Shabby Denim Rose

A Highlight of My Life.

2012-02-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

This past week was our regular HOOK N NEEDLE CLUB MEETING and it is one of the great highlights of my life. I completed this smaller version of the quilt that I had made, so that made 2 quilts to take this month to the club to be donated to the hospital newborn babies. I enjoy giving these away so much.

I am so thankful to the Lord that has given me strength and time to do these. I am also thankful for the wonderful people who have donated jeans to me to cut up for these projects. They have a valuable part in giving unto the Lord. I could not be doing this much without them.

Sometimes it is a hard struggle trying to cut out all the denim squares for the quilts but it keeps my arms strong and in shape. I do a combination of machine and hand sewing on them, and I pray and sing songs to the Lord when I sew them. That way they are blessed quilts for the one who receives. The hems are done all the way around by hand which gives me lots of special time to pray while I sew.

I love meeting with these group of ladies each month who all have the same heart. They make blankets, booties, scratch mittens, bonnets and so much more for these babies. Our Livingston babies leave the hospital in style!

The fellowship with the ladies is absolutely wonderful and we give each other hints on projects. Some of us come early and eat lunch together. This is something that I have longed for ever since we retired here in 2004. I am so glad God led me to this club.

Every time that I bring the denim quilts to the meeting, I always have someone asking me to make them one and they will pay. I just can't accept that offer because it will take away time from my sewing the donating items, and I just don't have time anyway with other ministries that I do. I do feel very honored though that they like them and want one. I give God all the glory! It is He that has given me the time and talent to do them. Without Him I could not sew or give to anyone.

I am hoping to make at least one denim quilt for next month, but first I am making a few small flannel receiving blankets and scratch mittens for the babies for March.

Somewhere in my busy time, I have to start on a quilt for my granddaughter for her birthday! Shhh! Don't tell!

A Little About Me!

2012-01-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

Just in case you wonder about me, here is some things of my heart and desires:

My life is simple. I want to love, live, laugh, do for others, and serve the Lord Jesus Christ in whatever He desires. He is my life and the greatest love of my life.

I want my life to be an example of Jesus's love in action and not just words.

I accepted Christ as my savior when I was 8 years old and surrendered my life to full service for him when I was 12 years old, and have walked with Him ever since. Everyday with Jesus just gets better.

The Lord is my strength through the trials and the storms of life. He has never failed me. He has given me all the promises of the Word of God and I study them and believe in them. He has promised me salvation, health, wisdom, and much more. Without Him, I can do nothing!

He gave me a wonderful husband when I was 18 years old who treats me like a queen, and 3 beautiful daughters who have blessed my life greatly. I have 5 wonderful grandsons, and 2 beautiful granddaughters, and 1 beautiful great-granddaughter, and I pray that the heritage of the Lord that I will leave with them will carry them through life here and in the here-after.

I am so grateful for the talents the Lord has given me and I want to use them to benefit others. I love sewing for others, charities, and giving to the less fortunate.

I enjoy life to the fullest because Jesus said that "he came to give us life more abundantly and enjoyable" even on this earth. Recently I joined the Red Hat Society just to have fun, connect, share, bless, and let the young girl inside me stay free!

I love to spend lots of time in prayer and God has called me to be intercessor for many. God blessed me with a wonderful prayer garden building that I spend lots of time in. I enjoy my moments with God in prayer and worship more than anything else in my life.

I enjoy every moment of my life because life is a gift from God, and since my body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit, I try hard to take good care of it not to harm it. I try to obey his word in how to eat proper food for health and healing. I plan to live a long prosperous life as He promises in His Word.

I desire to live my life in such a way that those who don't know Christ will come to know Christ because they know me and I pray everyday for those who don't know Him because they do not know what they have missed. I am so grateful that the Lord called me when I was 8 years old and I chose to surrender.

I have served in many positions in church over the years and planted much seed. I know I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength, but my first and greatest ministry is that of being wife and mother and I never lost sight of that.

My greatest desire is one day to hear my Saviour say "Well done thy good and faithful servant".

Most of all, I truly know who I am because of the Great I AM that I know and serve!

Baby Quilt Finished

2012-01-25T16:15:00.000-08:00

This months baby quilt donation is now complete! It will be given to a hospital baby.

I made this one with material on the back that has hand and foot prints on it. I machine embroidered hand prints and foot prints on pockets that I sewed on the top of the quilt. It will be taken to our Hook and Needle Club meeting in February. Hopefully, I can get another one made by then. I am working at a slower pace now since I am not seeing well with these glasses. I am waiting patiently for my new pair of contacts and glasses.

Say a prayer that I can complete a second quilt before the meeting.

PURPLE HAT DAY

2012-01-23T18:52:00.000-08:00

Well, this was the day for our Red Hat Luncheon, but this time we reversed our colors. Purple hat and red clothes. So I put up my Red hat and got out the purple one.

We do this on anniversary month of the Chapter, the anniversary month of the RED HAT SOCIETY, and our birthday month. So I will be wearing purple hats in January, April, and July. Guess I need to stock up on purple hats too! LOL

The only purple hat I owned was the western one, so I dressed western today. We had a great time eating lunch at a local restaurant, laughing, sharing and talking for 2 hours. I was appointed by our Chapter Queen, as our Chapter Chaplain, so I said the blessing over the food today. I was so honored. God knows that is my hearts desire.

As you can see in the photos, I had my glasses on which I can't even see well out of since they are so old. I had trouble with my contact lenses last week and the doctor examined my eyes and has me another pair on order. The old contacts were damaged.

So in the meantime, I am having to try to see from these old glasses. So a day of fun today took away some of the frustrations from not being able to see well.

Red Hatters are planning to go to a Tea Room in March and I can hardly wait for that event. I love tea and tea rooms. Guess I need to make me a Tea Room Party Dress and Hat.

Well, Shabby Denim Rose had her fun for the month, so now back to work.! I am working on a baby denim quilt for the Hook n Needle Club meeting coming up. That quilt will be given to the hospital to give to some newborn baby. I made 3 small fleece blankets last month, but this month, I cut out some denim squares to make a quilt. Pictures will be shown on next post when completed.

Until then have a blessed month.

SHABBY DENIM ROSE HAS RISEN AGAIN AS RED HATTER!

2012-01-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

I knew that Shabby Denim Rose would not die!

Shabby Denim Rose is now my Red Hatter Name! No longer am I JUST Lillian Isabelle while on the Red Hat adventures but Shabby Denim Rose! I know that name must live on! Now my love is now for Red or Purple roses!

I recently joined the wonderful world of fun in old age The Red Hat Society and I am having a fun time! Only age 50 or above can wear a red hat which is an honor saved for the benefit of the aging. The ladies ages 21 through 49 years old have to wear pink hats.

This is the first time in my life that I have ever been part of anything that just has a great time and no work, and no requirements except to bling all you want and wear your red hat and purple clothes with pride. It is all about, fun, friendship, caring, and being free to be yourself.

The big hat pictured above was a simple one sent for me to decorate when I first joined. And decorate it I did with what I could find in my sewing room! I had the honor to wear it to my Red Hat Christmas Party and won the Beautiful Hat Prize.

Then another hat was the one I wore on the day, I went to go see my precious newborn first great granddaughter Sophia Isabella, who was named after my middle name Isabelle. Of course I had to wear my hat to greet her!

When my husband and I went to a family outing at the zoo during cold weather, of course I also pulled out another red hat and scarf to keep me warm!

Next week I will attend a lunch with the Red Hat Chapter I am in. This time I will wear my purple denim jeans, shirt, purple rose earrings, and Red Hat yet to be seen! Pictures will follow later. FUN! FUN! FUN! Who said old age is boring!?

There is always room for red hats and purple clothes in my closet! Loving this new SHABBY DENIM ROSE! It is great getting old and knowing that you can have the freedom to be yourself and just have fun after all these years of serving others, taking care of family and doing for others! Of course those things still reside in my life but I am in the season now of some me time! Come join the Red Hat Society! Check it out! You will love it.

BEAUTIFUL MAGAZINE/RELAX AND READ

2012-01-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

This new issue of the Shabby Lane Shops has arrived and it is a beautiful issue. Be sure you get yours! click here to order your issue.

While at Shabby Lane Shops online mall you can visit the beautiful shops also. This was the online mall that Shabby Denim Rose belonged too and it is wonderful. So many beautiful shops, easy shopping and free stuff too!

I wrote many articles for the past issues of the Shabby Lane Shops magazines, so order some past issues too if you forgot to get yours. During these cold winter days it is so nice to relax and read and also shop online instead of fighting the crowds at the malls.

Happy New Year and enjoy your winter!

Shabby Denim Rose Has Retired!

2012-01-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

Well here it is now January 1, 2012. Changes and New Beginnings in so many ways! Excitement in the air everywhere! Another year to do and be all that we can be!

Several months ago the Lord spoke to my heart that it was time to retire my website Shabby Denim Rose and spend more time SMELLING THE ROSES! More time with children, grandchildren, and now a great granddaughter. I am even planning a spring tea party for the girls in the family. Memories to cherish! Life is so short so we should make everyday special and full of memories. Today I realize that even more, since I lost my special childhood friend and cousin who was 5 years younger than I am. We don't have time in life to live in regrets.

I will continue the talents the Lord has given to me of sewing and crocheting, but I will broaden now to sewing more for charity work. That has been my heart all my life and what I love to do most. I began my first denim quilts in 1981 when I made them for teen boys in our neighborhood. Then I was hooked on denim. I love sewing with it. In my heart I will always be Shabby Denim Rose.

I recently joined the Hook n Needle Club in my home town to help make items for the newborn babies at the hospital and also items for children for the Empty Stocking Program.

I recently had the honor of making 2 quilts for teens for The Christmas Stocking program and it thrilled me so much to do this. Pictured above are the quilts. The boys quilt has a pillow to match. The girls has a pillow and a purse to match. The girls quilt also has detailed machine embroidery on it.

I want my quilts to have a special touch of God's love for these teens. God loves them dearly! When I sew these and all my quilts, I pray that the ones who receive them will know the Lord one day, and be covered by God's protection, love, grace, and mercy, and that they will feel that love every time they touch the quilt. So I guess I can call them prayer quilts. I even sing praise songs while sewing them so they are anointed with praise.

Now that Christmas is over, I will be making more quilts through the year for the 2012 Empty Stocking program and baby blankets for the babies at the hospital every month. Oh, how wonderful in old age that we can still be used to help others. That is what we are created for!

