Re-emerging Spring

The third day of sun, the temperatures are warming up significantly and the trees are showing tiny emerging buds.  And just like Spring is making herself known again, so am I reappearing on my blog.

 I wish I could say that I fell through a looking glass, or into a rabbit hole.  The truth is, I simply haven't made it a priority to take the time to sit down and write a blog entry. 

From January to the end of March I was busy with sewing classes.  During that time, I took two one-day workshops:  An “Improvers Sewing Techniques” class; and a “Design a Bag in a Day” class. 

During the “Improvers Sewing Techniques” class, I learned about continuous zip, how to use it in soft furnishing projects.  I ordered some from the internet and am looking forward to using it on some sewing projects for Christmas.  The thing about continuous zip is that you measure the zipper to the length you need—with an inch to inch-and-a-half added.  Then you have to thread the zip pull/tab onto the zip; a skill that takes patience and perseverance, concentration and a gentle but firm touch. 

 Another neat technique I learned involves a thumb-tack, duck tape and the sewing machine.  (A flat-headed push-pin, thumb tack and a drawing pin are all the same thing.   I’m sure you’ll figure it out from the photo.)  Place the tack/pin into a piece of duck tape and place it near the needle on the sewing machine.  Place your material onto the pin and make it smooth on the feed-dogs.  Now sew your circle onto the material.  You can use a decorative stitch to make it even more interesting. 

We used this technique to make a pattern on a small hand-bag we produced. 

The other one-day workshop was in March.  I wanted to make a   I’ve made small hand-bags for my step-daughters.  But, I wanted to find something appropriate for the boys.  Sally Beer, (yes, that’s really her name), the class instructor, had a pattern that I drew off and used.   I got a good start on the bag during the one-day workshop, but because of the size and complexity, I had to bring it home to finish.   

heavy-duty bag, for one of my grandsons.

If I were to make this bag again, I would probably approach it differently, as the instructions are peculiar.  Not only were they not written clearly, but the instructions had what seemed like a back-ward approach.  Therefore I am thinking of finding a different bag pattern for the next bag. 

In addition to the workshops, I took two courses over a series of weeks:  Beginning “Dressmaking” and “Making Soft Furnishings”  I chose to take the beginning class, because I thought I might learn some techniques I had never done before—like sewing with elasticised thread for creating shirring, and gathering.  However, a different instructor taught the class, so it was less about techniques and more about learning to measure and make a top pattern.  It was a good review class.  I did end up making a cute top.  Now I want to find some purple material to make some matching trousers.

Pillow Cover

The “Soft Furnishings” class included learning how to use a self-healing mat and rotary cutter.  I learned how to make bias tape, and why one uses bias tape.  Sally Beer also taught this class.  She had us make notes and put together a booklet of instructions of the techniques she taught us.  Besides all the techniques I learned, I brought away a pillow as well. 

The next series of classes begin the week of 29^th April.  I am thinking I will take only one—the soft furnishing class.  I hope to learn more about quilting. 

So, what else besides sewing has been occupying me?  I’ve created a new role for myself in the Parish.        Since I was a small child, I’ve been passionately interested in mission work and missionaries

        Not being a life-long Anglican, I found I had to adapt to different ways of operation.  While other churches dedicate one service a month to focus on international missions, the Anglican church seems to be less obvious or conspicuous.  The parish invites guest speakers—Fair Trade, Street Angels, Deng David Maker.  And of course, fund raising events in support of Save the Children, Open Doors, Macmillan Cancer etc.  Yet, somehow, I had no idea that the Parish financially supports twelve core charities.  I wondered how many other people in the parish knew only about missions or missionaries they supported personally—but had no idea about the other organisations they contributed to by way of the annual gifts given by the parish as a whole. 

