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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Moving Along

Spring is easing into Summer and I'm wondering where the time has gone!!  Over the last couple of weeks, I've been walking with a close-aged friend, and we lament about our "lost years."  Wasn't I 30 just a few minutes ago?  Now that my youngest is officially a teenager (Will turned 13 in April), I've decided that teenagers suck all the years right outta ya!!  LOL   Since I've lost about 12 years -- which is, incidentally, the exact number of teenager years I've endured through three children (nearly 7 years with Emily, 4.5 with Sam and Will's 1st) -- I think it's entirely reasonable to accuse them of sucking up all my time!!  LOL

We've had a good couple of months.  We vacationed at the beautiful Edisto Island, SC, earlier this month with a couple of days spent in Charleston.
I took lots of books to read and some handwork, too!  The first I've worked on in nearly a year.

Applique...the center block of a pieced quilt that's been on my UFO list for a while.

And Tumbling Blocks...I'm up to about 115 completed 2" blocks...which means I only have about 479-ish more to complete!! :-)  So far it's a charm quilt with no fabrics repeating. I love the look of it, and English paper piecing makes it portable.  Bonnie Hunter's 1" hexies----uh uh! No Way!! :-D  These I can do without making my eyes feel any older than they are!!




We had some additions to the family...all now distributed to other homes. Mr. Stripey -- actually a Mrs! LOL -- was my favorite and she's safely ensconced with my sister, bravely intimidating her passel of dogs!!  She's every bit the tiger she favors!! :-D


Finally, we noted the first anniversary of Sam's passing.  His memorial stone was set, coincidentally, on the day, May 23rd.  The sillouette is actually of Sam; he would love that we captured him in motion, a fitting tribute to be sure.  His epitaph is the summary of his life: "Living to know Him, dying to make Him known." 

Moving on is difficult...One of the hardest parts of grief is noting that Sam will remain forever 17 and our ages and projects and lives will go forward without him.


But life is designed that way.  I once heard a pastor talk about the 23rd Psalm.  Sheep, he said, are always on the move.  They don't linger in one spot over long. And as long as they follow the Shepherd, they are provided for, comforted, healed...even through the valley of the shadow of death.
My cup overflows!!
 
 

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.


Sam's roses, planted just days before he died.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, 
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.


Blessings!!





Many, many thanks to those of you who have checked on me from time to time over the last couple of months!!! You'll never know how much and richly you have blessed me!! May God bless you 100-fold!!

22 comments:

Me and My Stitches said...

So good to hear from you - I think of you often! It sounds like you are keeping busy, and being productive as always. Take Care!

Lucky Duck Dreams said...

So good to hear from you. I had thought of you the other day and said a quick prayer. When ever I read your blog I am uplifted by your words. Thanks so much. PS the picture of your son on the sidebar always makes me smile. He just glows.

Joanne said...

Lovely to see you back. Colleen is right - you have an amazingly uplifting blog, very inspiring.
Your comment about your son staying 17 reminded me of a family photo we recently took. For a couple of the pictures my mother held a photo taken of my brother before he died 23 years ago and she said the same thing - we have all gotten old and he has stayed 28. Times sure goes by, but it feels like yesterday.
Hugs!

Patty Sumner said...

Yes, I guess we can blame our kids for the life being "sucked" right out of us.... lol.. I like that! I cannot imagine being forever
"17". what a wondereful thought.... Good word! Blessings and see you soon...real soon..probably sooner than I want but we gotta do what we gotta do....lol

julieQ said...

Love your tumbling blocks! I know this has been a tough year for you...thinking about you. Love that psalm!

Sarah Craig said...

I'm so glad to see your blogpost up on my blog roll! I have missed your posts and thought about you much over the past months - particularly as the Hands2Help Challenge rolled around again. Your work, as always, is beautiful and I've so missed your inspirational thoughts - welcome back!!

jude's page said...

Good to hear from you again,kept checking in and hoping you were going ok. Thanks for your inspiring words, I love how you "put" your faith out there!
Keep it up and may you be uplifted as you grieve for Sam.

antique quilter said...

so good to see a post from you
I have thought of you often
Glad to see your still quilting and finding time for yourself, Sam will always be remembered by so many of us.....
Kathie

Doniene said...

Blessings to you sweet lady! A wonderful tribute! Lovely handwork!

Shelley said...

It's hard to believe it's been a year Mary Lou....days move by so quickly. It's soooo GOOD to see you here, I've thought of often. Learning to live with the memories......glad to see you've picked up some sewing! Hope to see you back here lots more! Hugs to you!!!

Needled Mom said...

Ah yes....those wonderful teenage years!!

Sam would be pleased knowing his stone reflects action. I know it has been a long and difficult year.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

When my dad died, my grandmother said, "Parents are not supposed to outlive their children." But sometimes they do. You have chosen that good place, beneath the shadow of His wings, and there you are protected and comforted.

Your tumbling blocks are beautiful! I will have to work up courage for one of those someday.

StitchinByTheLake said...

It was good to open my computer and see that you had posted. I suppose some would think it funny that all over the world people who don't know you are watching for you and over you, thinking of you and praying for you. But of course God knew you were going to need that when you first set your blog up. I love that He anticipates our needs long before we know that need is coming. blessings, marlene

Janet O. said...

Can't imagine the pain you are bearing. My best friend died the day after Sam did and that has still been hard for me. But to lose your child, that is another level of grief. You always exhibit such faith. God bless you for it, and comfort you. I've missed your posts. They are always full of wisdom and hope.

Gloria said...

I am happy to see your post. Even though we will most likely never meet on this earth, I have thought of you, prayed for you and hope each day is easier.

Gloria

Michelle said...

It's really good to see your post...like the others, I've thought of you many times over the months. Thanks for sharing an update...your words are always encouraging and inspiring! Hugs!

angie said...

Sam's headstone is beautiful...and I love the inscription! What a great reminder that even the dark times of our lives have a purpose in Him.

Alyssa said...

I like Samme's memorial stone, he will be remembered as that. I was one of his follower in his Tumblr account. I miss his positive post about his activities and such. I don't know but every time I go to his Tumblr blog and read his post, I'm feeling sad. Well, I don't want you to be sad while reading this comment. Remain as a blessing and an inspiration to everyone. God bless you. :)

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Unknown said...

So nice to read a post from you again. My heart overflows with love and compassion for you and your family. The firsts are so hard hey? It is just so encouraging that you do find your strengh in the Lord. I've seen some of my family members turning away from the Lord after a loved one died unexpectedly, and it is so sad as one see the moral chaos in their lives.

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