Blessing #25

The following fabric squares were sent all the way from Santiago, Chile, and were designed by dear Chilean friends of ours, July and Tito. I will translate what they say below each one.

On this square is a photo of the national flower of Chile, the copihue. On it July writes...

"For you this beautiful promise: Then he taught me and said to me, 'Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live.' Proverbs 4:4

With love, Tito, July and children"

On this square is the Chilean coat of arms. On the coat of arms it says, "By Reason or Strength" which is part of the Chilean national anthem, as well. On this square July wrote the words from Psalm 4:8:

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety."

These are beautiful reminders of my childhood in Chile. One day we hope to take Sophia to visit!

Blessing #24

This adorable penguin fabric is from Sophia's grandmother, Gail Christian, who has collected penguins for as long as I can remember (she's my mom!). Here is what she writes:

"My Special Blessing for Sophia -

Sophia, my blessing for you is based on a special blessing in the Bible (Numbers 6:24-26)...

'The Lord bless you and keep you' (in the womb and throughout your life).

'The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you' (The Lord knows you before you are born and knows your every need.)

'The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace' (We want you to be part of the 'godly seed' that our daughter and her husband seek to raise for the Lord.) (Malachi 2:15)"

Blessing #23

This whimsical fabric piece is from another one of Grandma Leah's church friends in Ohio. It was accompanied by a really lovely note to Sophia:

"Dearest Sophia,

My wish for you is that so far in your life you have known much happiness, love and joy. My wish for your future is that you continue to know these things, along with the knowledge that with God's love anything is possible. Also having faith and hope in your heart, will help you to better understand and accept God's plans for you.

The square I gave you is red and has teapots with the saying, 'Cup of Kindness' on it. I've always enjoyed tea and I also collect teapots. I find that in my quiet moments alone, sipping my tea, I feel much closer to God. I like to take this time to listen to what He has planned for me. Sophia, make sure you take time. Have faith and hope; He'll always be there.

Blessings,
Mary A. Willaughley"

Blessing #22

This bright and bold piece of fabric is from a gentleman who attends Dave's Grandma's church in Ohio. Grandma Leah said this dear widower wanted in on the act as well...he didn't want the ladies to have all the fun, I guess! Here is Lloyd's message to Sophia:

"May God bless you. Have a good life.

Lloyd G. Egbert"

Thanks, Lloyd, for joining us on this endeavor! Blessings to you, too!

Blessing #21

This beautiful, feminine piece of fabric comes from the daughters of one of my former undergrad and current grad school students. Actually, I taught both parents at one time or another! It is such a blessing to see how God is working in the lives of my former students, and in turn, they are blessing others...including us! That's the way it is meant to be...pass on the blessings!

Here is the note that accompanied the fabric:

"God made you special, Sophia! You are unique, just like the bees and flowers. Our fabric is some from our great-grandma. Maybe someday we can play together.

Love,
Emma & Rebekah Sweger

Psalm 139"

Thank you Emma and Rebekah (and Mom and Dad!) for such a special blessing for Sophia...I'm sure she will love to get together for play dates with you!

Blessing #20

Teaching runs in my family! This special piece of fabric comes from my Aunt Debbie who lives in NJ. It is special not only because it is from my Aunt, but also because it represents her valiant battle against cancer...it is a remnant from one of her many head scarves she is using as she continues to teach her school children during her cancer treatment. I am so very proud of my Aunt and her godly attitude during this trial she is enduring! Here is her note to Sophia:


"Sophia,

The piece of material I chose for your quilt has pictures of many things you will be using in school. I am a teacher, and I wish for you many successful years of studying in school so you can learn more about God from His Word, the Bible. May you come to know Him personally at a very early age. Keep trusting in Him for everything.

Love, Aunt Debbie (Lincoln)"

We love you, Aunt Debbie!

Blessing #19

This happy piece of fabric (the photo doesn't do it justice!) is from a family at our church. They have also been blessed through adoption. Karen loves to scrapbook, so her note to Sophia is ready to put right into the quilt album when I get around to it! Here is what the note says:

"Dear Sophia,

May you be blessed with a long, and happy life...full of love from your family and friends, but most importantly the love of Jesus. We pray that you will grow to serve the Lord with all your heart!

Love,
Andy, Karen, Rachel, and Molli Colver

'The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.' (Numbers 6:24-26)"