MY 2026 GOALS

 

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 2:21:29 PM

Nothing is finished and it is almost time to go back to work, #taxseason. The hand embroidered owl that is to go on the carry-all bag is 30% complete. The quilt has not been quilted, the sewing machine is ready and the quilt is setting on top of the machine. However, that is not going to stop me from planning 2026! As with every year I will plan it and what gets done will be done when I get it done! So here are my 2026 goals:

RAG DOLL - at least one maybe two
Quilts-   with applique face 
         - design to be determine
CARRY ALL BAGS- the owl   
                                  blue jay                            

Garment: SIMPLICITY 1950s Vintage Pattern 8799  a nightgown

Hopefully I will finish the sunflower quilt before the year ends! 

As with any individual who works finding time to create is a challenge, particularly if you have children. I work from home 5 hours a day Monday-Thursday during tax season, and I, obviously, write  and I have house chores. Meal preparation is another time consuming activity, this includes preparing, cooking and cleaning.  

My faith activities are my priority they include: Scripture Writing, Bible reading or listening, I will finish the audio KJV Bible by the end of the year and will read a print version next.  I pray through out the day and I try to have early morning quiet time, daily; I also journal daily. These activities can last from one to three hours depending on my time with God. 

Do you have one project you want to do in the upcoming months? Plan it out. I would suggest that you allow yourself some “life happens” flexibility. Make it your goal to either finish a project in 2026 or start a project and complete it as time permits try not to accumulate a bunch of unfinished projects. 

The projects I listed are gifts from family, that is my motivation to finish. In addition I challenge myself to learn something new with every project. More important, I love what I do!

WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

EMBROIDERING THE OWL PART 2: Needele Threaders and Colors

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 11:04:43 PM

Today I was excited about what I was doing. I am working on the eye, single strand, and it looks like an eyeball! 

LESSON: Don’t give up.:

Friday, November 7, 2025 10:47:14 PM

Since I started sewing, decades ago, there have been quite a few tools designed to thread a needle. My needle threader is a classic: a piece of wire attached to a small circle.  For a while I embraced the challenge of doing it myself, and I still can but, I see using the needle threader a challenge. The hole is bigger but one still needs a steady hand. I tried using a few of the newer types, I am so good at using the classic threader that setting up the automatic threader and other gadgets is to much trouble.

Why am I writing about needle threaders when I should be discussing the owl? Because I once again had to remove stitches and now I am threading a needle to start again!

This error had to do with color choices. The owl’s eyes are not White! The owls eyeballs are black. Despite the number of times I look at the finished picture I have, that detail did not register. Sp seam ripper it was!

Note, I started working on the eyes three days ago, the 4th.

I have two needle threaders beside me at all times, including a backup in my sewing kit. One is all aluminum, the circle and the wired and the other is plastic with the wire loop. I buy these things in mass quantity because I misplace them quite often and I  have them at every sewing station.  

My basic sewing supplies: sewing needle, thread, scissors and needle threader, everything else is a want but not a need.

LESSON; Sewing is as expensive as you want it to be but you can do quality work and not spend a lot of money. 

This was from a pattern,
it was easier!

Sunday, November 9, 2025 5:35:3

I have been looking at the owl trying to determine what do I do next? Finish the eyes or work on the feathers. The head, looking at the sample image, has a layered look, is that because of the number of threads or the type of stitch?  I went through my embroidery books and saw a stitch that might work, namely the Couching,  but when I researched how to sew it I realized it is not the one. Next I Goggled “layered embroidery stitches” and came across Padded/layered Satin stitch, I think this is what I want.

 The best way to learn different embroidery stitches is by practicing, this is the purpose of samplers. The first sampler I completed was 3 round panels kit with about 30 stitches on each. The next kit I purchased was 12 panels and at least 100 stitches, it will be a while before I finish it. 

I am starting to purchase books, they can I have learned the books can show you the results and identify a display a pattern and write out how it is to be sewn but a watching someone sew the stitch makes a difference, especially if you have no idea what you are doing. Embroidery is an international art and certain stitch names have a particular country of origin. 

