Thursday, September 21, 2017

September Busy-ness; Daring to Hope

So far September has been a very busy month.  I got smart and decided to schedule a lot of my yearly doctor's appointments, which sounds simple enough, right?


Simple enough, until they start calling me back for followups and repeat tests, etc.   Everything is ok so far, but I'm tired of running back and forth. One doctor wants to do a little surgery for me, but I'm hesitant to say yes, but afraid to say no.   Decisions, decisions!


I had a hummingbird fly into my house, not once, but twice in the past few weeks.  I lock my storm door open in the mornings and late afternoons, so the doggies can run in and out of the house.  My hummingbird feeder is near the back door, and lo and behold, one of the birds has entered my livingroom doorway twice.  Thankfully, it didn't go far, and buzzed its way back outside without incident.  It was pretty cool to see and made me happy.


I've been trying to decide what to do with these 30+ year old embroidery pieces I did from a magazine back in the 80's.  I used my brother's art paints, (he took art in high school) to color the blocks and then added embroidery.  I remember how much fun these were to make way back then.  I can't decide if I want to frame them and hang them in my guest room or if I should make pillows out of them and just throw them on the bed.  They aren't special to anyone except me, but I have always liked them.  :-)


I've been trying to put my livingroom back together after finally painting the walls! The former owners had painted the room a flat mossy color that was so dreary to me.  I'm so happy to have more light and a little semi gloss in the room.  I've had this pie safe forever, also bought back in the 80-90's.  It currently holds our blankets for tv watching and the covers I use to protect the furniture from the dogs.  I have since added an artificial tree to the planter stand, everything besides the pie safe are thrift store treasures.  I love the angel architectural piece.

I received this book free for participating in the launch team for Katie's new book.  Katie's first book, Kisses From Katie, was a life changing book for me.  Katie graduated from high school and instead of going to college, she talked her parents into letting her take a year off to go to Uganda, and then start college later.  Guess what?  She never came back! (yes, to visit) Katie has made such a difference to the people there and has adopted several of the children as her own.


Like many others in the group, I feel that this new book must have been written just for me.  This book speaks of God meeting us in the dark places in our lives and how it's all about HIM, and His goodness.  Katie grieved the loss of a  dear friend in this book, and it resonated with me so well, as I could feel myself grieving the loss of my own mother throughout her writing.   Just like Katie's friend, my mom is now looking into the face of Jesus, and has no more pain or worries.  This book offered much comfort to me.


This book will be released for purchase in October.  If you are looking for a good read, one that will truly change your life, I highly recommend Katie's book.   This book helps put life in perspective and  I pray that God gives me a heart like Katie.

I hope everyone is having a great month and enjoying the slightly cooler temps. (it's been hot in NC)

13 comments:

  1. oh Penny! So happy you took time in your busy schedule to post on your blog!!! Ilove the suncatchers you share in your first pic... I hope all goes well with your surgery needs whether you have it or not!!
    I love that you can leave your doors totally open to air your home out morning and night... what part of NC are you in that you can do that?? We are still running air here in Fla! lol
    I ove your embroidery blocks... I do hope you make them into pillows for your guest room or wherever.. this is YOUR artwork with your brother's art supplies .. how cool!!! Save it and cherish it :D
    Thanks for sharing about the books that have meant so much to you... I am glad that Katie found her life calling and is also writing about it!!! Her parents must be proud!
    Have a blessed rest of your week!
    Kathi

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello!
    So happy to see you here this evening!
    I love the photos you shared...
    I think pillows would be so lovely with your artwork.
    And I love the idea of keeping your blankets in the beautiful piece of furniture.
    Have a cozy evening!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh...
    and praying your tests and health are all taken care of and you are able to enjoy the fall!

    ReplyDelete
  4. May you get to feeling better soon. I understand where you're coming from.
    Darling artwork with what you've done. So cute.
    Autumn blessings to you,
    d

    ReplyDelete
  5. No advice about the little surgery but like you, I don't like the running around days either
    We had a hummingbird in our garage once and we didn't think he was ever going to figure out how to leave. I'm glad your birds exit was easy.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I hope to never have another surgery! My first was at age five and I have had enough of those rascals! LOL! Your september sounds very productive.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think the painted/embroidered blocks are cute. If you have wall space, they would be nice framed. Maybe more useful in pillows. You could set them side by side and make them fit a bed size pillow with sashings.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I spent this entire year running from appointment to appointment. So tired of it. Hope it all settles down for you soon and that all is well. I would be so nervous if a hummingbird came into the house!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sorry to hear you've had to have lots of tests and possible surgery. Last year, I was told I had a meniscus tear (knee) and needed surgery. I put it off for as long as possible and finally had it in March (this year).

    I love those embroidery blocks that you made. Whatever you decide to do with them - either frame them or a pillow - they will look wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I cannot wait for that book to become available. Right now, for our homeschool, we are reading Kisses From Katie. Each day, I read one or two chapters to the girls. At times, I can hardly read for the tears in my voice. It is such a good book and touches me because we have adopted 8 children out of the foster care system here in the States. Different, but similar. Also, my husband had the opportunity to visit and do mission work in Uganda a few years ago, and we have a little girl we sponsor over there. So, our ears perk up whenever Uganda is mentioned. We have already decided to read the new book when we finish the first one. I just need to figure out how to get it:)

    I love the embroidery squares.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good Morning Penny! Somehow I missed that you had a new post...

    That's a bummer that you may need to have some surgery. I wish you the very best. I know that's a hard decision and I totally understand that you are tired of the appointments. Keep us updated please.

    Everything you post about in your home is always so nice. I love the cabinet, the painted embroidered blocks and the sun catchers. I bet the new paint really did make a difference.

    I'm really interested in reading the Katie books. Do you recommend reading Kisses From Katie first before reading the new one?

    Loved your post,

    Debbie J.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm late to the party Penny yet again! ;) Praying for you as you make decisions about surgery. I love those little embroidery pieces and think you should frame them to protect them. Be blessed!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love this Katie!!! We need more Katies...and Kates. :) I would adopt a hundred children if I could.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I do my best to respond to every comment, but if you are a no reply blogger, I sometimes cannot locate your email. Also Anonymous comments are almost impossible for me to reply. But I do appreciate you stopping by!