Sunday thoughts . . .

  

And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also,

for I will go before your face.

I will be on your  right hand and on your left,

and my Spirit shall be in your hearts,

and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

~Doctrine & Covenants84:88

I know that people don't really like or enjoy it when I talk about my faith in God and how it works and helps in my life.  Religion these days is something which makes a lot of people uncomfortable. I am not sure why that is, but I know that it is true. As for myself, I do not know where I would be without my faith in God and His plan for me. 

Life is hard. It is hard for everyone. There is NO such thing as a charmed life. The rain falls on the righteous and the unrighteous equally. Nobody on this earth escapes hardship. Nobody. 

This past year has been a very difficult one for the whole world. We have all been experiencing  a Universal experience which has affected every single living human being on the earth and it has been a great challenge for everyone.  We have all seen our lives negatively impacted in both great and in small ways.  

But we have all also probably experienced a great many blessings, maybe even too numerous to count. 

 

I can remember last year about this time is when the news that we were in the Midst of a Global Pandemic was just becoming known and accepted.  I can remember feeling very afraid at the time. Afraid to go out of my house, shopping, etc.  And when it became very apparent that it was not safe to do so, I was so very grateful that I had been well prepared by my church leaders for just such an eventuality.  At a time when many were unable to procure even the basics such as water, toilet paper, flour, etc. I had enough for even these most basic of needs, and some to share.  

 

Little did we know then that here we would be sitting, a year or so later, still living in the same situation in so very many ways.  Although to be sure, we are a lot better off now as our Governments and communities have become so much better and adept at helping to get us through this. Many of us are still not able to get together with our family who live far away, to travel, etc. But there are no longer shortages of things like toilet paper and water. Our basic needs are being met and then some. And we have the hope of a vaccine,which while it won't eradicate the virus, it may help us to be able to live with it in a safer, more secure manner.

We have all had to learn to live in a very different way over these past months, and . . . . whilst we may not like it, we are coping. I know in my heart that things can only get better and I believe that they will.

 

For me this last year has been especially challenging and I am not just talking about the Pandemic here.  Everything has changed for me. Everything. Nothing is the same.  Over this last year I had to learn to let go of everything that I thought was dear, people that I loved, all that made me feel secure and happy, my much beloved Mitzie, my friends, my home, my husband, all that I owned, literally everything. And none of that was caused by the Pandemic.  The Pandemic was the least of my problems, although it did complicate things somewhat, I cannot lie.

Discovering that your whole life, or at least the last 20 years of it, was based a huge lie is not a very nice thing to wake up to. Discovering that someone you had loved with all of you was not at all who you thought they were, but who was at the very centre of that lie was probably the single most hurtful, damaging, life altering thing that has ever happened to me.  Making the decision to walk away from all of that, in the midst of a global pandemic was probably the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. 

Fact. I could not have gotten through any of it without my faith in God, and in my belief in His plan for me.  

 

Over and over again, when I have been afraid, when I have thought to myself . . .  I cannot go forward . . .  I just can't do this . . .  over and over again, somehow, somewhere, someway, I have found the strength, courage,  and the determination to do just that.  And I can only say . . .  I can only share my witness that . . .  it has come from one place.  From a place of love and of faith. I have seen my Heavenly Father's love and support for me every which way I have turned. He has placed His angels round about me. I have seen them. I have felt their presence, love, support . . .  and through them I have been able to feel His presence, love and support. 

And it has been hard. So very, very hard.  I have had moments where I just wanted to lie down and die, to wallow, to give in to despair. I have had moments when I have done just that, felt all of those feelings and then some  . . .  but they have been shortlived because somehow, someway . . . I've been able to find the strength, the determination, the hope, the will to not give in to those feelings.  To keep moving forward. To do the things I needed to do, had to do. 

And I have only one answer as to where that came from, comes from, will come from.  And that is my belief in, faith in, trust in . . .  a higher power.  In my God. My Heavenly Father. Your Heavenly Father. The creator and Father of us all.  And I am so very grateful for that, for Him.  He, who knows the very beginning from the end, and who has a plan for each of us. 

I wish I could give each of you some of my faith, belief and trust. But I cannot. It is simply something you need to find for yourselves.  I can tell you where to find it and how to get it, but that is all I can do.

 

I know my journey and my trials are not over yet. I have a ways to go before it is all said and done, but I have a great hope, faith, and a belief in a bright future.  Far brighter than anything I have had to leave behind. Things can only get better.

 

And whether you know it or not, or even whether you believe it, you have all been a part of how He has shown me that He loves, knows and cares for me.  You are a part of the angelic presence He has placed into my life.  And I am grateful for that.  For you. I thank you very much.

And I just wanted you to know that. 

A thought to carry with you . . . 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *.˛.We love because

He first loved us.

~1 John 4: 19•。★★ 。* 。

 

I redid one of my older recipes this week.  Cupcake Madeleines. My old photos were naff, and even these are not all that I know they could be, but they are better.  You need to bake them.  Buttery little cakes, rolled in jam and coconut. So simple and yet so very, very good.

