Pieces of life

 Quilting and Life

As I was working on a quilting project recently, I realized just how deeply connected quilting and life really are.

I learned to sew as a child from my grandmother, and my mom also sewed. It’s always been a part of me. Back when I was in school, we were actually taught sewing and cooking—yes, it was homework! I knew how to make pillows and curtains because they only required straight lines. Clothes? Not so much. I tried a few times, but following patterns just wasn’t for me. I do better creating vision straight from my head.

That’s kind of how I live life, too. Whether I’m speaking on stage or launching something new, I don’t usually have pages of notes or detailed business plans. In fact, God often doesn’t give me the words to say until my feet hit the platform. And let’s be real—structured business planning has never been my strong suit. I tend to fly by the seat of my pants, which isn’t always the best strategy, but it’s where vision flows for me.

I always have ideas—so many ideas constantly flowing through my mind. I’ve even given away book titles and business concepts because I just can’t hold them all. Maybe it’s the visionary gift. Maybe it’s from growing up without much, and learning to see potential in what others might toss aside. My mom could take an old rental house and make it feel like home. She’d take secondhand furniture and turn it into something beautiful. Creativity ran deep in her family—and on my dad’s side too. My grandmother was a gifted ceramic artist and painter. It’s in my blood. I need to create.

When I’m stuck or frustrated, I either do something creative or go outside—walk barefoot in the grass or feel the sand at the beach. Nature and creativity are my reset buttons.

Back to quilting. I was piecing fabric together and accidentally sewed the wrong sides together. So, out comes the seam ripper. (Yes, there’s a tool for that!) But I’m a little impatient—okay, a lot impatient—so I just yanked the threads. Normally that would be fine, but these squares were delicate. I tore one. These weren’t just any squares—I had rescued them. I hadn’t sewn them, just found them and wanted to bring them new life. So now, I had to patch the damaged square with an extra piece.

I paused before getting too frustrated (because yes, I’ve thrown projects away in moments like that before). I stepped back, took a breath, and reminded myself: don’t quit. That’s been my habit in the past—if something gets hard, or the newness wears off, I walk away. I’m a phenomenal starter, but not always a great finisher. But this season? God is calling me to finish.

As I worked on the quilt—choosing colors, arranging pieces—I realized how much it reflects life. Funny enough, I was more careful picking fabric for this quilt than I’ve sometimes been picking pieces of my life. Ouch, right? That’s probably why my life has had so many detours. I’m sure God’s blueprint for me didn’t include half the twists and turns I added.

As I stitched it all together, I thought of that verse—how God knit us together in our mother’s womb. I was being intentional with my sewing, wanting the quilt to be something beautiful and treasured. And I think that’s how God created us: with care, with love, with purpose. Hoping we’d see ourselves as treasures. Knowing not everyone would, but wanting us to treasure ourselves—because we were made in His image.

When we devalue ourselves, we’re measuring God with the wrong lens. I don’t mean in a vain or superficial way. I mean by not slowing down, not caring for ourselves, not choosing with intention. Like grabbing the first shiny thing instead of the right thread.

God speaks to me during these quiet, creative moments—quilting, walking, showering, mowing the lawn. I talk a lot (even to Him!), but when I finally get quiet, He downloads truth I’d otherwise miss.

So as you go about your week—whether you're parenting, working, managing finances, or just trying to keep it together—be mindful as you piece things together. Be selective. Be careful. Because God was careful when He created you.

You are His treasure. And He treasures you.

If this resonated with you, I’d love to help you piece together a strategy that fits your God-given blueprint. Message me to book a Prophetic Strategy Session—let’s finish strong, together.

Love y’all. Talk soon.