Time for a New Start

I'm pretty sure that there is no one still following this blog, and that's ok.  It's been 2, well, basically 3, years since I posted last and those years have been the hardest of my life as I have worked through the symptoms of acute anxiety and depression.  God has worked in my life in so many ways through this time and one of the things He has shown me is that, for those who love Him, His character doesn't include or cause fear, but love; it doesn't make you sad, but joyful; it doesn't cause anxiety, but brings peace.  His life in me because of Christ allows me to be patient and kind.  It is gentle and makes me gentle.  It is good and loves what is right and good.  It is faithful and helps me to be able to fulfill my commitments.  And it helps me to be moderate and not be overwhelmed with wants and wishes, but makes me grateful for what I have and helps me to enjoy using the gifts He has provided.

I've had a hard time cross stitching the past two years.  I think that all together I only completed 2 1/2 pages on my Heaven & Earth Designs Nativity in that time.  But it's always been there.  And lately I've enjoyed crocheting as well.  Nothing big... I have a lap throw a little over half done and I've made a few dishcloths, both knitting and crocheting.  I have a few things I would like to work on though.

So, anyway, I am going to make today a new start.  I'm working full time now, so it is going to be harder to do this, but I am going to pick 10 projects and post a picture of them - kind of like I did in 2013.  I am going to commit to working on those 10 projects for the rest of the year and see what kind of progress I can make.  I want to choose projects that make me think of all the characteristics above.  That make me happy, that encourage me toward peace, that give me a chance to practice faithfulness in working on them each day - even if it's only 15 minutes at a time, and that allow me to actually use what I have and be grateful for it.  I know that I might need to buy a few things for the projects - some floss or fabric - and I know that I have one new pattern I would like to buy - "Live your Dreams" by Silver Creek Samplers...

The rest I will work on throughout the next couple of days and I will post it here as a reminder to myself.  I am cautiously excited to begin this stage of my journey!