We stayed up late watching the ball drop this week, toasting peach champagne and eating berry cobbler (can you tell I’m ready for summer?), and as we counted down the seconds…10…9…8…7…I felt something that I hadn’t expected to at that moment, nor have I before during any of my slippers-and-robe-clad, tv-watching New Year’s Eve’s of late. Was it cobbler euphoria? Overwhelming gratitude at not being soaking wet and covered in confetti in the middle of Times Square? No, this was something else. An indescribable hope.
Yes, there was hope that my ears would recover from my kids’ record breaking celebratory volume, enjoyed at decibel levels unprecedented in modern noisemaker history. And hope that this year I’ll be better at at making freeze ahead meals, and replying to emails, and biting my tongue when I’m about to say something that really doesn’t need to be said (not to be confused with actually biting my tongue, like I did last week when a child jumped up to hug me, deadlift-style, making perfect high speed skull-on-chin contact. Let’s just say, now have a slight lisp that I hope isn’t permanent.).
Anyway, trying to be better is usually what’s on my mind around this time of year, and I’ve posted about it many times before…committing to be better at patience, better at grace, better at quietness. There’s never a shortage of good intentions. This year is different though. This year, I’ve not made a single resolution. And it’s not because I’m not hopeful, but because the hope I am feeling has absolutely nothing to do with anything I could possibly resolve to do.
I’m feeling such a renewed understanding that even when I’m *not* better, and especially when I’m downright awful…when my resolutions fall flat on day 8, and I muck up the page and make a complete and utter mess of things (so my style), that that is not the end of this story! I’m not celebrating the possibility that I might do a little better this year, but rather that someone has already paid the price for all the crap I’m going to throw down in 2019, and loves me in spite of it, totally as-is, broken and messy. Nothing I could achieve this year could increase that love!
Have any of you ever read through the Bible in a year? I never have, and I’m happy to say that this is my year. I’m following a chronological reading schedule along with my mother in law, and right now we’re in Job. Good times. Talk about sobering… I thought we could use some fresh happy book covers to keep things bright, so here’s the one I made for her. Finished it just in time for Christmas (and by just in time, I mean, I literally bound it on Christmas afternoon, minutes before left for Christmas dinner).
I found this NIV version called “The Books of the Bible” that features a very minimalistic format…no chapter or verse numbers except on the very bottom of the page in a subtle print, and no narrow columns- all full page width. It reads so differently from the Bibles I grew up with! Makes me feel like I’m reading a novel and less like I’m wading through chopped up text, phrase by phrase.
I hand quilted the cover with a simple running stitch in pearl cotton. I didn’t put much thought into the batting choice as I was just digging for a scrap that was about the right size, but am so glad I happened to use wool with a nice fluffy loft! It really makes the stitches stand out, which I love!
The text fabric I used is a print called “Whatever is Lovely” from my Meriwether collection, and I was SO excited to be able to incorporate it in this project because this was the exact use I had envisioned for it from the very beginning. I thought, wouldn’t it be great to have a print that featured my most cherished uplifting scriptures…the ones that really bring me out of the pit?!
I’m the kind of person who just always has that urge, when I read a really powerful verse, to want to write it on an index card and tape it somewhere in my house. I feel like the more I see them, the more they soak into my spirit. So that’s what this print is for me…a way for me to scatter these verses across my day so hopefully I’ll bump into them more often.
Maker Tote pattern by Anna Graham, Noodlehead
So that’s where my heart is this week…soaking in the start of a New Year, hopeful, and celebrating the truth of the ages. Never gets old.
Hoping your New Year’s was exciting and joyful, as you look ahead at 2019! What are your resolutions? What little nudges has your heart been feeling?
XOXO
Amy
Hi Amy,
Deep is good but it’s great when it’s about the most important relationship we have! I’m reading through the Bible this year with my pastor who posts the days reading and his comments and I’m really enjoying it and hopeful. I’ve also set this year a goal to complete some vintage family heirlooms. Quilt tops that need to be completed. They are treasures that allow you to soak in glimpses of family you never knew. While it is a bit daunting, it is also a privilege.
Stay true to you. Love your blog.
Lisa…
Hi Amy, Yes, we’ve read the Bible thru in a year. Right now, my DH and I are in Luke again. Remember, when we fail, the Lord is there to forgive if we ask, and He still loves us. I also never make New Year resolutions, but one of my friends sings a song by Jessica King, titled “Keep Me in Your Will”. It is also on Youtube, and it speaks to me almost like no other song. That is my resolution this year….I’ve asked my Lord to keep me in His will.
What a wonderful, thought-provoking post. Thank you sharing!
