"The Quilt Holes"

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. 

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles, an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. 

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labelled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. 

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. 

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. 

Finally, the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise. 

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I had not had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life.. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. 

And now, I had to face the truth.. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. 

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. 

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. 

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. 

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.' 

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! 

God determines who walks into your life...it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay and who you refuse to let go.'

Author Unknown

WHAT YOU FEEL. YOU WILL ATTRACT.

GO THE EXTRA MILE TO AQUIRE WHAT YOU WANT TO BOTH ATTRACT AND GIVE AWAY.

ATTRACT WHAT YOU EXPECT.

REFLECT WHAT YOU DESIRE.

BECOME WHAT YOU RESPECT AND MIRROR

WHAT YOU ADMIRE.

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU HAVE GOT ENOUGH NERVE.

WHATEVER IS GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL....

DO THAT.

THE FUTURE YOU SEE IS THE FUTURE YOU GET.

 MY MISSION IN LIFE IS NOT MERELY TO SURVIVE, BUT TO THRIVE; AND TO DO SO WITH PASSION, COMPASSION, HUMOUR, AND DEFINITLY WITH STYLE.

I HAVE WORKED SO HARD THROUGH THE YEARS KNOWING WHAT I WANTED OF LIFE BUT THINGS JUST DID NOT FALL IN PLACE.
NOW I LOOK BACK AND MY LIFE HAS BEEN LIKE A PUZZEL, SOMETIMES PIECES DID NOT FIT OR TOOK AWHILE TO FIND THE PIECE THAT FIT SO I COULD CARRY ON WITH THE PUZZEL. 

MY PUZZEL AT THE MOMENT IS HALF COMPLETE, I CAN SEE THE PICTURE NOW. THE PICTURE IS PERFECT. IT IS BETTER THAT WHAT I IMAGINED OR WISHED.

THE MOMENT I SURRENDERED AND LET THE HIGHER POWER TAKE OVER COMPLETELY, THE PIECES STARTED FALLING IN PLACE AT TIMES I LEAST EXPECTED.

FABRIC PAINTED CUSHION COVERS

 Fabric painted cushion covers using acrylic paint. I did experience painting on a piece of material, ironed then washed the fabric, the paint did not smudge. The same technique I used with other fabric paints I got same results and works out cheaper as I used lots of paint. I used stencils for these cushion covers.

FUNNY - JAPANESE DOCTOR.

 

Love this Japanese Doctor! 

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Heart only good for so many beats, and that it... Don't waste on exercise. Everything wear out eventually. Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster. Want to live longer? Take nap.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake? 
A: Oh no. Wine made from fruit. Fruit very good. Brandy distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made of grain. Grain good too. Bottom up!

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of one, sorry. My philosophy: No pain...good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU NOT LISTENING! Food fried in vegetable oil. How getting more vegetable be bad?

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: You crazy?!? HEL-LO-O!! Cocoa bean! Another vegetable! It best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming good for figure, explain whale to me.

Q: Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is shape!

Well... I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!"

AND......

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits.

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

 

A MESSAGE BY GEORGE CARLIN:

 

ISN'T IT AMAZING THAT GEORGE CARLIN - COMEDIAN OF THE 70'S AND 80'S - COULD WRITE SOMETHING SO VERY ELOQUENT...AND SO VERY APPROPRIATE...

THE PARADOX OF OUR TIME IN HISTORY IS THAT WE HAVE TALLER BUILDINGS BUT SHORTER TEMPERS, WIDER FREEWAYS, BUT NARROWER VIEWPOINTS. WE SPEND MORE, BUT HAVE LESS, WE BUY MORE, BUT ENJOY LESS. WE HAVE BIGGER HOUSES AND SMALLER FAMILIES, MORE CONVENIENCES, BUT LESS TIME. WE HAVE MORE DEGREES, BUT LESS SENSE, MORE KNOWLEDGE, BUT LESS JUDGMENT, MORE EXPERTS, YET MORE PROBLEMS, MORE MEDICINE, BUT LESS WELLNESS.

WE DRINK TOO MUCH, SMOKE TOO MUCH, SPEND TOO RECKLESSLY, LAUGH TOO LITTLE, DRIVE TOO FAST, GET TOO ANGRY, STAY UP TOO LATE, GET UP TOO TIRED, READ TOO LITTLE, WATCH TV TOO MUCH, AND PRAY TOO SELDOM.

