Tonight, I'm feeling a bit discouraged. Yes, my life is wonderful and God has blessed me so much. But every once in a while, you just hit a rough spot.There are lots of things going on in my life right now. Things that hurt. Things that make me weary. Things that I can't understand. And there's also those things that bring joy to my life. Like a husband that offers to clean up the entire kitchen after dinner. :) And being able to chat today with my sister who lives far away.
I'm so thankful that I have a Savior who is always there to listen to me. He is the One I can lean on. He is faithful and His mercies are new every morning. He is a wonderful Friend to me.
But I am also a firm believer in friendships. Every girl needs friends that she can draw encouragement from. Girlfriends who make her laugh and brighten her day. Someone who is always ready and willing to pray for her.
So, tonight I'm asking you - my friends (and blog readers!) - to do me a small favor. Nothing would encourage me more than to "meet" my lurkers and faithful readers. Would you mind leaving me a comment and telling me a little bit about yourself? I'd love to find out more about those who read this blog.
And while you're at it, tell me what you'd like to see more of on this blog. Or new suggestions you may have! Or anything else you can think of. I'm very curious to find out what you like to read on blogs.
So...will you do this for me please? :)
You do lots of great stuff. My 7-year old loves working through the "I can sew" books. I finally have a working sewing machine for her, so we'll be taking off soon! Thanks for what you do.
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking for blog suggestions, I'm looking for more ideas sewing with and for my kids (7-year old daughter, 3-year old son).
I pray God will bless you where and when you need it.
Jennifer
Gretchen,
ReplyDeleteI sympathize with your discouragements! I, too, have been very discouraged and this past week has been one of trying to look up above my 'circumstances' to Jesus Christ. =)
As for me, I'm a 22-year-old stay-at-home daughter who loves life! I'm also a photographer, sister to my older brother and 5 younger siblings, love to spend time with my sisters, love-love-love babies and it is my prayer that one day I may be able to be a wife and mother in my own home, I love to sew and be creative, love fresh home-baked bread {it is SO comforting!} and love cooking/baking in the kitchen. I even love to clean dishes and do laundry when I'm not tired. I enjoy blogging and learning how to be a better photographer and getting more and more use out of my wonderful Nikon D40x camera. :) I love to read. I love the country for its' beauty but don't really like getting up close and personal with farmlife/animals/etc... but I LOVE God's creation and seek to document His beauty & glory through my camera lens' -that's a huge task! Hmm, what else? Above all, I live for one aim, and that is to glorify Jesus Christ. That's the reason that photography has me so interested is because I'm capturing the beauty He has shared with me. :)
Hmm. Wow, that was a huge introduction, I guess. Maybe it made you smile!?
I've love to see more of your pictures on this blog! More about your family, what you do at home, how you decorated your house. Love to hear what God is teaching you and how He has become more real to you! What are you most passionate about {though I daresay I might could guess!} and things like that. I would LOVE to hear all about your wedding, see pictures, if you would share your courtship/engagement story, how you planned, about your wedding dress and how buying it was better than making it - ha! Well, thing is, when the time comes for me I'd LOVE to be able to have 'the' dress that fits wonderful is beautiful and all that. And sometimes it is hard to find dresses, and when you do they might be really expensive. Then it is hard to find patterns or get ideas to make your idea. So I'd just love to hear all about yours...oh, and the bridesmaids dresses; did you make them? Ha, am I giving you enough to talk about?!? Keep you busy for awhile. =) Maybe talking about the happiest day of your life would help you right now!
My blog is: www.eucharistia.wordpress.com and actually, I read this quote the other day and it was perfect timing, and so maybe it would bless you today: {it was my post from today} http://eucharistia.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/sometimes/
Dear sister, God loves and sings over you today! Remember that, and run to Him with all the strength you have left. :)
Love,
Ruth Ann
Dear Gretchen,
ReplyDeleteOh I know just what you mean. I have those kind of times too.
In fact, I was just chatting with one of my friends last night, and we were talking bout this very thing. I like what you said here: I have a Savior who is always there to listen to me. That is so true.
Hmm.... how can I write about myself? I'll try!!
I love the Lord with all my heart. I love to sing and play my instruments. I play the piano, guitar and mandolin. I am trying to learn how to play the fiddle by practicing on my sister's. I hope to get one of my own someday. I also want to play the dobro. I don't know if I ever will though, they can be expensive!
