Thursday, May 22, 2014

The mending of self...

In the late afternoon I was embroidering the free stitchery design I'd printed up for yesterday's tutorial, and a few things came to mind as green thread became leaves and pink petals appeared between stitches...
I thought about the words.
Make Do.
In sewing terms, and frugal living, it applies to being content with what we have on hand; the things that don't need to be purchased or sourced, but are right now in our possession and at our disposal. Making do with what we already have.
And Mend.
To repair, make useful again, restore purpose to - give a purpose to.

I looked beyond the practicality of the 'make do and mend' in my stitchery as it applied to repairing things and being content with what is on hand, and I thought about how these four little words were speaking into my heart.

Being authentically human on a blog, with all my failings, fears, triumphs and struggles, isn't the easiest thing to write about, and yet it's me being me with you, my readers.

For 18 months I've been going through a period of brokenness and in that time I've gradually withdrawn from my handful of friends and tried harder than ever to fill the ever widening cracks that appeared in my heart with the busyness of work.
Somewhere in this minefield of emotions I found it helped me cope...I was gathering more stuff to occupy my time so I could cover my grief with overfilled hours of 'doing'.

But then I started stitching this simple little block yesterday and the words went deeper than practical instruction and into the realm of emotional direction.

It's time for me to step back for a week or two and take in what it means to 'make do' with what I have right now in this precious life God has given me, 'and mend' some of the painful cracks that have been covered over with far too much enterprise this last year and a half.

So for the next little while, the blog will be still and quiet as I gather my thoughts, slow down, make do, and mend.

If you're going through your own time of trial, this is for you... {{{{{{hugs}}}}...perhaps you also need time out to make do and mend.

Jenny
xx

50 comments:

Narelle said...

Good on you for realizing the words make do and mend were speaking to you. We all sometimes need to make do and mend as life is not so simple as it use to be. Hugs to you and see you back when you have made do and mended.
Hugs
Rell xx

tink's mom said...

Prayers for you to mend. We'll be here when you are ready.

Rhonda Cafe said...

Sending warm hugs Jenny xoxo

Christine M said...

Sending you hugs, Jenny. We'll miss you and will be here when you get back. Christine xxx

Melody said...

Take care my dear friend

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenny, thank you, great stitchery, as you say lots of meanings not only with our material things,(though I have been trying to use only what I have accumulated craft materially), anyway can understand and relate to what you say. You have been very busy doing and sharing so much, time for you now, take care. Big hugs.

Anonymous said...

Jenny, I missed the ending, Big hugs, Judithann :-)

Jacqueline said...

Best wishes for a speedy balance in your heart and mind

Clothesline Club said...

May God help you find your inner strength to fix the cracks in your life. Thank you for all that you give, share and provide for us. You are such a talented giving women. You are stronger than you believe. I look forward to reading an updated post somewhere down the road when your heart is full again. God Bless!

Susie said...

All the best.

Larissa said...

Huge hugs sweetie!! Take care of yourself and yours - we'll still be here when you're ready to return xxx

Outback Crafter - Debra said...

Thank you Jenny. Thank you.

Jacqui S. said...

God bless you.

Heleen Groot said...

Life is about celebrating. I hope you find your reason to celebrate in your time out. I will miss your posts, though! Thank you for your words, they resonate.

Julie said...

Hi Jenny ... I hope you find your "Make Do And Mend" in this time you are taking. I am so pleased you are taking it as you give so much to us all out here in blogland & I feel so happy & blessed that I came across your blog & all that you share. Thinking of you & sending hugs & positive wishes your way dear heart. I am sure we can all relate to this post in some way. Take care Jenny & we will sure be here when you feel like returning x0x0x0x

Victoria said...

Hi Jenny. I'm also through my own time of trial, you're not alone. I wish you the best luck in this moment and hope to read you soon again. Love!

Thoeria said...

I always find your words reaching deep into my soul.....thanks Jenny
{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}

Ana Clara said...

Deus te abençoe! <3

Little Penpen said...

((hugs)) I'm trying to mend, too. <3

Tammy said...

