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just stay calm

Diamonds for My Sprockets Quilt

The other day I felt like I had gotten through a good number of things on my list. I felt like I was actually ahead on a few things. I felt like I could take a breath. So I did.

I pulled out the diamonds that I'm basting to put together the mother of English paper piecing projects. (Over 1700 diamonds!) I happily stitched and enjoyed the colors and imagined them all going together. It was a calm and pleasant evening.

Diamonds for My Sprockets Quilt

Then the next day came.

Suddenly I realized that all those things I thought were done or progressing nicely were, in fact, barely the tip of the iceberg. How had I forgotten about this deadline or that? I wasn't ahead...I was simply further behind than I first thought.

I headed for meltdown.

But I thought about a conversation I had just the day before. I joked (in all seriousness) about the times that I curl up in a ball crying over this work that I love so much. The person, whom I had never even met, told me that it was good that I have a foundation that gets me through those stressful times.

She was right. And it was just what I needed to hear.

Thinking further on this, I remembered a verse that someone requested I make into an embroidery pattern. I looked it up in several translations of the Bible and was especially affirmed by these words: "The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." (Exodus 14:14)

Just stay calm...

I sketched the words.

I pictured the "keep calm and carry on" posters, but of course, God's Word provides a reason for the calm. I can't say that the work is progressing, which would eliminate these feelings. I can't say that all meltdowns are gone. But I'm straining forward.

Diamonds for My Sprockets Quilt

And you know what? I'm glad I paused to work on those diamonds. They were a moment of calm that I needed.

Friends (I can call you that, right?), life isn't all cute things with happy faces. I think it's important to acknowledge that, while embracing hope, playing with craft supplies, and trusting that the Lord himself will fight for you.

17 comments:

  1. very true and I was wondering if you had made a embroidery pattern for that verse? I would love to stitch it up as a reminder for me because I am having a tough time.

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    1. I'm so sorry you've been having a tough time, Whitney. As you can gather, I can relate! The sketch you see in this post is the start of a pattern for this verse. I should be sharing it sometime in March. In the meantime, may I pray for you?

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    2. Thank you I would appreciate it! Just wanted to say I love checking your blog everyday to see what new craft tutorial or encouraging words you have posted.

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  2. Thankyou for pointing out that verse!

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  3. Anonymous10:45 AM

    1700 diamonds huh?? Only the mother? No, try the GRANDMOTHER. :-)

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    1. Grandmother...as in, what I'll be when I finish it!

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  4. That is one of my favorite verses as well! Thanks for reminding me of it, I'm always feeling like I can never catch up on all my work/housework/crafting. Can't wait for the pattern, I'll definitely stitch it up as a constant reminder to stay calm and trust in God! :)

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  5. What a wonderful post! I needed this reminder. I'm going to need to put that verse up where I see it this week.

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  6. Anonymous1:18 PM

    Thank you for the wise reminder and for your gentle encouragement.

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  7. So very encouraging & timely! Thanks for sharing this with us- we're honored to be called your friends!
    And you are right- life isn't just all about cutesy little smiling faces- it's about all the other stuff, too. But through it all, the Lord is always there for us.
    I'm looking forward to this "just stay calm" pattern.

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  8. Anonymous6:11 AM

    Thank you for sharing....I will remember that verse when I start feeling frazzled throughout the day! Blessings :)

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  9. A lovely post and I think I need that verse myself at the moment. Thanks for sharing and I can't wait to see the diamonds as they progress xx

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  10. Mollie, you may have heard/read the poem: "It's in the valleys I grow", I have an adaptation of it and it's words are a great reminder, perhaps a web search may bring you to the original version of it. Feel better!

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  11. Mollie, may I tell you how very much I enjoy your blog--your artistic talent, your impeccable color sense (I love it when you show embroidery floss palettes!), your creativity, your faith, kindness, generosity, and positive attitude. Life isn't easy, is it? I sense that with your faith and courage, you will be able to weather any storm and come back to happy and carefree again. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us. It feels like we are friends.

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  12. Mollie - I want to thank you for posting this scriputre on this day. Monday my husband fell at a store and fractured his skull in multiple places and was in a sedated coma for 24 hours before they were able to bring him out. This is the second accident of this sort within a year and needless to say I was anything but calm. So as I was in the family waiting area with no sleep I try to pray and not able to focus I look at my feed and God led me to your sight. I sobbed and then felt the peace I know only God can provide. We have a long road of healing ahead of us however with God's love and healing each day will come strength. Thank you again for this posting, I LOVE your patterns and stitch myself. Have a blessed day.

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  13. Hi Mollie,

    Thanks so much for this post! Man....I needed it today! He will fight for us! I loved this post and of course love your work!

    xo

    Rachel

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