Have a wonderful Sunday. Be happy. Be blessed.  Don't forget! 

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ 

 

And I do too! 

 

Thoughts on comformity . . .

 

“Conformity is one of 

the most fundamental dishonesties of all. 

When we reject our specialness, 

water down our God-given 

individuality and uniqueness, 

we begin to lose our freedom. 

The conformist is in no way a free man. 

He has to follow the herd.” 

~Norman Vincent Peale  

 

It seems I’ve always walked a few steps out of beat with those around me. I’ve always kind of felt like a round peg trying to fit into a square hole. I guess some might think me a bit odd. I am quiet and shy, yes, really.  And I am very reflective. I think alot. I have always been a thinker.  

It was that shyness and the fact I was quiet and reflecive, a deep thinker that made me a target when I was in my younger years in school. I was okay for the first few years, but about the age of 10, that all changed. for some reason I became less confident and assured and that made me a magnet for any person around me who might have been feeling less than confident themselves.  Oh, but I was teased and tormented mercilessly. Called names, made fun of, etc.  

In short bullied.  

 

 

I am so grateful that we did not have social media back then or I might not be here today. At least when I was at home I was somewhat safe from their barbs and arrows, their torments.  I don't know how children who are being bullied today cope with it. They have no place that they can go to get away from it. 

It was particularly bad in grades 8 and 9.  So much so that I was actually ill from it.  Literally physically ill. I can remember being off from school for a full two weeks one time because of it. There was no cable tv to occupy me at home either, and my teachers sent my school work home for me to do. 

For some reason the kids at school decided I must be a lesbian because I didn't date boys. I wasn't allowed to date until I was sixteen, and so I didn't. I had really strict parents who expected me to follow their rules and I followed them. 

I had no friends because girls were afraid to hang around with me for fear they would be painted with the same brush.

It was a very lonely and hurtful, excruciatingly painful, couple of years.  I can totally understand the heartache of teens who find themselves feeling different and confused isolated, etc. I wish I could convince all who are going through it that this will not be their forever life.

 

All those things I went through, however, helped to make me a much more compassionate person. So it was not all bad. I would never treat anyone in the way I was treated. It was despicable to be honest.

We moved before the advent of Grade 10 and I used that  move somewhat to re-invent myself, although I would carry the slings and arrows, the pinpricks and wounds of those few years . . .  for the rest of my life. I carry them still. The main difference is that now I use them to strengthen me rather than to tear me down.

 

 I am a special individual, unique in all ways, and I love who I am and who I’ve allowed myself to become. I still walk a few beats out of step from everyone else, but I am quite proud that I do. I love that I stand out in a crowd. I’m still a bit of an odd duck, but I love my oddness. It works for me. 

 

I have come to recognize my God-given talents and embrace them, explore them, use them . . . I relish every opportunity which comes my way to share them with others and to help them in some way if I can. Isn't that why we are given  them?  

 I tend to look at my life like a huge piece of embroidery that I have been working on for years, quite different than anyone else’s, but every bit as beautiful and even more so in some ways for it’s individuality. I have stitches here and stitches there, it’s randomness creating something quite wonderful and unique and special, this tapestry of my life. 

 

I suppose when it’s finally finished I will be able to look back and count all the stitches and be quite proud of my accomplishment, but in the meantime I’m just enjoying creating it, in my own unique and beautiful way. 

 

 

Good news on the apartment front.  That place is mine.  I just have to wait for the family of the previous owner to vacate it. Apparently she died and her stuff is all still in there. Because of Covid they have not been able to travel down to remove it. They are still paying the rent so for now it is still theirs.  But once it is vacated it will be mine. I have told him I do not care how long it takes (although obviously I am hoping it won't be too long) I am willing to wait. It is in a prime location and exactly what I need. Thank you so much for your happy thoughts. 

Were you lucky enough to see the full moon last night? Wasn't it beautiful? I wish I had taken a photograph of it. The snow moon. 

 

Speaking of snow  . . . 

 

 

My Island boys had a snow day.  Josh used it to bake and he is quite a little baker.  He baked 5 loaves of bread and two dozen rolls, plus lemon buns and they all looked great! My ex always baked beautiful bread. He must be following in his grandpa's footsteps!

I best leave you now with a thought for the day . . . 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *.˛. I will not let anyone

walk through my mind

with their dirty feet.

~Mahatma Ghandi•。★★ 。* 。 

 

In The English Kitchen today . . .  Lush Lemon Poundcake.  Lovely! 

Have a wonderful Saturday. We are going grocery shopping. I love grocery shopping.  Whatever you get up to, don't forget! 

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ 

 

And I do too! 

 

My Friday Finds . . .

 

 

A few of the things I find each week that pique my interest and inspire me to want to do, create, become, etc. Maybe they will also inspire you!      

   

I love Tea Cosies and I love Counted Cross Stitch, this is for a class to make this sweet tea socy and tea cup pin cushion. I don' tknow how much it costs, but the link is here at The Victoria Sampler. 