        At the 2012 Parish Away Day, I found myself wondering what I, personally, was supposed to take away from the day—how I could serve the Parish in a way that allowed me to use my talents, share my passions and make a difference.  From conversations with different people, it occurred to me that perhaps I could edit a magazine or booklet that brought the core Charities into clearer focus.  By co-ordinating information and providing it in a “hands-on” format, it would be a resource people could use to discover even more on their own and pray.  Over the next few months, I hope to produce a bi-monthly booklet that will give a basic introduction to each of the core charities—which can be found listed on the parish website.  And, I will also include information about other individuals and organisations that we have taken up offerings for, or have come to speak to us.

          My prayer is that this booklet will be informative, interesting and a practical tool in helping people pray more effectively. 

     

   On Wednesday, 27^th March, I climbed on a National Express bus and went to Anglesey, Wales.  I was privileged to spend two weeks with my step-son and his family.  When The Maverick and I married, “Noddy” and his family lived in Finland.  Last autumn they came back to the United Kingdom.  I’d so wanted to get to know them, and this was a special time. 

        While I was there, I did a bit of sewing—making a dress from two pillow cases.  I had started a 2^nd dress, but the sewing machine stopped working properly.  No amount of fiddling or adjusting the tension was able to repair it.  So, I’ve brought the dress—which has been cut out—home to put together. 

        Since I returned from Wales, (10^th April) a virus created a cough and headaches.  In addition, I also developed a kidney infection.  So I’ve been on antibiotics for a week.  My energy levels have been at the level of a cooked noodle. 

As you can see, not only did I escape the rabbit hole, and stay on this side of the mirror, I was not hi-jacked by pirates either.  The sun is once again out today and it’s warm as well.  So, all-in-all, things are improving. 

God bless you,

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”

 

A parallel

            The whole Bible is about Jesus.  I don’t remember when I heard the saying: “The Old Testament is Jesus concealed; the New Testament is Jesus revealed. “ 
            As a young Christian I decided to read the Bible all the way through—as it seemed that it would be a forgone conclusion that someone who professed to be a Christian (a) would want to and (b) should know what was in the Bible.  So my eyes ate up the stories, trudged through the statistics, related to the Psalms, puzzled about the prophets and personalised the letters to the churches. 
            As with any instructional book, sometimes you have to read through something several times; one has to become familiar with it before one begins to understand its meaning.  But over the years I’ve begun to discover interesting parallels and corresponding instances between the Old Testament and Jesus. 
            Here is an example.

Numbers 11
⁸ So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, “Moses my lord, forbid them!”
²⁹ Then Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!” ³⁰ And Moses returned to the camp, he and the elders of Israel.

Luke 9

⁴⁹ Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.”

⁵⁰ But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us^[a] is on our side.”^[b]

            In both instances young leaders, in the training programme, are “tattling” to the leaders (Moses and Jesus) about people “outside the clique” experiencing the Holy Spirit.  And in both cases, the reply is:  “God is at work—let the Spirit flow.” 

            Paul wrote to Timothy “¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16). God made sure all the indicators were in the scripture, so that when Jesus comes, we cannot fail to recognise Him. 

            Like a parent who plays “peek-a-boo” or “hide-and-seek” with his/her child; The Father rejoices in our delight when we recognise His Son—as revealed through the Bible, which is brought alive by the Holy Spirit. 

            Yes, there are times I struggle as I wade through reading Numbers and the census reports of the twelve tribes.  But, then I come across one of these “moments of reveal” and I’m so glad I’ve persevered.  I hope your reading time is just as fruitful.

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

Lady Helene

Sharing A Prayer

Isaiah 65:24:  ²⁴ And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Church:  Most Marvellous God, we are both amazed and humbled to call you Abba, Father.  As Paul wrote, our citizenship is in heaven; we live in a hidden kingdom whilst on this earth.  We pray that all of your children follow in Jesus’ foot steps—making seen the unseen Kingdom.  In countries where Your church is persecuted, fill them with supernatural joy.  You are their light and salvation; enable them to be fearless during trials by ordeal. 

