Happy New Year, Dear Friends!
As we step into a brand-new year, I can’t help but reflect on the challenges and blessings of the past few years. While they’ve been difficult, they’ve also taught us resilience and the importance of hope. And isn’t that what the New Year is all about? A chance to renew our spirits, reset our focus, and embrace the fresh opportunities ahead. As Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us: "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
In our home, we have a long-standing New Year’s tradition of enjoying homemade vegetable soup, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. For many, black-eyed peas symbolize luck and prosperity—a custom that dates back to the Civil War era in the South. The cornbread? That’s the golden touch! It’s a comforting and humble meal that sets the tone for gratitude and abundance in the coming year. Should we share our vegetable soup recipe? Let me know if that’s something you’d like to see!
Although I’m not one for formal resolutions, the New Year always feels like a spiritual renewal—a time to align my heart and home with God’s purpose and get things back on track. It’s also a time to dream about new projects! What are you working on this year? I’d love to hear about your creative endeavors.
As for me, I have plenty of WIPs (works in progress) to keep my hands busy! In crochet, I’m working on a temperature blanket, a KC Chiefs-inspired blanket, and a lovely Shady Lane blanket. On the cross-stitch side, I’m immersed in a full-coverage pattern from Heaven and Earth Designs called “Glory to God,” a striking Gadsden Flag design by White Willow Stitching, and a meaningful My Big Toe Designs chart featuring 1 Corinthians. I’m also excited to start “Rainbow Crossing” by Silver Creek Samplers in honor of my sweet Rosie girl. It’s a beautiful piece that holds special meaning for me.
As we journey through 2025 together, my prayer is that it will be a year of health, happiness, and prosperity for each of you. Thank you for being part of this community and for sharing your love of needlework with me. Here’s to fresh starts, new stitches, and the joy of creating!
Blessings and warmest wishes for the New Year,
Shelly