(Wait Until you see my next post about my new adventure with the RED HAT SOCIETY!)

LONG HOT SUMMER

2011-09-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

It has been a very long hot and dry summer here in Texas. We are in a severe drought all over the state and it is heart breaking. We lost all our plants due to the extreme heat of 108 degrees sometimes. I was so sad not to have any beautiful flowers to look at each day, but my sweet husband brings me beautiful roses from time to time. Yesterday he bought these and it cheered me up so. There is nothing quite like roses! I can't seem to grow them but I do love them.

This morning God blessed us with 55 degree temperatures in the early hours so I climbed out of bed, put on my sweat suit and sat in my prayer garden all alone at 7:00 a.m. and spent some time in prayer for all those suffering from the wild fires in Texas. It was such a joy just watching my waterfall and the hummingbirds. My husband has been faithful to keep our bird feeders and birdbaths full for the birds. It is hard to see the animals suffering from the heat. One day when it was 108 degrees outside we saw a squirrel laying in the middle of our birdbath full of water. Poor darling!

It will turn into the 90's here this afternoon, but I am so thankful for the little touch of cool weather we are getting so I can open the house and air it out. I am praying the rain comes soon but I am truly thankful for any of God's blessings even if it is cool air for awhile.

SPRING YARD CLEANING AND PREPARING BEDS GOES ON!

2011-04-17T18:00:00.001-07:00

My husband and I keep finding more places to clean up and prepare flower beds. This was my old potting shed that was an eye sore that had piles of limbs, brush, and branches all around. We spent a whole week cleaning it up, burning the limbs, digging, pulling roots, and preparing a cute little flower bed around it. We used an old bird bath fountain that didn't work anymore to put in the middle of the bed and planted impatients in plus other plants in the bed. It is a very shady spot here so it will grow good. We were so excited to see how cute it turned out. Now we are trying to find a white picket fence bench to sit close to it and relax and enjoy the spot.

This Spring fever just goes on! My husband is still not finished. He plans to prepare another bed near the side steps of our home, but I am taking a break for awhile. I hear my sewing room crying too loudly!!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

2011-04-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, how beautiful Spring is! The feel in the air of new beginnings just keeps me wanting to go outside, enjoy the sun, and dig in the dirt with my husband! What is so funny about that is that I have never been an outdoors girl! I was always inside doing the housework, sewing, baking or cooking. Even when I was a child I would do the inside chores while my Mom and Dad did the yard work.

Now I love being outside. I just wish that I had of asked my mom questions about flowers, plants and keeping a pretty yard before she passed away. Now, I am just learning by trial and error and some searching.

I thank God for my sweet husband, who is learning with me, and is so willing to dig and plant with me. We inherited my parents property 6 years ago, and it has been a true blessing keeping up the property. Unknown to them, my mom and Dad worked so hard to seed some great things for my husband and my retirement living. We had always lived in apartments so this was new to us. So with 4 lots full of oak trees that shed those leaves, and some shrubs, we stay busy. I have tried to plant a few flower beds, but fighting the heat of Texas summer sun, it is a constant battle to keep them looking nice.

This week after my husband and I spent a whole week raking and burning leaves off the property, we started some flower beds. It might take us a few months to complete, but we are enjoying it so much.

Sometimes I hear my sewing machine crying "Come visit me please, I miss you" but it will just have to wait, because I hear the Springtime calling "Come outside and play". So I will play in the dirt a while longer! Hopefully it will rain soon and I can go outside and dance in the rain!!

Spring is about to arrive!

2011-03-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a long cold winter so far even here in Texas where we seldom get cold weather. I am excited about seeing more sunshine lately. When I went outside the other day, I saw that my azaleas are trying to bloom! I can hardly wait to see some more come out.

It won't be long until the Dogwoods will bloom too.

Spring always brings feelings of new beginnings and new things coming. I heard that Shabby Lane Shops has some exciting things going on. Hop over there and see what all is going on. There is always so many free offers and great shopping. I love to beat the crowds and shop at home and let the mail carriers bring me my packages. How about you?

One of my favorite shops there is Isabella's Roses. There are so many things that are restored to beauty. I love watching every week to see what is added.

I was so very busy that I did not get to do much sewing this past fall and winter to add to my website at Shabby Denim Rose. But I am looking to the longer days and more time to add some special handmade items.

Hope everyone has a great and refreshing spring this year. Thanks for stopping by.

HURRY UP AUTUMN

2010-09-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

It has been so hot here lately in Texas and I was longing to see some autumn beauty. So I got out my material and put on my thinking cap and created a pattern. With the sewing machine and the hand needle, the result was some cute pumpkins. I was going to make only one but after I finally figured how to design it, then I made 3.

I love looking at these pumpkins because Autumn is my favorite time of the year. It just does not last long enough here in South Texas. We seem to go from Summer to Winter.

We live on property with many oak trees and when the leaves begin to change colors I get so excited. I love the beauty of autumn. Of course with the falling leaves come work trying to rake them all up, but to me it is all worth it. If I had my choice in life autumn would last all year.

I remember so well in autumn of 2008 when my daughter and son-in-law took my husband and I to the Smoky Mountains! Those pictures are forever in my memory. It was absolutely breathtaking to me!

I hope you enjoying going to my website and seeing the Autumn designs that I created and hope you have a very fun filled autumn season.

Making more Cards for the Troops

2010-08-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

Today I met again with a large group of ladies to continue our mission to scrapbook cards for the troops so they could have them to send to their family and friends.

Together we made about 1000 cards today. One more meeting next month and we should have them all complete so we can mail a package of cards to each one. The F.A.I.T.H. Military Group usually has about 200 names we have to send supplies to each month. We will send these with the October mail out so they can use the Thanksgiving cards and Christmas cards for the holidays. They will now have their very own CARD STORE right with them thanks to many ladies who are showing up to do these.

I met another friend today for the first time. After a long conversation with her, I found out she loves Shabby Lane Shops and goes there nearly everyday. I gave her a Shabby Lane Shop Magazine and she was so excited. She was going online to order the next magazine coming out and download the beautiful free postcards.

SCRAP BOOKING AGAIN

2010-08-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

Today I went to my really first scrapbooking class for 5 hours long and I had a great time. I got to work on 4 projects. I met some wonderful friends and it was a fun day. I so look forward to next month to go and learn more.

I am going to have to get some scrapbooking supplies before next month. I love the tiny albums and the cards the best. I am still not finished with the photo page, but will finish it at home.

I can't believe that I have waited this long before trying this!! Maybe it was because I always have so much sewing, embroidery, and crocheting to do. But I heard it was good for the brain to always learn new things!! Good excuse to start this now!

"Give and It Shall Be Given Unto You"

2010-08-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Well, today I got back to my sewing machine and completed this cute Toddler Quilt to give to 2 precious little girls. It is a JESUS AND ME QUILT with a quilted book included.

I think I enjoy making my quilts and giving them away more than anything in my life. I guess because I feel part of me goes with it. My quilts have always been just one of a kind created just for the person in mind. I will never forget the first one that I made for a young teenage boy who in now my son-in-law and helped give me 3 wonderful grandsons who have grown to be wonderful men. They brought lots of joy to my life.

I had meant to make a quilt for these sweet girls a long time ago but when we lost our home during Hurricane Ike, it set me back 2 years so I am just now getting to it.

The mother of these 2 sweet toddler girls was a small child when I met her in church many years ago. She saw me make and give quilts away years ago at baby showers. Now I remember her telling me once, "When I have a baby, I hope that I get one of your quilts".

Then life's retirement took us miles from her, and Hurricane Ike displaced us and it absolutely slipped my mind. But I guess it is never too late. I make my quilts to last a life time if cared for properly because they are very durable. But the best thing is they are warm on a cold night.

I do hope these sweet little girls will be blessed by this quilt for many years to come.

NOW BACK TO THE MACHINE TO START A QUILT FOR A MARINE!

I might get addicted to scrapbooking!

2010-07-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Today, I left my sewing machine for a few hours to go help a scrap booking group make some cards to mail in the packages we send to our troops once a month. It will be a set of 6-8 cards so they would have some cards to send to family and friends. We are making a variety of cards for them such as: hello, miss you, thinking of you, Christmas etc.

That was the first time I really learned anything about doing any kind of scrap booking ideas. I had a blast and might really get addicted to it. We will meet again next week to make more. We got 300 made today.

I think now after doing this, I decided to join the scrapbooking club that meets once a month to scrapbook etc. It should be fun and another way for me to learn something new. I sure don't need anymore projects to do at all, but there is just something inside of me always wanting to create and to learn something new.

My next big sewing project will be to make another quilt for a soldier and mail it to him to keep warm this winter in Iraq etc. The last one that I made and mailed to a soldier was used during 2 deployments and he loves it.

Back to Sewing Again!

2010-07-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

Goodness, the time has flown by since I have last blogged. It has been a very busy spring trying to get the garden taken care of, flowers planted, and yard in good shape. Now that the hot humid Summer weather has set in, I find myself wanting to be inside more than ever. So this week I finally got to my sewing room again. I have missed it! It is my therapy and I can tell I have been missing it.

Today, I finally finished this quilt that I made and donated for a worthy organization The Quilts for Kids. They are an organization that makes quilts for very sick children in hospitals. I sure hope that mine will make some sweet little boy smile. The backing on the quilt has tractors, trucks and all those things little boys love. You can go to my website and see a better view of it and also see the other items under my donated category that I have donated to many places. I get so much joy out of sewing something and giving it away. I guess that is why I feel so blessed.

The Bible says to "Give and it shall be given unto you" God has given me so many blessings in my life and I am so thankful.

Say What Is In Your Heart

2010-05-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to expess the feeling of your heart to someone, yet you did not really have the words to express with your mouth? It is so hard for some of us to say what we really mean at times, so we just give a gift. That happens to many people, but did you know that the choice of color of the gift you give someone can give them that special hidden message of your heart?

We think of flowers this time of year as our gardens are now blooming so beautifully. Many of us will choose flowers as our gift to give to others. I think the rose is the flower people give to loved ones the most. They have captivated so many hearts over the generations. Even with the thorns that come with them, most of us choose to never even see them, but just enjoy the beauty of the bloom.

There are so many beautiful colors of roses. Yet there is a message with every color of rose or any flower whether you receive the gift or give it. So we can say it with your heart with the colors too.

Even your favorite color, or the color of flowers you plant in your gardens can express something about your personality.

