Today's walk

I really think the dog would much rather stay home, but walking is good for her also.

Queen Anne's Lace

Chicory. If you click on the picture you can see it better. I was disappointed that most of the close-up pictures I took of it were blurry.

I love these little flowers. I discovered their blooms are red before they open.

Quilt giveaway

I found this blog giving away a quilt. It's gorgeous. Head on over to Old Red Barn Co. to enter.

Waiting

"The natural world waits with such grace. The quiet cocoon, the simple bud, the tiny seed…all beautiful in their silent, fallow forms. Each embody Job’s words, 'waiting for my change to come.'”

This quote came from a Charlotte Mason blog. Click here to read the whole article.

I must admit that waiting is difficult. Right now I'm waiting until we have health insurance (Aug. 1) to get some medical tests done. Meanwhile, sewing for my dolls, Emily and Josefina, has been like therapy for me. I listen to books on my ipod and sew. I told my dh that I'll have a slew of dolls clothes by the time I get through this. I'm trying to be like Job and worship God in the midst of suffering. I'm not really suffering, but the worry gets the best of me at times. I appreciate prayers and in the meantime enjoy all the pictures of the new doll clothes. As I've said before sewing isn't the only thing I do. We have one week of school left for our year. Then we'll have several weeks off. So school takes up some amount of my time along with daily household chores.

DH encouraged me to get out and walk, so Amy & I have been two days in a row. Today we learned something. You know those pretty periwinkle-colored flowers that grow by the side of the road? As far as I can tell from pictures it looks like chicory. I could be wrong, but it was a fun discovery. I'll see if I can get a picture of it to post.

Sewing along

Here's Josefina in her riding dress. I used her regency dress-style pattern, but made it short sleeved, removed the neck ruffle (used it as the neck facing), and added the two ruffles at the bottom. I had a fat quarter I used for the vest. You may see AG's version of it here.

Amy did another great job on the pictures. Thanks.

Nearer Still Nearer

One of my favorite hymns.

Nearer Still Nearer

Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,
Draw me, my Savior—so precious Thou art!
Fold me, oh, fold me close to Thy breast.
Shelter me safe in that “Haven of Rest”;
Shelter me safe in that “Haven of Rest.”

Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring,
Naught as an offering to Jesus, my King;
Only my sinful, now contrite heart.
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.

Nearer, still nearer, Lord, to be Thine!
Sin, with its follies, I gladly resign,
All of its pleasures, pomp and its pride,
Give me but Jesus, my Lord, crucified.
Give me but Jesus, my Lord, crucified.

Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last.
Till safe in glory my anchor is cast;
Through endless ages ever to be
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee;
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee!

Jenny Wren?

We finally got a picture of the little wren. They are so fast! I wish we could get a picture of her chasing off the red squirrel. It is amazing to watch her flying at that squirrel. The squirrel never stays around long once the bird spies him.

Today's encouragement

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways.
And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8, 9.

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20, 21.