Love the Bible cover and your comments on the Bible you are using. I’ve said a couple times that I would read the Bible all the way through in a year, but have never followed through. I said it again this year but haven’t started Genesis! better get to it if I want to succeed this year.
Amy, I’m glad you are doing better! I did not know you were designing fabric. I just bought the last bundle of half-yard cuts from the Fat Quarter Shop. My sister-in-law is feeling very over-whemed right now and I thought I would make her something out of your fabric to cheer her up. Is there a mailing list to get on so that I know when your collections are coming out? Your fabrics are so cheerful!
So glad that you share your life with us. I have read through the Bible a few times, but there is always new things to discover. His mercies are new every morning. I like the new format Bible you found. At our church the Priest gave us all a copy of Matthew Kellys “the biggest Lie in Christianity “and it talks a lot about individual Moments with Jesus. Not to get so stressed about perfect life or prefect meals. Just being with God. Happy New Year.
Amy so good to here from you. I also love your post no matter what the subject. The real is good. So many blogs make me feel like a complete and total failure. Why can’t I get my life together like theirs looks. Thanks for all you do. God made you awesome. We just need to keep real to who we are.
OMG I love these quilted book covers! I want one. The fabric is lovely.
Wow that’s a great goal to read the Bible in one year. I’m going to put that “Books of the Bible” book on my wishlist, sounds great!
Beautiful, happy New Year to you and your family. Hugs.
Wonderful post Amy. I think my DIL would love a tote made from your fabric – she is a pastor’s wife. I looked and looked but it is out of stock almost everywhere. I found 2 yards on Amazon and hopefully they don’t come back and tell me sorry, it’s sold out. (sigh). It’s so funny, I was just thinking of you yesterday, 5 Jan 19, when I was telling my husband that my one resolution this year was to not sign up for any more BOMs. I was in yours on Craftsy back in like 2012 I think? It’s STILL not finished! lol New year blessings to you and yours!
Happy New Year,Amy. Loved reading your column this morning. Just ordered the Bible on Amazon to read as a book. I was wondering if you could give me directions for the Bible cover…I ordered your fabric and love the look. Have made many of your online and Craftsy projects..this older lady loves your youthful and creative designs.
Hello, I am new here and I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed your blog post. I really liked that you included the berry cobbler into your New Year celebration and this blog post. I have always had a passion for great tasting food and I believe you should throughly enjoy what you are eating. I have found that great food helps to pull my mind into the present moment. It is in these delicious moments that I find my deepest gratitude for all that I have been gifted. I say “gifted”, because I believe that God gives us all that we need, but he “gift’s” us those special moments that make life simply wonderful. Just like the wonderful bible cover you created for your mother-in-law. You created a gift, a moment, and treasured item.
Thank you for sharing.
I was excited to see your latest post in my inbox!
I also first connected w/ you in 2012 BOM w/ Craftsy and I’m so glad I did.
In His care,
LINDA
And again, God’s timing is perfect. I am finishing up a quilt for my sister and needed the perfect backing and your “Whatever is Lovely” is it! Thank you for posting this today. :)
Happy new year to you and your family! Your kids are getting so big!! I was raised in a Baptist church but haven’t been very religious since my marriage almost 50 years ago. Messages like yours bring back to me the great feelings I had back then. Love the fabric you used for the book cover; I may have to get some to use to make gifts for my family.
Looks like this fabric is no longer available because it’s from over a year ago.
Hi Phyllis! Many of the prints are sold out in a lot of shops, but I’m still seeing some still available in a lot of the shops and on Etsy. If you’re looking for a specific print that you can’t fine anywhere though, pop me an email. I’d be happy to share some from my stash to help complete your project! Sorry for not thinking about these possibly shortages before posting…
I always enjoy reading your blog posts, whatever the topic might be. Thanks for sharing! :)
Amy, I have followed your BOM’s and purchased your books since the Crafty 2012 BOM. I love your designs and work and am fully aware how life comes along and changes your directions. Looking at your projects made with your “Meriwether Collection”, I fell in love with the Whatever is Lovely fabric with the white background. I saw it on the pillow in the picture with your daughter. Is/was the fabric available with that white background? I can only find it with the blue or yellow background. Thanks for your help if you have any time to address this.
Hi Jackie! Ack! I didn’t realize that this print was sold out in most shops! I am hunting for some in the white online, but in the meantime, please pop me an email. I do have enough to share from my own studio and want to make sure you get some for your project!
Amy, I am needing about 4 yds. Do you have that much available? How would I get the $ for the fabric to you?
I purchased a yard of each print from this beautiful line of fabric a few months ago. There is still some left in the Etsy shop where I found it. Here is the link:https://www.etsy.com/shop/CottonCutsFabrics?search_query=meriwether
Good luck, Jackie! And Amy, thank you for another fresh, honest post!
