A Project

This is my current project – a lap quilt for Second Daughter. The block is 12” square – there will be three across and four down, with frames around each block. That red is reverse applique. A circle is cut into the block, the applique put on the back, then sewn in.

Each of the twelve applique colors will flow through the rainbow, from the red through oranges, yellows, greens, blues to purples, and each contains a scripture. I’ve been reading them often.

I have a software package where I can type in the verse and then create an embroidery file which I can use in my embroidery/sewing machine. The family and friends selected their favorite verses, so there’s double meaning – the Lord’s word and what loved ones love.

That first one is her son's

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25 KJV)

No – there wasn’t enough room for the entire verse. I have an entry-level machine (and I’m a novice at all this) so I fit what I could into 4x4” limitations and still get the message that He bore our sins in His own body – by whose stripes we are healed! That’s the gospel message.

Her husband’s favorite is:

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 KJV)

How can we believe God exists if He is not the Creator?

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 KJV)

That one is her daughter’s. She understand the middle, the conditional part “to them that love God.” A very important distinction. God’s love for His children is unconditional, the all things working for good isn’t.

Her Dad (my Beloved Husband!) chose:

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 KJV)

These last couple of years, he has been weary, but this verse on his hospital wall was part of his renewing strength.

Her daughter-in-law chose a Proverb and trust:

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)

Her son-in-law chose one that speaks of his calling:

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5 KJV)

Her sister’s confirms our path:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)

Her brother’s is the best known of all:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

Two of her friends participated. Our pastor’s wife chose:

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalms 37:4 KJV)

She knows that when we delight ourselves in our Lord, the desire of our heart is His companionship, and we have it! Another friend chose:

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6 KJV)

And mine? I’ve quoted here often:

Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. (John 14:28 KJV)

I do rejoice, even while grieving, that my father, mother and other loved ones believed this verse as I do and I believe they are with our Father. I rejoice that the other eleven who chose verses for this quilt believe, too. One day, we will be with the Father described in these verses. What a blessing is laid before us in these few simple verses. What a pleasure it has been to read them over and over as I work on this project.