Tuesday, February 8, 2011

GIVE THANKS - Verse 3

Tomorrow I start back in the Home Ec Dept at hubby's school as a Teacher's Aide. Some of you may remember that I did this late 2009 and for the first half of 2010 as part of our 'living-on-campus' responsibilities. I loved working with the students and our teacher, Jodie, but the position ended when we moved off campus and into the White Cottage (my nickname for our home). Recently I was offered the position again, but this time with a wage. \o/ 

It's 10 hours a week; enough hours to enjoy the responsibility, but little enough that my main love of being a homemaker is not affected. In fact, I get to have lunch every Wednesday with Mr E in his office!

I am sharing this news because my time on the internet will be reduced, and that means I'll be blogging a bit less. This is also a choice I have made because I feel that my time in the home has not been what I desire it to be. Things I love to do for my family are not being done with the patience and time that I used to afford them...blogging, designing, sewing, answering emails and comments - they each take big chunks of my time, my attention and my heart.

There was a time when those chunks of my day were filled with other things; things that blessed the ones I love most. I feel that the last two years has seen me rob my beloveds of my available personal touch in their lives. Each of them has encouraged and supported me in my designing and blogging - that's the true measure of how wonderful they are - but I want to slow down now, and really focus on them again.

I need to *be* there, not just physically, but with my full attention to their conversation, to their concerns and their joys; to capture in my memory every laugh, and the twinkle in their eyes when they play a joke on me, to listen intently and know what is happening in their day to day world without forgetting because I'm so busy elsewhere.