Hi Amy – beautiful post, beautiful truths. He is faithful and His mercies are new every morning. We can count on that! The fabric is lovely and your reason for creating it is brilliant. Looking forward to what He has planned for each of us this New Year. Blessings and thank you for the post!
We are studying the new testament this year, i help the 3-11 year olds learn songs. Of course I have to include a quilt with it! Last year the kids designed a quilt, choose who to give it to, and presented it to a wonderful brother in our ward (congregation). It went so well they want to do it again. This year they will design NT stories on squares. They design, I sew. So many wonderful stories in the scriptures, I love them!
Hi Amy ~ our pastor spoke this morning of let this be our first thought each day. New Mercy, New Compassion Every Morning ~ Happy New Day because God gifts that to us each and every day to us. As for reading through the Bible, I have done it that past few years and have found that even if life gets in the way and I miss a day or two, I just pick up on the day I am in, or try to catch up….(completely my choice with no shame) and glean something….because ultimately it is all good. I so enjoy your posts and your honesty. Some other goals of mine is to finish a few quilts…..you encourage me to keep at it! Thanks!
Beautiful post Amy. Yes, someone has already paid the price for our mistakes and what a relief that is! I praise Him with all my heart!
Amy, Happy New Year. Could you come up with some simple instructions on how you made your bible cover.. I am trying to find your fabric too. Love it.
Thank you,
Louise
Littleton, CO
Just wondering what you’re using to read the bible in chronological order? Love your blog. Thanks.
Hi Amy. So happy to read your post and want to encourage you as you read through the Bible this year! I have read the Bible through several times, but my first time to read the Bible “in a year” took 2 years!! I would encourage you to pause, ponder and pray when you get to a passage that needs more time and enjoy your relationship with God in the process!
Hello Amy, It’s been a while since my last visit to your blog and read it through. But for some strange reason, I felt compelled to read it and I even opened up your wonderful pictures of your lovely projects and even the one by Noodlehead. I loved her bag so much so I got the pattern. Not entirely sure when I will get around to making it. But I can now start putting together the requirements at least! So thank you for introducing me to another lovely quilter. I never tire of your lovely blog, and I love seeing your lovely quilting works as well. You have always inspired me. I only wish my passion for quilting was more built in than just the occasional works now. Thank you. Julie
Lovely post as usual Amy. It’s always good to catch up with you and the creative things and life issues you share. I’m reading the Bible in a year. I’ve joined a Facebook Group for a bit of encouragement and motivation. Hope you persevere through Job (a Godly man) and find much evidence of God’s love for you as you continue to read. Thankfully He knows we are not perfect so we can rely on His mercy and strength to get us up and moving on! :-)
Beautiful post Amy, thanks for sharing. Have a Happy, Blessed New Year.
So happy to see your post! I was thinking about you last week and wondered how you are doing. What a wonderful message you have shared with us as well. I love your heart and transparency. We all struggle but are so blessed to have forgiveness through the gift of God’s grace. I encourage you to read the Bible through in a year (even if it takes 2! :) ) I l really enjoyed the chronological plan. I have started my 3 time to read it through and amazed at what God has revealed already.
I really love your fabric “Whatever is Lovely”. I am not sure how to keep up with when and where your fabrics are released but would love to know. Maybe I can find some of this one somewhere. Blessings for a Happy New Year!
Thanks for another wonderful and encouraging post; Amy! I often think fo you when I read from my devotional “Streams in the Desert” which I bought after you mentioned/recommended it in one of your posts. And I´m so glad I still have some of the white “Whatever Is Lovely” fabric with the bible verses. It`s great to see you made a bible cover with it which I thought would be the best use for it. I will eventually….
Happy New Year and God bless from Germany
Heide
Thanks for this post!!! I am currently reading the Bible through – started fresh with a “One Year Bible”. I started last year and got about a week behind in November (and I’m still working on finishing that). I find that I am also praying a lot more lately!!! I want to be a better and more positive person. The heart quilt in the last picture, is that a pattern? I love the simplicity of it.
Amy, always enjoy hearing from you. Keep up the blogging. Hey, what size re the blocks in Briar and Bramble pattern? I’m trying to find 24″block pattern. Thank you so much!
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We are all a work in progress. Thru it all we grow, redefine our priorities, change thru the process for good. The bottom line is we are trying and the Lord is honored by our efforts. I read the “One Year Bible”. It covers the Old and New Testaments, the psalms and proverbs all in chronological order. There is also a book by Debbi Bryson that follows the daily reading of the proverbs on the book called “Wisdom for Women Devotional”. Think of all the women reading,praying, learning and applying just what you read that day!