I can be witty and silly sometimes and I love to laugh. I am not a prissy girl. I love tea parties, lace and frilly dresses, but I also LOVE climbing trees romping in the yard with my brothers, kicking a ball and mucking out the barn. I like dressing up, doing bible charades, and things like that. I want to be a tidy person with a beautiful room, but I am not. At least not yet. My room is a total disaster. I was just reading that a persons "space" or room represents their personality or who they are (sort of like your purse post) and I thought, "oh no, I've got to clean up this room of mine, I don't want to be a slob!" So, that's on my "to do" list.
I live on a farm, and I love animals. I want a dog SO bad. Ours died last winter and I miss him alot. I really like big dogs of no particular breed. Just plain old mutts, oh and they should be brown too for me to really like them. I am the youngest girl in our family and my prayer for so long has been for a little sister. I think I will always be the youngest girl, but at least I have two younger brothers who are my best pals! I am number 4 out of 6 children. My oldest sister is married and I have two nephews who are too cute.
I don't know how to sew very good but I want to really bad. My oldest sister loves to sew and I never really learned because the winter she met my brother in law was the winter she was going to teach me to sew =D! That is why I was really happy to get a few patterns from your contest because I want to get into sewing but I don't really have any patterns that I like!! I like to write, but I know I am not all that good at it. I also really REALLY enjoy taking pictures. I just bought a Canon PowerShot and it is being shipped to me. I am SO excited I can hardly wait! Okay, all that was totally random. I hope it told you a bit about myself.
Now, what would I like to see on your blog???? Hmmm... I like your blog. So far I have not thought "I wish Gretchen would do more posts about such n such" or anything like that! I really like how you do such fun things on here though, like the polls and the contest!
One thing you could do, is have a mystery picture! A while back I saw a girl's blog and she had a picture that she wanted everyone to guess what it was. So, I decided to do one too, and have done a few since then. Several other blogger ladies have been doing them too.
Here is a link to one I did a while ago if you want to see what I am talking about:
http://hannahoftheheights.blogspot.com/2009/12/can-you-guess-what-it-is.html
Okay, this is a super duper long comment and I hope you don't mind! I will be praying for you tonight!
Love,
Hannah
You are always welcome to visit my blog whenever you want =D!
hannahoftheheights.blogspot.com
Gretchen,
ReplyDeleteHoping you're not feeling as discouraged this morning! I subscribe to your blog and enjoy your posts on sewing, and on your daily happenings.
My husband and I live in out in the country in VA. We have 2 currently have 2 children! We also have 2 goats that we are learning about, with maybe more to come in the spring!
I sew a little, but am sewing more and more hoping to get better. I'm starting on my first "real" quilt, and hope to have pictures posted soon!
We love love love children, reading, and spending time together as a family. That's us in a nutshell!
Jenny
I know what you mean- I've been there myself. I moved to a new area four years ago and I still don't quite feel like I've hit it off or made any real girlfriends. It can be very discouraging.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, and want to become a better seamstress because of you! I'd love to see more of the items you've made and I'd LOVE to hear how you got stared in sewing and making patterns.
I'd also like to hear the nitty gritty on how you started your business, and practical business advice.
I'm a blogger as well. I run Frugal Homemaker Plus, and I LOVE doing it! Blogging has opened the world to me. :)
I read! Oh, but I think you already knew that. :)
ReplyDeleteSorry you're feeling discouraged. I definitely can relate. You have a lot on your plate right now, but you're doing a great job of carrying it all. So keep up the great work!
See you this afternoon! :)
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI just e-mailed you with a little bit about myself and some encouragement! :) That photo of the kittens is too cute! :) Oh, I did forget to mention in my e-mail that I am 19 years old! :)
Blessings dear sister in Christ,
Miss Antoinette
I totally understand how you feel. Been through similar myself. The good thing is I always find that trials always make me a stronger person and ultimately bring me closer to God. I hope that you will benefit from what you are going through in many ways in the long run.