Here is just a few of the colors and their meanings:

Red: Love & affection, Romantic & Abiding Love, True Love, I Love You, Desire, Courage & Passion, Congratulations, Job Well Done, Respect & Appreciation, Honest Beauty, Courage & Passion, Bliss to Marriage

Dark Red: Deep passion, Readiness for a commitment, Unconscious beauty, Dying love

Light Pink: Gentleness, Joy & Grace, Admiration, Sympathy & Gentleness, Harmony & Warmth

Pink: Grace & Elegance, Admiration for beauty and refinement, Sweetness

Bright pink: Appreciation & Recognition, "Thank You", Gratitude, Admiration

White: Purity & Innocence, Reverence & Humility, Heavenly & Honor, Everlasting love, Marriages and New Beginnings, I am worthy of you, Beauty & Youthfulness, Remembrance

Yellow: Friendship and "I care", Unbridled joy, Promise of a new beginning, Gladness, Delight, Warmth, Good Luck, Welcome Back, Remember Me, Dying Love

Peach: Modesty, Closing of a new deal, Great cheer, Sincerity & Genuineness, Sympathy, Gratitude and Thankfulness

Blue:. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven

Purple: combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Purple is associated with royalty. It symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and ambition. It conveys wealth and extravagance. Purple is associated with wisdom, dignity, independence.

So the next time you give a gift take the time to choose carefully, and give them a message from your heart just by choosing a special color.

The Rose!

2010-05-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

The rose is such a beautiful flower. It is no wonder that women get so excited every time they receive even a single one or a bouquet for a gift for a special occasion, or just because they are special.

I am not sure when I was really captivated by roses. I just know that I love them so much. Every time I see them, I feel so good and they make me so happy. That is one reason that I named my website Shabby Denim Rose.

I never remember my mother having roses in our yard when I lived at home as a child. She was a real garden person and really loved the yard work. She stayed outside all day long on weekends when she wasn’t working a job. Let’s say she had the green thumb. Everything that she touched in the yard was beautiful.

I wasn’t ever fond of working in the yard at all when I was young, so from the time that I was 11 years old until I married at 17 years old, I stayed inside and did most of her houswork while she and later my step-dad took care of the yard and flower beds. Never do I remember seeing roses in the garden though. She might have had some when I was very little but I don’t remember. I didn’t even go outside much at all to notice.

Later in years, she and my step-dad retired to a little country community and had 4 beautiful lots full of trees to care for. I know she thought she was in heaven having that much yard to care for. Some how she made that place look like a National Park. Even with so much shade around she still could manage to find flowers and plants that would grow so pretty. But still no rose bushes. Now that I am older and study so much about flowers and plants, I see that roses need lots of sunshine, so that might be why she had no roses there.

I was blessed to inherit her property after my step-father passed away in 2004. My mama passed away in 1998 and sadly, my Dad let the property go undone some, so the yard was nothing like she had it. No real beautiful flower beds anywhere. There was evidence of them being there, but over the 6 years that my Dad was alone, he did not bother with the beds that she loved. They used to always work in the gardens together and I am sure that brought so much heartache to him.

Needless to say that I was thrilled the first Spring my husband and I lived here on this property and saw the beautiful azeleas and dogwoods blooming!! We both shouted! But of course those only last through Spring. So after those beautiful blooms were gone, there was not much color here but the beautiful green trees and grass.

After living here for 5 years, we have managed to get us a few little flower beds going. Of course we had to just try and see what would grow since we knew very little. My husband and I had lived most our married life in apartments so we had very few chances at flower beds. It was times like these that I had wished that I had watched Mama in the garden or at least asked her some questions.

This year we had to cut 2 huge trees down due to some problems with them. Of course that made me sad because I love trees so much, but then we realized something one day. We now have sunshine in a place where we have never had sunshine before!

At that moment I could just vision some roses growing there. I pictured in my mind a cute little garden, so we started a mission to see it done. At our age, it took my husband and I three weeks to prepare the ground and do what we wanted to make it look nice. I was so thrilled when it was done. We really did not know what it would look like until we finished because we just created it as we went along. Finally before the hot weather set in, we completely our dream garden area.

Then I found 3 climbing rose bushes to put near a fence where the most sun shines all day, so we planted them with love. I wanted pink and white roses, but I could only find 2 yellow climbing, and 1 red climbing rose bushes. Since I love roses so much, I settled for that.

At this moment in my life, I am patiently waiting for them to grow. I read that in a year they will climb 6 -7 feet tall. I go outside every morning and look at them, pray, and thank God for allowing me this opportunity. I am trying to do all I have learned to do for roses, so the rest is up to Him.

My husband always brings me bouquets of roses sometimes for no occasion at all. I never know what color of roses he will come home with next. One day, I am looking forward to the day that he can go to the yard and bring me in a bouquet. My favorite are pink which is funny because red used to be my favorite when I was young. Maybe there is a meaning to that!

Donated items

2010-05-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am a member of the Shabby Lane Shops and have a store there named

Shabby Denim Rose where I sell a few of my unique handmade items. I love sewing and making items and have been sewing since I was 12 years old. I think the sewing machine is great therapy for me. But the greatest therapy is the joy that I feel when I have given something to someone instead of sold it.

Here are just a few pictures of things that I have donated to organizations like the Pink Slipper Project, & the Enchanted makeovers. I take such joy in doing that. Hopefully soon, I will have the quilt made for Quilts for Kids so you can see it.

The heart beat of my life is to give and not to receive. I guess that is why the scripture says "It is more blessed to give than to receive". You get more joy out of it.

I even made this sweet baby girls quilt shown above and donated it to the Military Hospital to be given to a baby of a wounded soldier.

I have also donated items to the Shabby Lane Shops Treasure boxes on a regular basis, and also to the Shabby Shops in a Box which I will be sending donations monthly.

My first really big gift was to a soldier in Iraq. I made him a quilt to keep him warm through winter and mailed it to him there. That was years ago. He still has it and we still talk to each other through letters etc, and I have never even personally met him. I don't have a picture of that quilt. I forgot to take one because I was in such a hurry to get it mailed to him.

He is getting married in November in Georgia, and invited my husband and I to the wedding, but it is so far away and I am not sure I will be able to make it since my husband won't fly.

Later while I was writing many soldiers, I had one to write me back, and ask if I would make a quilt for his unborn baby in the States. He said his son would be born and he would still be in Iraq, so I made this one in the picture here along with a couple bibs and pillow. I mailed it to his wife in the states as a gift from his Dad for Christmas. I never heard from them again but I do trust they got it and it blessed them.

Going with my heart!

2010-05-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Here recently, I went through a time for 6 weeks where I could not do anything but recline or stay in bed due to pain or injury of some type in my back and later the pain went to my foot. When I walked it was on a walker! I could not see myself cripple so I talked quite a bit to God.

None of it made any sense, and even after MRI was done 8 weeks later, nothing much showed at all. But now, I am fine and have even been working in my yard for 3 weeks helping my husband plant a garden, and we even designed another flower garden area.

During those weeks of my down time, I had lots of quiet time to spend in prayer with God, so no time was lost even though I missed my sewing projects desperately. I didn't even go into my sewing room because I knew that I would cry if I saw it. He spoke to me about many things and the direction of my heart.

After I started creating the "Say it with the Heart" pillows a while back, it moved me to think about what really makes my heart beat. I knew something was missing in my life and I got off track some.

The Lord spoke to me and said "Are you really following your heart?"

I knew then that my heart's joy was not in making things to sell. It was in doing for others, spending time sewing to give to others, and donate to charities. So at that moment, I surrendered to get back to what really makes my heart beat. My heart desires to beat in tune with the heart of God!

It is the heart of giving! After all the Bible says "For God so loved the World that He GAVE his only begotten son that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life"'John 3:16

He put on my heart to make kids quilts for the Quilts for Kids project

I am working on a quilt for that now between the garden and other ministry things.

THE SECRET PLACE PSALM 91

2010-04-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

There is one special place on our property for which I have great appreciation. It has served me well in both trouble and triumph. That special place is my meeting place with God. I call it my prayer garden. Yes, I do talk to God everywhere I go, even in my sewing room. I know God is always with me, but there is just something about this place! It carried me through all the hard times of my grandson being in the Marines boot camp in 2005, and his being deployed 3 times in Iraq. My talks with God got very bold and serious then, and I cried many tears of which I know that He has promised He has collected in a bottle.

My prayer garden carried me through the heart ache while praying for my granddaughter losing her unborn child, and many more hard times as well as the glorious times. God proved Himself faithful in all!

I watched myself grow in more ways than one during those quiet times with God in my prayer garden. That is what it is all about! God even created man in the garden which is a place of growth. We must grow, be watered, be fed, be pruned, then grow some new branches in our life. We must be like “the trees planted by the rivers of water.” Psalm 1:3

Little did my Mother and Dad know in 1990 when they built this beautiful building that once served as my Dad’s bar-b-cue room, and the place they played games, that it would one day be something so dear to my heart.

When we inherited our property in Dec. 2004, I longed so much for a special secret place to continue my close commune with God. For years and years, my special secret place of prayer was on the small patio of our apartment surrounded by plants and huge tall plants that looked like tiny trees. I had a tiny tabletop waterfall out there and a comfortable chair to sit in. As soon as I got my hubby off to work at 7:00 a.m., I would sit there for a couple of hours, do my Bible study, sing to the Lord, and pray for my loved ones, friends, and Pastors everywhere, and yes even my enemies.

Our apartment was facing the road and in front of our apartment was a huge tree where the branches hung over my patio and I watched the birds everyday. Such beautiful creatures!! That tree and birds brought so much joy to me! I loved every minute of my prayer place, and always hated to leave for the day to do the chores. One day the apartment manager had that tree cut down, and I cried so much because I lost my beautiful birds that seem to sing for me every morning.

One of my special prayers then was “Lord enlarge my territory”. Little did I know that He was about to give me not just one tree to enjoy, but 25, and not just 6 or 7 birds to enjoy but hundreds of them.

After we retired to our new inherited home. I walked the property praying for a special place of prayer. When the Lord put on my heart to use the screened in building for my prayer place, I was so thrilled. Then began the transformation little by little. Now I have a large waterfall instead of a table top one, many chairs, plants, and I am surrounded by trees everywhere and many birds all year round. We had to even put up 8 feeders to accomodate all the birds, and put up 4 hummingbird feeders! God has been so good to me. When Hurricane Ike took our home in 2008 and we had to be gone for 11 months, I was so grateful that my prayer garden was spared from any major damage, but I missed it so much.