Sending love to you today. And I totally understand needing this time. Thank you for being who you are and for sharing so much of your life with us. Although we will probably never meet in real life I do consider you a great friend and mentor and look forward to all your words of faith, wisdom and encouragement. Blessings to you and your family

Patricia said...

Jenny, Thank you for all you do and share on your blog. It is always encouraging and educational.
Your faith comes out all the time. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your cares upon him, for He careth for you.

Colleen's Blog Long Island NY said...

Keeping you in my prayers Jenny. Hugs to you.

kátia Nascimento said...

Lindas palavras, assim como vc Jenny eu tenho vivido isso criar , criar com o que tem por não poder comprar se refazer e estar feliz com o que tenho sem deixar que a situação me dominem a estar infeliz pelo não poder . Também sou cristã amo meu Deus e louvo a jesus por poder ser serva mas também sou mãe, esposa, filha, etc e quero ser tantas outras coisas mais, mas temos os nossos momentos e que o Pai nos trata e nos cura e nos ensina a estar felizes com o que somos e possuímos sem perder o seu real valor, Obrigada por compartilhar a sua experrência conosco e vou sentir a sua falta mas estaremos aqui ti esperando e orando para essa nova e linda jornada de sua vida.Beijos e graça e paz Amada.

KimM said...

This phrase has a lot of meaning for me, as well - especially since losing my dear, sweet mother this past November. Thank you, so very much, for this post and pattern.
xxx

suz said...

brilliant! I planned to stitch this up this weekend, but I think, like you, I need to take stock of what needs mending in my life - thanks for that little nudge! God bless, Jenny, on this part of your journey.

Christina said...

Your stitching came out lovely. Hugs and prayers that your time away will help you.

KaHolly said...

Your in my thoughts.

Retalhinho Chic said...

Wonderfull!!! Vy

Robin in New Jersey said...

(((((Jenny))))) Take all the time you need. Your emotional/spiritual health is the most important thing! You have given us enough projects to keep us busy for a year! You are loved and being prayed for every day. Keep the faith!

Lin said...

Love and prayers coming your way Jenny. xx

Anonymous said...

Philippians 1:6
...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ...

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jenny: Isn't it wonderful to know that our Lord mends our hearts and minds! You will be in my prayers daily. I can't wait to hear what God has done!

Jusmom1 said...

Jenny, I wish you healing. I, too, have been "floundering" recently and as a result have pulled away from my own little blog. Today I was feeling a little nudge to head back into my sewing room and think I may plan a bit of quilting for this weekend. Maybe... I will see where God leads me. Take care of yourself. We will be here when you return.
Linda

celkalee said...

Dearest Jenny, I know all too well how unsettling it is to loose your center, your strength and flounder. Working through difficulties has always worked for me too but there are times one needs to step back and reevaluate our lives and priorities. Take care dear heart. It will come.

Sheila said...

Take care Jenny , a great quote for times when life throws us a few curves . I hope your rest will restore your spirit . God Bless .

Victoria said...

You have a great blog following who are behind you all the way. Take all the time you need!

quiltingtaylormade said...

Hi sweet Jenny -- It's so important to take of one's self and own needs. For someone with depression I'm amazed at your energy level and how much you accomplish. I too have major depression and low energy. God dealt me a card on Monday that I was completely unprepared for. My little terrier mix dog, Chi Chi, has been losing weight and threw up blood on Monday. It all happened so fast and he was miserable so my husband and I made the decision to put him down. He was an older dog and had had a wonderful life with us. I am sorry that you have had a heavy heart and pray that God will wrap His arms around you and give you comfort, strength, and a calmness that you certainly need and deserve. Don't worry about your blog....your readers and followers will be here when you return. Just look inward and be good to yourself. You are a talented, energetic, Christian woman. I wish you great success in your self discovery and finding your path. Love and hugs to you my friend !! Tay

drMolly, the BeanQueen said...

And a thank you from myself, too.

Annette said...

Take care Jenny, catch up with your friends over a cuppa, we all need our friends. I' just spent time this afternoon with a friend who is needing help. Maybe ease back on your Blog, we are all getting bogged down with technology

Águida said...

