Sunday, January 16, 2011

Sometimes it's not about starting on a certain date, but when it feels right...

In view of the rush of emotions felt world-wide over the devastating floods here in Australia, in Brazil and also Sri Lanka, I just felt this morning that is important for all of us to remember that in spite of tragedy and loss there is goodness abounding in the world.
Neighbours, neighbourhoods, strangers, estranged friends and family, agencies, governments - all joining together under one banner. To help one another. My friend Joy said this morning that in the midst of all that is still unfolding with the floods, there is a silver lining - people are coming out of their own lives and entering into the lives of others because their hearts are filled with compassion and a desire to ease the burden and help carry another's yoke in some small or immense way. 
For those who have lost loved ones, homes, belongings, income, peace of mind...we pray that you are surrounded by those who love you, and that you allow them to carry you when you cannot walk any further. 

Today I am going to share the first stitched verse to hang on your "Give Thanks" BOM. 
The more I think about it, the more I realise that not everything in life needs to be planned, nor does a plan need to be fixed in place. So, I'm going to be sharing these verses for your "Give Thanks" hanger 'whenever' I have one for you. This may mean we end up with 12 or 20 over the course of this year, but each one will be from the heart and a genuine reason to give thanks. 

 
 

You can download the pattern for Verse 1 : 'for those who love us' HERE.

These verses and the hanger will be a permanent free download, so don't worry that you will miss any of you're unable to check my blog at any time. They will be listed in the sidebar.

Thank you for all the lovely arms reaching out across the world after my last blog post. You are treasured in my prayers today. Let me show you some Christmas gifts that have only recently arrived, in perfect timing actually, from two of my sweet friends in the USA.
Carrie made me the sweetest ornament (a bird - I adore birds!) and sent some Christmas fabric that I cannot wait to use, plus other little blessings as well...

She also sent this little bundle for Blossom - I wonder how she knew that Blossom just loves Hello Kitty!?
The other late arriving Christmas gift was from Michelle. Customs had ripped into the box, but as it was resealed very well.  I think they, like me, were in awe of this beautiful vintage glass ornament...
It hangs on my little bead cupboard now, all safe where I can keep an eye on it. 
Carrie and Shell, {{{thank you}}} - you girls bless my socks off and I am so appreciative of our friendship that just grows and grows.

Hugs
Jenny
xxx

26 comments:

Allie said...

Ah Jenny, always a treat when I see a post from you - this first stitched block brought tears to my eyes, it's just so timely. In the midst of such tragedy, is there anything more important that those who love us. Thank you dear one, your heart shows through every word and every creation.

Your gifts are just beautiful - isn't it lovely to have friends!

Susan said...

I think maybe it was a good thing that your presents were a little delayed - they seem to have lifted your spirits. Thanks for the early release of your block - and it is just so appropriate when so many people have lost their homes. Bundles of love to you

Maria McCabe said...

Oh what a wonderful sentiment and perfect verse. Thank you so very much for this.
Maria

Marit Johanne said...

I started on the wall hanger yesterday, now I will hurry to get it ready so I can make and hang on these wonderful words. My thoughts and prayers are with your country and people.

Denysem said...

Thanks Jenny,
arrived in good time, as a caring soul.
Here in Brazil we are going through a difficult time, but I appreciate my friends are well and solidarity of the people.
Hugs

Bluebell said...

Hi Jenny, thank you so much for the stitchery it is lovely and so apt. Your words are so true, there are some lovely people in the world and they always show themselves when there is trouble and they are needed. You are one special lady.

Love Jillx

KaHolly said...

I love how the wallhanging turned out! It's nice to see it in completion with the verse hanging in its proper place. I haven't made mine yet. Love your little gifts. Carrie and Michelle are so thoughtful! Your post today was lovely. Your gifts go beyond your genius with the needle! ~karen

Mama Pea said...

It is very cute! I started on mine last night. Good timing! Thanks!

Lis Harwood said...

Your thoughtfulness is awesome. I am so glad to be able to sew the little wallhanging and add it to my Give Thanks project.
We seem to be presented with far more bad news than good, maybe that's what sells newspapers or advertising space. There's always good to find if we look.

Terry said...

Love the saying on your first hanger Jenny! Thanks for sharing this! :0)

cottonreel said...

Jenny , nomatter how fast I sew I cannot keep up with you .--cottonreel

edyB said...

Your gift to us is (as always) wonderful. Thank you.
We are all sending good thoughts your way for you, your family and friends to be safe.

Farah said...

Its my first visit to you and I am so happy to found you, beautiful combination of cute emboridery and such a neat stitching... very lovely, useful and cute projects...
I am going to follow you to know more about your creative posts
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Jenny,
I've posted a parcel this afternoon.
I hope a few ladies get plenty of enjoyment out of it.
Hugs,
Anna

Kathy in New York said...

Thank you so much for your gorgeous designs and a treat I will enjoy making. Putting them all in a binder together this year will remind me how fortunate I am to have my sewing room intact unlike so many who are without safe shelter. Keep on inspiring us all.
Kathy

Miss Hillbilly said...

Thanks so much for these verses. I was going to continue it anyway after a year so I am glad that you are. I have a dear sweet friend that I am sending one too...and wanted to send her new verses from time to time. I am NO designer yet so I am quite content to wait on you. :)

Joy McD said...

You and Joy are so right about the silver lining, Jenny... As I said in my last post on my blog, I have been having trouble putting into words my feelings about all that was going on. We helped clean up a bit yesterday and the floods nearby and I was so encouraged by the many, many voluneers, young and old, willing to help out.
Love your new block and think it is a great idea to have it come out "whenever the Spirit leads" :)
lv,
Joy

Jytte R said...

Thank you Jenny for your beautiful pattern.

birgit said...

thanks for your wonderful post! god bless you for your words! glad that I stopped by - always nice for my eyes and my heart.

Michelle said...

Thank you for your beautiful message.

manda said...

Oh Jenny, it is beautiful how much you love each other! In this way I hope your children see your relationship as the type they want for themselves and won't settle for anything less! I hope your daughter and SIL are alright.
Sophie is GORGEOUS!!! I had a Sophie kitten once, but she was a foster kitten and was adopted. She's grown into a wonderful and happy cat in her new home. I still miss her sometimes. You know every sewer needs a cat or two, now you have one!!! Welcome to the world of the cat-ladies!! lol
Your Shabby roses in blue will look wonderful!!
Your Garden Fence design is gorgeous! I love the tea cozy, you should make a matching toaster wrap and mug rugs!
Looks like Blossom loves her new pillow!! I also adore that bird fabric!
Now remember, Don't tell God how big your problems are. Tell your problems how BIG God is!!! And my favourite verse, Jeremiah 29:11.
Stay safe my friend.

Carrie P. said...

I am working on my Give Thanks hanging. I just got my sewing machine back from being serviced and now I am in the process of putting it together. Love the first little verse.
I am so glad that your package arrived.
I do like that glass ornament you got.

Marit Johanne said...

Thank you for the very nice BOM. I have now finished my wallhanging and the first verse to hang on. I love it!

Margaret said...

Well Jenny you have done "it" again , given something freely that could not go without attention. I have made the wall hanging and the first verse Thankyou.

Carrie P. said...

Jenny, I am finishing up my give thanks hanger and was wondering, Did you put wadding/batting in the little "house"?
Also, do you have any tips on sewing the ends of the binding together on the little "house" I had a time trying to connect the 2 ends at and angle like I normally do.
Thanks for your tips and time.

Claudine said...

Que tout est beau ! Bonne journée