My prayer garden is my place of safety, my place of refuge, my “hiding place”. It is here that I can tell God everything and be myself and know that I will not be critized. I can sing songs to Him without worrying if I can carry a tune or not or if I am singing too loud. He loves hearing our songs of praise to Him. For He told us to sing a new song to Him. I have sung songs that the Lord put in my heart that have never been published. They are my love songs to Him. For none has given me greater love than He.

I can leave there each morning feeling refreshed, restored, renewed, and ready to face more storms and battles. Here I find comfort, assurance, and promises from God’s Word.

This is my meeting place with God.

I am so thankful that my husband this week spent a whole day taking everything out of my prayer garden and washing it down to get all the yellow pollen out. He even hand washed and cleaned everything that was inside it, so I could get back in there again. He does this for me every Spring. The pollen causes problems, but it also is the sign of the beginning of new things for the year and new things in my life.

So now early every morning after waking, I can hardly wait to get out there with my cup of tea and spend my 2 or 3 hours with God.

I look out my prayer garden window today and I see you God. You are everywhere. I see you in my husband’s love and care for me, You are in the beautiful trees that sway in the wind, and the bluebirds, red cardinals, and so many more birds that seem to look at me and smile. I even watched the mischievous squirrels, and laugh! I feel your kisses upon my cheek once again. So I cry and my heart rejoices for I hear once again you say to me “with long life will I satisfy her, and shew her my salvation”. Psalm 91:16

WE MUST NEVER FORGET!

2010-02-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up to see my beautiful tea set sitting on a tea table that I just purchased in an antique store.

My heart was stirred with so many emotions, especially joy, to be able to display my tea set again. It is about the only thing materially that I have to remind me of my sweet brother who purchased it for me when he was in the Navy during Vietnam War. He was killed in a motorcycle wreck when he was only 41 years old. Today I thought of him when I saw the tea set, knowing that when he was 18 years old, that he thought enough of me to buy me this set and mail it to me when he was in the Phillipines. It is the only tea set I have and I cherish it. I keep it in my bedroom since I love pink roses and my bedroom is decorated in pink roses.

I want so much for this teaset to be passed down to my granddaughter, Kara when I pass away. She and I had spent so much time together having tea parties when she was a little girl. She doesn’t really like tea, but maybe the set will give her feelings of joy when she is old one day, like it does for me.

Hurricane Ike had distroyed my beautiful chocolate cabinet that the tea set was displayed in during the storm. A tree fell right on top of the house crushing the cabinet. I just knew everything was lost! It wasn’t until days later that I discovered the tea set was still ok, with only a tiny chip on one saucer. That was just an absolute miracle from God because most of the set was sitting on top of the cabinet instead of inside the glass doors. God in His mercy, spared it and I am so thankful! The cabinet was almost crushed flat, yet the teaset was spared! How could that be? Only God knows.

Our home was destroyed beyond what we could repair, so we purchased another one after 11 months of living with children, and now 1 1/2 years later, I am finally able to get a tea table to display my teaset on. The table is definately not as beautiful as my chocolate cabinet was, but the beauty of the tea set makes up for my loss.

When I pulled the tea set out of a cedar chest that I had it stored in until I could display it, I cried. It took me awhile to clean it up, and I shed lots of tears during that time just thinking about the past and the goodness of God in my life. God was so good to me!

I have seen lots of miracles in my family in my life, so I know the good things God can do in healing and all, but to see a fragile tea set still be like new after the powerful blow of a huge tree falling on top of it during a hurricane, just amazes me!

I am glad the tiny chip is on the saucer because I want it to be a reminder to my granddaughter of what our loving, caring Father in heaven will do for us even with the less important things in our life.

I hope she will tell this story to my great grandchildren one day as she tells the miracle of her foot being spared when she shows them the scar on her foot. Why does God leave scars and chips on things He has healed, protected, and restored? Because He wants us never to forget!

We must not forget who God is and what He has done in our life, even if they seem like small unimportant things to others!

Angels have a Message for you!

2010-02-07T17:53:00.001-08:00

Recently I made some hankie Angels and attached cards to them. I call them Message Angels!

They are on a special mission to bring a special message to you. Each one is unique and one of a kind with different messages. I love giving them to special friends.

Christmas Pleasures!

2010-01-14T17:29:00.000-08:00

I had the most wonderful Christmas this year. I got to have the blessing of being the hostess for our family Christmas party in our new home. I fixed the food and had 23 people attending which were mainly my children and grandchildren. I loved every minute of it. There is no greater joy than being with your own children!

One of my special gifts was a ticket to fly with my daughter in January so I could experience flying for the first time!

LESS MEANS SO MUCH MORE!

2009-12-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

Today as I looked at myself in the mirror getting ready for a long

trip home, I thought so much of my grandmother who made so much of an impression on my life.

I am now beyond the years that she had here on the earth and it is so hard to believe the years that went by so fast.

During my grandmother’s short time on this earth, she made such an impact on my life, and I wish so much that my children could have known her. I am so glad that I carry part of her name (Isabelle). I lost her due to cancer when she was only 61 years old and I was 15 years old. I miss her so much still, and do realize that most of what I have become in life was due to her spending quality time with me and teaching me so many things about the Lord. Her dying words were even a blessing spoken over my life. She didn’t teach the Word as much as she lived it before my very eyes, and that is what my desire has been! I want my grandchildren to say that about me one day.

The sayings that I love to use on my website is “Take Time To Smell The Roses”, and “When Life Gives You Scraps, Just Make A Quilt” came really from her lifestyle. I remember as a child, seeing her stop her busy days to sit down and play with my brothers and I. My mother worked all the time or was too busy, so we spent more time with my grandmother. We looked so forward to summers to go stay at Grandma’s house.

It seems like mothers just don’t HAVE time as much as they should, but grandma’s just go ahead and TAKE the time! I am so glad she did because I still remember the things she said to me, like “Lillian remember you might be the only Bible someone will ever read, so study it well, and live it, so your life can be the book they read” or “When you are not sure what to do in life, just ask yourself WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? then you will get your answer”.

Living on the low income that we had, I did not get to go to stores to buy my clothes. I remember watching her take the beautiful floral sacks that flour came in and sewing and making me some beautiful skirts and blouses to wear to school. I thought I was a queen when I was in 4th grade with my beautiful clothes. I had no idea that was the poor mans way of life! I also saw her take my worn out dresses etc, and put them together to make a quilt or use the scraps from her sewing my clothes.

Today, I wish I had some of those quilts. They would be so valuable! I do have one she made me personally when I was 14 years old. I watched her carefully hand quilt it from a quilting frame hanging from the celing. I cherish that quilt so much.

The lessons she taught me in life help me thrive through years as a homemaker. I wanted to be able to stay home with my girls and give them some quality time and not have to work like my mom did. I made their clothes, made our bedspreads and curtains and anything else I could sew mainly out of scraps that people gave me. I also made every shower gift, or Christmas gift that I ever gave. I loved creating things so much with my hands and see the “scraps in life become something valuable”.

I also sat down and taught my girls all the Bible stories and tried so very hard to live the Word of God. When we are young we just don’t have all the time or wisdom as we have as we get older. I did try so hard to be the best mother that I could be, but of course we always wish we could relive some things in life.

Yes we do fail in life, but maybe that is why God gives us grandchildren to give us a second chance. Since I was such a young grandmother in my 30’s when my first grandsons were young, I don’t know if I got to lay enough groundwork down for them to remember me in years to come as I do my grandmother. But hopefully with my 2 granddaughters and now the 2 youngest grandsons, I can leave an impression on them so when they are my age they can say too “I remember what my Mammaw Lillian taught me”! I want that to be mainly the WORD OF GOD!

I find these days that people don’t really cherish the simple things and the scraps in life like they should. I even see from my website that people don’t even really value handmade items much at all. I guess it is because we have grown so spoiled in America from all the plenty that we have even to the point of excess. That excess brings even more stuff in our life that brings more stress. Then we cry “I need a break and I need more time.” That is a shame too because it is really the “Less that mean More” in our life!! I have to remind myself of these things often. We will never HAVE enough time ever! We have to TAKE THE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES! and get rid of the weeds that try to choke out that time in the rose garden!

AUTUMN LEAVES ARE FINALLY HERE!

2009-11-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

I was so glad this week to see the beautiful Autumn leaves turning colors. There is not a vast amount yet, but at least they are turning more and more each day. Some are even falling on the ground already. Some of my Autumn flowers that my husband brought me a few weeks ago are still beautiful in the vase on my table. God has been good to me. I couldn't believe they have lasted this long!

I love Autumn so very much but it just doesn't last long enough here to suit me. My hubby is already outside raking and burning some leaves. He dreads the falling leaves so much that he doesn't enjoy it like I do. It is breath taking to me and brings back memories of the beautiful colors of autumn leaves we saw in Tennessee last year while living with our daughter and family. I hate that here in Texas we don't have such beauty as that, or at least not where we live.

We got some cool weather last week and got to burn our fireplace some. That was wonderful!!

I just recently made some Autumn quilts and finished a beautiful one today that took me weeks to complete. It brought so much joy to me to just look at it while I was sewing. The top quilted stitches are very decorative and so pretty.

Quilts are very special to me because they remind me how you can take discarded and fragment pieces and make them something so beautiful and so valuable. Just like God does with our lives!!!

I get sad that my husband dreads Autumn so much and wants it to pass so quickly and the leaves be all gone. He is missing some great beauty in life.

Then God reminds me that is what so many people do with things in their lives too many times. They want to rush through the moment, trial, or chore, and just get to the destination and finished product. Then they miss the beautiful journey along the road of life!!

I used to say too many people keep their eyes on the mountain top and where they are going and just don't enjoy the pleasures of getting to that mountain top!!

I speak all these things from experience because when I was young, that is how I was. Always wanting to rush to get to a certain place in life or get finished with that project. Then before I knew it, those moments were gone and I missed to smell some of the beautiful roses during that venture! That moment is gone forever, but I plan to not miss the beauty God puts before me now and in the future!!

ENJOYING THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE.

2009-10-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

I have not felt very well this week so I didn't get to do my usual things like sewing for my website, but God sent some special touches to light up my life.