Cyclone Yasi did not change our day to day situation - we still have a roof over our heads, food on the table, clothes on our backs, employment.
What it did change, was to open my mind (a needed refresher course!) to the fragility of life, the uncertainty of tomorrow, the need to embrace the ones you love and to pour yourself into those relationships with total abandon. 
I hope you can grasp where I am coming from? 
I am a Keeper at Home, a Help Meet to my husband, a child of God - these are the 'jobs' that require the most of me, and the ones I love above all others. 
~~~~~

This next verse for your Give Thanks hanger came to me after Yasi had passed, but there are many manifestations of storms in our lives - sickness, financial struggles, death, unemployment, homelessness, estrangement from loved ones...the list can go on. 
For me, the shelter through all those storms has been my faith. 
~Verse 3~
 
You can download this mini-quilt verse HERE.
Have you unintentionally gotten too busy and taken a side turn from the things/people that matter most in your life? 
It's never too late to hop back on the right path. :-)
Hugs
Jenny
xxx



41 comments:

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Jenny,

Thanks for the wonderful reminder of where we should be focusing our attention.

I love your verses. Check in when you can.

Take care,

Billie

LindaB said...

"ditto" to billie bee's comments...Home is where your heart is...love your verses also..take care..hugs..LindaB (Vic)

Wendy said...

Kudo's to you Jenny! I love the verse that you chose for this mini quilt.....and thank you for reminding us where our focus should be.....may you grow ever more closer to those you love.

Kris Meares - Tag Along Teddies said...

Hey Jenny! Life can get so busy and hustley without us realising ... add a little bit of busy-ness at a time and we don't notice it building up. It doesn't hurt from time to time for us to take a breath, step back and reassess where we're at and where we want to be. Hope this time of reflection is a time of refreshment for you. There'll be plenty of us around to 'chat' to when you need company - we're as close as the computer, or even a phonecall! :0) Bear Hugs! KRIS

Joy McD said...

Perfect timing with this one, Jenny :) And yes, our priorities of keepers, helpers and child of God are sometimes hard to keep in place when we get obsessed with quilting.. :) I pray that you will find the balance. My word for this year is "Change" - and all those three need attention!
Blessings,
Joy

Anorina @SameliasMum said...

Love this block. Hubby and I met at a lighthouse and he proposed at that same lighthouse.

Inma said...

I understand you very well. Thanks for your comments, this makes me think about my prioritys.

Quiltin' Sandy said...

Hi Jenny, oh for a teacher like you when I was in school. We had a dragon, I loathed sewing, and only took it up years later. She had told another girl she could not wear nail polish to school, and the next day when it was still there, she scraped it off with a razor blade!!!! True story, I still remember that teachers name, her husband was also a teacher at the same school!!!
I am sure you and your students will enjoy your time together. Hugs from Sandy
sandangels1945@hotmail.com

Varga Györgyi said...

Thank you Jenny for this wonderful verse again. I love to see Bible verses in my home, remember us our life is in His holy hands. Praise Him all my soul, mind and body!

Di said...

I hear exactly what you're saying, Jenny. Sometimes we need to just stop and reassess what we're spendimg our lives and hearts doing. I love your latest verse. This little project is such a special one!

Marit Johanne said...

It was very good to read this, Jenny! It is so true and a good reminder for all of us. I loved the verse too. I have only stitched the first yet, because I have been working on one more of the wallhanging. I will send it to a friend that lost her husband at Christmas, I hope it will be some small blessings for her when I send new verses now and then. I love that the blocks have verses from the bible.

May God bless you and your family, Jenny!

Pam said...

Great sentiments Jenny. Enjoy having your family around you before they fly the nest, it comes all too soon. Another lovely stitching design. Thank you.

Floridatjej said...

so glad you and your family are OK after the storm............best wishes

FlourishingPalms said...

I'm hanging my head in shame, feeling terribly guilty about time I'm spending on the computer. I will certainly be thinking twice about that. Thank you for making me more aware.

Your design is charming, Jenny. Every verse is perfect. I'll admit that I'm not making it, and wish I was, but only because the main design has a heart on it. I've never liked heart designs on anything (don't take it personally), and actually abhor them. When I can find a substitute for it, I'll jump right in. You're a sweetheart. I treasure our friendship.

Fee said...

Lovely post Jen, and so very true. Something I think we all should take on board.
Thinking of you all often.
Love and hugs,
Fi x

Sheila said...

Thanks Jenny for the gentle reminder as well as the lovely stitchery to add to our Give Thanks banner . hugs Sheila

Maggey and Jim said...

I know right where you are coming from.. I applaud your efferts and encourage you to your convictions.. Have a great teaching season..Lucky students to have you.. and your blessed family..
Maggey

Allie said...

I love this verse dear one, I might have to do it first! Jenny, I well know what you mean - I'm feeling guilty as well with how much time I'm spending on the computer. ALL of us are on it too much. I think I'll take a page from your book and change things. There will be lots of time when they leave home to sit here.

Good for you on getting a wage, I think you're a brilliant teacher and those young ladies are blessed to have you!

Marsha B said...

