Quilts of Love

my first pinwheel

 

I was taught by a friend years ago to quilt.  There's just nothing like a warm, hand-made quilt to lay on your bed or wrap up in while reading a book!

 

my first jean quilt with red backing

 

I pray quilting does not become a lost art.  Everything these days is so rush, rush, rush but quilting is anything but rushing.  Just the opposite. . .much patience is required and bandaids for those needle pricked fingers, but the end result is so worth it.

My mother sent me this story from the internet and I loved how it ended.  Thought I would share it with you along with some of the quilts I've made with love. . .

my very first one

 

 

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

 

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

 

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was.  They were filled with giant holes.

 

Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

 

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares.  Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

 

made from all my scrap material

 

 

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

 

ragged quilt

 

 

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth.  The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries.  So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

 

3rd quilt

 

 

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it.  I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pic up and begin again.  I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Fatgher in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

 

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what is was.

 

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.

 

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

 

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said,"Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

 

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."

 

bible quilt

 

 

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! 

 

 

I made this for my youngest son when he was 3, 16 years ago.  He still likes it on his bed. The materials were old when I made it.  It is now wearing away but it is still loved:)

 

And after 6 years, I know the prodigal still sleeps with the one made for him. A little bit of home wrapped in love.