Monday, April 4, 2016

Gentle Domesticity BOM block 4...


'Plant for the future'...that simple and age-old process of preparing soil, planting a seed, watering, weeding, tending, and watching it grow to full bloom. 
I think that's exactly what womanhood is all about, too.
 We must prepare the soil of our hearts to receive and nourish seeds of love that come our way through the blessing of a husband, children, grandchildren and other unique souls the Lord may lead into our life.
By wisely tending this heart-garden, carefully (and often daily) removing weeds of discontent, selfishness, laziness or bitterness, and watering it with honesty, kindness, thoughtfulness, humility and forgiveness, the character of each bloom we grow from our life example can be a great legacy to leave behind for those who follow after.
I used to think that it was too late for my family to see the 'better' changes made in my character, changes that over a decade grew me closer to where I needed and wanted to be. 
But I was wrong. 
Over the last few months some of my children have quietly shared the things I've been teaching them without my knowing it, and I realised all the examples they gave were lessons I had been intentionally addressing in my character for many, many years.
 And here we were, much further along life's garden path than when I first donned my gardening apron, and those seeds I had chosen to plant and tend and nourish, were blooming before them.
There are still many heart-gardens for me to till, weed, plant and tend in my character, but having borne that first sweet fruit I can testify that this is a good garden path to follow in life.

Many of us can remember the times of failure and regret that mar our life memories, but take heart dear friend. Life has seasons, and like the garden as the seasons change, we can break up the old soil and start over again. 
It's simply never too late for fresh blooms and a new life memory to be made.
Let's begin fresh today, shall we?
Let us choose to plant, for the future. 
xxx






Block 4 is a free pattern download here in my shop until May 4th.
Blocks 1, 2 and 3 are $2 each and also available as downloads in my shop.






 GENTLE DOMESTICITY Facebook Group
Are you enjoying stitching these blocks?
Would you like to share your photos and ideas with others who are playing along too?
You would? Wonderful, because yesterday I set up a Facebook group just for you!

Join HERE.
I'd love to see you there.

Be blessed,



11 comments:

Allie said...

So adorable - and so timely - this really hits home with me today, and you know why! God can take away the old, bitter soil and replace it with holy ground! Love ya girl!

Melody said...

Such a beautiful post. So eloquent and so meaningful to me at the moment. You are so wise and so good, a blessing in my life. I adore the new block. I'm downloading each precious block and will start stitching soon. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us all.

Tuppence said...

Jenny, muchas gracias por el nuevo bloque , es adorable
Nora

CalamityJr said...

What a thoughtful post - thought provoking, as well. Thank you for sharing your "discoveries" along with the pattern.

Águeda said...

Thank you very much. Your words are full of hope. When I will see that embroidery, always I go to remember is very important how one sows :) Hugs.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful pattern, beautiful analogy. You follow Christ's example so often - teaching by parable. And all of us can understand them! Thanks for the encouragement. I sometimes don't see the effect of all the planted seeds, but that doesn't mean it isn't there. And I'm still planting. Never give up, that's a mom's motto.

Michelle said...

The blocks in your Gentle Domesticity are so beautiful and are a wonderful encouragement to me as a mother and wife. This block is no exception. I really love it. Thanks for all you share with us both in patterns and words of wisdom.

Guida said...

Thank you for such a lovely block and inspirational words. Guida

Createology said...

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and life experience in this analogy of tending our Heart gardens and planting seeds for the future. We are the fortunate ones who get to age and gather knowledge along our journey. Beautiful blocks dear.

handmade by amalia said...

A lovely block. And wise words to complement it.
Amalia
xo

JES said...

Good morning! Just a little note to let you know this post has been FEATURED today at the Art of Home-Making Mondays at Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth. Thank you for joining us!