We pray for church leadership worldwide.  We remember the Catholic Church as they go through the process of selecting a new Pope.  May he be strong in vision, purpose and direction. 

We pray for our new Arch Bishop, Justin Welby.  Thank you for his courage to speak into the life of our political leaders.  We ask for your continued blessing on his work.

We thank you for our new Area Dean, Rev’d Roderick Cosh.  Inspired and filled with the Holy Spirit, may he have wisdom, insight, compassion and humour to serve in his new post. 

For our local vicars—Robin, Colin and Bruce—we give you thanks; for their commitment to our community; to teaching and equipping us to effectively make a positive difference in Langley and Slough.

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

World:  May we, Your Children, reflect Your light and salvation in a world of brokenness, strife, selfishness and greed.  We often feel overwhelmed, inept, frustrated at our limited ability to make a difference in such a big world.  Give us eyes to see the opportunities we do have.

          We pray for government leaders—that you would use them to make righteous laws. 

The world has come to us, here in Langley and Slough—having been listed as the most culturally and ethnically diverse community in the country.  Let us take advantage of each situation where we can share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those we meet in our daily life—through actions and words.  Touching one person here can mean touching another life far away. 

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Community:  We give thanks for libraries, learning centres, and volunteer groups that provide places for people to gain new skills, make friends and give opportunities to serve in the neighbourhood.  Help us in the church to continue to enable and facilitate the work they do.  Let us be motivated by compassion and a desire to use our abilities and talents to participate with them, whilst also being a witness to your love.

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Those who are ill/suffering:  Jesus, You were wounded for our wrong doing, you were beaten for our wickedness; you suffered our punishment so that we can be healed.  Speak Your word and send your healing to those you are suffering in spirit, soul and body.

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Those who have died:  Father, we bring to you those who are recently bereaved.  Comfort those who are feeling the recent sting of death.  Let those walking through this time of shadows and sorrow sense Your Presence with them. 

We remember others who have been a part of the fabric of our lives; for some of us they live forever in our hearts only;  for others of us, they reside in our DNA as well. 

Give us the courage and ability to move through our grief, not to be stymied by it. 

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Most Merciful Father,

Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ,--Amen

Boots and a Bag

     After five days off, The Maverick returned to work--and worked a double shift.  What a way to spend his Valentine's Day.  

     But I'm not complaining.  On Monday The Maverick met me in town and we had a lunch date.  It was a cold, overcast, day with snow falling until about 2.00 pm.  

     On Tuesday, The Maverick prepared eggy-bread/french toast with bacon for breakfast.  Yummmm...  Then we made plans to meet up in town again.  Only this time it was to be about 3.00 pm, as my sewing class is from 12.00 pm to 2.30 pm.  

     Since I've been bitten by the sewing bug, and been taking classes, the kind of tools I need and want are becoming more apparent.  So, I ordered a rotary cutter, a self-healing cutting mat, and 25 yeards of continuous zipper.  Amazon is a great place to buy items from several different merchants.  The Fiskars Rotary cutter arrived on Monday.  Also on Monday, a card was delivered from the post office saying a parcel for me was waiting at the sorting station, as it was too big to deliver.  Believing it was the A1 sized (33" by 23") in a flat box, I thought I'd have to pick it up after class.  But, The Maverick offered to pick-up the parcel from the post office while I was in class.  He had time to get it, take it home and then come back into town to meet me.  

     After my class, I was heading out the door from the Learning Centre when my mobile rang.  It was The Maverick.  We confirmed where  in the bus station we would meet.  Walking at a moderate pace, I was at the station in about 10 minutes.  

     Smiling as we approached each other, I noticed the crooked grin on The Maverick's face.  He'd done a little shopping--because a green bag hung from his hand.
     "Hold our your hand."  he instructs.  He then produces from the green bag a bunch of green grapes.  That's perfect!
      "I am so hungry.  I didn't even leave class for a cup of water today."

