What Have I've Been Up to Lately?

It's hard to believe that my last post here was back in March. As I was recently browsing through some of my older writings, I found myself laughing, reminiscing, and asking a question:

"Why did I ever stop writing here?"

Growing Up in Grace has always been a special place for me. It's where I've shared my faith journey, favorite recipes, retirement adventures, home projects, personal struggles, answered prayers, and lessons the Lord has taught me along the way. Reading through those older posts felt a little like opening a time capsule.

Since it's been a while, I thought I'd stop by and share a little update on what I've been up to lately.

My Sewing Journey

My sewing journey has been going so well!

Over the past several months I've made all kinds of projects, from decorative pillows and tote bags to zipper pouches and infinity scarves. More recently I've been enjoying functional projects such as the fabric basket (featured image) to store my sewing threads in, bowl cozies, placemats and hot pads. Creating for creating is fun and creating for function even better!

I've also spent quite a bit of time reorganizing my sewing space. If you're a fellow maker, you know how quickly fabric, tools, notions, and scraps can multiply! What worked six months ago may not work today. Both of my storage carts are now full, and to make matters even more interesting, two of my sweet neighbors recently gifted me additional fabric!

I briefly considered upgrading my sewing machine to an electronic model, but after looking at prices, I decided my faithful Brother XR3774 and I still have plenty of projects left to tackle together.

Rediscovering Crochet

I've also rediscovered my love of crochet.

One of the reasons I stepped away from it for a while was hand and shoulder pain from an injury, but after finding a helpful ergonomic device for my crochet hooks, I've been able to enjoy crocheting again.

I recently completed a beautiful blanket with scalloped edging for my oversized polar bear stuffed animal, named "Snowbella". She proudly sits in my sewing space and wears the cozy blanket to protect her white fur from dust, dirt, and the occasional flying thread particles from my sewing adventures!

Yes, I realize that sounds slightly ridiculous, but if you're a fellow crafter, you understand me! 🤣

Home Sweet Home

After almost 2-1/2 years living in our home, I can honestly say we've finally settled into the layout and design of each room.

Our decorating style continues to lean toward French Country Cottage with a touch of romance here and there. While I haven't done much thrifting lately, I have picked up a few treasures, including florals, decorative pieces, and even some dish drying mats that I transformed into pillows.

One of our favorite improvements was adding a curtain to hide our modern dishwasher. It instantly gave the kitchen a softer cottage feel.

Just yesterday, my husband and I were talking about how much we love our living room. Not just because of how we've decorated it, but because we spent 12 years living in an apartment without a living room because he needed a home office. Having a comfortable home still feels like an incredible blessing.

Also, I updated our bedroom with a beautiful quilted coverlet featuring a vintage floral design. It came with matching pillow shams, which now have a second life decorating our couch pillows.

Our home isn't glam glam, it is cozy, comfortable and filled with a lot of gratitude.

Growing in Faith

Walking with The Lord remains a daily journey.

Faith isn't something we figure out once and then move on from. It's found in everyday decisions, prayers, concerns, victories, disappointments, and lessons.

One area where the Lord continues to work on my heart is learning to let go of my past.

I have a tendency to analyze things endlessly. I want to understand why something happened, what I could have done differently, what someone else meant, or how events might have turned out under different circumstances.

The problem is that we aren't always given those answers.

Sometimes The Lord simply asks us to trust Him.

I'm learning that peace doesn't come from analyzing every detail of the past. It comes from trusting the One who already knows the whole story.

My prayer is that I continue growing in that area and learn to move forward without constantly looking back.

A Brief Business Adventure

I also had a very short-lived return to Etsy.

For a brief moment, my husband and I found ourselves concerned about some upcoming expenses, so I reopened my digital art Etsy shop.

However, after looking carefully at the costs involved, the monthly software subscriptions I would need, and several home projects that require our attention, we decided it wasn't the right season.

The experience served as a wonderful reminder that God remains in control of our finances.

Not me.

Not my husband.

Not an online shop.

The Lord has faithfully provided for us, and once again He gently reminded us to trust Him.

Looking Ahead

As for what's next, I'm not entirely sure.

I'm still sewing, crocheting, creating, organizing, and enjoying retirement one day at a time.

Most importantly, I'm learning to slow down, listen to The Lord's leading, and enjoying the season He has me in right now.

And perhaps, just perhaps, you'll be seeing a LOT more posts here again. It's good to be back.

Grace and peace to you,

Kim