Dear Jenny, I'm going through a phase that takes time.
Time to think, time to reflect, time to cry .... and most importantly, time to fix!
The biggest problem is that the clock time is cruel and sometimes need time to match the beats of our hearts. This is the hardest!!
Wish calm, quiet days and you can hear your heartbeat.
Your soul will be happier!
We will be here forever!
Kisses and tight hugs.

Aguida

Mandy Currie said...

Hello Jenny, I don't write very often but have always had your blog on the top of my list, especially since you started sharing your Christian faith. It has helped me and soothed my soul on many a day. God bless you as you take a break, you work hard and deserve a holiday. I hope you heal well and I will be keeping you in my prayers. Kind regards Mandy

Nanci said...

I've been missing my stitching a lot and feel like I spend/waste so much time on the internet but was glad to be here today and read your post. Take time to mend and we'll all be here for you when the heart lightens. God's blessings and prayers to you.

Barb said...

Now and always, thinking of you. Lots of hugs and love.
Barb xoxo

Robyn ann said...

❤️❤️❤️❤️ Wishing you a gentle time resting and becoming renewed with health and feeling happy. Today is going to be a Good Day and tomorrow will be a little better. Hear from you when you feel ready dear friend.
Many hugs and love from
Robyn

Lynn - JnL4God said...

Jenny - Here are a few scriptures for you. Remember most of all - God is with you, He will never leave you. Hugs Lynn

1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Anonymous said...

Jenny, as I read your words my heart was and is quite tendered for you. Eight years ago I was an active participant in life. Working as a hospital chaplain, with two teenage sons and a hubby, and lots of volunteer work. Life as I enjoyed it came to a screeching halt because of several medical issues. Spent 8 years in a wheelchair, being told I would never walk again. God thought otherwise, and I am on my feet. Still in the chair for long periods on the feet. I thought I was never going to recover from the sadness. My sons left the nest, my body was against me, and I felt useless and helpless. I always knew God was good, but didn't realize how good He is even in the bad times. My prayer for you, as you journey through this period in your life, is that you will ever more rely on the One who gives peace, Grace and so much love. I have a photo of myself leaning back in God's mighty hand under his everlasting wings. That you also rest in His palm, that you see so much of His glory surround you that you will be strengthened and encouraged moment by moment. I pray that you will feel His love in all that you do. Take the time to rest in Him, let Him heal your heart, strengthen your soul and saturate you with His healing. Love to you today and everyday. --shannon

Abby and Stephanie said...

Reevaluation is a necessary thing. I'm in the process and as doors close, windows truly open. I learned this from Maria on Sound of Music. :o) Happiness to you always.

Thank you for the printing on fabric tutorial.

Julie said...

Jenny, we love the same Lord and He loves you more than anything. You my prayers and if you need a shoulder just email me at jcayemberg at gmail dot com. I will pray with you or for you and as specifically as you like. Your art and your gentle reminders of what is truly important in life have brought me great comfort when I feel like I am a pilgrim in an unholy land. Thank you for giving of yourself and your gifts. Blessings, Julie in America.

maggie said...

Sweet Jenny, so many have said exactly what is in my mind to say but I lack the eloquent "finishing" that is sooo touching. Just know that way over here in the States, I am one with you in prayer and reflection too. I only wish you could feel the warmth of my outreaching hand and if I were there, the biggest huggie ever! You are doing the right thing and going in the right direction. Remember the little saying about leaving your problems with God and He responds that he won't be needing your help with them? Well, this is the time. Just rest, think happy thoughts, pray and let Him guide you. Some things we just can't do ourselves. I know you will trust in Him. Will be anxiously awaiting for you to come back but all in good time. God bless you sweet Jenny. Sending much love Dianne Houston, Tx USA

Unknown said...

As I mentioned in a private email to you ... you are always in my prayers and everything in God's time and in His season. Rest in him and let him lead you by still waters. We'll all be here when you get back. :) Love and hugs from Ontario Canada.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Thank you, Shan - what an inspiration you are. xxx