ONCE UPON A TIME.....

I thought "Once Upon A Time," was a good title for this fairytale picture! Who is the young couple? This is a picture of Clint and I headed off to the prom in 1979, I believe! That's the year I graduated. We never went to any of my proms, so it was a Centreville High School event, I'm sure. This dress is one of my all-time favorites. It was a voile fabric with rosebud clusters in the print, very sheer and airy. I loved the sleeves and collar. Two years ago I made a reproduction dress of the same basic pattern (the dress in the picture was purchased) and posted pictures of it on this blog. I love, love, love the style! and love how the flowering bushes in this picture mirror the dress fabric. I don't like my hairstyle, though. Too tightly pulled back. We were only about 18 then. My how time changes things!

In response to a comment on the last blog, I'll explain a few details. Clint and I are doing some traveling/speaking engagements since resigning our pastorate of 18 years last month. So far, we've spoken in three different churches and are going to a church in northern Indiana next week. In addition to that, the pressed flower pictures and tatting I posted recently are a hobby of mine that is now helping to supplement a little here and there, bringing in a little extra cash!

There was a question about my job as well. I am currently working at the public library in our old hometown--12 miles from our house. I wanted this job for years!When the kids were growing up and we were in the library every other day or so, I thought, "someday I'd like to be a library clerk in this library." The same week our resignation was final I was hired! It was one of the amazing confirmations that God used to bless us as we were stepping out in faith and starting a new chapter of our lives. I work two days a week and that's just right for me! And, yes, I continue to write. I'm working on the third in my courthip fiction series, "The Call From a Distant Field." This book takes place mostly in Africa and follows the families from the first two books as the years unfold. Many of the details for writing this book were reflections of things I noticed on my 10-day trip to Africa in 2004. I hope it will be out in the next few months. It's almost complete and we're in the process of designing the cover. I will be speaking at the library on Tuesday evening this week as part of their "local authors" series. Any of you that are in the immediate area are welcome to attend and cheer me on! I'd appreciate the support! I'll be signing books as well, talking about my new book, and giving background on the other books. Thanks to all of you for the lovely comments--I've got lot more projects to post about whenever I finish them! Blessings, LORI

FINISHED DOILIES

I'm pretty excited to share these pictures with you. This is what I've been doing during the cold winter evenings. The doily with the rounded edges is an original design and the one with pointed edges is the same one that I labeled as a "ruined" project a few posts ago! I fixed it!

I've gotten a part time job at a nearby library--a job I've dreamed of having for years! This was a real blessing of God at just the right time since I had actually applied over a year ago! This is like a dream come true for me! Instead of going to work, I feel like I'm going to FUN! I love being there.

Thanks for all of you that have been praying for us. We have the next four Sundays booked with preaching and teaching at various churches. God is really opening doors for us it seems and we are praising Him. Today we began gathering a prayer team of dedicated people who will pray for us as we are out ministering. This weekend we travel clear down to the Ohio/WV line to minister in a church there. EXCITING! In additiont to that, I am in the final stages before publication of my third book--I welcome the prayers for that project! Blessings, LORI

BOOKINGS, BOOKS, AND BOOK MARKS!

I know this picture is a bit hard to view because of the lacy contrasts, but I wanted to share another of my winter projects with you.

These are the tatted Bible BOOKMARKS that I've been making. Occasionally I vary the design as I did in the one on the left. When completed, they are pinned to my lace pillow (used for bobbin lace) for stretching. After they are stretched and pressed they are ready for sale or gift-giving! Very easy to make and low cost! These make great gifts and I never keep them in stock for long!

Praise the Lord with me for the provision He has already set in place as with very little effort, Clint filled three of the four Sundays on the February calendar with preaching dates (BOOKINGS) at various churches! It feels like a confirmation from God in the direction we were sensing! The little tatted bookmarks will go well if we start a traveling ministry where we set up a BOOK table. Some friends told us they have been "seeing us for a month or more" (before we resigned) in traveling ministry and having my books offered on a book table! Amazing! May the Lord's will be done! Blessings, LORI

A BEAUTIFUL GIFT AND RECLAIMED SNIPPETS

I wanted to take time to post about the projects I've been working on! The first picture was of the wonderful gift I received recently! A dear friend had my name for the Christmas gift drawing for our spinning and weaving group. I missed the Christmas party and didn't get to pick up the gift until late last week. To the untrained eye, this stuff in the heart-shaped chair looks like a big pile of fluff. But to me, it's like GOLD! I was so excited to see these two huge balls of Icelandic roving from my friend's farm! I will surely put that to use! I made her the 'THANK EWE!' note (pictured below) in reply.

I got in the mood to use a bunch of my "waste" tatting--pieces of scrap tatting that didn't work out for one reason or another. I made up all the cards you see pictured by using these little snippets of otherwise wasted lace. It's amazing how perfectly some of the shapes lent themselves to new uses; the sheep and the girl's petticoat, for example!