WE HAVE MULTIPLIED OUR POSSESSIONS, BUT REDUCED OUR VALUES. WE TALK TOO MUCH, LOVE TOO SELDOM, AND HATE TOO OFTEN.

WE'VE LEARNED HOW TO MAKE A LIVING, BUT NOT A LIFE. WE'VE ADDED YEARS TO LIFE NOT LIFE TO YEARS. WE'VE BEEN ALL THE WAY TO THE MOON AND BACK, BUT HAVE TROUBLE CROSSING THE STREET TO MEET A NEW NEIGHBOUR. WE CONQUERED OUTER SPACE BUT NOT INNER SPACE. WE'VE DONE LARGER THINGS, BUT NOT BETTER THINGS.

WE'VE CLEANED UP THE AIR, BUT POLLUTED THE SOUL. WE'VE CONQUERED THE ATOM, BUT NOT OUR PREJUDICE. WE WRITE MORE, BUT LEARN LESS. WE PLAN MORE, BUT ACCOMPLISH LESS. WE'VE LEARNED TO RUSH, BUT NOT TO WAIT. WE BUILD MORE COMPUTERS TO HOLD MORE INFORMATION, TO PRODUCE MORE COPIES THAN EVER, BUT WE COMMUNICATE LESS AND LESS.

THESE ARE THE TIMES OF FAST FOODS AND SLOW DIGESTION, BIG MEN AND SMALL CHARACTER, STEEP PROFITS AND SHALLOW RELATIONSHIPS. THESE ARE THE DAYS OF TWO INCOMES, BUT MORE DIVORCE, FANCIER HOUSES, BUT BROKEN HOMES. THESE ARE DAYS OF QUICK TRIPS, DISPOSABLE DIAPERS, THROWAWAY MORALITY, ONE NIGHT STANDS, OVERWEIGHT BODIES, AND PILLS THAT DO EVERYTHING FROM CHEER, TO QUIET, TO KILL. IT IS A TIME WHEN THERE IS MUCH IN THE SHOWROOM WINDOW AND NOTHING IN THE STOCKROOM. A TIME WHEN TECHNOLOGY CAN BRING THIS LETTER TO YOU, AND A TIME WHEN YOU CAN CHOOSE EITHER TO SHARE THIS INSIGHT, OR TO JUST HIT DELETE... 

REMEMBER; SPEND SOME TIME WITH YOUR LOVED ONES, BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT GOING TO BE AROUND FOREVER.

REMEMBER, SAY A KIND WORD TO SOMEONE WHO LOOKS UP TO YOU IN AWE, BECAUSE THAT LITTLE PERSON SOON WILL GROW UP AND LEAVE YOUR SIDE...

REMEMBER, TO GIVE A WARM HUG TO THE ONE NEXT TO YOU, BECAUSE THAT IS THE ONLY TREASURE YOU CAN GIVE WITH YOUR HEART AND IT DOESN'T COST A CENT...

 REMEMBER, TO SAY, 'I LOVE YOU' TO YOUR PARTNER AND YOUR LOVED ONES, BUT MOST OF ALL . . . MEAN IT. A KISS AND AN EMBRACE WILL MEND HURT WHEN IT COMES FROM DEEP INSIDE OF YOU.

REMEMBER TO HOLD HANDS AND CHERISH THE MOMENT, FOR SOMEDAY THAT PERSON WILL NOT BE THERE AGAIN.

GIVE TIME TO LOVE, GIVE TIME TO SPEAK! AND GIVE TIME TO SHARE THE PRECIOUS THOUGHTS IN YOUR MIND.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: 

LIFE IS NOT MEASURED BY THE NUMBER OF BREATHS WE TAKE, BUT BY THE MOMENTS THAT TAKE OUR BREATH AWAY.

 

HAPPY 2021, MAY THE YEAR BE FILLED WITH BLESSINGS

NERVOUS OLD LADY AND THE DENTIST.

                   

 A dentist noticed that his next patient, a little old woman, was nervous, so he decided to tell her a little joke as he put on his gloves.

'Do you know how they make these gloves?' he asked.

'No, I  don't,'  she replied.

