The weather is a bit cooler in the evenings, which makes it much more comfortable to quilt. I was able to get a project out that I've been working on for some time the other night. It felt so good to have the thimble on my finger. There is a comfort to having the the soft touch of muslin in my hand. With no known babies approaching, perhaps I can actually finish this quilt this winter!!
With our garden being late, we are dealing with some of nature's issues of this growing season. The tomatoes aren't coming along...plenty of them, but with the rain, they split and rot. The beans are done along with the beets and carrots. Still waiting for the potato vines to die off and then we can dig those beauties. We continue to harvest peppers and broccoli, too. Even with the drought of July, God has been faithful, we have more than enough to share. It won't be long until it is apple season. My favorite. Can anything compare to the scent of fresh applesauce throughout the house? My husband would say an apple pie would be even better.
Lord, grant that my religion may not be occasional and partial,
but universal, influential, effective,
and may I always continue in thy words as well as thy works,
so that I may reach my end in peace.
--an excerpt from The Mediator, in the Valley of Vision
Showing posts with label quilts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label quilts. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Bread Baking Day (with a quilt side show as an added bonus)
While I cannot claim to be a bread baking expert, I enjoy doing it. I enjoy the eating of fresh baked bread even more! There is nothing like a slice of warm homemade bread with butter or homemade jam or jelly. It just doesn't get much better.
Baking bread is an art, of sorts. There is still much I need to master. There have been times when I have crafted a beautiful brick. Then there are times when this happens:
This lovely bowl made three medium sized loaves, (of which I should have taken a picture...I'm still getting the hang of this) that turned out great! Sometimes I like to use the smaller pans since it is just the two of us and there is nothing like putting all this work into something so wonderful and then have it go stale.
You will notice the kitchen towel. It is from my great-aunt. After she died the extended family was given the opportunity to see if there was anything they wanted. There were still old clothes from another great-aunt. I was able to get this kitchen towel, which needed a wee bit of mending, and an old house dress. I used the house dress in a small quilt that I made for my Amish rocker. That way I'll have a piece of her with me.
She was a large, Scots-Irish woman who never married. Of course, she made her own clothes and to have something that she made that I could use the fabric, makes my quilt extra special. Here is a piece of the fabric I used in the quilt.
It gives me joy to have pieces, no matter how small, that are part of our family's past. It gives me a connection. There is something about a thing that is passed down--not just material things, but a faith that has been passed down as well. Just as Timothy's faith was passed down from his mother and grandmother. There is a legacy that is more important than any "thing".
Thou has made known to me
that to save me is Christ's work,
but to cleave to him by faith is my work,
and with this faith is the necessity of my daily repentance
as a mourning for the sin which Christ by grace has removed.
--from Reconciliation from the Valley of Vision
Baking bread is an art, of sorts. There is still much I need to master. There have been times when I have crafted a beautiful brick. Then there are times when this happens:
This lovely bowl made three medium sized loaves, (of which I should have taken a picture...I'm still getting the hang of this) that turned out great! Sometimes I like to use the smaller pans since it is just the two of us and there is nothing like putting all this work into something so wonderful and then have it go stale.
You will notice the kitchen towel. It is from my great-aunt. After she died the extended family was given the opportunity to see if there was anything they wanted. There were still old clothes from another great-aunt. I was able to get this kitchen towel, which needed a wee bit of mending, and an old house dress. I used the house dress in a small quilt that I made for my Amish rocker. That way I'll have a piece of her with me.
She was a large, Scots-Irish woman who never married. Of course, she made her own clothes and to have something that she made that I could use the fabric, makes my quilt extra special. Here is a piece of the fabric I used in the quilt.
Thou has made known to me
that to save me is Christ's work,
but to cleave to him by faith is my work,
and with this faith is the necessity of my daily repentance
as a mourning for the sin which Christ by grace has removed.
--from Reconciliation from the Valley of Vision
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Inversion Update
It is going to be a busy day today. Sheets are in the washing machine as we "speak" and there is more to wash. I've also been invited to a Quilt Show this afternoon. It has been quite some time since I've been to a show, so this will be a treat. Along with spending time with a new friend.
The Inversion Table that we bought has been very helpful. I'm trying to use it twice a day for about 3-5 minutes. The last few days it has only been once a day for about 5 minutes. The days have been slipping by quickly. It seems I wake up behind schedule! Anyway, it seems to give my hip some relief and I am seeing improvement in my ability to walk longer distances. I hope this helps. It was beginning to look like I needed an handicap sign for the car!
