The Bear-y Quilt
After 2-1/2+ months it is finished. No, I didn’t finish an e-book nor a novel during this time but I made a blessed memory by making something new in 2013. I have been to and from a visit with my sister across country and witnessed the surprise and “love it” from the gift that I created from a picture: the bear quilt.
When my sister knew I would be coming to visit her and knowing that her grandson would be having his first birthday celebration the following month after my visit, she asked if I would be willing to make a quilt for the baby. But not just any quilt. She sent me a picture via email of a quilt that her son had been given when he had his first birthday. There in the center of the quilt was a bear–eyes closed–looking like he was sleeping inside the quilt. The question was: could I duplicate this? Although I had sewn for a number of years (and even taught sewing), I had never made a quilt before. If I was willing to make the quilt, I knew this was going to be quite a challenge for me.
But before I finally agreed, I really began to doubt myself as to whether or not I could possibly make it. I thought of all the reasons to “not” make it. Would I have enough time between the middle of January and the end of March to complete the quilt and send it before my April trip? What if it didn’t turn out right? What if they didn’t like it? I knew I needed confirmation that this was something I should attempt.
But then my eyes fell on a February 4th post from Allume by Jill Monoco that I had read and printed out: “10 new things God is doing this year.” She challenged my heart by reminding me to “do something new” in 2013 and confirmed God’s promises as stated in Isaiah 43:19. “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”
Now I was armed with “doing a new thing” springing forth from within and I perceived it. Thus began the selection and purchase of quilt fabric colors at various fabric stores and a how-to book to begin this project. I was on my way to doing and making “something new” in 2013 that was exciting yet scarey at the same time. The picture of the quilt was my guide, but more than that I had help from “His spirit within me.” I also received encouragement from my daughter’s mother-in-law who had made a number of quilts, and she agreed to embroider two labels that I would applique on the quilt when it was finished. God knew who I needed, and I truly appreciated Cindy so much during my questions and concerns.
Needless-to-say, the quilt was made and sent by the beginning of April; one week later I flew to California to visit my sister and her son/wife and baby. They all loved the quilt and in my heart I knew that I had fulfilled a dream of “doing something new.” The best part about this venture was that when they opened the gift, my nephew pulled out his old, tattered and worn quilt with the bear in the center and laid it next to the new quilt. What a blessing it was to my heart. This is exactly how God perceives us. He takes our old sinful selves and makes something new in our hearts and lives.
My heart was truly blessed by the experience of “doing something new”, and I have compiled a list of other projects (i.e. painting/home decor) and Women of Faith conference that I know God wants me to do this year. Do you have a list for 2013? It is not too late to ask God to show you what “new things” He wants to help you with in the coming months. He is faithful and wants to help you fulfill your dreams in 2013.
Blessings on you,
Yvonne
Reading during the month of April: “Grace” by Max Lucado
