I'm outta here!

I have been going on a quilt retreat every fall for about the past nine years. A few years ago, some very talented quilters that my cousin Audrey sewed with started a quilt group; and I got to join the group. Not that I'm talented, but that's a story for another day. A few years ago we started our own fall retreat; and tomorrow morning I'm heading out for the weekend to sew with them. I've had all week to get ready (but didn't), so tonight I'm running around like a mad woman trying to get my gear together, the car packed, clothes ironed, yadda yadda. Hey, half the fun is in the getting there, right?

Tonight when I got home from work there was a package waiting for me from Beth, The imPerfect Housewife. If you don't read this blog, you really need to check it out. She is hilarious, and I look forward to seeing her posts. She had a pay it forward, and I was able to get in on it!! As I've said before my camera is broken, so I can only tell you at this point what she sent me - it was all so cute! There was a bookmark (and I love to read), a package of stickers (that my granddaughter was eyeballing), a list pad (and I make lists), an angel cookie cutter (just in time for Christmas baking!), and a loaf of homemade quick bread (yummy). I loved it all, Beth! Thank you very much; everything will be used and appreciated. Again, please check out this great blog.

And because I've been the recipient of Beth's as well as Leann's, I would like to have my own pay it forward. Please leave a comment on this post, and I will draw one name Sunday evening, November 15. You don't need to advertise this on your blog if you have one. By Sunday evening, I'll be ready for the couch and a good book; so I'll just use random.org to pick the winner. What will be the prize? I'm not sure, but I'll be thinking about it while I'm sewing up a storm.

I received this email at work today from a dear friend, and I would like to share it with you as well.

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER - by Maya Angelou

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean living.' I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou; I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow.

Have a great weekend, friend.