O LORD GOD,
There is no blessing we implore but thou art able to give,
hast promised to give,
hast given already to countless multitudes,
all unworthy and guilty like ourselves;...
Let us be at thy disposal for the duties and events of life,
submit our preferences to thy wisdom and will,
resign our enjoyments if thou shouldest require it
as our absolute proprietor and best friend....
Help us to be in the Spirit on the Lord's Day,
to enter upon the sabbath mindful of its solemnities, duties,
privileges,
setting all things worldly aside while we worship thee.
--an excerpt from FUTURE BLESSINGS, Seventh Day Evening, from The Valley of Vision
The Inversion Table that we bought has been very helpful. I'm trying to use it twice a day for about 3-5 minutes. The last few days it has only been once a day for about 5 minutes. The days have been slipping by quickly. It seems I wake up behind schedule! Anyway, it seems to give my hip some relief and I am seeing improvement in my ability to walk longer distances. I hope this helps. It was beginning to look like I needed an handicap sign for the car!
O LORD GOD,
There is no blessing we implore but thou art able to give,
hast promised to give,
hast given already to countless multitudes,
all unworthy and guilty like ourselves;...
Let us be at thy disposal for the duties and events of life,
submit our preferences to thy wisdom and will,
resign our enjoyments if thou shouldest require it
as our absolute proprietor and best friend....
Help us to be in the Spirit on the Lord's Day,
to enter upon the sabbath mindful of its solemnities, duties,
privileges,
setting all things worldly aside while we worship thee.
--an excerpt from FUTURE BLESSINGS, Seventh Day Evening, from The Valley of Vision
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
So, Who Is In Control?
It seems awhile since I have posted anything. There has been sewing and quilting that has required my attention lately. There is a comfort to having fabric in your hands and doing something creative and constructive. One baby quilt is completed, the one for Zachary is about half way quilted. My sister's birthday present is cut out and started. Another baby quilt needs started--at least I have the fabric. There is still the Ihlenfeld reproduction quilt that I would like to spend some time on before the grass and garden season begins.
My mind has been occupied on our country as of late. I am constantly wrestling with what is racing through my mind and what I know to be true in my heart.
Our country may have been founded on Christian principles, but the people have left these guiding values and have decided that God is no longer in charge, but man.
In 1Samuel 8, there is the story of the elders of Israel that came to the prophet Samuel and asked for a king. They wanted to be like all the other surrounding countries that had kings to lead them into battle. Samuel was not pleased with the idea and when he inquired of the LORD, God told him that it was not Samuel the people had rejected, but God. At God's instruction, Samuel warned the people that a king will take your children to serve him in battle and in his household. A king will take a tenth of your crops and flocks. The best of all the people had would go to the king and they would become his slaves. Samuel's final warning was that the day would come when the people would cry out for relief from the king they had chosen and God would not answer them. Of course, as we all know, the people didn't listen. In this account, God tells the people that the king will require a tenth of their flocks and crops. That is the tithe that was to belong to God. The king's demands parallel what Israel was to give to God. The people really did reject God and wanted a king. Though they didn't listen to the warnings, the kings really did burden the people in a way God never would.
In my heart, I know that my King is in Heaven, but my heart hurts to know what is being done to our country. Socialism and Marxism have been creeping in up to this point for quite a few years, but in the last few weeks, it has been coming at break-neck speed. People wanted a 'messiah', but just like the Israelites of old, we may be crying out to God because of his burdens. Burdens that the real Messiah has never placed on us.
I am just as guilty as anyone. Surely if we just elect the 'right' man everything will work out. But there is the rub. A man. To put so much trust in a man, who can be corrupted by interests of other countries as well as by men from within who look only for their own selfish gain and power.
While America has never been a theocracy, we have a system of checks and balances built into our representative republic that is based on Christian values. The Founding Fathers realized that men are basically flawed and corruptible. But along the way the system was overrun by those who were hungry for wealth and power. Our second President, John Adams said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." When we were a more moral and religious nation, that was part of the check and balance. God-fearing people are called to do what is right, even when no one is looking, because they answer to God, not just men. People were accountable to each other. Neighbors looked out for each other and respected one another.
People of God should be model citizens, caring for the poor, obeying the laws, living peaceably with their neighbors and praying for those in authority over us. When we are not, we give all Christians a black eye and give the 'world' reason to point the finger at us and say we are not any better than anyone else. Christians are called to be perfect. Most of us realize that this will not be attained this side of heaven, but that doesn't mean we stop trying. It is our calling to be obedient. Because God has chosen us, redeemed and saved us, we obey because we love Him. In somewhat the same way as a child who loves their parents, wants to please them and be obedient.
