Friday, August 27, 2010

It's All About Listening.

I am so excited to finally be home so that I can write this post!
Good things happening here with me.
So.  Ready?  Here's what happened.

I was thinking about my coworker, Geri,
and her sister, who was recently
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
An incidental finding.
Otherwise in excellent health.
She retired last year.
Expecting a grandbaby in December.
She has started chemotherapy,
her prognosis is not good.
It never is with pancreatic cancer.
(Go here if you're interested in knowing more.)

I was thinking about Geri because she was able
to rearrange her work schedule in order to go
to the chemotherapy appointments with her sister.
All of a sudden, I was overcome...
and I mean really overcome
with the desire to make a quilt for Geri's sister.
To take with her to the chemotherapy appointments.

But.  Since I have no idea if anyone in Geri's family
knits or crochets or quilts, I didn't want to make
something that wasn't needed.
So.  I asked Geri.
She was delighted and so happy!

We talked about colors.
I know that pink is breast cancer,
and that there are several colors designated
for all types of cancer and diseases.

Geri said it didn't really matter,
as long as the colors were not bright.
(you'll be relieved at that, hey Kelley?)

Well, I immediately thought of my Kashmir III fabric.
Muted colors.  Gorgeous colors.
Since buying the fat quarter bundle,
I have not decided what to make with it.

Now I know.

I tell you, had I not been at work,
there is no way that I would have been able
to hold back the tears.
I was so totally overwhelmed by the entire thing!
So moved by the Holy Spirit working inside of me.

Okay.  So, I am working away, trying to decide what pattern,
what block, all the details of the quilt.

I remembered that Leah, over at Burgundy Buttons,
has yardage of a Kashmir III fabric (on sale, even!)
that I could buy for the backing.
I would need to spend about $25.00.  
No biggie, I will just tighten my belt a bit more.

In the meantime, people who are going through
the medical record department are oohing and
ahhing over my little quilts.
Oh.  Did I forget to mention that?
I took my two doll quilt swap quilts
and my little 1800's quilt to work today.
Just to show everyone.
 
Chatting with one of the doctors about my quilts.
She asked if she could buy the little 1800's one.
Heck, yeah!
The sale of that gave me more than enough
money to cover what I need for the backing
for this special project I now have.

PRAISE GOD!
Thank you, God.
I am so blessed.
 
Faith.
It's all about faith.
And, trust.
In God.
 
I wish I knew a scripture that covered this.
Anyone?





Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might. - Ecclesiastes 9:10

9 comments:

Miccosukee said...

Jacque,
Trust you to be thinking first and foremost of others. You are definitely paying it forward.
Blessings to you,
Trisha

WoolenSails said...

I know there is a saying or something about that, but it is true, when you spend time thinking of others, God takes care of you:) That is going to make a beautiful quilt.

Debbie

Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts said...

Faith like a mustard seed. Matt. 17:20

Jacque-
I'll be praying for Geri's sister.

Erin

Kim said...

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together so perfectly.
Such a sweet thoughtful gesture from you, but not surprising. :) I'm sure she will gain comfort and strength from this heart-born quilt across her lap.
Kim

Gail said...

Thank you for being so kind. When thoughts come like that, my sister calls them God's Voice.

moosecraft said...

I'm speechless... prayer's to Geri's sister... comfort in her treatments...

Joanne said...

Way to go Jacque! Things like this happen for a reason and the reason is you - you are a most giving kind generous soul! Love this story.

FYI - My Dad is a pancreatic cancer SURVIVOR so there is hope! He had the "whipple" procedure and has to live with taking his enzymes and things before even biting into a nut or something but he's alive and didn't need chemo or radiation. Anyway - there is always hope and I'm sure you will sew that quilt full of stitches love and hope.

Can't wait to see what you create!

Anonymous said...

Wow that is a great and inspirational idea!! Now you have even mire to do but I know you like to stay busy. We may not have time for three hour conversations tho. :) love you. Joyce

Pokey said...

How about,

"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
Psalm 37:4

or

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 6:38

The Lord has blessed your generous heart, and you have blessed mine, and others! :-}pokey