'Well,' he spoofed, 'there's a building in  Canada with a big tank of latex, and workers of all hand sizes walk up to the tank, dip in their  hands, let them  dry, Then peel off the gloves and throw them into  boxes of the right size.'

She didn't crack a  smile.

'Oh, well.. I tried,' he thought.

But five minutes later, during a delicate portion of the procedure, she burst out laughing.

'What's so funny?' he asked.  

'I was just envisioning how condoms are made!'  

(Gotta  watch those little old women! Their minds are always working!

 

A rookie police officer pulled a biker over for speeding and had the following exchange:

           

• Officer: May I see your driver's license?

• Biker: I don't have one. I had it suspended when I got my 5th DUI.

• Officer: May I see the owner's card for this vehicle?

• Biker: It's not my bike. I stole it.

• Officer: The motorcycle is stolen?

• Biker: That's right. But come to think of it, I think I saw the owner's card in the tool bag when I was putting my gun in there.

Officer: There's a gun in the tool bag?

• Biker: Yes sir. That's where I put it after I shot and killed the dude who owns this bike and stuffed his dope in the saddle bags.

• Officer: There's drugs in the saddle bags too?!?!?

• Biker: Yes, sir. Hearing this, the rookie immediately called his captain. The biker was quickly surrounded by police, and the captain approached the biker to handle the tense situation:

• Captain: Sir, can I see your license?

• Biker: Sure. Here it is. It was valid.

• Captain: Who's motorcycle is this?

• Biker: It's mine, officer. Here's the registration.

• Captain: Could you slowly open your tool bag so I can see if there's a gun in it?

• Biker: Yes, sir, but there's no gun in it. Sure enough, there was nothing in the tool bag.

• Captain: Would you mind opening your saddle bags? I was told you said there's drugs in them.

• Biker: No problem. The saddle bags were opened; no drugs.

• Captain: I don't understand it. The officer who stopped you said you told him you didn't have a license, stole this motorcycle, had a gun in the tool bag, and that there were drugs in the saddle bags.

• Biker: Yeah, I'll bet he told you I was speeding, too.

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12 STEPS TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

 

When you are constantly, feeling overwhelmed and stressed, it is a good sign that you probably need to simplify your life. There is stress in life that are unavoidable and uncontrollable, but what most people do not realize is that they are in control of much of the stress that is occurring.

We often make our lives more difficult than they need to be, so when we dial it down a notch and make things simpler, our stress levels will fall rapidly making our lives much more enjoyable.

It is a choice we can all make.

Many times, we think everything is of equal importance in our lives, but there are some great ways to evaluate what really matters so we can gain a new perspective on life.

Below are 12 tips for simplifying your life.

1. Figure out what is truly important.

This is really so simple. You must identify what is important to you and more or less eliminate everything else. This is easier to do than you may realize. Start with an organized plan of how to simplify by making a list of all activities you have going on in your life right now that take up time or create stress.

What has the most emphasis on a day-to-day basis? What can be simplified or eliminated.  Once you make this list, it is a whole lot easier to see what changes can be done to avoid stress

 

2. Clear the clutter.

In your home and office, probably many things are cluttering your space. Everything must have its place – even if it is in the trash! When you clear the clutter from your space, you will find that cleaning, finding things and simply going about your daily life is a lot simpler and a whole lot less stressful. Likewise, just the mental and emotional aspect of clearing out the clutter is helpful to simplifying.

3. Limit time on media.

Most people do not realize that social media as well as television consume a lot of their time. Carve out specific times for this and limit yourself. Most people find that limiting these activities, creates much more time and space within their day.

4. Reconsider your commitments.

If you stressed out all the time, it may be time to pare down your commitments. Many times, we simply over-commit ourselves. You should look at the “extras” in your life and see how they align with the things that are most important to you. If there are things that you are committed to doing that you do not enjoy or do not add meaning to your life, consider giving them up. You can reduce stress and make your life more relaxed when you release yourself from commitments that are only tying you down.

5. Re-evaluate your buying habits.

Many people feel stressed out because of finances. Simplifying what you purchase can create much more peace in your life. Evaluate what you are purchasing regularly and determine whether these items are necessary. In addition, does food go to waste in your fridge? Reconsider how you do your grocery shopping, what is useful, and what goes to waste.

