It. Is. Finished!

© jb katke

This man of mine is so resourceful. Dave had me in mind, planning to build a bookshelf. I don’t deserve it and had not requested it—but he knew I would love it. The cabinet appears to be built in, wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling, and I could not be happier with the outcome.

The project took the bulk of his summer. Thought, planning, editing dimensions, drawing and more drawing went into it before the work began. It takes a lot of brain power and heart to devote this much time to an endeavor of this magnitude. Each morning, he was at it, taking few days off to recoup.

Bottom line, the room is so ‘me.’ For several years this space has been my quilt room. Since I have begun writing, quilting has taken a back seat. I sit in awe with so much joy. It will take some practice to call the room by its new name. Lady J’s Lair. If you are interested in knowing how the name came to be, read my blog Intermission IV.

Both of us were amazed at how many books were gathered from the nooks and crannies of the house. My fabric stash now resides with book roommates. Space even for some of Dave’s favored reading, as well as some treasures of mine. The flag on the top shelf was given to me at my father’s military funeral. The newspaper bag is not prominent but hails from our son’s days of delivering the local paper many years ago.

Intermixed with these projects Dave has made—another awesome event took place. I met Jesus. That too, puts me in awe. Jesus had a hand in creating the world we live in. It took a mere seven days without any breaks—considering the work of his hands good. It was we humankind that muddied things up. Jesus let his creation realize this world was no longer perfect. However, he had a plan. Jesus made a way for us to live with him in perfection.

Currently Jesus resides in heaven, but had a thirty-three-year stint here on planet earth. Evil men, not fans of Jesus, determined to end his existence, putting him on a cross to die. Jesus was well aware, only his plan extended to beyond the cross. He rose from the dead. That sounds unbelievable, but each spring we see plants come back to life.

Know that Jesus is capable of anything and did not stay dead.

Much thought went into this, he had you in mind. When he returned to heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit to give us hope and encouragement. It is there for the asking, but you have to want his help. Ask for it—even if you feel you don’t deserve it. Jesus’ love and forgiveness is greater than any wrong humans can commit. Sit quietly, in awe and enjoy all he has already done for you. It is finished. Jesus said so himself.

Happy New Year!

 

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© of JB Katke

 

The New Year is upon us…ready or not

.As a rule I don’t make New Year’s resolutions.  Why set myself up for disappointment? Unless it’s reasonable. Like promising myself I absolutely will not eat artichoke heart or sushi. That I can pull off. It isn’t my intent to hurt anyone’s feelings if you like them. It’s just far be it from me to take your pleasure away.

I’m hoping this year will be different though. Recently my doctor has been casually mentioning some weight loss for me. Easy to say, hard to do. For me anyway. You may know the verse that says little girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice? I am here to tell you years of that stuff turns into Velcro that adheres to waist and hips. I am living proof.

But it’s not just weight I’d like to change. There is exercise (that should actually be a four letter word). Stressing my body is not pleasurable. Some people like it which boggles my mind. Just thinking about it wears me out.

Writing too. Does that surprise you? While I have never been at a loss for words, writing doesn’t come naturally to me. Its work. Blogging exposes me and that’s not comfortable. I’m an introvert. Likewise being with a group of people wears me out as well. My husband doesn’t agree, just because I’m able to carry on a conversation.

All that being said, here’s what I’m hoping for in 2020. I’d like to see Jesus better. I’m well aware he is with me all the time. He knows what is going on in my life. But I feel a little like our relationship is lopsided. He blesses me, but do I give him enough credit?

Here’s my plan, and I expect you to hold me accountable. I feel the need to be quiet as I meditate on his presence more often. It takes time and discipline. But he has made himself known to me on several occasions and it was an amazing experience. I want more of that.

Seeing more clearly in 2020 is wordplay I know, but this might be well worth the effort.