 

In the meantime, here is a pattern for a Summer Bunting one, that is tres inexpensive at Love Knitting.  I think this is cute and quirky.  I can see it in white with really colourful buntings!   

 

 I love this sweet baby cardigan, also from Love Knitting.  That's a great site for inexpensive nice knitting patterns.  

 

Egg Carton Wreath from Bead and Cord.  Love the bright colours! 

 

I like this embroidery.  It comes from One Sheepish Girl, apparently, but I can't find the source.  Love the idea of embroidering words like this. 

 

Seven ways to make a ruffle.  From See Kate Sew.  (And again I cannot find the source!) 

 

 DIY Tutorial for a simple bracelet. From Beyond Beyond. 

 

A Thimble Necklace.  From Mollie Makes. This is so darned cute!  I love it! 

 

Made Every Day.  Make your own bias tape. A tutorial. 

 

 

 How about planting a garden of pretty white pearl button posies?  I love, LOVE this.  From Button Floozies.  

 

 From The Instructables.  Drink Can Butterflies. Complete tutorial. 

 

Create your own Little folk. Not free.  It is a digital download. You decoupage them onto existing wooden peg dolls.  Very cute.  From Caravan.  For the artistically challenged. 

 

 From Petit Moulin on Instagram.  More doll-making inspiration. Love these little characters. Love Instagram. (Thanks Monique, for introducing me to it!} 

 

Again, I love LOVE this sugarplums blanket from Ravelry.  

 

Penny for your thoughts?  From Cocktails with Mom.  

 

 A Baking Pan Conversion Chart from Just a Pinch. 

 

Ice Cream Cake in a Bundt Pan.  Now why didn't I think of that!!  From the people at BHG. 

 

 

12 Spring Flower Arranging Ideas from Country Living UK.  Love the idea of the cabbage leaves! 

 

 Winter Twig Identification.  From Wallace Gardens. 

 

 

Popsicle Stick Harmonicas.  Housing a Forest. Once more a really fun activity for the kids.Maybe I can do this when I get together with my grandsons. 

  

 Scripture Art Journaling.  A guide and how to.  From Sakura of America.  Love LOVE this! 

 

No source, but a great idea to use brand new wooden spoons as towel holders.  You could even paint them to match your decor. 

 

Evergreen and Herb Mason Jar Candles.  These sound lovely.  From Garden Therapy. 

 

Mesh Honey Shrug Blanket Sweater.  From Mama in a Stitch.  Looks very simple. 

 

Don't you just love LOVE this pompom tutu!  I do.  Found on Mood Kids.   If I was thin, I would make one for myself! Now wouldn't that be fun! 

 

DIY Floral Party Hats.  I love these.  They are so SO pretty.  From Oh Happy Day. 

 

From Sherelle Christensen, Maw Maw's Sweet Refrigerator Pickles.   These look mighty good. 

 

DIY Freezer Waffles.  From Attainable Sustainable.  

 

From Etsy, an instant download pdf pattern for these sweet embroidered tea towels.   Country Garden.  What a cute shop! 

 

Just  look at this sweet Yo Yo Crib Quilt and the trim on this pillow case!  Isn't it just too adorable!  From a cute little book from Red Brolly.   Little Chicken Feather Book. 

 

DIY Crochet Coasters.  So pretty.  Daisy Cottage Designs.  30 patterns alltogether. 

 

 101 Days of Organization Tips to reduce the dust in your house.  I hate dust. 

 

The one a day rule for keeping a clean home.  From Double the Batch.  

And those are my finds for this week. I hope there was something here to interest you! I wish I had more hours in my day! 

A thought to carry with you . . . 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *.˛. "A lie can travel halfway 
round the world,
while the truth is
still putting on it's shoes.
~Mark Twain  •。★★ 。* 。 

Now here's an interesting story.  About the time my house purchas option fell through, I had called his guy whose phone number my dad gave me about renting a place. He said he had a place he thought was coming due for the 1st of April. Right here in town where a friend of mine is renting. He was just waiting for the family of these people to come from Ontario and move out the furniture.  So I thought great. I said, yes, save it for me, wether its the first of April or whatever, I'll take it.  So my friend Jacquie calls me last night and says, I found a place to rent and its right in the same area you are going to be renting. We will be neighbours. I said, wow, that's great! How exciting. She says yes! Ross is just waiting for the family of these people to come from Ontario and move out the furniture. (Uh oh!)  I said that's really interesting because he told me the same story a few weeks back. Sounds like the same place.  So . . .  do I have a place to rent?  or not?   

Only Ross knows for sure.

I called and left a message on his machine last night and I will be calling

him today again just to see what he has to say for himself. It doesn't sound

very good to me. Sigh  . . .  back to square one. I am trying not to

feel discouraged, but it is very difficult.

 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Oatmeal Batter Bread.  Quick, easy, delicious. What more could a person ask for! 

Have a great Friday. Hope your day is filled with lots of loveliness. Don't forget! 

 

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ 

 

And I do too!