'The Memory Quilts'

"That these days should be remembered and kept through every generation, every family, every province, and every city, that these days of Purim should not fail to be observed among the Jews, and that the memory of them should not perish among their descendants." Esther 9:28

All the way back when my boys were babies and I would regularly clean out their clothes they had outgrown, I just couldn't part with some of their special t-shirts that held so many memories for me, and I hoped one day my boys might cherish them as well. I made the decision to pack away all their sweet mementos in boxes; only those that held sweet memories of vacations and experiences, of course. At the time I didn't know what I would do with all of these t-shirts (as they began to take up their own zip code) but I knew I could not discard them (I am a very sentimental gal). Through the years I tried to think of a way I could use these simple souvenirs so that the boys could have a keepsake; a reminder of days gone by.

I loved the idea someone had given me of making a quilt with pieces cut from the shirts. I was so excited about this prospect and as my vision exploded with ideas and pictures of exactly what I wanted started forming in my mind I couldn't wait to get started although I had one problem (okay, maybe three).

#1. I had no idea how to even begin to make a quilt.

#2. I didn't own a sewing machine.

#3. I didn't know how to operate one if I had one.

I had grown up watching my Grandma Sadie hand stitch many quilts over her lifetime then sitting by my mother at her sewing machine when I was a child watching her make beautiful clothes for us girls, Oh, and then that one year I took a class in high school on sewing, but that was as far as my knowledge reached. I often thought how would I ever attempt this goal of mine. But I was not to be deterred. So began my adventure of buying a machine and learning how to sew a stitch then brought around some confidence and the creation of 'The Memory Quilt'.

My boys received their gifts on their high school graduation day (2006 & 2007). Since then I have had the privilege to make ten other 'memory quilts'. Each holding so much value and love by the graduate and their parents. I was so pleased and satisfied with that adventure the Lord led me on, never realizing how far it would take me.

Esther's story of the "Feast of Purim" which is celebrated even today among the Jewish people is a memory they held true to them in that they were saved from devastation by this young girl through her courage and determination. Each year they would reminisce about their people being saved from destruction by an evil ruler. Now I'm not saying that the memories we have displayed on the memory quilts compare, but we all have moments we like to hold dear to our hearts.

"The Lord our God in your midst,

The Mighty One, will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zeph. 3:17)

Zephaniah's words reminds us of how God rejoices over us and remembers us just as a loving parent. Our mighty Savior offers us a personal relationship and lovingly rejoices over you and I, His children, so glad that we live and move in Him.

He is the Lord of the Universe, and yet He will quiet our restless hearts and minds with His tender care. He delights in our lives and celebrates our union with Him. We can rest in His affirmation and love, no matter what circumstances surround us. He weaves beautiful memories into the fabric of our lives so we can remember, rejoice and share with others.

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, Thank You for the union I have with You. You are merciful and kind. You have perfectly woven my life into who I am through You and I am so grateful. Thank You for all the memories. May I celebrate my salvation with the life I live in who You are in me. I love You! Amen.