No matter how far the stock market falls, how many more stimulus packages are brought forth, how high our taxes go or who is in the White House, God is still in control. "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases", Proverbs 21:1.
All this may just be me 'talking' in circles and my theology may not be completely accurate, but I guess what I'm trying to say, if only to myself, is that God is still in control of this world and I can trust him. He has not failed me and he is my real King. I should not despair.
God knows what He intends....The will of God must be done. Without effor, He molds all events into His chosen form. In the spheres of mind and matter, His dominion is absolute....God can bend the thoughts of people as easlily as we can turn on a water faucet.
Tested believer, the Lord will be as faithful to you as He has been to me. The Lord will not fail you. Do not be discouraged, "the eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everrlasting arms" (Deut. 33:27). You will conquer. You will be delivered, and God will be glorified." from C.H. Spurgeon, Beside Still Waters, Roy H. Clarke, Editor
My mind has been occupied on our country as of late. I am constantly wrestling with what is racing through my mind and what I know to be true in my heart.
Our country may have been founded on Christian principles, but the people have left these guiding values and have decided that God is no longer in charge, but man.
In 1Samuel 8, there is the story of the elders of Israel that came to the prophet Samuel and asked for a king. They wanted to be like all the other surrounding countries that had kings to lead them into battle. Samuel was not pleased with the idea and when he inquired of the LORD, God told him that it was not Samuel the people had rejected, but God. At God's instruction, Samuel warned the people that a king will take your children to serve him in battle and in his household. A king will take a tenth of your crops and flocks. The best of all the people had would go to the king and they would become his slaves. Samuel's final warning was that the day would come when the people would cry out for relief from the king they had chosen and God would not answer them. Of course, as we all know, the people didn't listen. In this account, God tells the people that the king will require a tenth of their flocks and crops. That is the tithe that was to belong to God. The king's demands parallel what Israel was to give to God. The people really did reject God and wanted a king. Though they didn't listen to the warnings, the kings really did burden the people in a way God never would.
In my heart, I know that my King is in Heaven, but my heart hurts to know what is being done to our country. Socialism and Marxism have been creeping in up to this point for quite a few years, but in the last few weeks, it has been coming at break-neck speed. People wanted a 'messiah', but just like the Israelites of old, we may be crying out to God because of his burdens. Burdens that the real Messiah has never placed on us.
I am just as guilty as anyone. Surely if we just elect the 'right' man everything will work out. But there is the rub. A man. To put so much trust in a man, who can be corrupted by interests of other countries as well as by men from within who look only for their own selfish gain and power.
While America has never been a theocracy, we have a system of checks and balances built into our representative republic that is based on Christian values. The Founding Fathers realized that men are basically flawed and corruptible. But along the way the system was overrun by those who were hungry for wealth and power. Our second President, John Adams said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." When we were a more moral and religious nation, that was part of the check and balance. God-fearing people are called to do what is right, even when no one is looking, because they answer to God, not just men. People were accountable to each other. Neighbors looked out for each other and respected one another.
People of God should be model citizens, caring for the poor, obeying the laws, living peaceably with their neighbors and praying for those in authority over us. When we are not, we give all Christians a black eye and give the 'world' reason to point the finger at us and say we are not any better than anyone else. Christians are called to be perfect. Most of us realize that this will not be attained this side of heaven, but that doesn't mean we stop trying. It is our calling to be obedient. Because God has chosen us, redeemed and saved us, we obey because we love Him. In somewhat the same way as a child who loves their parents, wants to please them and be obedient.
No matter how far the stock market falls, how many more stimulus packages are brought forth, how high our taxes go or who is in the White House, God is still in control. "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases", Proverbs 21:1.
All this may just be me 'talking' in circles and my theology may not be completely accurate, but I guess what I'm trying to say, if only to myself, is that God is still in control of this world and I can trust him. He has not failed me and he is my real King. I should not despair.
God knows what He intends....The will of God must be done. Without effor, He molds all events into His chosen form. In the spheres of mind and matter, His dominion is absolute....God can bend the thoughts of people as easlily as we can turn on a water faucet.
Tested believer, the Lord will be as faithful to you as He has been to me. The Lord will not fail you. Do not be discouraged, "the eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everrlasting arms" (Deut. 33:27). You will conquer. You will be delivered, and God will be glorified." from C.H. Spurgeon, Beside Still Waters, Roy H. Clarke, Editor
Friday, January 9, 2009
Quilting Season
Most of the Christmas decorations are put away--only the tree remains. The days and evenings are quieter and chillier. Time to get back to my quilting.