LESSON: It is better to sew what you know than to try something different and not be satisfied with the results. 

Tomorrow I am going to Walmart to look at the embroidery floss that is available, I am not 100% satisfied with the colors I have chosen.   I have been know to change the colors that are included with the kit. 

WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

EMBROIDERING THE OWL: I MADE A MISTAKE!

 I remember making a mistake when machine embroidering, I didn’t remove those stitches, I started over. Starting over with a machine embroidery pattern means waste, wasted: thread, fabric and stabilizer; not to mention time. 

I cheerfully started on the Owl after making the decision to use the long and short satin stitch. I chose, for the owl’s breast feathers two different shades of white. I am using the DMC brand: B5200 and     S5200.

What is the difference?  With “B” 200 and “S” 200?  DMC Cotton Floss “B” is 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton a good thing! It is a pure white. Snow White, which is a brighter, cooler-toned white than the standard DMC Blanc. The "B" itself isn't a thread type, but a specific color within the standard cotton line. Whereas, “S”200 is 100% rayon, has a smooth silky feel with a satiny shine. The “B” floss is much is easier to work with.  Yes, the Satin floss is challenging to work with but the look is worth it.  

About one hour into the project, I didn’t like the way things looked. I put my work down, some times walking away is the best solution to a problem, at least temporarily. I came back the next day and decided I had to undo the stitches! It is one thing when a sewist takes a seam ripper and removes a few stitches, by hand stitched or machine but embroidered, oh my! I have even un-stitched stitches done by a sarger and not ruined the fabric, that ain’t easy. I struggled undoing my stitches because I was not sewing neatly, more on that another time. I took my time, using my embroidery scissors and tweezers successfully undoing each stitch.

 I remember listening to an embroiderer stating: Before beginning a major project do a practice project first, using the same fabric and thread and stitch. Of course I did not do this. After all, I have embroidered an owl before, not the same pattern . I was trying to get this done before Christmas, it is just a part of a project, I was thinking I don’t have time, yet I had time to undo stitches.

I repeated this error, having to undo stitches a few more times before I discovered my problem.

LESSON: The type of thread and the number of thread is important. The design space in this project is limited and the required needle work for is delicate, the eyes in particular, thus the number of threads and type of thread will influence the results.  The project will either look sloppy or it will reveal the intended results. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

THE SUNFLOWER QUILT: Race to the Finish

 Sunday, November 2, 2025 9:39:09 PM

I started this project April 30, 2025, why is it taking me so long? My goal is to finish the quilt this week. Each layer is together I just need to quilt it! I started this project during tax season yet I manage to piece it together. 

Then I had to make the three layers. Once the pieces was done I had to figure out the backing, I use old sheets that are in good condition.  Like everything else, once I decided on the backing, I changed my mind, I cut it to commit myself!  I have a lot of leftover batting, it took me a while to find the sizes that I needed and then I had to position each piece on the top layer.  Did I mention the three layers have been together since August? 

Yep, here it is November and I have not sewn a lick? I don’t embroider all the time so the owl is not the issue.

So what is motivating me to finish now? A new project of course! I don’t want to be like other quilters with a bunch of unfinished projects. Note: I don’t want to own dozens of quilts either. With tax season getting underway next month I really have to get this lap quilt done ASAP.

Quilting takes time, I don’t have much; I blog, hand embroider, have house chores to do and I have people to visit.  In addition to blogging I also Scripture Write, and during the month of October I participated in a writing challenge. Did I mention I am editing an ebook for republishing? 

Is seven months to long a period of time to produce a lap quilt? No. I am sure if I was being paid for the project I would have made time to finish it sooner but this is the beauty of just making quilts for the sake of making quilts. I was not, and am not, in a hurry. Currently I have about four individuals who want me to make a quilt for them, they are not paying so I do not have the pressure of rushing.

My quilts are designed by me  and each quilt incorporates a new technique. My quilts are not perfectly made but they are made with perfect love.

THE BACKING AND THE BINDING

Monday, December 1, 2025 8:34:47 PM

Good bad news. I am not home but I brought the quilt with me. I have put the binding on and now all I have to do is the quilting but that will have to wait until I get back home. 

