A New Years Start

Hello Everyone. A short post today because I don't have a lot. I did finish this baby blanket on New Years Eve. It's for a couple at church who are having their first baby. The shower is Sunday after church, but we're supposed to have ice and snow tomorrow and Sunday morning, so I don't know how many will be there.

I also started another Portage Sweater as a gift for someone who might be reading this, so I'm not saying who. It's made with the same yarn that I used for Piper's last sweater, but it's my favorite pattern. It has BIG pockets and I love them. I just started it New Years Day and have divided for the sleeves so there is a lot to go yet.

Since I don't have a lot of other fun things, I thought I would show you my view right now. My orchid is blooming again in front of the window. It likes the east facing window.

When I took Christmas decor down, I replaced it with my snowmen collection. I think I'll leave it up until Valentine's day.

On the mantel is a swedish ivy plant, bamboo that Alex gave me 22 years ago, a Christmas cactus I bought on clearance last week and repotted and a philodendron I got from a slip from Mandy a long time ago. The two snowpeople I found at Goodwill two years ago. I think they were $3.00 for the set. And the Thomas Kincaide print is one that the kids and Dennis gave me for Mother's day when they all still lived at home. A long time ago. It's not the usual ones you buy, but it's a numbered collectors edition from an art gallery. But far from an original! We saw one of those on Maui a few years ago. It was half the size and over $80,000! Whoo-ee. Not in our budget at all. But this one is special to me because the kids knew how much I love his work.

This morning I went to the cardiologist and had my pacemaker interrogated and a chest xray and an exam. It was all for getting the all clear for an MRI on Monday for my back. I sure hope it shows what's wrong and that it can be fixed. I would like to do some hiking & biking this year and I haven't been able to do that for a long time. If they can take care of my back and I can do some exercising before spring, there's a possibility that can happen. But as the scripture says, God fills me with joy and peace, because no matter what happens, He knows what is best for me.

I hope you're all enjoying a few slow days to begin the new year without a lot of responsibilities and rushing about. I''ll be back soon.

Blessings and love,

Betsy


GRACE GREATER THAN MY SIN

By Julia H. Johnston

1. Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
   Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
   Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
   There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
   • Refrain:
     Grace, grace, God’s grace,
     Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
     Grace, grace, God’s grace,
     Grace that is greater than all our sin!
2. Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
   Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
   Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
   Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
3. Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
   What can we do to wash it away?
   Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
   Brighter than snow you may be today.
4. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
   Freely bestowed on all who believe!
   You that are longing to see His face,
   Will you this moment His grace receive?