You have to follow your heart. Thanks for the beautiful pattern and the inspiration. We will be here read your blogs whenever you have time to post. Enjoy your family and your life.

Dolores said...

I too have been thinking of cutting back on computer/blogging and accomplishing more for my family.
Take care and congratulations on the paying position.

Silvia LGD (Little Green Doll) said...

Love the verse, very inspiring!

kathyros said...

Dear Jenny I absolutely understand where you are coming from, your blog this morning so touched a nerve in my heart. All power to you Jenny, you are following your heart and your convictions and that is what matters most. The family will soon be grown and out into their own lives and you can look back on this time, blessed.
I will keep checking in from time to time though :)
Love Kathy

Heather said...

You will never regret time spent with your family. My son almost died in a car accident a year ago and since that time I appreciate every moment so much more than before. God gave us a miracle and our son fully recovered, just as you came through Yasi safely, and now it is up to us to accept the gift and use our time wisely. Best wishes to you and your family as you enter this new phase of life!

Terry said...

I think it's hard to focus on family in this day in age. Your post is a good reminder to us all! And thanks for this third stitchery! I love it! :0)

Oh Sew Addicted said...

Thank you for the reminder that sometimes we focus on the unimportant things...when the things that are important are right in front of us.

Good luck in your new job

carla louise
www.ohsewaddicted.com

Magalys said...

Dios, que es amor, llega siempre en un momento especial de nuestras vidas. Reflexionar a través de los acontecimientos y corregir nuestro camino... es de prudentes y sabios. Es su trabajo una bendición de Dios y siempre le estaremos esperando. Cariños desde Venezuela.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

It took me losing my job last year to learn this lesson. We all get too caught up in other things when what matters most can suffer and wait in the wings patiently for our attention. It's how the times are I guess. The internet has allowed us friends oceans away when all we ever use to have was friends next door. Somehow though, I'm still glad and truly blessed by the oceans away. ;)
Happy heart to you Jenny. You are truly special to me.
xx, shell

Unknown said...

Vickie sent me an e mail asking if you and I had been talking?? LOL I just told my friends recently that I was taking a sebatical from all the "must" dos...and taking the time for I want to dos!!!! You expressed my sentiments exactly. Peace to you my friend.

DIAN said...

Jenny, I think you will find the balance that works for you and those you love.

I do like to visit your blog so will keep my eyes open to see when you call in.

Good luck with the new job!

Maja said...

I agree in what you said, but blogging also gave me new friends and an extended family. However I think that a better balance between blogging and my family at home will gain much to all our lives!
I´ll hope that you continue to wright Jenny, but that you also feel more balanced in your life!
Love Maja

Bluebell said...

Hi Jenny, thank you for the 3rd verse it is so apt. I read your post and can feel the love you have for your family coming through in great waves, there is nothing more precious.
Love Jillx

Dot said...

Jenny--you have it exactly right. God showed us in the Garden of Eden how our priorities should be ordered: 1) relationship with God; 2) relationship with husband; 3) relationship with children; other responsibilities and relationships (yes, yes, even those at church, and I speak as a pastor's wife!) fall into place after these.

Will we miss your many postings? Well, of course! Don't worry, though, it will make your appearances even more precious, and we'll be right here waiting for your next showing! Blessings as you follow the path your Father has given you.

Dot
dminshall67@yahoo.com

Liz said...

I think Dot(another Pastor's wife) expressed it very well. We need to get our priorities right. Thank you for the reminder. Isaiah is one of my favourite bible books . I have set myself a rule this year. No computer till priorities out of way.
but I do think blogging and encouraging like minded is an important ministry as well.

Preeta said...

Thank you Jenny, for the wonderful verse, You are so right about setting our priorities. Great reminder! But do keep us inspired with your BOM's and tutorials.

Sue from Cyprus said...

Thank you for reminding us where we should be Jenny. This PC lark.... man, it just eats our time away. I have been feeling guilty for a long time about spending too much time on it. Judging from the comments, I am not alone.

Love your verse, I am slowly sewing them all up... pricked fingers and all.

Hugs, Sue from Cyprus x x x

Robin in New Jersey said...

The Home Ec department is blessed to have you!

I for one will really miss you, but your family is your ministry.

Post when you can, and we will all look forward to hearing from you whenever you are able.

Miss Hillbilly said...

I say good for you!!

I have really cut computer time down as well. I mean; what was it accomplishing anyway?

Micki said...

The verse is beautiful, and I totally understand your decision. I may also do that one day. Blogging does take a lot of time.
Micki

PDTE said...

Hi Jenny

It is great that you are getting to go and be paid to share your passion with those school kids. I hope they appreciate the gift you will give them.

We understand the need to 'cut back'. It is great you are 'finding your space' again.

Hope to see you in Brisbane.

Debra

Carrie P. said...

Oh, I need to finish number 2. Just need to bind it.
thanks for sharing a new design.

Wendy said...

God bless you and thank you for a reminder well spoken ... very appreciated. Your blog is beautiful but will be the more beautiful for your spending time where you need to and sharing when you can. Thank you!!