I go back to work, a week earlier than anticipated but I will not be home until December 5, can I get the quilt finished this weekend? I am not making any promises. 

WRITTEN BY Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

HAND EMBROIDERING THE OWL: PART 1

 

Thursday, October 30, 2025 6:48:47 PM 

   HAND EMBROIDERING THE OWL

I do not buy just one skien of floss, I am always concerned that I will run out of that color. There is always a risk that the color you need will not be available., should you not buy enough, even kits give you more than enough

I needed three shades of brown. In my stash I have at least 5 shades of brown but it wasn’t what I was looking for. In addition, a few of the browns were different brands and I wanted to use the DMC. One of the shades of brown I had transferred to a spool and I did not know the color number.  

I now tape the number to the bobbin, a flat plastic spool shaped object that floss can be placed on. I then group all the same color in a ziplock back.  I do not use those storage containers that the bobbins can slide into.

Have you ever seen videos of people who have neatly organized containers of  floss, they have many shades of each color. Eventually, those plastic bobbins become empty, or they may have just a foot or two left. By keeping each of the color on a bobbin along with the floss that has not been used all in the same ziplock bag I can grab the color I want. I throw the bags in a box that contains a set of colors. This works for those of us who are not so organized that we will properly put away our bobbins when we are finished.  I re-purpose boxes, decorate  and label them according to the color, 2-3 colors per box

 Left over floss can go in the bag until it is to small to use, then I have a thread jar. With enough thread I can make a bal for a rag doll head, or body. 

This step should have been thought of at the Organization and Preparation stage, see GETTING STARTED, but I assumed! And, as per my personality, I often change my mind about colors, while in progress. Unfortunately, I may change my mind! 

THE LESSON: I PROBABLY WILL NOT LEARN; Plan your colors before your start.  

Sunday, November 2, 2025 9:28:41 PM

It is the same error I made when I first started the Owl, the number of strands. I was working on the eye and was using two strands I was half way through the first eye and realized it was to thick. I didn’t know where my seam ripper was so I just grabbed my embroidery scissors and started removing the stitches. 

This time I was not disappointed or irritated with myself, in fact I was giving myself words of encouragement as I undid the work that took me a while to do. I realize, some things take time.

I look at some of my projects and can see the mistakes but it still came out good. 

LESSON: Don’t be so hard on myself! I will get better as I get better, in the meantime, keep a seam ripper on hand :)

NOTE:  I wrote a separate post entitled: EMBROIDERING THE OWL: I MADE A MISTAKE, it will follow this post.

WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

I STARTED IT! My first applique block

 I started it! I started it in my head years ago and then it progressed to research and then I actually cut out the parts using a pattern from a book I own. It was a simple flower, this was done in August (2025). And then FEAR came upon me.

In the “Beginners” Facebook group I was a part of the finished works that I saw seemed so advanced, it was intimidating.  I had to ignore them, they are not me. I also realized, when I joined a beginner quilting group I had made a few quilts, I was just not confident enough to join the more advanced quilters.

On September 5, 2025 I “appliqued” part of the flower. The books I have read, the videos I watched on YouTube had various steps I should have taken but did not. Why? Like quilting I wanted to do things like my great grandmother did until I knew what I wanted to do. Since I did not have my great grandmother around I had to use my common sense and appreciate where I was and not where I wanted to go. 

Aside from not using stabilizer I tried but did not continue using a technique called Needle Turn. I decided to simply put the parts on the fabric, using a glue stick to secure the piece in place,  and sewed it on! By September 12th, I had made my first applique block! 

WHAT I LEARNED

1. It is important to be familiar with the process. 
2. Like with anything I do, I try to find someone, on YouTube, that teaches in a way that I can appreciate.
3. In order to gain confidence I NEEDED TO just sew it. The reason I own so many seam rippers is that I can undo mistakes!
4. SIZE MATTERS
   -One of the reasons why I did not successfully apply Needle Turn applique was because the project was small. Next time will try a larger design.
   -I did try using a quilt frame but it was not necessary because of the size of the project. 
5.  I used the thimble and it helped.
6. My technique will improve with experience.
7. I still don’t see the need for stabilizer or paper, the glue stick kept everything in place, that and pins. 
8. I used a simple running stitch. 

