Guided thoughts, 10

Quilters like me are sometimes consumed with our craft. Our hobby can become an obsession. Our mind is filled many times with thoughts of color and contrast.

We can spend countless hours doodling on a pad, designing a quilt block. It may take time, but we will finally get what we "see" in our head, down onto the paper.

Then we will carefully choose our fabrics. Solids and prints, dots and stripes, florals and geometrics. We'll set out a group, then come back and make changes, and tweak things with new pieces added into the mix.

We can't forget the thread, either. What color? What weight? Perhaps a variegated thread? Or a smoky nylon, that is almost invisible once used. The batting, too, is an important consideration.

All of these things go into making our project. It may or may not be a masterpiece when it's done, but oh, the care that has gone into its making!

Our Father takes even more care in developing and nurturing and guiding us, His children.

However, as it is written:“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard,

and what no human mind has conceived”—    the things God has prepared for those who love him— (I Corinthians 2:9)   

And this, verse, too:

The Lord will guide you always;    he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
    and will strengthen your frame.You will be like a well-watered garden,    like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11)

He chooses the threads and the fabrics that go into the weaving of our lives. When the hard times come, we often turn to this verse, which comforts us concerning His plans:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

When He is done with us, we will be a masterpiece!

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)