I went outside and looked on the ground and finally found the first fall leaf and it was even red. I got so excited that I shouted! I am not sure where it came from because all the trees are still covered in green leaves, but maybe God had an angel drop it in my yard because he knew how good it would make me feel. I love fall and I look so forward to it. We don't get much cold weather here in Texas so even when 50 degrees comes we think it is winter!

This morning that is what happened. A cool front came in and it was 50 degrees. My husband woke me up and told me that he had lit the new chiminea that he bought for my prayer garden and to come out and drink coffee. So for over an hour we sat there enjoying the cold weather by the fire and watching for any birds or squirrels that might come by. My husband loves so many simple things in life and I do too. It doesn't take much to entertain us.

We sat there for the longest time thanking God for his goodness in our life and praying for all our family and friends.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband who takes so much pleasure in the small things in life, like lighting a fire for me outside in my screened in building that is my prayer garden, and bringing me home flowers from Walmart like he did this week when I felt so bad. He enjoys watching the birds in the yard among the trees, and just riding around in the woods to see if we can see any deer etc.

Tonight we did just that after supper, we got in the car and rode around the area in the wooded subdivisions to see what we could see. We both shouted when we saw 3 deer in the woods.

So God kissed us several times today!

I hope our children and grandchildren will value like we do, the simple things in life as being the greatest gifts God gives. He reaches down and blesses us with just the simple things in life.

WE ARE TRULY BLESSED MOMENT BY MOMENT.

YOUR HEART NEVER BELONGS TO YOU AGAIN!

2009-10-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 17:6 says “ Children’s children are a crown to the aged”.

All I can say is yes they are and what we have invested in them will go to the next generation.

I also know the Word of God says that children are our reward from God on this earth. We have been rewarded greatly because our children have truely been our blessing. But when it comes to grandchildren, it is just overwhelming to know that they are our Crown!

We have been so blessed to have children and grandchildren who have never given us a heart break in our life. Some trying moments, but no heartaches. They are our friends and we are so happy whenever we get to spend time with them.

Friends SAY they will be there for you in time of need, but family WILL be there for you in times of need. I am so thankful for ours.

We enjoyed so much having our 2 granddaughters come to visit for 3 days, and of course Pawpaw loves doing for them. We even went shopping a couple of days which he loves. He is the perfect father and grandfather for girls. I don’t think he likes to shop as much as he likes just buying things for them. We got to meet my oldest daughter at the mall 1 1/2 hours from us and she spent girl time with us too. We all had a pedicure. So it was some great girl time!

But I treasure most the time I got mainly to spend showing them how to make some of our generational family recipes like homemade biscuits, and chicken and dumplins and more.

My granddaughters are already such wonderful cooks and have been cooking since they could get in the kitchen. But I wanted to take time to do this with them for memory sake. I did not get to have much time with my grandmother because she died of cancer when I was a young teen. I miss her but I have never forgotten her words of wisdom that directed me all my life.

We miss our little angels who went on back home today, but thank God for cell phones where we can talk often!

I so enjoyed the girl time! Now Pawpaw is waiting for hunting season so he can spend some guy time with the boys!

Once you have children, your heart never belongs to you again!

COMFORTS OF HOME AND GREAT MEMORIES

2009-10-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

JUST AS QUILTS BRING SO MUCH COMFORT TO US AND BRING BACK SO MANY MEMORIES OF GRANDMA, SO DO OUR FAMILY RECIPES.

THOSE COMFORT FOODS JUST BRING A GOOD FEELING TO OUR HEART OF THE GOOD DAYS OF GOING TO GRANDMA'S HOUSE. ALL THE HAPPINESS THAT WE FELT WHEN WE SAT DOWN TO HER TABLE JUST COMES BACK TO US WHEN WE COOK HER RECIPES.

I POSTED A FEW RECIPES FROM MY FAMILY THAT I WILL SHARE WITH YOU. JUST CLICK ON THE GINGERBREAD ICON TO VIEW THEM ON MY WEBSITE.

It is so easy this day and time to just go to the store and buy packaged items, pies, and even frozen cookie dough etc. But there is nothing quite as good as making it homemade with love!

"TAKING TIME TO SMELL THE FRAGRANCE OF THE ROSES"

2009-10-03T14:38:00.001-07:00

THERE IS NO GREATER BLESSING IN LIFE THAN BEING ABLE TO SPEND TIME WITH SOME OF OUR FAMILY!

My husband and I were so blessed to

have some time with our 2 youngest grandson's for a couple of days. It feels so great to smell the fragrance of a 2 month old baby, and also to sit in the floor and play with a 2 1/2 year old little boy. It just doesn't last long enough no matter how long we have with them.

I had to say goodbye to them again today, and it was so hard!! It doesn't get easier as time goes on either. God blessed us with wonderful girls many years ago, and we always have so much fun together!! They brought us so much joy all our life, and they still do. Our blessings multiplied over the years with son-in-laws, and grandchildren and they just keep coming!

Even having silly girl time together no matter what age we are is still so much fun. Sometimes I hate that modern life separates families by so many miles. But prosperity brings sacrifices I guess.

I do thank God for the beautiful blooms in our life's garden that we see in our children's lives, smiles, laughter, joy, and achievements. I want always to take time to see the beauty of them and smell the fragrances! We must never get to busy in life. We all need to take time to smell the roses!!

PRAYER GARDEN RESTORED

2009-09-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

It felt so good to finally get my beautiful prayer garden screened building restored again after Ike. After 2 days of working hard to clean it out and throw away the things Ike destroyed, my hubby and I got to sit in there this morning, listen to the waterfall, pray, watch the beautiful humming birds, and just think of all the goodness of God.

Of course almost all our plants are gone after 11 months of no care with our being displaced, but next Spring we will work on that. Right now, I am happy to be able to be inside there again. My Dad built that building 20 years ago. Little did he know that one day it would be my prayer garden and my favorite place to be.

The only bad thing is that now I have a hard time getting back to my sewing again! Today at a resale shop, I found 2 beautiful tea cups shaped like flower blooms, so I will put them out there to drink my tea out of.

I plan to get me a scentsy burner from http:/www.scentsy.com/catherinem so I can burn flower fragrances, for truely "one is nearer God's heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth"!!

Another Donated Item

2009-09-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

Seems like I have more fun making and donating items than I do selling them on www.shabbydenimrose.com. Here is a quilt that I just finished to donate to an organization that collects baby blankets for soldiers babies. It is for a little girl. The back has Teddy Bear Paper Dolls on it.

My embroidery machine might have gotten stolen, but God spared my sewing machine, and I am enjoying using it. One day my embroidery machine will be restored. I just have to trust God for that, and pray God convicts the heart of the one who took it. When they took it, they were taking away blessings for others, because I donate so many things that I make or give them for gifts. But that is ok, just as I said before "When life gives you scraps, you just make quilts". Something good comes out of everything!

OUR NEW HOME

2009-08-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

We are finally moved in and settled. All we have to do is get our patio painted and repaired and then work on cleaning up the yard some. I need to get some new plants etc planted since we lost all ours due to Ike. God even gave me a nice sewing room so I can have plenty of room to create more things for the soldiers or my website. I love my huge kitchen. I dreamed of one this large when I was baking all the cookies for the military. I can hardly wait for winter so I can bake again.

We got the garage and prayer garden painted to match the house. It all looks so good. Even realized the color of the house is the same color as our automobile. How funny! Now we can settle down and get back in gear of things. We are so thankful for our children who helped us through this 11 month hardship in our life. We are blessed to have such wonderful children!!

AN EMAIL TODAY FROM MY SOLDIER

2009-08-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Today I got an email from the soldier that I had made a quilt for while he was in Iraq serving our country. That was 2 winters ago. He came back to states but is going again. My heart is touched by our heroes who serve so much. I will start praying again for him now in advance.

This reminds me that I need to start another quilt soon for another soldier.

It is so nice how you can build relationships with these young men even when you have never seen them in person. May God Bless our Young Men and Women Serving!!

Here is a copy of his email:

"Hi MawMaw Lillian!

We're getting ready to deploy to Iraq again in October. Should only be over there a year. Possibly even shorter. They're still talking about all American forces being out of Iraq by next August. Although we could have to stay over there to "close up shop", sort of; make sure sure the Iraqis are able to run things on their own before we leave. I still have the quilt you sent me last time and plan on taking it with me cor a second tour in Iraq. I may sew some combat stripes onto it, to make it official. :)

I'm glad to hear that y'all were able to move back home. Hopefully by now things are more settled. It will feel nice, I know, once you get everything completely moved in.

Once I get to Iraq I will be sure to send y'all my mailing address. That won't be for quite a while, though. We don't leave untill mid-October."

Love, Jimmey

2nd Slipper for the Pink Slipper Project

2009-08-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

I just finished the second slipper for the PINK SLIPPER PROJECT. Check out the website.

Pink Slipper Project

2009-08-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

I completed my first pair of Pink Slipper Project slippers today. Tomorrow I create another one that will be different since I do not create anything alike.

Of course these are rag slippers made of denim. What else would I start on first!? I love denim.

Come back later to see what the other pairs will look like. I know there are many creative people out there!!! Check out the Pink Slipper Project and see how you can help even if you don't sew.

FINALLY HOME!

2009-08-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well, as of August 3rd, we got to sleep inside our new home. We were without furnishings for awhile until we got it all moved in. It took us 3 weeks working in the heat, but we did it, thanks to some of our children.

I will try to post pictures soon.

Today, I am working on the PINK SLIPPER PROJECT. I finally got to sew and I am so happy. It has been over a year since I have been able to sit at a machine and sew. Today it is my therapy!

I was sad to find out that my embroidery machine was stolen from where it was stored, but Praise God He did spare my sewing machine so I could work on this project. I will just wait on God and hopefully my embroidery machine will be restored soon.

Be sure and check out the PINK SLIPPER PROJECT. It is a wonderful thing to be part of!

Another Blessing!

2009-07-25T19:15:00.001-07:00

The Blessings just keep coming!!

This month God blessed us with another sweet grandson, and of course his big brother had to be cuddled and wrapped in a blanket too as Mammaw held them both at the hospital!

We spent some wonderful time with them for a couple of weeks, but was so sad when we had to leave today to head back home. Needless to say, I cry when I have to kiss them and say goodbye.

The little grandchildren keep us feeling young. My husband and I even went outside to help Big brother fly his airplane.

That brings back so many memories when I played with my other grandsons who are now in their 20's. I was grandmother in 1981 when I was 35 years old, and thought it was the greatest thing in the world and I still do!! The hardest part is being separated from them with so many miles between us.