At some point I have to NOT LISTEN TO OTHER PEOPLE! 

MY FIRST QUILT 2017

Making a quilt is tearing up fabric and sewing it back together, then getting a uncut fabric the same side putting them together with stuffing (batting) in the middle.  The process of quilting is sewing the three layers together; people like to sew the pieces together creating a design. A

Applique is making an image out of fabric and sewing it onto fabric.  

We are all as good as our imagination will take us. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

GETTING STARTED: HAND EMBROIDERY THE OWL

From left to right: The design to be copied, the expected look &
 the transferred image onto cotton fabric.

Despite the number of completed hand embroidery projects I am still learning. The one thing I have learned is that there is always something to learn. Things were different when I was machine embroidering. The mobility of hand embroidery, sewing anywhere, I need to master four specific practices.  Organization, Preparation, Set-up,  Restoration. 

NOTE: This is what I do, you will develop their own routine based on your time, amount of space you have, financial investment and the project. I do believe the following steps are part of any crafting project.

 ORGANIZATION: Before I know what I am going to make it is important that I have the basic supply of items. The set-up can include: scissors, a needle threader, pins, needles, a measuring tape and or ruler , pen or pencil, paper, and a thimble.  These items should be placed in a convenient ready to reach for spot. 

I have a list of all of my patterns: sewing patterns, machine embroidery patterns and hand embroidery patterns. 

• My sewing patterns are listed, individually of course, on index cards and categorized: tops bottoms, bags, hats etc. 
• The machine embroidery patterns are listed, alphabetically, in a small 3 ring binder (5 1/2” x 8 1/2”). I can put notes on each page 
• For the hand embroidery I actually download each pattern. Each pattern is placed in a Pocket plastic divider. When I purchase a kit, I save the picture, they are placed in a 3 ring binder. 

 I have 3 mobile sewing kits: quilting, embroidery and sewing, they are stocked accordingly.

PREPARATION: Once I know what I am going to make I start preparing.

 When you purchase a kit everything you need is usually part of the package, including the hoop, not so when you starting from scratch.

1.    I start with my design, I am working on an owl that will go on a carry-all bag, so I will use the owl to describe my preparation process.
   -The design- I cannot draw so I need to find an image of an owl that I can actually embroider. I      have found quite a few embroidery patterns priced reasonably on Etsy.
   -The structure in which the design will be placed on. Yes, I know it is fabric but, you could transfer your design on wood, plastic or even glass.
2. There are a few different methods of transfer the design onto the structure, I primarily use carbon paper.
3. Colors, the hardest part for me is determining the colors I will use. Make sure you have enough of each color.
4. Right size hoop.
5.  Most kits give you more than enough floss, I tend to buy more than enough because I don’t want to run out  
6.   I have an Embroidery Hoop Stand, this is optional and I don’t use it all the time.

SET-UP Now I am ready to transfer my design and position my project on the hoop. I have gathered the colors I will need, and have my needle, and scissors nearby. I am ready to sew.

RESTORATION: After I finish embroidering for the day I should put everything back to wear it was ready for my next session. Unfortunately, I don’t always do this and that is how things get lost. I do, however, put everything up once I have finished a project and use that time to restock. 

   

This was from a kit which I added to a handmade pillow.

Yes, I made my own pillow form!

MARSHA L SEWS

The transition is complete! This site will be dedicated to my crafting journey and thoughts on what Scripture states about womanhood. 

Titus 2:3-5 (KJV) 

3  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 

4  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 

5  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 

I have a wordpress site that   CONVERSATIONS TO MY SISTERS IN CHRIST in which I do short  Bible studies that addresses behaviors outside of crafting. 
I have a blogspot site BEYOND THE BOOKSTORE which reviews books and YouTube channels and other information sources

After ten years of blogging, inconsistently about all of the above topics I have decided, moving forward, that this is the best way for me to organize my writing, particularly since I am focusing on crafting and writing more intensely. 

