Narrow is the way . . .

Lately my heart is heavy. It is hard to stay positive when you hear about the hurt and see all the sin in the world.  Logging on to Facebook has become a drag when constantly bombarded with the opinions of the world, especially concerning the current events.  After much praying, thinking and a conversation with my grandfather this afternoon these are my current thoughts:

Christians seem to fall into 2 categories: the first is "close-minded" to the rest of the world and looked down upon as people who hate those that do not share their beliefs.
The second has resorted to what I consider "relative" Christianity, those that change their beliefs based on the constantly changing beliefs of society.

I am far from perfect but I strive to be more like Jesus. He is the example God gave us: JESUS. He hates the sin (un-Godly lifestyle) but loves the sinner. That's right . . .  it is possible to do both at the same time . . .  after all HE IS GOD. That means He loves me and He loves you. Because of Jesus, He doesn't condemn those who are living against the Word but He wants us to live the life that was designed for us BY GOD. While I may be looked at and called close-minded and intolerant, this is the sacrifice I made when I told Jesus I'd follow Him. God never said it would be easy to follow Him. Being a Christian and truly following in God's way often means going against the grain, treading upstream, and even upsetting society with my opinions BUT Jesus told us in Matthew chapter 7 starting in verse thirteen:
13“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it."
I want to be of the few that keeps on the narrow way and finds the gate that leads to an eternal life with God. No, I'm not saying I need to do things to please God, but one that loves God in his or her heart will do things that please God because it GLORIFIES Him. At the end of my journey on this Earth I want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23
With Easter approaching it leads me to reflect on what Jesus did for us on the cross 2000 years ago. Thank you Jesus that when I make mistakes I can repent (turn from what I have done) and dance, knowing that Your death on the cross took care of my sins.
So who are you? Are you a sinner that has accepted the free gift of forgiveness and eternal life? or Are you someone who knows and believes in God but has never taken action to accept Him and ask Him to be a part of your life? Believing is not enough, it takes action from us!
HE IS RISEN! HALLELUJAH!
Happy Easter!

New Addition

My new Brother Laura Ashley Limited Edition Innov-is NX-2000

I got to bring this beautiful machine home yesterday. This thing is going to make my life so much easier when quilting! It threads the needle automatically, cuts the thread and lifts the foot with the push of a button. There is a whole lot more that I don't even know about but the most important part is that I don't fear its self distruction when I sew through more than 2 pieces of fabric. When comparing it to my $120 Singer it's like driving a Kia one day and a Cadillac the next. I can't wait for my upcoming 4 day weekend so I can get busy sewing!

My newest project

 This is my recent project that has been keeping me from updating my blog.  My mom has a "Southwestern" theme in her bedroom.  I googled for patterns and found one for free...sweet! It's from Kokopelli Quilting Company. Only problem is it was a small quilt so I had to do some calculations to figure out fabric and size.  I have yet to make any of my quilts from a pattern besides the dog "rag quilt". It seems I am not the best at figuring out how much fabric since I'm always making mistakes. Luckily my sister helped me out when thinking this one through.  I was on the right track until I cut WAY more blue squares than I needed . . . whoops . . . we'll see if I have enough for the border but I'm guessing I'll be substituting or buying more fabric. I also used very different colors because my mom likes the jewel tones that are on her current comforter. I found these really fun batiks at JoAnn. I got them on sale and used my teacher discount. { That is one of the best perks I get for being a teacher . . . 15% off anything?! (When not using a coupon) Yes, please! }  Can't wait to show you the finished product. I'm hoping to be done by the time the local fair rolls around in July.

Pasta & Ricotta

I love pasta. I know, I know, it's really not that great for you but it's not like we have it every night. I like to throw fresh veggies together with fresh garlic, olive oil and the spicy italian sausages from Aldi because it makes a quick meal. Last week I had left over fresh veggies from pizza toppings so this is what it ended up to be:

Pasta Toss:
2 spicy italian sausages
1/2 green pepper
1/2 red pepper
1/2 yellow pepper
3-4 roma tomatoes
1 onion
mushrooms
parmesan to top it off

I like to use broccoli too but didn't have any in the fridge.

I had planned to throw some leftover homemade ricotta on top but forgot about it until after we had eaten dinner. I threw it in with the leftovers . . .YUM! I got the idea for homemade ricotta on this blog. I never knew you could make your own and it was SO good. I don't think Matthew will let me go back!

Matthew's First Flight

My Dad is a flight instructor and took Matthew up for his first lesson today.

They had a beautiful, sunny, late winter day!

Matt's sister's house

Matt's Parent's House

Matt got 2 hours in his log book and 5 landings. He's "flying high" today! :-)