We are heading back to Texas and hopefully by next weekend will be back in our new home after 11 months of living with the children when Ike destroyed ours. It has been an adventure.

God is good to us to give us such great blessings with our grandchildren! Now we have 7.

4th of July Memories

2009-07-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today I was a little sad when I thought back over the years of how fast time has passed by! It just seems like yesterday when my husband and I took our 3 girls to watch fireworks in our home town. That was such a special event for us and my husband enjoyed it so much. It was just a tradition on the 4th to go see the fireworks.

As years passed and they grew up, the Lord allowed us to live close to grandchildren and we got that opportunity with our grandsons and granddaughters! Sometimes I long for those days to be here again! We blink and those years are gone!

I was blessed this year to spend time with 2 of our daughters and our 2 granddaughters, but it would have been so nice to have our middle daughter with us too but she lives out of State. Soon we will see her again. She is expecting her second child, another sweet boy! We can now re-live some things with her 2 boys that we did with our now grown grandchildren, but I am so afraid to blink!! It might all be over! When we are young we do not realize how much we need to capture the moment!!!

During this trial of our life of having to live with our children while waiting for a home, God has blessed us with time with our children. Those things are priceless!!!

Counting the Days!!

2009-06-21T17:39:00.001-07:00

Well, our home arrived on the land. It will be 30 days or more before all is finished before we can call it HOME SWEET HOME. We are one step Closer!!! I am counting the days!

ONE STEP And One DAY CLOSER

2009-06-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

September 10, 2008 was the last day we were in our home before Hurricane Ike came through with a fury and destroyed our home by causing a tree to fall and crush it. What an event and what a journey all these months!!

Living with family, we watched our grandson grow to be a sweet ambitious 2 year old. We got to visit places we would never have seen like Gatlenburg, Tennessee. The Fall leaves in Tennessee were beautiful, and God blessed us with snow too! That was a treat for me!

Back in Texas we have the joy of remembering again what it was like to live with teenage girls since we have lived now with our teenage granddaughters for 6 months. I had forgotten there is no such thing as quiet when the teens are around!

But who knew that 9 months after Ike, we would still be displaced and dreaming of our home. We are so thankful for children who have given us a place to stay, but our heart longs so much to be home!

Yesterday we went to our property to take pictures of what it looks like after the damaged home was removed! So different, so bare, and so many memories gone. That was my Mom and Dad’s home that I inherited so we saw more than a home fade away. We are trying to keep the attached porch that my Dad built, so it still stands!!

One day hopefully soon we will have a new home there to call HOME SWEET HOME!

Another Mother's Heart Hurts!

2009-06-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

Today I cry again because my oldest (20 year old) granddaughter miscarried her baby after 9 weeks of carrying it. Only mothers who have experienced that heartbreak know how it really feels no matter what the circumstance is. She and her husband suffer greatly, but she is so strong! To watch her Praise Him In The Storm blesses my heart. This is their 3rd loss! How Hard!!! I lost only one and it hurt so much!!!

She has the sweetest spirit and always has. She has been hurt many times but so forgiving and so much faith in God that He will make it alright!

Her mother told her "When I grow up, I want to be just like you because you are so strong!"

All I can say is "Greater the trials, greater the reward and blessings"! This valley too soon shall pass. May God bless her greatly, and her children will rise up one day and call her blessed! One day my little sweetheart will recieve a real crown from our precious Lord for her sweet attitude in these trials of life! Oh My Precious Lord, comfort her greatly today!

A HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

2009-05-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

Today as I was sitting in church with my sweet hubby, daughter, son-in-law, and 3 grown grandchildren on this sweet Mothers Day, May 10, 2009, tears came to my eyes as I realized what the date was!

It was on this very date on a Mothers Day, May 10, 1964 that I miscarried our first child. I will never forget that date as long as I live. My heart was broken and no words can describe the pain. My heart aches every time I hear of another mother who lost her child that she wanted

so much.

Many years have past since that Mothers Day, and I have been so blessed with 3 wonderful daughters and many children of my heart. God has surrounded me with 3 wonderful son inlaws and many grandchildren too. As I look back over the years and see how fast they grew up,, I thank God that He taught me many years ago, that giving them time is so important. What you invest in will be your treasure!

I invested in my children because God said they are our reward upon this earth. I feel like He gave my husband and I the Grand Prize when He gave us our three girls! I am so thankful for God's goodness in their lives.

When they were babies, I wanted to raise them in such a way by the Word of God so that I could present them back to the Lord and know that I did my best.

I see them now with their own children and I am so happy for them, and I smile! There is no greater ministry than being a mother. They are such good mothers. Only God really knows why I smile! One day when they are my age, they will know the feelings.

I wish that on this Mother's Day that I could have been with all 3 of my girls, but that wasn't possible. They are all scattered with families and responsibility, but I am thankful that I got to spend today with my youngest and her family and worship with them in their church. It was a good Mothers Day!

I thank you God for such a great gift to be called "Mother". It is worth all the work, prayer and even some tears over the years.

GOODNESS OF GOD

2009-05-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

Recently on our trip back from Tennessee to our daughters in Texas, we stopped over in our home town, so we could go back to our property to reminisce and take a few pictures. That was very hard on us to walk through it again. It all brought back so many memories.
Although the yard is so messy right now, to us it still was a place of beauty! Our old garden even had a few flowers trying to bloom. That reminded us of new life and made us smile!! With tears in our eyes, we thanked God for His goodness even in the midst of the storm.
One day all things will be restored to us!! Once we get to move back to our property we will have months of work ahead of us to get things looking nice again.
The old damaged house is about to be removed from the property, and we hope to have a new one on there by July.
Before we left we decided to have a picnic lunch there. That brought back so many memories. Then we were on the road again back to live with our youngest daughter in Texas.
One day we will call this little country town home again! Until then we will just enjoy the goodness of God wherever we are! For God is always good to His children. We just have to learn to see beauty in the valley until He restores all things. HE IS GOOD AND HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER.

Feeling Hopeful

2009-04-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

It has been a few months since I wrote last. We are still without a home but things are looking up. We are waiting for a large double wide mobile home to be manufactured for us, and hopefully will be back to our home town in Texas by July.

It has been a long valley, but we are thankful for the children that we have to live with. We spent time with all 3 of our daughters and their family and we feel very blessed. Our little 2 year old grandson is really growing and he will have a new baby brother in July. We are with him now in Tennessee and enjoying lots of play time with him. We even went to Chuckee Cheese with him!!!

We will be back in Corpus Christi soon to live with the youngest daughers family. I enjoy the girl time with the teenage granddaughters. They are good at giving pedicures and shopping!!! They even have 4 sweet dogs that I enjoy loving on too.

I am hoping to get my http://www.shabbydenimrose.com/ website back up soon and maybe sell a few things. I had to lay all that to rest when Hurricane Ike came through and decided to destroy our home. But it did not destroy my dreams and ministries, it just rested them for awhile.

Spring in the air just gives hope of new life everywhere!!

Dreaming of a Home after IKE!

2009-01-06T18:56:00.000-08:00

Since Hurricane Ike destroyed our home in Texas, we have been living 3 1/2 months in Tennessee with my middle daughter and family. Rough valley, but joy in the valley watching our youngest grandson grow and learn so much while there! As pictures revealed, God provided so much variety for us there even through the trials. I even got to see snow! I have dreamed of snow since a child. It was cold but fun! Definately a Kiss From God!!
Now we are back in Texas living with my youngest daughter and family, waiting, dreaming, and believing for a home. I miss so much the ministries that I had with the troops, and children's ministry, and most of all my prayer garden. Shabby Denim Rose website is even "no more" because I had to give it up due to the hurricane.
At times I wonder what our next home will look like. I want a sewing room again to make quilts for my soldiers, a big kitchen to bake cookies for the troops, and a study to spend time in my books, prayer, and Bible study.
I believe in miracles and blessings, and I believe in the God who provides both!! I also believe that God never takes away without giving better. So even when things look dim, I will believe "He will make a way when there seems to be no way!" Fema did nothing, and Insurance did us not much good, but it is not in Fema or Insurance that I trust, it is in the Lord God that I trust!! I wait very excited now knowing in due season my home will come!! Then I know also that my home in heaven will even be better one day when that time comes! For God has gone before me to prepare a place for both!!

Snow Day in Nashville! What Blessings!!!!

2008-12-12T05:57:00.001-08:00

David Loved the Snow!!

What a great surprise, a very unexpected snow!

HE GIVES AND HE TAKES AWAY!

2008-10-20T16:02:00.001-07:00

Well, SHABBY DENIM ROSE WEBSITE is no more but I will continue to blog as times goes on. I thank God for the time He gave me to try to sell my handmade items. I had so much fun!!! There is no greater feeling than being able to create something with your own hands. Afterall God put that creative power in us when He created us with His own hands.
I met so many wonderful people while having Shabby Denim Rose website, and got to even bless some soldiers now and then through the year, but that season is over.
We still wait patiently for God to give us another home after Ike hit, but this is truly another time in my life that I will have to Make a Quit from the Scraps of Life!! This time it is without sewing. It will be with my heart that I will have to capture the treasure of the scraps of life. I wonder at my age what is left, what is next for me? Only time will tell!!
HE SURELY GIVES AND TAKES AWAY, BUT MY HEART CHOOSES TO SAY BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD GOD!

I WILL PRAISE HIM IN THIS STORM!

2008-09-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Well, Hurricane Ike got our home, but he did not get our lives!! We went to Tennessee to be with our daughter during the storm when the Lord told us to leave.

A tree fell on my double wide mobile home right in the bedroom! We most likely would have been killed. Needless to say I was in a state of shock at first, but after all, all that I have belongs to the Lord anyway. I will go salvage all that I can and live with our daughter for awhile.

Although I do grieve some that I will not get to sew for months and won't be able to make my Marine a quilt this winter as planned, I will just go on and Praise Him because He had other plans for my life. This is just another "When life gives you scraps just make a quilt" in my life.

I will be able to live with my daughter and keep my little grandson for a few months while she works. So scraps again can be turned into blessings!!! My sweet grandbaby brings so much joy to our lives. I need those moments of joy through these moments of tears right now through this storm of my life.

So far as I have heard the Lord spared all of our neighbors, friend's,and children's lives and homes! So He is a good God!

Another Birthday deployed!