Though I have been: sewing for decades, hand embroidery for decades and quilting for about 5 years I have completed satisfactory work. My goal is to take the reader, and potential sewist, along with me as I go to the next phase of doing what I do. 

My goal is to tell you the Why of what I do as well as the oops! One of my personal pet peeves when watching or reading about other sewist is: they never tell you how long a project takes to complete; I don't have time to "quilt in a day!" 

A NOTE ABOUT SCRIPTURE WRITING:  I may add a few comments here and there on this site. This is an ongoing process which like sewing will take more than a day to complete, more like years.

Finally: the blog name: apparently there are a lot of  "Marsha's" is the world, my Instagram is "Marsha Sews" and I am trying to stay consistent.  

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

My Singer 301A

Let's add exercising to the list! 

WRITING THE WORD PART 7 of 7: SETTING THE PACE

 Hebrews 12:1-2 (KJV)
1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

I am settled now, writing Scripture. I have relieved myself of all writing goals and determined to appreciate the process. I am reminded of the year I determined to actually study God’s word from Genesis to Revelation, really read and study, it took me 3 1/2 years. Writing Scripture may or may not take me that long, it could take me longer.

My goal, to appreciate every word that “Is written”. 

I have no plans to add to the Writing the Word series, if Jesus does not come before I am finished perhaps I will write a postscript. There is mmore to this Blog than my being a modern day Scribe.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WRITING THE WORD PART 6 THE TIME IT TAKES

Currently, I am writing the Psalms and the book of Matthew. I try to write one psalm a day and as much of Matthew as the Spirit allows.   I doubt if I will finish the Psalm before I finish writing Matthew, both are advancing at a pace slower than I anticipated,; that is OK.  As of his writing (August19) I am in the middle of Matthew chapter 6 and have completed Psalm 15. It took me 4 days.I write the Scriptures on one side of the composition book and my comments on the other-side, which would be the back of the previous page to complete Mattehw chapter one and it will take longer to finish the Sermon on the mount, Matthew 5-7. 

As I wrote, I took advantage of the study notes  presented within my Bible related to certain topics; when there is an alternative word or phrase to a word given, as noted bu a footnote, I include that in my Scripture writing. 

What I learned, was reminded, there are four women mentioned in the lineage of Jesus Thamar (Tamar), Rachab (I believe that is Rahab), Ruth and, the wife of Uriah (the woman David slept with). These untitled and women played a very significant roll in history. This fact is important to me because I believe women are meant to be helpers, influencer but in a humble, modest and submissive way. That is: women need to let God recognize them not force recognition onto themselves.

It was pointed out to me by the Spirit of God that the Holy Spirit did not speak to people directly, under the Old Covenant. Yet, Joseph did not need a prophet to hear from God when God wanted Joseph to know that Mary had not slept with another man and gotten pregnant. The God who created man from dirt and the woman out of the rib of a man had spoken birth to Mary’s body (1:20). (I have read and will read again how the Spirit of God spoke to Mary as well.That is in Luke.) This is important because so many children of God, “Christians” feel the need to go to a prophet or a church leader to hear from God, He speaks to His children directly..

It was confirmed, to me, relationships begin with commitment not sex. Mary and Joseph began to behave as husband and wife before they became husband and wife. Mary was mindful and submitted to the will of Joseph and Joseph became responsible for Mary, which is why he had the ability to put her to death for a pregnancy. 

The question is: which will I finish first? I have completed Psalm 15 as of this writing, August 19, I started Psalms July 17, 2025).  Will I be finished either by the end of this year?

WRITTEN BY: Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

WRITING THE WORD PART 5 THE PSALMS

My goal in writing the Psalms, which I started Thursday July 17, 2025, is to meditate on each Psalm. When I read the Bible in chronological order it gave me a better understanding of the contest in which each Psalm was written. 

I decided, in order to slow the pace of writing each Psalm, I would continue writing other books in the Bible, separate journals of course. In addition to the Psalm 1 started Jude. I am not trying to memorize the Word of God but to internalize the Word. 