ReplyDeleteI've been married for 7 1/2 years and I'm a mom of 3 (two boys 5 and 2 1/2 and a daughter who is nearly 8 months old). I first heard about you through your sister, Crystal's blog when she first started promoting your simple skirt and modest swimsuit pattern (both of which I own). I was excited to see you started your own blog and subscribed to keep up with any new patterns you might put out. I've also enjoyed hearing tidbits about your life, it reminds me of when I was first married. I was also inspired by your valentine's day contest. I remember when Crystal used to host that and it is so uplifting to see young, single women honoring the marriage committments of others.
God Bless! And may your burdens be lifted soon!
Hi Gretchen,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear you're feeling discouraged right now. You've gotten some great comments already, but since I've never commented before, I thought it'd be a good idea to de-lurk. :)
I'm a 19-year-old single girl from Florida and the oldest of ten. I'm an English student at Verity Institute (verityinstitute.org), which is very similar to CollegePlus!, if you're familiar with that. I love Jesus and the life He's blessed me with. My siblings are my best friends. When I'm not studying, I enjoy sewing, baking, organizing, talking, listening, writing, reading, singing hymns, and listening to classical music. Whew, I think that's enough about me... :)
I found your blog through the Valentine's contest when Crystal posted about it on her blog. I remember hearing about you a lot on Crystal's Biblical Womanhood blog, but didn't know you had started your own blog. I've been reading for several weeks now, and loved looking through your older posts as well. Your sweet words about your husband, pictures, and stories are always enjoyable to see and read. I honestly can't think of any criticism, although as another commenter mentioned, I'd love to hear your courtship/engagement story and see more wedding pictures. :) Also, what are the top two or three character qualities that you would recommend a single young lady seek to cultivate before she is married?
Keep up the great work, Gretchen, and I hope you feel better soon!
Blessings,
Kayla
Psalm 61:2
Hi Gretchen.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're feeling better today. I'm Alison and I think I found your blog through Money Saving Mom. I do not sew, although my mom sews quite well and I never cared to learn (which is a shame) and I have only worn a dress one time in the past 8 years, so obviously I don't read your blog for skirt patterns! You seem like such a sweet and warm young woman and I admire your sincere dedication to your husband. I'm also interested in your photography; you take beautiful pictures. I'd love to get a DSLR this year to start taking better pictures, too.
I'm a SAHM to an 8 year old girl and we live in Northern Virginia. I've been married for over 13 years and reading your blog reminds me of the fun first years of my marriage.
Hang in there! You're doing a great job here.
Hi Gretchen! My name is Kristin and I'm a friend of Morgan G (Aunt Morgan's blog). I'm a relatively new reader (I first clicked over from Morgan's blog a few weeks ago). I loved the valentines contest you recently hosted - my cousin Hannah was one of the finalists :) Anyways, I'm 21, living at home while I finish college (trying to stay out of debt, plus I love my family and living with them!). I love all things artsy (especially photography), but I have never been into sewing. I am hoping to remedy this soon! Your blog is a wonderful inspiration to sew and to bake! I love the patterns, especially the skirts, you have blogged about :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what suggestions to offer since I'm a relatively new reader and I love everything so far! Perhaps as I begin to read more I'll have some thoughts! Thanks for all you do!!
Well, actually - nice to meet you - this is my first visit to your blog! I found you from your sister's blog - Money Saving Mom. And my daughter's name is Gretchen, so I think I'm going to like you just fine! And I can totally sympathize with how you are feeling - I've had a case of the same feelings for the last couple of days. So hang in there, as I am, and we'll see some bright sunshine soon!
ReplyDeleteHi Gretchen,
ReplyDeleteI think we all have times like this -- well, those of us that are human :)
I was so delighted to find that you had a blog (link from MSM). I remember reading about you helping Crystal years ago when she was starting out newly married and blogging. I remember thinking what a sweet sister you must be. I come from a larger family (8 kids) and have always thought sisters are one of the neatest blessings from God. I just love mine to death.
Blessings to you,
Trixie
Hi Gretchen,
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog through your sister's Crystal).
I never learned how to sew anything...I think I am hopeless...I can barely replace a button.
I am a mom and work part time in a fertility clinic, helping infertile couples realize their dream of having children.
I hope you will find happiness again soon and I'll keep you in my prayers.
I am a Christian homeschooling mom of 5 in Texas and love your swimwear pattern. Haven't made it yet, but hope to make some soon. I sew for profit(very little profit, since this business is not a top priority at this time), making diaper bags and accessories and full aprons. Love to sew and wear cute skirts. Been married to teen sweetie for almost 19 years. Kids range from age 3 to 11. Just found your website and blog last week through a friend who ordered the swimwear pattern!