2008-09-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

Well, this month my grandson has another birthday while deployed. This will be his 22nd. I miss him and all the fun birthday parties we used to have for him. I can hardly wait to do that again, but will have to wait another year.

My heart aches for our many heroes who serve our country while they spend their birthday in the Military oversees. Most our heroes begin at 18 or 19 years old and spend their 21st birthday guarding, suffering, or fighting all in the name of serving our country and families.

Most 21 years old celebrate their birthday here in the U.S. and so glad they finally made it to manhood. But these young heroes have been a man for years in their duties and responsibilities, and some will not even live to see their 21st birthday. I pray for them everyday and wish all could come home safe and sound. But I thank God for such heroes who kept our country free so that 21 year olds here can celebrate and have a good time and even have their own opinions.

I am in the process of making another quilt again this year for a winter Marine in Iraq. This time it is a female marine. Yes, our wonderful women serve too!!!!

This poem below was written by a Marine so I thought I would share in honor of our heroes:

THE MARINE

We all came together,Both young and old To fight for our freedom,To stand and be bold. In the midst of all evil,We stand our ground,And we protect our country From all terror around. Peace and not war,Is what some people say. But I'll give my life,So you can live the American way. I give you the rightTo talk of your peace.To stand in your groups,and protest in our streets. But still I fight on,I don't gripe I don't whine. I'm just one of the peopleWho is doing your time.. I'm harder than nails, Stronger than any machine.I'm the immortal soldier, I'm a U..S. MARINE! So stand in my shoes,And leave from your home. Fight for the people who hate you, With the protests they've shown. Fight for the stranger, Fight for the young. So they all may have, The greatest freedom you've won. Fight for the sick, Fight for the poor Fight for the cripple, Who lives next door. But when your time comes, Do what I've done.F or if you stand up for freedom, You'll stand when the fight's done By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert , US Marine CorpsUSS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF

Mission Finished!

2008-08-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well, the quilt and bibs that I was making for the soldier's baby is finally done!

I created it especially for a Military baby as a gift for Dad to give to his 6 month old son for Christmas. He has never seen him and he wanted to give him something special. He asked if I would make one. Of course I was honored to give of my time and talent to do so.

So after much thought and searching for final material, I completed it. Every stitch that I made, I prayed for the soldier, child, and mom that soon they can be reunited again and God will keep them all safe. I hope this quilt brings some joy to this family in their time of absence from each other.

So off in the mail it goes very soon to be delivered to the baby.

Sometime soon, I hope that I can get another large quilt made again this year to mail to another soldier that is deployed like I did last year to help keep him warm for the winter. I am asking God who I need to make it for.

The Price Of Freedom

2008-07-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July Everyone! I hope today you are enjoying the blessings of our freedom. Enjoy all the American fun like your watermelon, homemade ice cream and apple pie, grilled hamburgers etc, and fly that flag! We need to do it with a greatful heart before the politically correct people tell us someday that we can't because it might offend someone. Whatever you do, lets do it in honor of those who gave us this freedom and in honor of those defending our freedom now. Today I sew more cooling neckties for our soldiers.

Have you ever wondered what happened to those 56 signers of our Declaration of Independence? Here it is:

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but theysigned the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penaltywould be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his Ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton,Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember: freedom is never free! I truely thank God for the men or women who paid a price and still are! How about you? HAVE A GREAT DAY! CELEBRATE BEING AN AMERICAN ON THIS JULY 4TH FOR THOSE WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR THEIR SERVICE AND FOR THOSE WHO WISH THEY WERE HOME NOW CELEBRATING WITH THEIR FAMILY!

Missed one of my soldiers

2008-06-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

I am trusting that everyone is enjoying the Summer so far! I just got back from a trip to visit my daughter's 3 dogs! My hubby and I kept them for a week while the family went on vacation to New York City. God gives us all kinds of opportunities to bless others!
I was sad though to find out that while I was gone, I missed meeting one of my special soldiers. He came to my church to meet me. He was home on leave from Iraq and wanted to come meet me in person and thank me for the quilt that I made him while he was in Iraq and mailed to him. He did tell my Pastor that he would return before he had to go back to his base because he had to meet me.
So now I am anxiously waiting each church service to see if he will walk in, although I don't even know yet what he looks like. His home town is 75 miles away. I guess in God's perfect timing, I will meet him. But it was such a blessing just to know that he wanted to meet me and to know that another one has made it back to U.S. safe!
Next week, I finish the rest of the cooling neckties for the soldiers, then I will begin to make another quilt.

Another month! Another Blessing!

2008-06-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is another month gone. The weather is so hot here and only the first part of June!! It feels like mid-summer. Staying inside most of the day seems to be all we can do now since the humidity and heat is so bad. It isn't even Summer yet!
I am so thankful that I was blessed with a nice sewing machine that I have to keep me busy while inside. Last week, I spent several days dressing up and re-doing 2 of my denim shirts. I am still trying to find supplies to finish one of them.

Now I am in the middle of the project of making the Cooling NeckBands for the Troops. It is so hot for them right now, and I want to give them some relief.
I got a surprise email last week from one of my men that I had never met or even knew if he got any of my things that I sent him. I always sign everything I do as Mammaw Lillian. So I am Mammaw to many. It doesn't even matter if I never hear from them. I will just keep on doing it but I was so blessed to see that he was touched. It makes it all it worth while. I just wish that I could do for all the heroes out there. They are so special!
Here is the letter he sent me:

Mammaw Lillian,

I'm Alexander. Your husband met my mother at the post office while she was waiting to send me a package, and after that you started sending cookies and letters to me and my unit. I didn't get the opportunity to write you while I was there, but I wanted to send an e-mail now to let you know that you made a difference. My company knew who you were. We would share the cookies when they came in the mail. Your letters and packages made me happy. It's hard to describe what it's like over there. Sometimes it's hard to breathe because it feels like everything you know and care about, your life, is slipping away from you. Despite the similarities, the distance has a different quality than being out of sight and earshot of the people you love. You are away from them in both situations, but there's a kind of finality when you say 'goodbye' and go to war instead of work or home. After that, I tried to convince myself that they weren't already moving on, but I couldn't. You sent me more mail than most of my immediate family. You took the time to put packages together for me and my company. It kept our spirits high and helped remind me that there are still people that care enough about us to try to make things better. I'm grateful, and I'll never forget the time and effort you invested in me. Thank you. Be safe, Mammaw.

-Alexander

Scraps & Denim To the Rescue Again!

2008-05-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

These last few days have been very rough on me since I got back home from my beach vacation with my 3 daughters and some of their family members. Daily I go look at the beach display that I made from the sand and shells that I got from the beach. It reminds me of the great feeling I had when I was with them. I miss them so much! I believe that a mothers heart is always with her children, no matter how old they get or how far away they live. You just don't feel normal until you are with them. It is so lonely and quiet here at home with just my husband and I.

It was also such a joy to spend a lot of time with my precious 16 month old grandson too and watch him enjoy all the new adventures of the beach and all. He is growing up fast and I want to seize every moment with him. I have grown grandsons also, and those younger years with them just went by too fast.

After a few days of feeling low and struggling trying to get back to a regular routine of life, I decided to get back into my sewing room today. The temperature has been around 100 degrees and so hot outside! Other than my prayer garden, my sewing room is another place of quiet for me and a time to talk to God while I sew. For a change, this time I decided to make something for myself. I needed a curtain for my sewing room entrance door, so I decided to create one with denim and scraps of course to match my website! (This is what I always tried to do all my life. If I needed something, instead of going to town to buy, I tried to create it! This day and time that is the wisest thing to do anyway).

It took me nearly all day to create what I wanted with all the embroidery on the denim pockets, but I think it is kind of cute. Since the material was reversable, on the other side I made a valance with 2 rose embroideried pockets on it. So, now it is a double curtain!!! It is functional and cute from both sides. It is nothing fancy but does serve the purpose and it is just my style! (Denim, Roses, and Lace). It goes also with my denim sewing room. I even embroideried the name Shabby Denim Rose on 2 pockets on the curtain.

So my sewing machine and denim brought me joy again, and God and I had a long talk today! Again I say, there is always beauty and joy in scraps in life!

Now that project is over, I hope to get to embroidery some roses etc on some of my old denim shirts soon, then it will look like I went shopping again!!!

Beach Fun!

2008-05-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

Family Time

2008-05-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

Today I think back over the years that went by so fast, and I praise God for all the blessings that He gave me in my 3 precious girls and now my precious son-in-laws and grandchildren. I was blessed with the greatest husband any woman could ask for, so I have been double blessed in life.

Our family is our best friends and we miss them terribly when they are not around. They have blessed us even now with this wonderful vacation to a beautiful beach.

I think over the years when our girls were little and about how we did not get to do much for them materially like we really wanted to. We didn't even take much of a vacation at all, but one thing we did was invest our time into them and tried to make what we did have seem like much and lots of fun . But most of all we directed them toward heaven through Jesus and to walk with God.

I read once that the greatest gift God can give you is your children, and the greatest responsibilty He puts in your hands is the care of their souls. When you are old then nothing else that you have ever done on this earth matters.

That is so true! The older I get the more I even realize it.

I have been a Assistant Bookkeeper at a Hospital, A Care minister at a church, a supervisior in a Christian School, and a friend and prayer warrior praying for everyones families. But the greatest position in my life was being a housewife and a mother and a grandmother, trying to instill the Word of God in them, and the things that really matter in life. I would not have traded the highest pay job in the world for it. It was trying at times, but it was worth it!

Snow or Sands?!!

2008-05-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

This week, my husband and I were so blessed to have visited my family at a beautiful beach. I have never seen sand so white that it looked like snow and had the most wonderful feel to it. I was used to living near the coast all my life but never liked the beach at all until this week. This is a different beach. Watching my grandson play in the huge sandbox was a joy to me. Again the beauty of God's creations just amazes me. I enjoyed so much being with my 3 daughters, one son-in-law, and 2 granddaughters who just grew up too quickly. Sometimes I wish that I had of taken more time to smell those roses when they were in my hand.

Hope you are having a great week as you look around and see the Beauty of the Lord.

The small treasures of Life!

2008-05-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

This morning as I sat outside watching the birds and enjoying my morning cup of coffee, I started thinking about lifes treasures and what stirs us! Some get excited over the great things that come their way, others over the small things. How many times have you picked up a penny or nickle on the ground and got excited and felt blessed, while others passed it by thinking "that is not worth anything this day ". It is nice they leave it there for those who really appreciate those things. I have found in life, when you appreciate the small things, God just keeps enlarging your territory! I have been blessed in life with the small things and I am thankful.