Psalm 119:11 (KJV)
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 

Like Psalm 119:11; I though the verse but I could not tell you where it was. I used my WordSearch program to find the verse. God’s word is hidden in my heart. 

Deuteronomy 30:14 (KJV) 
But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. 

This verse, Deuteronomy 30:14, I vaguely remember but it too is not established in my memory. Truth be told, I don’t have Psalm 23 memorized and most Baptist that I know have memorized it. However, I have been known to speak to people and Scripture flows out of my mouth naturally.

I speak King James Bible and reading other translations, because it is a different version of the same verse, makes it difficult to cite book chapter and verse if I begin quoting Scripture. Perhaps writing will help me remember which book of the Bible a verse is located, even if it is not chapter and verse.

               Written by Marsha L Floyd
               ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WRITING THE WORD PART 4 WHY I CHOSE THE KING JAMES VERSION

Why did I choose the King James Version of the Bible to write? The main answer is because I love the way it is written. 

My first Bible, presented to me by the first church I ever joined, was a New Testament Life Application Bible.  The first Bible I purchased was a New King James Bible because I was told that the King James would be to hard for me to understand; that was a lie.

I have read from Genesis to Revelation using many translations. I have read: New King James, New International Version, the Message (the only ”Bible” I threw away), The VOICE, New American Standard, English Standard Bible and the Old and New Testament of the Life Application Bible. I have read each of those Bibles more than once except the Message and the Voice; I don’t like the Message and I just read certain parts of the VOICE on more than one occasion. I gravitate to the King James.

Pastor Brew, as we called him, once said When you read the King James Version of the Bible, you will instinctively translate the “thee and thou” to “you and you”. It is true. He did suggest reading the New King James because it took out the “thee and thou” but I found that it took some of the authenticity out of my reading.

If you choose to write the Bible it is your choice which translation you use. I think, what is important is your Bible knowledge going in. I have had a habit of writing Bible verse and posting them in places that I will see them, with the purchase of a laptop and printer along with a  Bible program, I am able to copy, paste and print. Writing the Bible has not only given me an appreciation for those who wrote Scripture on scrolls years ago, Scribes, but a better understanding of each word written. 

Written by  Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

WRITING THE WORD PART 3 - -

Jeremiah 30:2 (KJV) 
 Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book. 

There is a fun side to Scripture writing, decorating. As I watched the various YouTube videos on writing Scripture I notice some of the individuals, mostly women, added decorative accents throughout the pages. As I mentioned in previous post, many of the scribes purchased uniquely designed journals. 

Proverbs 31:13(KJV) 
 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.  

 Before I had committed to writing the entire Bible I purchased four composition books, if I did not use them for Scripture writing I could use them for my journal. I use wide ruled composition books because my  handwriting is not that great, each book contained 80 sheets of paper.  I later found 100 page wide ruled composition book and I purchased a six pack, I also purchased a four pack of fine point pens. 

Now that I am comfortable writing Scripture I decided to cover my book; I do not want to put stickers, draw cute pictures or color coded Bible verses. YouTube has quite a few examples of homemade book covers. I wanted to create a title that indicated this was my writing of Scripture I came up with: Scribe, Marsha’s Bible, The Book and Book #1; I also need to list which books of the Bible are in each journal. I also want to incorporate my crafting skills. 

My first journal cover will be simple, embroidering the title in KING JAMES VERSION in one color and the Books of the Bible written in another; the cover will be cloth, of course. I will get more creative with my next Scripture book, I plan on writing the Book of Psalms, which may be more than one journal. Each book will be covered in fabric, solid or decorative, vinyl or paper but it is not necessary. The advantage of using a composition book and not purchasing an expensive journal is the ability to make it your own. 

