After the Devastation

Hebrew 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

As I type this days after the storm, I still fight tears, my heart is still heavy for those that were affected by this storm. I've prayed that the Lord forgive those that lost their lives, for any wrong doing they have done and that he see fit for them to enter his wonderful kingdom of Heaven when he return. You see I do believe that Jesus is coming soon. Not just because of this horrible storm, but because it seems to be that we are living our last days - Revelation.

This storm took the state of Alabama almost by surprise. I say almost because we knew it was coming and we knew it would be bad, but NEVER did we ever think to this magnitude, EVER.

I don't think there has ever been a tornado of this magnitude ever. I think Don's co-worker told us it was classified as a EF5. And in the mist of all people have the nerve to try stealing from these people. While in the Oakgrove area, we saw a guy being arrested by two sheriff and they were looking at what ever he had stolen that was in his car. I could have hit him with a rock...wrong I know, but it just makes me mad.

I often wonder if this nation will ever get it right. What's "it" you ask...EVERYTHING. We as a people, all people from all walks of life just don't get it. We are so engulfed with our own petty issues such as jealousy, materialism, hatred, etc, that we don't see the big picture-JESUS. Plain and simple Jesus.
As the storm passed over my neighborhood/home this among other items was left behind as traces of how powerful this storm was. We kept hearing bumping sounds hitting our roof, so my husband decided to leave our safe place to take a look out the window..then he opened the door to take a look. Yes, that was EXACTLY the wrong thing to do but he did and to his surprise he got an eye full. He called me to come look, to my surprise the wind had brought a circular motion of debris right in front of our eyes. There was a baby receiving blanket, a bed pillow and lots of shingles floating. The bumps we kept hearing was pieces of sharp edged wood that eventually fell of the roof to our front yard. I thank God no one was outside at the time because it could have been far worse. Then right after that what he saw was just...speechless. We actually saw the tornado (blocks and blocks over) passing us by. I only looked for a second and then demanded that he come back to our safety place. It was then, that I realized this is exactly how people are harmed or killed by tornado's. To see this thing is just breath taking and not in a good way. You are so shocked at what your seeing, just unbelievable to say the least. God is more than good!

Don spent half the night trying to locate some of his co-workers that live in various areas that were affected. He eventually got in touch with all but one and that worried us. As soon as day broke the next morning he headed straight to the co-workers (what used to be) neighborhood and started to search, as I stayed home and prayed for a rescue instead of a recovery. God is more than good! Not only did he find the coworker, he also helped him find his sister, and she was alive and well thank God.

See, it's one thing to lose all of your "Worldly possessions" see that stuff is only temporary anyway, it don't truly belong to us. But to have been spared by God's awesome Grace and Mercy...Bless his holy name!

We've been in a situation where we lost all of our worldly items. It was a bit upsetting, yes, I won't lie. But the day after, I realized we had each other and we had our lives..and for that I was very thankful. To not have "stuff" that's nothing, BUT to not have Jesus...

I pray daily for those effected by this horrible horrible storm. I will continue to assist where I can and to do what I can to bring at the least a smile to a victim's heart. But to those that lives were spared, I pray that they realize although this storm may have taken away the items they possessed, God's grace has given them the best gift of all - LIFE...renewed life. Live it to the fullest and by that I mean by praising God for his daily blessings.

Have faith in God. He is all we need:)

May God continue to bless us all and may we all continue to lift his name in praise.

Unfinished Business

My very first quilt..well sorta, it's an unfinished quilted table runner. I missed the deadline on the table runner challenge I participated in due to previous obligations and lack of efficient crafting time:(

It really bummed me but I'm still quite proud of myself (although it's still not complete).

I debated on the pattern so much that it's crazy. I wanted ruffles down the middle but the idea I had wasn't agreeing with the fabric. I will complete a ruffled table runner as soon as I finish this one. I already have the pattern sketched:)

I can't wait to have it completed. I'll update my final product as soon as it's done. I also can't wait to share some card projects that I've completed, but for right now they are on the "Do Not Share" list. Once, I've been given the ok, then I'll share them here.

Below is one card I think I've shared earlier that I completed for Sketches 4 cards Apple Ipod/Ipad app.

I have more cards that I've created for a new app that'll be release soon. As soon as I can share those I will. I have some other scrappy things in the works, and I'm praying that all goes well and again I'll share that info as soon as I complete the details.

Now, let's go get crafty!

Butterick 5450

Where have I been you all say...I've been sewing crafting sewing - WHEW!
Last week the sewing fairy waved her wand over me and I've been on a sewing high. Praying that it continues because I'm trying my best to carve in more sewing time.

Pattern Description: Butterick 5450 Misses Petite Top, Tunic and dress

Pattern Sizing: Misses 14-20

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, Just like the pattern stated fast and easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that the pattern is only 4 pieces. I had no dislikes at all with this pattern.

Fabric Used: Linen blend

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't make any alterations but I did omit the hook and eye. I saw no need in it, plus I hate hook and eye's on any garment. I also didn't line the bodice of the dress (I will line the next one I make).

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I do plan on sewing it again, per the request of my husband, I will sew it in black. I highly recommend this pattern.

My weakness (well one of them) is zippers. I have a tassel of a time getting my zippers right. It's always hit or miss and this one is a miss. I plan on ripping this zipper out and redoing it.

But in the meantime, I wore it with a cardigan (My $4.98 find from Target).

*And yes, I'm sitting on a pillow not the weathered bench*

Military news:

Karohn is doing fine, but oh how I miss my son. He's been doing well in school (engineering) and once he finish his classes he will be home on leave. Then it's off to Guam for 3 years.

I know he's going to enjoy his time in Guam. I pray that he has a safe and wonderful tour of duty there. And that he learn and explore as much as he can while he's there.

Happy Crafting!