ReplyDeleteBrandeeScoggins
I can't remember how I found your blog, but I have been a lurker on here for a month or two, now. I am a bride of 9 months and expecting my first baby August 31st. I have really enjoyed reading your blog and can't think of anything at the moment that you could add, so I'll just leave that up to everyone else. :)
ReplyDeleteKeep blogging! You can check out my blog at www.theknightsfairmaiden.blogspot.com
Hi Gretchen! I just met you too, through MSM's link. Reading how you help your sister cook/freeze reminded me of helping mine in Ecuador! (she's a missionary there, and we are both homeschool grads too)
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you, I'll be watching your blog and thinking of you gals today-we are so blessed to have sisters, aren't we?! They are "the chocolate chips in the cookies of life."
-Beth in Alaska
www.benicakes.blogspot.com
Hi Gretchen,
ReplyDeleteWell, you already know me in real life, but I just found your blog last week (hey, how come nobody tells me anything?). :-) Anyway, I've had fun "catching up" with you in married life on the blog and facebook. I so wish I lived closer to you. I'd love to spend some time together. I sure do miss the days of hanging out with you and Brigette and Crystal. I'll say a prayer for you. You are a wonderful example to so many!
Love in Christ,
Rachel (in Texas)
Hi Gretchen, I'm jumping in a little late on this, but just wanted to introduce myself. :) I found out about your blog because I was subscribed to your emails; I have a couple of your patterns (classy blouse and swimsuit) and had emailed you a couple times with questions/comments about the blouse pattern. It's one of my favorites! :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, a little more about me: I'm a SAHM to 3 little ones, Sam (almost 6), Julia (almost 4) and Josiah (almost 2). I've been married for a little over 10.5 years to my sweetie. We live in the beautiful state of NH and are working toward living more self-sufficiently on our little "homestead." I started blogging almost 5 years ago and it's a fun outlet for me, although I'm by no means a professional blogger. Oh, and I love shoes too . . . I forgot to vote in your shoe poll, but I'm pretty sure I own at least 12-15 pairs of various shoes, boots, sandals, sneakers, etc. So yeah, I can totally relate to the shoe thing. :)
I'm really enjoying your blog; as others have said, it's fun to read about your newly married life and reminisce about what those days were like for us--seems so long ago now! I also enjoy all your photos. I hope you're feeling more encouraged this week! :)
~Carrie
Hi Gretchen!
ReplyDeleteYou already know me! ( ; I was so excited to see you started your own blog when I found it at the beginning of this year.
Thank you for your openness to share your challenges and struggles in life. I have been praying for you!
I am encouraged reading your blog by the sweet way you honor your husband, the lovely pictures you post, and the various polls are a fun way of getting to know you and others.
I would enjoy hearing more about things you did for your family and others before you got married, and areas you would encourage other young ladies in.
Praying for you!
~Susanna
Hello Gretchen, : )
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blogs and am subbed to them on my reader... I also love your patterns, I have the blouse one, and I'm so excited to start one for springtime. : ) Two of my daughters have purchased your swimsuit patterns and we all think you are just a sweetheart. They just love your swim pattern.
We can sure understand how things feel on certain days, things can be very hurtful, but the Lord knows all about it, alllll about it. And He will come through I assure you. Somedays are a little lonely here and there, it's a lonely walk with the Lord in these last days. If you are standing for righteousness and holiness, and are a sweet person, many times you may very well feel alone or hurt. If your love for Christ is real and full of life and sweetness, you will have those trying, wearing, days. Jesus did too. I always think about what my dear Savior went through when I'm feeling down and how He was treated.
Please know you are well thought of in our home. Two of my daughters have Bellissima Modesty Boutique and they know such discouragment too from time to time... Our four dds range in age from 16 to 27 and are all single and at home, it's a hard walk many a day for them too in this society. People judge wrongly many times.
Even though you are probably the age of perhaps my daughters I wanted to come by and say I enjoy your blog and appreciate your sweet spirit and your tips you write about.
You take care now, please be encouraged, our family always covets prayers and encouragments too, we truly understand.
Looking forward to reading more of your blogs! : )
P.S. I just love the kitty photo, that just touches my heart.