6. Create dedicated alone time.

Dedicate a certain amount of time to yourself to be alone each week. During this time, do an evaluation of what you can continue to simplify and what is going well. Then take a bit of your alone time to rest and breathe.

7. Say no.

Many times when we stressed, it is because we do not know how to say no to the people in our lives. Saying no to kids, family, friends, and even the boss is important. It can be tough to say no, but you can say it with grace or by delegating the request to another capable person. If you are finding it difficult to stay firm, remember that you are not superman or superwoman. You cannot possibly take on the world by yourself!

8. Pare down your beauty routine.

This area is often time-consuming for women. Chances are that you are putting more into your beauty routine than is necessary. Figure out where you can eliminate time and still feel great about yourself.

9. Simplify your work.

Every day when you are at work, you likely have a 10-page to-do list. In reality, there are things that just are not very important and are not worth the effort. There will be things that you will never get around to do. That is okay! Accept the fact, re-evaluate your activities to determine what is essential, and do away with the rest.

10. Keep surfaces clear.

Just like clearing out the clutter, keep your surfaces clear on a daily basis. Taking just a couple minutes a day to clear out your mail and your countertops can do wonders for your emotional state. When things build up, it creates mountains of stress, literally.

11. Involve the family.

There is as much to do at home, as there is at work. Make your family your team and involve them in the home activities. Get everyone involved in the little tasks around the home such as taking out the trash, dusting, and doing the dishes. For example, you can require that each family member pick up 5-10 things around the house before bed. This way, cleaning the house is a lot easier and you can spend more of your time relaxing instead of worrying about every little task around the home.

12. Learn what enough is.

We live in a world where it seems like everyone always wants more. Learn what enough in your life is. You will find more fulfilment in what you already have and learn that seeking more is only a means to create more stress.

As you can see, simplifying your life does not have to be difficult. You just need to get back to basics and do away with everything else. Living a simple life is living a happier, less stressed life and that is something that we can all aspire to do.

http://facthacker.com/

May you fly to new heights.

The only bird that will peck at an Eagle, is the crow. He sits on his back and bites his neck. The Eagle does not respond or fight with the crow. It doesn't waste time or energy on the crow. It simply opens its wings and begins to rise higher in the sky. The higher the flight, the harder it is for the crow to breathe. Eventually the crow falls due to lack of oxygen. Stop wasting your time with the crows.

Just take them to your heights and they'll fade. May you fly to new heights....

 

Mushroom and Bacon Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1-3/4 cups soft bread crumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• FILLING:
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups assorted chopped fresh mushrooms
• 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
• 12 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
• Roasted sliced mushrooms, fresh parsley and additional cooked bacon strips, optional
• Assorted crackers

Directions

• 1. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan.
• 2. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
• 3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onion and red pepper in oil for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook and stir for 10 minutes or until liquid has evaporated. Set aside to cool.
• 4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, salt and pepper until light and fluffy. Beat in sour cream. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Fold in the bacon, feta cheese, parsley and mushroom mixture. Pour into crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan.
• 5. Bake at 350° for 55-65 minutes or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.
• 6. Remove sides of pan. Top with mushrooms, parsley and additional bacon if desired. Serve with crackers.
• https://www.tasteofhome.com/

BEAUTIFUL WORLD

Artist Jane Perkins made this amazing Santa out of seashells, buttons and beads.

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Horse and Foal made out of drift wood
 

James Doran-Webb driftwood sculptor

Breathtaking new sculpture “Thrive” outside the Society Las Olas apartments in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida. By internationally admired South African artist, Daniel Popper.

Fashion repeats itself. It is not really a going ahead, although you expose things differently. The result is very editorial, fresh, and fun. The younger generations did not go through those trends therefore everything seems new to them. Others who have lived them try to forget they existed. Being a testimonial of the past does not go in favour of their age. The experience is very personal.

 

WHAT YOU FEED WILL ATTRACT.

I SPREAD MY WINGS FROM NOW ON, SOARING BEYOND EVERY ILLUSION I ONCE ALLOWED TO HOLD ME BACK.

NEVER GIVE UP BECAUSE GREAT THINGS TAKE TIME.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND YOU WILL BE UNSTOPPABLE.

STAY POSITIVE, WORK HARD, MAKE IT HAPPEN.

KEEP GOING. EVERYTHING YOU NEED WILL COME TO YOU AT THE PERFECT TIME.