A week of procrastination.....................

I was trying to find an appropriate word as a title for this post, and am still undecided. Perhaps I will work it out by the time I finish my thoughts from this week. Following on from my last post of the Christmas in July retreats that have been held since 2012, I came to the realisation that things had changed. I don't know why this had not "hit" me sooner? This different season of our lives has been here for 4 months now, and I blogged some of my thoughts about this, but mostly I have kept busy with sewing a few of my own projects and joining in with the SA Quilting Guild mystery quilts on facebook. I actually rather enjoyed "having permission" to slow down and stay home. And I think I have mentioned that this has all happened at the same time that I reached Pension age, and am going into semi-retirement. The extra time was taken up with some customer quilting, the above projects, and doing newsletters and making phonecalls to keep groups in touch with each other.

But after my post last week, I really became aware that I have no certainty that those times will return?? For many years now, I have been swept along in a life of "busyness", and just like that, I suddenly realised that some of my sense of purpose had gone. While I am still quilting for customers, I have reduced the numbers on my schedule, especially for custom quilting. There are no retreats to cook or prepare for, and no Pick a Case Mystery kits to cut and pack. The next deadline is not there, or not as urgent as they once were. The motivation for what I do in my business, has gone, or diminished. I think I am one of those people who work best with a deadline to keep me on track. Without the deadlines, I seem to be unmotivated and procrastinate. 

I did make some progress, and (due to the looming deadine of a birthday) I finished the binding on Bridie's quilt and have even put a label on it!

This bride even received some earrings, and a necklace!

        I loaded this quilt, and ditched all the block seams, and then just looked at it for a few days. This

               is an amazing quilt made by Cheryl using her mother's and grandmother's doilies and laces.

                 Miss Billie's quilt needs a border yet, and I cut some strips, but went no further!

This quilt that I made back in March has been quilted and needs a binding, but I just looked at it.

                         

  This Mystery quilt needs a binding too, and both were on my "to do" list this week, but hasn't happened.

I spent time sitting inside and looking at the blue sky outside, and did go out and start pulling weeds, but it is so neglected that you can't see much progress. I had resisted picking up a book to read, but finally gave in and decided to "go with the flow", let all those other things go, and take the time to do not much. I confess to spending a week wallowing in my pity party.

Back at the end of 2019, I posted on newsfromjude on Looking Back and Looking Ahead..............
and this is part of my post......................

• The 2000's..........The end of our farming days, a move into town, first grandchildren born, death of husband, living on my own, start of machine quilting business, Cornerstone Creations.
• The 2010's..........Still machine quilting, purchase of another house for retreats, called The Sanctuary, which continued for 5 years, now retreats continue in my house... Life continues to  be very busy, and by end of 2019 I have 10 grandchildren, am still quilting for others and still hosting retreats. And wondering where God is leading me next.

The 2020's......... ?????

At the time of some major life events, it was so easy to be caught up in the negatives of the situation, and just dealing with the everyday stuff. Looking back at those times now, I can see the positives that have come out of those hard times. I can see that God was leading us, drawing me closer, giving me peace in the situation, and providing for us the whole time. I know that He uses these times to grow us, and draw us to Him. We are never alone. There is a Bible verse that speaks to me over and over, and that is Jeremiah Ch 29, v 11. I know that He has plans for me, and I continue to trust that He will continue to guide me, if I listen for His voice.

So, the 2020's?? I sense that there is a new season ahead, and maybe changes, but for now, I am unsure what. Watch this space.

Note the last sentence that I wrote. I certainly would not have foreseen what has occurred in the last few months in this world. But there have certainly been changes in my life, although not as dramatic as those for many, especially in other countries where the virus has had deadly consequence. I also think of many whose jobs have ended, and business' that have been closed down. The economic fallout will be around for many years to come.

One of the changes that I have made this year has been to spend a lot more time in God's word, and really hearing the words. This week I have had God's words coming at me, from a few different sources and have spoken very loudly to me, as I have gone through this season in my life.

 It was very special that last Sunday was the first time we were able to attend church in person after listening to many messages online for 4 months. It was certainly appropriate that the message was "Uncertain Times, Certain Hope", and reminded us to focus on God's word as the foundation for our life. Jesus is our anchor, and a solid foundation, and will hold us firm in the uncertain times that come along in life. When life is ticking along well, we can forget that we need that anchor. It is only in the storms of life that we realise the value of our anchor. If you want to hear more of this message, click the following link.....https://player.whooshkaa.com/bordertown-uniting-church?episode=699911

And then on Monday these words spoke to me from my Daily readings book!!

And in another message that I heard this week, it said not to look back, or we will feel the loss. Look ahead to the fruit that is to come!!

And a reading from Proverbs Chapter 3: verses 5 and 6.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

This morning I went shopping and to the post office to see if there was any mail, as I haven't been "out" this week while I have been home wallowing!! And here was another message for me, from a friend who I had discussed some of my feelings and thoughts with...........

            There was a lot more in the middle of the start and end, but you get the drift.......

So, in conclusion to all these messages, I am reminded that even though I don't know what's ahead, I must keep my eyes on God, my anchor and trust Him for what is to come. He has always had a plan for my life and will direct my paths ahead.

There endeth my sermon for today!! If you have read this far, I thank you. 

I hope to be back soon with another post that has more progress photos than this one.  Hope your day is a good one. I can see blue sky outside the window, so perhaps I should go and pull some weeds. A little bit at a time might add up to progress in the long run?? Enough wallowing, moving on!

Blessings, From Jude