Thoughts on a New Year and a New Decade

Jenny of Elefantz recently posted a scripture that deeply resonated with me, causing me to reflect on this, the beginning of a 9th decade that I've been on this earth (though my first decade was only four years in length).  So many quilters choose a word to reflect their aspirations for the new year.  Where better to find a word than from The Word.

"The righteous flourish ...

planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.

They still bear fruit in old age;

they are ever full of sap and green."

Psalm 92:12-14 

And there it is - flourish.  Even with advancing years, fading vision and stiffening joints, we can still bear fruit.  Through our words, our actions, and our faith, we can continue to live abundantly and to bless others with the work of our hands.  And though our stitching may at times stray from perfectly even and straight, our seams occasionally a bit wobbly, we can still bear fruit through the quilts we make and give, that can bring comfort and warmth to a friend or stranger who needs to feel a bit of love during a time of loss, illness or distress.   

So this year my hope is to want less and give more, to focus on what is real and true and not the chaos that surrounds us, to appreciate the little things that make a life - to flourish. 

And, because this is a quilting blog and quilting blogs need photos, here's a sneak peek at what's been happening in my very messy sewing room today - and, no, I'm not planning to spend a week organizing - gave up those kind of resolutions years ago -it's futile anyway!

Looking a bit Christmasy you say?  Hmm.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and joyful New Year!