It is shameful to admit that I am behind before I even get started. One baby blanket is close to being completed. It should have been done months ago and the little one for which it is intended will be walking before I get it done if I don't get busy. Our new little Zachary's quilt is pieced, but needs quilted. There is another baby quilt that is in need of being started for a friend who's baby is due in the spring. Then there is my big project that was started almost two years ago. A replica of a dear friend's quilt that has been in her family since the late 1800s.
There is something relaxing to me about the feel of fabric, especially a good cotton fabric or a good muslin. It is calming. If I were a knitter or a crocheter, I think that the yarn would work the same magic.
Since most of my quilts are smaller, I do them in a 12 inch hoop. I have a smaller 10 inch size for smaller spaces. This keeps my project mobile--from comfy chair to Amish rocker or quiet corner. It also helps to keep me warm. Our big old house is a bear to heat, so to have my work covering my lap helps to keep the chill off. I've done a couple big quilts in my frame. It is, obviously, not portable and takes up a chunk of the dining room.
The baby quilt I am in a hurry to finish is all white or a whole cloth quilt. My Amish friend, Sarah marked it for me on white muslin. (Since then, she has started a little business marking quilts for others.) It isn't difficult, but I let it sit during the summer with gardening and grass and that is how I got behind. I'm also pretty slow. Whole cloth quilts are my favorite. The design that shows up on the fabric from the stitches is beautiful to me...not that my stitches are all that beautiful. I just enjoy the process.
Both my grandmothers made quilts. My paternal grandmother is famous for making lap robes for elderly folks as well as quilts for all of the grandchildren as we were growing up. My cousins and I would always look for patches that were made from the scraps our mothers would send to Grandma from their sewing to use for quilts. There was Suzanne's dress, or Paula's shorts, and even my own or my sister's dresses. I still have a few of my grandmother's baby quilts that she made our kids. These quilts were not prize winners nor were they hand stitched. She tied them with colorful yarn and bound them with love. I've kept them so I can pass them on to my grandchildren so they can have a piece of the family's past.
While I can never be the quilt maker my Grandmother was, I hope to give my grandchildren something they can enjoy and use to keep warm. It is a connection to my own past and reminds me of the love my grandmother showed to her family in her sewing.
It is shameful to admit that I am behind before I even get started. One baby blanket is close to being completed. It should have been done months ago and the little one for which it is intended will be walking before I get it done if I don't get busy. Our new little Zachary's quilt is pieced, but needs quilted. There is another baby quilt that is in need of being started for a friend who's baby is due in the spring. Then there is my big project that was started almost two years ago. A replica of a dear friend's quilt that has been in her family since the late 1800s.
There is something relaxing to me about the feel of fabric, especially a good cotton fabric or a good muslin. It is calming. If I were a knitter or a crocheter, I think that the yarn would work the same magic.
Since most of my quilts are smaller, I do them in a 12 inch hoop. I have a smaller 10 inch size for smaller spaces. This keeps my project mobile--from comfy chair to Amish rocker or quiet corner. It also helps to keep me warm. Our big old house is a bear to heat, so to have my work covering my lap helps to keep the chill off. I've done a couple big quilts in my frame. It is, obviously, not portable and takes up a chunk of the dining room.
The baby quilt I am in a hurry to finish is all white or a whole cloth quilt. My Amish friend, Sarah marked it for me on white muslin. (Since then, she has started a little business marking quilts for others.) It isn't difficult, but I let it sit during the summer with gardening and grass and that is how I got behind. I'm also pretty slow. Whole cloth quilts are my favorite. The design that shows up on the fabric from the stitches is beautiful to me...not that my stitches are all that beautiful. I just enjoy the process.
Both my grandmothers made quilts. My paternal grandmother is famous for making lap robes for elderly folks as well as quilts for all of the grandchildren as we were growing up. My cousins and I would always look for patches that were made from the scraps our mothers would send to Grandma from their sewing to use for quilts. There was Suzanne's dress, or Paula's shorts, and even my own or my sister's dresses. I still have a few of my grandmother's baby quilts that she made our kids. These quilts were not prize winners nor were they hand stitched. She tied them with colorful yarn and bound them with love. I've kept them so I can pass them on to my grandchildren so they can have a piece of the family's past.
While I can never be the quilt maker my Grandmother was, I hope to give my grandchildren something they can enjoy and use to keep warm. It is a connection to my own past and reminds me of the love my grandmother showed to her family in her sewing.
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