Is there a lesson to be learned here? Things that we don't value much and might toss aside are very precious in the eyes of God. Sometimes we make the mistake of treating people that way. We don't value others as God values them and tend ignore them or their contributions. Let's be careful to see the value in every person God has created since all people are dear to His heart. (Jeremiah 1:5)

Sometimes it's the small things in life that really count the most--like the tatting that became something very unique with just a little effort. I wonder how many overlooked persons there are in the world that might be doctors, lawyers, teachers, or statesmen, if only one person would value them and give them a chance to succeed? This month marks the anniversary of the famous Roe v. Wade court decision. One can't help but wonder how many babies that are now "missing persons" in our country could have impacted lives had they been allowed to live. As well as grieving for the precious lives lost, we also need to remember that the mothers of thoses babies might have also been hurt or overlooked by someone in their lives. We can only imagine the stories behind the stories.

I hope this post showing my tatting and the joy this wonderful gift of roving will help make the point that many things in life have value far beyond first glance! Blessings, LORI

A FAILED DOILY

I have been tatting every evening for the last week. This is the finished project. Now you would think that a veteran tatter (36 years since I learned) would not have a failed project. But doilies are supposed to lie flat. This one doesn't. When I tried to stretch it, one of the joinings came apart. Usually I stretch the doilies I make overnight after each round added. I do this by pinning them onto one of my bobbin lace pillows. I got lazy and failed to do that this time. Then I paid for it in a "puffy" doily.

I have two options. Try to restretch it and fix the join, or make a velvet pincushion and shape it over it and have a lovely, lacey pincushion? Any suggestions? I had intended to sell this doily, but now, I think it's only useful to me. Taught me a lesson on scrimping my time.

How often do we scrimp on our time for the Lord and then think we can just be alright and go on with life? I think this lesson of taking time to work and prepare properly is applicable to our spiritual lives as welll, don't you? Let's present our best time and effort for the Lord! Blessings, LORI

A PROJECT FINISHING EFFORT!

FOR WHICH OF YOU INTENDING TO BUILD A TOWER, DOES NOT SIT DOWN FIRST AND COUNT THE COST, WHETHER HE HAS ENOUGH TO FINISH IT--LEST AFTER HE HAS LAID THE FOUNDATION, AND IS NOT ABLE TO FINISH, ALL WHO SEE IT BEGIN TO MOCK HIM, SAYING, 'THIS MAN BEGAN TO BUILD AND WAS NOT ABLE TO FINISH.' Luke 13:28-30

I realize these verses apply to much more than my needlework projects, but I was reminded of them in thinking of the need to finish some stuff I've started!

I am trying to learn to finish the things I start. Enjoying all kinds of needlework so much, it's hard not to try some new pattern or project even before the old ones are finished. Over the holidays (so far) I've gotten a few things "wrapped up." I started the back of the white cardigan I have been making for far too long! Also got the first yarn I spun all plied and put in skeins. You see that in the picture. I tatted a few crosses for bookmarks as well. The one pictured is an original pattern-a little filigree from the fingers!

It's a good discipline to finish what you start. I am trying to discipline myself in this area. As well as the projects I just mentioned, I finished a western shirt and vest for Clint. That was a Christmas gift I finished at the last minute! Also I put together a floor book complete with buttons, zippers, and buckles for Emma to play with. So lots of projects got finished just recently and wow, am I glad! Time to look forward to a new year AND the new addition that is soon to arrive--our new granddaughter--due any day! Will keep you posted.

THE RUBY SLIPPER INCIDENT-CHAPTER 6

In the last chapter, I told you about the day I felt the Lord spoke to me, trying to comfort me about my time in Africa. You would think that should have been enough for anyone. Though it helped, I still felt a little "jittery," and homesick. I remember one day standing in our little hotel room, maybe the same morning, I can't remember, and clicking my heels together and saying to Clint, "I wish I had a pair of those ruby slippers." This smart aleck remark was to let him know I was ready and anxious to return home. We had just moved into our new house only a few months before our trip and my thoughts were distracted by wishing I was home unpacking the boxes, fixing things up, etc. Also I was concerned about the kids. I was just really longing for home in a lot of ways.

He just smiled at me knowing I was referring to the incident where Dorothy clicked her heels together in The Wizard of OZ and instantly returned home! That was a favorite movie for me as a child. As the week wore on and we continued to work and fellowship with the people. I think I began to relax a bit more while still thinking alot about the everything back home.....and then something very interesting happened....there's more to this story....stay tuned! Blessings, LORI

FILIGREE THOUGHTS FROM THE PLAINS OF IOWA!

We made it to our destination in Iowa yesterday afternoon! We had a great trip and I hope to post more pics of our time here in the next few days, however our friend here says it's hard to post pictures on his computer, so we'll see. The Lord blessed us with a really good and safe trip. I slept quite a lot and then finished a couple of tatted crosses for Bible bookmarks while we rode. They make up so quickly and then I can sell them. I sold two last week. As well as quick to make, they are cheap to make as well. Very good item to sell!


