This & That

Hello,

I have planned and tried to write a post many times over the last week, but every time I do, I just can't seem to come up with the right words.  I thought I might as well give it another go today and just see what happens, so I apologize in advance if it's rambly and nonsensical.

Our weather here today is beautiful, sunny and bright.  The temperature is still chilly though, so it feels more like winter today than spring.

The ice cutters have been going up the river the last couple of days, so I think the shipping season must be getting ready to open soon.  Every year it's the same thing, I never notice how much I enjoy and look forward to seeing the ships until they stop for these few months during the winter.  I can honestly say that I'm waiting eagerly to see the first one go through!

Well, it's Easter time, or at least getting-ready-for-Easter time.  My Mom picked up this cute wreath for my door the other day.  I smile every time I look at it.  I haven't done any Easter crafting yet, but I think I better start soon if I want to have anything done in time.  I've been toying with the idea of knitting a bunny, so we shall see.

I know I've already shown this little sweater I crocheted before, but I wanted to share this picture of it with the crochet edged fleece blanket I made to go along with it.

I also made this little dress and pink dot blanket recently.  Both of these gifts are heading out in the mail tomorrow for California to two new baby cousins.  The blanket pattern is from Linda Permann's Craftsy course Crafty Crochet Embellishments, and is a great quick gift project.

Before I go, I wanted to say a huge thank you to you all for your sweet and caring comments on my last post.  I am doing much better and I feel like I've turned the corner on the sadness and hopelessness.  Now I can see a light at the end of the tunnel, and it doesn't seem as far away as it did before.  I found a verse in the Bible last night that I've begun saying to myself: "Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you-rise to a new life]!  Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!" Isaiah 60:1.  This is from the Amplified version of the Bible, and I find it so great because it actually uses the word depression, and it expands on the verse opening it up bringing more meaning and relevancy on what these words would have meant in the original text. I remember Joyce Meyer saying how David would talk to himself and ask himself "soul, why are you downcast?" and then he would encourage himself by saying "Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God." (Psalm 42:5)  So I have begun speaking Isaiah 60:1 to myself to encourage myself.  I think we underestimate the power of self-talk.  It really is so important, because we believe what we say about ourselves more than we believe what others say about us.  I'm going to make an effort to change the negative way I have been speaking to myself into a positive way, and I think my mood will change for the better.  I also learned that many times throughout the Psalms when David was feeling depressed he would remember the times when God had helped him in the past.  So I have been trying to do the same.  God has brought me through so much, I just need to remember those times and know that He will bring me though this time as well.  He always does, because He is faithful and He never changes.  It's been a great encouragement and comfort to me to know that even when people, things, and circumstances change, God never does, so I can fully trust Him to take care of me.  I've been one of those people who tries to take care of themselves all my life and now I see that this has got to change.  It's hard to let go of it sometimes, but I know that it is the only way I am ever going to experience real freedom.  And really, how silly is it to think that I can do a better job at something than God?  I know that I'm not going to change overnight and that I'll need to be patient and forgiving with myself all the while, but it will get better each day.  I hold onto that hope, and trust that God will work the necessary changes in me as I continue to trust in Him.

I hope that you are having a great week and I will try to be back again soon, hopefully with a finished blanket to share!

xoxo