazing truth that you can't outgive God that was also being showered on us. Then I hit the point where I needed someone to commit to me just because they cared, and I was once again disappointed. Doing something out of love and doing something out of obligation are not the same thing. That truth goes beyond physical life, and challenges my heart to serve my Lord and others not because I have to or am obligated, but because Jesus love me, and I love Him. It sure seems like it would get easier to remember that, but being a "Martha" hinders me when I so want to be a "Mary."

I am so thankful for my husband. He is indeed a covering for me. He holds me when I cry, listens to me when I am unreasonable, brings balance into my life, and lightens my burdens. How God must have known when He gave him to me, and how I need to listen to him so much more than I do.

Sewing Fever

It is funny how just walking into a fabric store gets the juices flowing! I haven't sewn anything since January, but I have sure been thinking about it. I start musing over craft patterns, curtain ideas, all the variety of fabrics...and then...reality kicks in again...don't really have time for that right now! It is hard enough maintaining the house and getting done what needs to be done without adding another thing!

We started sewing coulottes this week, Tuesday to be exact. Before I cut a single piece of fabric, I had devotions and prayed...then I took a deep breath. I knew I was in for a very long week...sewing 17+ coulottes, having to work, keep up the house, and etc...was not going to be an easy task. The week started with a battle in my own heart-sometimes God has to remind me that just because He burdens my heart about something, doesn't mean everyone has the same concern or burden. I get so frustrated with that! Another Spiritual battle-lack of commitment in people. I was praying about that and as always God opens my eyes to my own life and reveals where I am weak. It sure is easy to look faithful and look committed, but the heart??? A whole other issue...my heart isn't always pure, and I am not always faithful in my heart where it matters the most since God doesn't see like man sees. God has so been working in my heart through a study I am doing on grace, people He is bringing into my life, and just these circumstances of my life.

Sewing....back to the subject. Dived in on Tuesday, and amazingly enough had five pair half way put together in 3 hours. Worked Tuesday night and Wed. morning. Wed. morning, finished one pair completely, cut and sewed part way 3 more. I took that set up to SCA to try them on. With one exception-they were a nearly perfect fit! That has never happened! That is God's hand in answer to prayer and these girls' needs! Still praying...still have lots more to go....and I am feeling the stress in my shoulders and hands. I not only need God to guide my hand, but I need Him to hold back the arthritis in my aging hands long enough for me to complete this task! It is certainly going to be a testimony of His power and His grace...and I LOVE it when He does that!