A PROJECT FINISHING EFFORT!

FOR WHICH OF YOU INTENDING TO BUILD A TOWER, DOES NOT SIT DOWN FIRST AND COUNT THE COST, WHETHER HE HAS ENOUGH TO FINISH IT--LEST AFTER HE HAS LAID THE FOUNDATION, AND IS NOT ABLE TO FINISH, ALL WHO SEE IT BEGIN TO MOCK HIM, SAYING, 'THIS MAN BEGAN TO BUILD AND WAS NOT ABLE TO FINISH.' Luke 13:28-30

I realize these verses apply to much more than my needlework projects, but I was reminded of them in thinking of the need to finish some stuff I've started!

I am trying to learn to finish the things I start. Enjoying all kinds of needlework so much, it's hard not to try some new pattern or project even before the old ones are finished. Over the holidays (so far) I've gotten a few things "wrapped up." I started the back of the white cardigan I have been making for far too long! Also got the first yarn I spun all plied and put in skeins. You see that in the picture. I tatted a few crosses for bookmarks as well. The one pictured is an original pattern-a little filigree from the fingers!

It's a good discipline to finish what you start. I am trying to discipline myself in this area. As well as the projects I just mentioned, I finished a western shirt and vest for Clint. That was a Christmas gift I finished at the last minute! Also I put together a floor book complete with buttons, zippers, and buckles for Emma to play with. So lots of projects got finished just recently and wow, am I glad! Time to look forward to a new year AND the new addition that is soon to arrive--our new granddaughter--due any day! Will keep you posted.

THE RUBY SLIPPER INCIDENT-CHAPTER 6

In the last chapter, I told you about the day I felt the Lord spoke to me, trying to comfort me about my time in Africa. You would think that should have been enough for anyone. Though it helped, I still felt a little "jittery," and homesick. I remember one day standing in our little hotel room, maybe the same morning, I can't remember, and clicking my heels together and saying to Clint, "I wish I had a pair of those ruby slippers." This smart aleck remark was to let him know I was ready and anxious to return home. We had just moved into our new house only a few months before our trip and my thoughts were distracted by wishing I was home unpacking the boxes, fixing things up, etc. Also I was concerned about the kids. I was just really longing for home in a lot of ways.

He just smiled at me knowing I was referring to the incident where Dorothy clicked her heels together in The Wizard of OZ and instantly returned home! That was a favorite movie for me as a child. As the week wore on and we continued to work and fellowship with the people. I think I began to relax a bit more while still thinking alot about the everything back home.....and then something very interesting happened....there's more to this story....stay tuned! Blessings, LORI