I wrote in my journal while sitting outside about my love for the denim scraps that I use to make my quilts. I enjoy doing those so much and just can hardly wait to start another one. Here lately with the rush of getting things done for Spring and Summer and getting ready for vacation, I had to set the scraps aside. It grieved me some to put away my sewing machine for awhile.

I want so much to make all my grandchildren a denim quilt before I die. I have 3 more left to do and seems like time is running out. I pray for strength and scraps everyday to be able to complete those plans.

I made a queen size denim quilt for a friend for a wedding gift once and wrote this note with it:

"Congratulations on your Wedding.
May God Bless you in this new journey in life
as you serve the Lord together.
Here is a special gift that I made you with lots of love.
It is a Love Quilt.
As you look at this scrap denim quilt let it always remind you that at times in the future life might throw you lots of scraps. Do not see it as waste, just thank God, make the best of it, and make a quilt with those scraps in life. That way you have gained a valuable possession. There is good in everything that comes your way.
Let it also remind you that in life you most likely will find flaws, and irregularities, but remember that everything can always be patched and mended by the Word and God.
Do not ever forget that Love never fails and it covers a multitude of things!"

Most people don't get excited over denim like I do. But there is just something about it that I love. Maybe it is because I never got to wear it as a child. I really don't know. Most people, woman or man have some type of denim items, but probably none have as many items of denim in their home as I do. I really don't know why I am so stirred. But I did discover that it makes the warmest quilts in the winter that I have. I love using mine all winter on my bed. Denim quilts also remind me of some things of life as I wrote in the note above. I think we need things in our life to help us remember to appreciate the small things in life and how pretty the scraps can become when it is put in the hands of the creator.

Hope you have a blessed day as you look around and appreciate the small treasures of life!

What A Blessing I got Today!!!

2008-05-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

No I did not sell anything on my website!

I got up this morning and read my email and was so blessed!!! I recieved 2 emails from 2 soldiers from a whole platoon in Iraq that I had written and baked cookies for. I have never met them, but just know they need our encouragement.

One of the soldiers emailed to thank me and asked me if I could make and send to his wife a baby quilt. He is sad and so is she that he will not be home from Iraq for his son's birth soon. He wanted to do something special. Oh what a joy to give something back to someone who has sacrificed so much for our freedom! I am so thankful that I was chosen to do this to bless that precious family.

My desire for my website http://www.shabbydenimrose.com/ was to make money to help support our troops anyway. So maybe God is just going to let me bless them with my handmade items. His ways are above our ways!
I hope your day was as blessed as mine!

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO!

2008-04-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

This month is nearly over and I have been so busy that I haven't even been sewing lately. I can't believe how fast the time flies! I thought when you got old, you had time to get bored!

My husband and I recently planted a veggie garden and watching it everyday for success. This was new to us last year, but my husband enjoyed it so much. He got so excited every time I asked him to get me some basil from the garden. He loved picking his small plum tomatoes and ate them nearly all as soon as he got inside. We had so many peppers we had to give some away. We are trying some new things this year, just for fun. I hope the garden does as well this year as last. We just depend on God. We have no experience much at all. My Mom and Dad did all that when they were alive. I should have watched them more. I always loved those wonderful veggies she gave us. There is just so much joy in working with plants and all. It is therapy for my husband, but I believe mine is the sewing and I miss it. But "there is a season for everything".

I yearn to get back sewing but it has to wait awhile because I have more cookies to bake now for the military. I have a special denim quilt planned and can hardly wait to start it.

Another quilt made!

2008-04-11T10:11:00.001-07:00

Well, after a weeks visit to spend some time my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters out of town and playing awhile, I decided I better get back to work finishing my next quilt. Here it is!!! Unique and a good learning tool. It will teach a child his/her colors. I loved doing this because of all the bright colors. Babies need some brighter colors once in awhile. Grey was spelled Grey instead of Gray in the book that was preprinted so I had to embroidery that on the quilt. I learned from making this quilt that it could be spelled both ways!

This can be bought on my website www.shabbydenimrose.com

LEAVES, LEAVES EVERYWHERE!

2008-03-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Today I look outside again for the 4th day in a row and see my precious hubby working so hard to make our place beautiful. For weeks we have worked to get the leaves mulched, raked, or burned. It can be a chore, especially with the size we have, but with the downfall of having leaves to rake always comes the blessings. The wonderful oak trees that draw the birds!

This morning we sat outside on the back porch drinking our breakfast shake and listening to the many birds just singing so beautifully. It makes me wonder if they are singing the praises to our God. The beautiful sound of our waterfalls and the birds singing just makes all the work worthwhile. We were so blessed to finally have a place of our own after 41 years of marriage.

We sat still for awhile and watched the hummingbirds come to the one feeder we hung for the Spring. Then we saw one from probably last year trying to find the feeder on the porch where we hung it last Fall. We didn't hang it up this Spring. It amazes me how they know exactally where to go to the same spots from year to year. He just looked up to the place where it used to hang, then flew away when he saw it was gone!

Across the yard in a tree we saw a couple of bluebirds going in and out of their house. Then when the squirrel came near, the male bluebird took off attacking him. They work so hard guarding the nest to keep the pesty squirrels away. God has been so good to us to send bluebirds to our place. They don't come around much.

My daughter and son-in-law took my grandson to the zoo today. He was so excited to see the animals. I did that continually for my children. They always loved the zoo and seeing all the different kinds of animals.

All this reminds me of how wonderful the first Garden must have been on earth that God created for man. Yet, man was not please with what God gave, and it was all taken away from him because of disobedience.

Now, man still longs for that place of beauty that God meant for us to have. I can just imagine how beautiful the birds and animals were there and the awe of being in the presence of God!

So we just continue on, enjoying just a glimpse here on earth now of what God has prepared for us.

It is so hard to get back to sewing with all the beautiful things outside now that winter is over!!

Maybe the Lord and nature are calling!

Song of Solomon 2:10-12 "My beloved, spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For Lo the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land"

Time Out!!!

2008-03-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

THE SEWING HAS TO WAIT.

I got up this morning ready to finish my next quilt to put on my website, then I looked outside at all my flower beds and I decided it will have to wait.

I planted flowers around my prayer garden building last week, and now they have grown so much since this picture was taken. So I am off the machine and out in the yard today. It is finally a beautiful nice comfortable day.

I get so amazed how beautiful the flowers look and grow in just one week. Soon my husband and I will put our hands to trying to grow vegetables in our big garden way out back.

Hope you are enjoying Spring as much as I do. Sewing is good for too cold, hot or rainy days, but the outside is calling me today. Signs of new life everywhere. A hummingbird came to my porch, and blue birds to our house we put up. God gives so much to enjoy.

I have got to get outside with my husband. He is raking leaves today and putting them in our compost pile.

Have a great Spring everyone!

Life's Scraps Turned Valuable

2008-03-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU SCRAPS, JUST MAKE A QUILT, THEN YOU HAVE SOMETHING VALUABLE

So many times I have thought of the blessings of scraps in our life that turn into things valuable. Sometimes we fail to see that they are there.

I was so blessed when my children were growing up to get scraps from my husbands aunt who sewed alot. I made some beautiful outfits for my girls just with those scraps.

When God gave me the idea back in the 60's & 70's to use denim and create with it, I loved it! In those days people discarded jeans with holes in them. I cut them up and made beautiful quilts that kept many people warm. I also made duffle bags, pillows, skirts, and anything else that I could think of.

In later years when I needed some income for an expense, I pulled everything out of my material closet and created lifesize dolls, and their clothes, and then sold them to pay that expense. I even sold them less than people said they were worth. It is so funny how you can take a worthless item and with our own hands help it to become valueable.

I remember back over the years as I loved, cared for, and prayed for many foster kids that others would have thought were worthless , that the touch of love and creative power made something beautiful out of them.

That is what God does with all of us. The creative touch of the Masters Hand makes us valuable.

So when things come my way that just seem like scraps in life, I try to see the end results and remember when Life Gives You Scraps, just make a Quilt.

EASTER TODAY AND YESTERDAYS

2008-03-23T15:20:00.001-07:00

Easter Of yesterdays

Hello, most people call me Mammaw Lillian

Here I am starting my first blogs. I feel so blessed today on this celebration of resurrection day!

Today is Easter and it is so quiet around here. I had a great day in church, with a surprise visit from our oldest daughter and son-in-law. They walked into church and surprised me. My husband was a sneak! He knew all about them coming. After a lunch together and short visit they traveled back home to do their routine things of life. I was so touched that they traveled 2 hours to spend time with us. Our 2 other girls live too far for a trip.

Easter time at this age of my life is not like it used to be. I remember the days of fixing Easter baskets for all my precious girls, and later grandkids, baking sugar cookies with their handprints, and dyeing and hiding eggs over and over for them. When it rained, we hid them inside. I always made my girls their Easter Bonnets, dresses, and purses. I loved to sew all my life, as you can read from my website http://www.shabbydenimrose.com/ on the about me page. I enjoyed the creative power that the Lord put inside of me when He created me. We just never know what we can do until we try.

I have been blessed with such a wonderful family, but most of them are all adults now and live so far away. Thank God for the memories of sweet times when they were little. Those memories never leave us. Our little ones still bring us such joy as adults. We have invested into their lives in so many ways, and it feels so good to see that investment pay off when I watch each one of them.

We adore our youngest grandson now who is 14 months old. Since he lives 12 hours away from us, we just don't get to spend time with him much. I was so spoiled with my other grandchildren. I got to see them nearly everyday. Thank God for webcam so I can see him at least over the computer!

I am amazed at the inventions of today with computers and all the things you can do. But wouldn't it be nice, if we could invent something to let us go back to those years when our children were so tiny. In those days a lot of times we rushed through them so fast to get through the trials and we forgot to enjoy the journey. We blink our eyes and then it is over! Our kids are gone. That is why I told my daughters to enjoy where you are! It will be gone and you will wonder where did it go?

We have only one life to live, and only have this moment while it is here. When it is past it is gone! We must make it count. Just as I always said, we can always work, go to school, and do lots of things all our life, but we only have one chance to raise our kids and seed into them what God intended.

I am so glad that I invested time into my kids, and now in old age, I can do, work, play, and even sew and sell my handcrafts. Life has been good for me, and yes my children are my reward in old age!