I was just thrilled to learn that I could still sew while out here. My friend set up a really nice sewing machine for me. I brought the "green dress" along just in case I would have a chance to finish it. I had longed to wear it to the only Christmas party we are invited to. Next Thursday when we head home, we'll be stopping for supper in Indiana and joining the rest of the chaplaincy board for our annual dinner. Since Clint is the president of the board, we will make every effort to attend. One year we missed it due to being in Iowa and totally forgetting that we needed to be there!

The sewing went well last evening and before you know it, I was done with all but finishing details. I tried the dress on and realized I had forgotton in my "desinging" to add extra fullness to follow the curved back bodice I had re-drawn. I think I can fix it to look right and if not, it's not so bad that I can't wear it. I'll adjust the pattern on the next try. Ahhh,sewing! Ahhh,designing!

Because of the emphasis on dress design for the last few days, let me share a few verses with you that are tucked away in the Old Testament, seldom read, yet so powerful. "All the women who were gifted artisans spun yarn with their hands and brought what they had spun, of blue, purple, and scarlet, and fine linen. And all the women whose hearts stirred with wisdom spun yarn of goats' hair." Exodus 35:25-26 I love these verses for the obvious reason! I spin! Well, there are more in the next few chapters that speak of "gifted artisans" enable by the wisdom and Spirit of God to do works of great beauty for the tabernacle of God. Often as women (or people, in general) we tend to discount our contributions--things like sewing or craft making, thinking it's not really useable in the church. We wish we could sing or preach or whatever, when all the time the gifts of a seamstress or crafter or artist are an extension of the wisdom of the Lord for His service! The next time you embark on a craft project or some art project ask yourself how you can do the best possible job to glorify the Lord, knowing He has gifted you with talent! As a church, we need to begin once again to recognize and use the talents of the artisans in our midst. The world certainly rewards the artists, swallowing up their offerings and often distorting them for wordly pursuits. Shall we not "reclaim" art for the church? Think about it!

The weather that met us here was very cold and windy. It's a dry type of cold that we're not used to in Michigan. I'll be piling on the chapstick and mositurizers as well as trying to condition and control my hair while here! I notice it every year and the dryness has to be combatted. I love the open fields here and how you can see for quite a distance. The farms are so neat and pretty. I hope you are having a lovely week and will enjoy a great weekend filled with friends, family, and a trip to church! Blessings, LORI

FAIR PROJECT UPDATE!

Today I spent the day at the Fair with Clint. He worked in the chaplaincy booth, handing out information and talking to people who inquire about the ministry. I spent my time wandering around checking up on my items and knitting with the spinners and weavers guild. I also took a walk to the library since it's pretty convenient to leave the east fairground entrance and then it's not too far away. I really got my exercise today with that walk plus the walk from one end of the grounds to the other to check my entries.

I was a little bit surprised on a few items. Here's the rundown. No ribbon on the flowers--not a surprise at all since they basically died! No ribbon on the jelly--no surprise here either since I had only one and I was supposed to have three jars. I did get a blue ribbon on my WW1 postcards and fan holder. Also on the pressed flower pics I got a blue ribbon on the little pink ones, plus a second judge's choice! That was a pleasant surprise! They only give one first judge's choice and a second in a division, I believe. The larger ones got a red ribbon, but I was competing against myself.

Over to the needlework building--the 70's dress got a blue ribbon. That was a bit of a surprise. There was very little sewing entered in any category and the dress was the only one in it's division or class. But they don't have to award a ribbon if they don't think it's worthy, so I was glad for the award. Emma's placemat pantsuit got a blue as well. My felted handbag got a blue ribbon. I was a bit surprised at that, especially when I saw the caliber of the competition. Some very nice felted handbags were entered. The tatted cross bookmark got a red ribbon. Truthfully, I was surprised at that--not to brag, but I expected a blue. I have been a tatter for years and years, consider it my best accomplishment in needlework, and rarely get a red. Just goes to show you can't get over confident!Try, try again! My alpaca shawl got a blue and that surprised me. I expected maybe a red. Emma's smock got a white. So all in all I had a pretty good year. I'm satisfied. Now seeing the lack of sewn items, I wish I had taken one more dress over that I had finished. I thought it was not all that great, but I'm pretty sure it would have placed anyway. Oh, well. Next year.

After we got home I picked raspberries, tomatoes and put laundry on the line. Also washed 3 windows, their mini-blinds and screens. Did some housecleaning and got supper around. It was a productive day and it's back to the Fair tomorrow. Clint will be a the booth once more and I was invited to sit and knit with the guild again. My publishers had a nice poster and some information set up right across from the booth Clint was at. I'm looking forward to another day of fun with the other knitters, spinners, and weavers.

For the rest of the week until I am able to get a photo collage of the items after I pick them up on Saturday night, I want to start a new subject on this blog. Modesty. I feel like it is a related topic to courtship, Christian living, and so on. Plus it's a much needed subject that we sometimes overlook today. We as Christians need to address this a bit more than we do. I hope to make some observations that will stimulate some thinking on the subject. Stay tuned. Blessings, LORI