Blessings

Sometimes in the midst of challenges and struggles, it is easy to miss the blessings and joy. Many times this year, I have stopped myself in the midst of complaining, of succumbing to the stress of the challenge at hand and literally count my blessings, everything I have to be thankful for. I love this poem by Annie Johnson Flint:

"God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift easy travel,
Needing no guide.
He hath not promised we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love."

This path called life that I am walking with God has been hell some days and nearly heaven others. Sometimes I feel so very alone and others so very surrounded by love and support. But I count myself blessed because He has never left my side, never asked my to walk completely alone, and when I can no longer stand...that is when He carries me.


Below: Some photos of a few of the Christmas gifts I made with my new sewing machine...one of the many blessings I am counting this year! An altered apron, a quilt, an apron from the original pattern, a twist on my crocheted towels. Not pictured; stockings, hand woven fabric baskets, more variations on the towels.