     "Oh, and here's this! 
     "What is it?"
     Into my hand he puts a parcel that is about 9 inches long and twelve inches around.  Obviously this is NOT a cutting board.  Instead, it was the continuous zip kit I ordered.  :-)  

     We both laughted as we walked toward the coffee shop.  The Maverick saw a bargin of a cup of tea and a piece of cake for £2.50.  That is a good deal.  I nibbled grapes as well and felt my energy levels rise for our shopping trip to Windsor.

My new boots--A Valentines's Gift? 

     Since the weather has been snowy, cold and wet, he decided that I might like to have a pair of solid hiking boots; with a firm traction and waterproof, (gortex if possible.)  Millets is a camping store, and it was only after we got to Windsor that we learned that they were closing.  We went down Peascot Street, and found that Millets was decorated with "Closing Down" posters in the window.  We went in, but found nothing that we liked.  

     However, we meadered over to Cotswold, another outdoor gear store.  A friendly, informative and attentive Scottish lad waited on us, giving us good information as well as finding shoes for us to try on.  This time, my feet were fitted nicely and The Maverick asked it I wanted them.  After a few minutes of mulling, I decided yes.  
     
     The clocks were indicating it was getting onto 5.00 pm. and I still wanted to go to C&H Haberdasher/craft shop.  It was just around the corner and I left The Maverick to try on shoes himself.  

     I had a bit of a look about, and spent at least 10 minutes trying to decided on a pair of shears--how long did I want them, which make was the best quality, how much did I feel I wanted to pay for them?  Once I decided on a pair of Fiskars, I picked out a few other bits and bobs.  As I was browsing over the remnants, the lights flickered.  That blatant hint that it was closing time.  Okay...no material this time.  I still have lots at home to use up!  

     The Maverick was outside the shop waiting for me.  He decided not to buy himself any boots.  

     We rode the bus home and enjoyed the rest of our evening in front to the television.  And that's why I'm not complaining about The Maverick working on Valentines' Day.  We just had it early. 

     Today, I finished a hand-bag for my friend and prayer partner.  It matches an outfit that I previously made and gave to her.  I'm truly looking forward to giving it to her.  

     I hope my cutting mat comes tomorrow.

     Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,
     "Lady Helene"

A prayer for Lent

Each month our St. Mary's has a family Worship service specifically geared toward young families, those with pre-school children.  This month the Vicar asked if I had time to write the prayer for this month's service, which is on the 17th.  I said of course.  Here it is.

Reader:  Jesus, You lead us into life               

Response:  Please help us follow.

Jesus, even today you ask each of us, “Who Am I?”  Our faith answers you, “You are God’s Son, the One who saves us."  We know that if we want to be saved, we must follow you.  You have taught us that we must take up our cross, every day, in order to follow you. 

Reader:  Jesus, You lead us into life               

Response:  Please help us follow.

Jesus, you explained that to finish your mission:

You must be rejected;

You must suffer

You must die first.

We want life, just like You. 

Therefore:

We must be rejected;

We must suffer;

We must die—pick up our cross, daily.

We fear pain.  We fear suffering.  We fear facing death.

Reader:  Jesus, You lead us into life               

Response:  Please help us follow.

Jesus, in order to follow you, we must walk in your steps. 

You rejected fear.  We speak your words and courage comes.

You embraced suffering.  We embrace you, and comfort comes.

You arose from death.  We rejoice in your resurrection and we find hope.

Reader:  Jesus, You lead us into life               

Response:  Please help us follow.

Jesus, during this Lenten season, help us to let go of the world—which will leave us empty.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to take up our cross(es) which will fill us with the fruit of you kingdom.  We want our hearts to hug the Holy Spirit and feel love, peace, joy, patience, goodness, kindness, healing and being right with You. 

Reader:  Jesus, You lead us into life               

Response:  Please help us follow.

Amen