       Written by; Marsha L Floyd
        ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

WRITING THE WORD Part 2 - IN HIS PRESENCE

 

                                        

James 4:7-8 (KJV)
7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 

In the morning when I get out of bed I have a cup of coffee and start journaling. After writing the day of the week, the  month, the day and the year, I make not of the time and write: : “Good Morning Jesus”; next I complete the sentence: “I am thankful for…”; and a few weeks ago I added: “Today I am prayi. The theme of my current journal is "THANKFUL" and I am committed to writing what I am thankful for each day: "I am thankful for." The last few weeks I have added   "Today I am praying for; writing a particular prayer focus. I write this because it is important for the reader to understand how actively I pursue God. On May 28, 2025 I started Scripture writing, inspired, as I stated on a previous post, by a YouTube video I saw. 

Writing Psalm 119 was my test Scripture, I completed the activity and  I enjoyed the process. As I was writing the book of James, I felt content and I noticed a peace about me that was indicative of the presence of the Holy Spirit. . It is not the first time I have been aware of the presence of the Lord,  it took me a few days to realize that He was with me because there was no reason for Him to be here. . I did not othink of my time of writing God's word as a way of drawing near to God, but it was

Psalm 27:8-9 (KJV) 
8  When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
9  Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. 

Scripture writing is a unique form of drawing near to our heavenly Father. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WRITING THE WORD

 

I saw a YouTube video and decided I wanted to do it! I wanted to write the Bible verse by verse book by book, Scripture Writing. I started writing the Bible May 28, 2025 by writing Psalm 119; I thought if I could write that and like it I would proceed. It took me 10 days to write that one Psalm and I enjoyed doing it.

To start this journey I ordered 4  wide print composition books, I already had a few fine point pens. I  also watched a few other YouTube videos and discovered this was a relatively popular thing to do. I was going to officially start by writing the book of Titus next but the Spirit told me to write James, so I did. 

What I saw on YouTube were individual who were painstakingly writing Bible verses, some had drawings and such within the pages, many had purchased special journal / notebooks. I do believe most wrote in “biblical” order. My goal was to write the Bible based on the books I enjoyed or felt a need to lean something from. Writing the book of James was not on my list but I am glad it was the first book I wrote. I wrote Titus then Philemon, Philemon because I was concerned about not having enough room in the journal to complete a book. I am currently writing 1 and 2 Peter which will complete Composition book #1. 

In the upcoming posts regarding Scripture writing I will share my desire to cover the composition book, what I am learning , which Bible I am using and why as well as a word about commentary

Written By Marsha L Floyd

THIS IS NOT YOUTUBE

 

I knew I wanted to, called to, write since about 1996, my first book “The Truth About Vashtai” was published 10 years ago the same the time I started blogging. I briefly, a few years, had a YouTube channel but  I knew that it was not my “thing”. I am a wordy person but I hate editing it was challenging to edit a video from 30 minutes to 15 minutes, the attention span of most viewers; editing a written article from 500 plus words to 250 is much easier. I have struggled with sharing the words ofmy heart for the past 10 years to the extent of doing neither, writing or videos, like Jeremiah I just could not be quiet. 

Jeremiah 20:9 (KJV)
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with   forbearing, and I could not stay. 

I made the decision to live by faith first. I am a person who follows Jesus  as it is revealed in Scripture.. I cannot and will not separate my faith from how I live be it: political, crafting, family, daily living, or Bible understanding; nor will I validate lifestyles that are against Good’s will. Thus I move forward in my writing understanding that I will not get a record number of subscribers.  

Galatians 2:20 (KJV
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 

In a blogpost dated November 9, 2024 “MY PARADIGMS SHIFT” I cam out of my worldly limitations and embraced my godly destination.  I have a lot of interest: sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, making soap, making candles and even baking. I have a lot of opinions regarding politics, church life and being a woman.

I have tried to limit the conversations; to separate the conversations, by posting certain topics on specific days and using different blog addresses, none of these plans worked with me.I want to blog about making stuff.

This post, typed on July 5, 2025 and intended to be post on all 3 blog sites marks my pivot into what I believe is the next phase of my writing journey. Despite a part of me wanting to create a YouTube channel I will resist the urge focusing on my writing.  In 1996 God called me to write, in 2024 I realized I have always wanted to be a homemaker.

Habakkuk 2:2-4 (KJV)
2  And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
3  For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
4  Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED