The Sewing Machine - Block 11...now where would the world be without equipment to sew?? Dresses, curtains, bedding, repairs, baby wear, furnishings...it's a true 'maidservant' in our homes and I'm so very grateful to have a good solid machine to help me create and mend in this wonderfully ordinary life.
Baking Essentials - Block 12...when I was a child watching Nana 'whip things up' in her tiny kitchen, it was like magic. How she could take a few plain ingredients and bring them together in a marriage of flavour and lightness never ceased to amaze my little girl mind, and I knew that when I grew up I wanted to be just like her.
So I chose flour and sugar for the final block in this Joy in the Ordinary project in honour of Nana and the JOY she gave me watching her at work in her little home. We never know what little eyes are watching us as we go about our daily chores, but it is important to remember that if they see us grumbling and annoyed about cooking, cleaning, tidying, and serving our families, they will never want to do it when they grow up for it will be to them a burden that makes mummies (or Nanas) grumpy.
Nana showed me there was JOY in caring for Pop and I, and her little home, so I grew up knowing this was the life I wanted one day too. And God blessed me.
Use the links below to download the free patterns -
Like the first pattern in this series, I chose another Scripture about God being our light in the darkness. So many of us see the world through an ever darkening lens, and it can sometimes be a trigger to fearfulness and anxiety about what's going to happen in the months and years ahead.
But God will always shine His Light to dispel those emotions, if we just trust in Him, look to Jesus - the true Light which came in to the world - and rest in His promises.
As I said in my previous post, I do not know whether I'll continue blogging in 2025..and from today I am taking an extended blogging break for possibly a few months, or even till the end of the year, when I will have an answer for you all. So there will be at least one more blog post later in the year to share what direction the Lord is taking me in...and I am prepared for that to mean the end of the blog, if it be His will. The thing is, until I walk away for a good while, I will not know for sure.
Use the link below to download the second free Promises pattern -
(the first pattern is HERE)
In regard to answering the questions which have come through in emails or comments, I have emailed many of them this week with my responses, but there's a few which I was unable to answer that way so here they are...
Q: How do you make the closure on the button bracelets?
A: As the bracelets are made from felt, I only needed to cut a buttonhole through the felt as felt does not fray.
Q: What Bible do you read?
A: I read a number of translations, though I do not read paraphrase Bibles. Mostly I read the ESV, NKJV, CSB and the CJB.
Q: How do you study the Bible?
A: I read it. Every day, slowly, with a concordance to learn the exact meaning of the words. I also read the Bible in context, so I ignore chapters, but read through in the way it was written originally (with no chapter or verse or headings) to discover the full meaning of a passage/message, which can sometimes run for many chapters without a break.
My husband and I also use the Complete Jewish Study Bible, and the Jewish New Testament Commentary, both which are compiled by Messianic Jewish scholars to teach in depth the meanings behind many of the events in the Bible, especially the New Testament and the teachings and miracles of Jesus as understood by His first century Jewish audience.
For example - after the feeding of the five thousand the disciples gathered up twelve baskets of bread scraps. Over the years I have heard numerous sermons and teachings on this event, each one spiritualised in one way or another, but the simple purpose for that gathering up is that according to Jewish law in Jesus day, the destructions of food was prohibited. In feeding the 5000, our Messiah honours the edicts of Judaism by stating, "Gather the leftover pieces so that nothing is wasted."
These are wonderful tools for really opening up the New and Old Testaments. Here's an interesting observation about the woman with an issue of blood...
Q: Am I still using spelt flour for my sour dough?
A: Not at the moment. Spelt grain is four times the cost of local wheat grain.
Q: Is your sour dough starter made from Spelt?
A: Not anymore. Just regular milled wheat flour.
So my friends, this is a good bye for a while. Let me pray for you...
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for every kind and caring heart which has been revealed to me through this blog over the past fifteen years. Thank You for bringing us together, from far and wide across the globe, to share our lives, our crafts, our recipes, our ups and downs, our prayer needs, and most especially our love for YOU.
Lord, in my absence, may you grow each dear woman here, and myself, closer and closer to the truth in Your Word, and to your Son.
May we shed all those things that hold us back from walking in the bright Light of Your ways, and fill our hearts to overflowing with HOPE, gratitude, repentance, kindness, self-control, courage and selfless love.
May we have Your purpose for our lives revealed each new morn, that we may know just how unique and lovingly created we are by Your design, no matter how many years have passed behind us.
Use us to Your glory, Lord, and keep our minds fixed on the promise of Christ's return so that we do not become foolish and let our lamps go out.
May every heart here know that YOU are God, the God who saves, the God who cares, and the God who sent His precious Son to die for us.
To Him be all Glory and Honour and Praise forever more...
Amen
From my heart to yours...
your friend, and sister-in-Christ,
60 comments:
Thank you. May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family!
Thank you for all that you have shared with us over the years. Take time to recharge both inside and out.
And to you as well my friend - enjoy your rest and I rejoice in the plans he has ahead for you - big Hugs
Thank you, and God bless you and your family. I have so enjoyed reading your posts. They always inspire me.
Dear Jennifer. I have enjoyed reading your blog for nearly all of those sixteen years, hearing of your many experiences and changes along the way. You have brought so much joy with your writing, crafting, cooking and outlook on life. Whatever you decide to do, do it for you and those closest to you. Wishing you and your family all the best.
I love your blog Jenny and I hope you don't mind me asking for your advice about this video I was recently led to watch about the different bible translations. I am relatively a new Christian and would very much value your opinion. I've included the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avG0piVeYiQ
God bless you, Kim
I’m going to miss you Jenny. May God bless you and your family richly as he reveals the new plans he has in store for you. Thank you for all of the joy and inspiration that your patterns bring to me.
Thank you Jennifer. Enjoy your break and I look forward to hearing from you later in the year. Your posts will be missed. Stay safe and well. xx
Dear Kim Sara, I have read many, many versions…and you know what? God could speak to me through any of them when I needed Him. It’s okay to stick with one version when you are young in the faith, because what’s most important is that you read your Bible every day, not rushing through, but praying first and asking God to reveal Himself to you through what you read. Gods word, in English, is a translation…if you can’t read Ancient Greek or Hebrew, and not many can, you’ll never read it ‘exactly’ as it was written. So just lean in to God, for He is ready and waiting to reveal truth to you as you study your Bible. God bless you!
Jennifer- I just want to thank you for your sharing of yourself. On the 18th of June, a fire destroyed our home. Since that time I have felt that the Lord was speaking to me through your blog and newsletters - reminding me of His love for me and His continued watch care over me and my family. Since that fire, I have seen His hand at work, but in that first painful time when I couldn’t see anything for myself, your communications comforted me and I will surely miss that. Thank you for being the hands and feet of our Savior.
Jennifer, thank you so much for sharing the love God has for all of us. Much as your blog has meant to me, as well, I admire you for allowing God to direct the course of your life into 'uncharted waters'. May He bless your every step.
Love, Lilian
Thank you for sharing your wonderful family, pets and home life with us for these years. The added bonus of your beautiful patterns also make it special. Take care of yourself, we will miss you and hope to see your posts in the future, if not just do you, you deserve it.
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you !
Thank you for keeping us updated, in the loop, regards to your blogging and newletter future . It's much appreciated , also piece of mind , kowing you are opening a new door while softly closing another.
Big big hugs
Joanne
Thank you for your blog and patterns. Enjoy your free time without blogging. Enjoy your grands. They will learn a lot from you. I have learned a lot from you. Blessings.
Thank you so much for everything you have shared in the years that I have followed you. Not just the free patterns, but your prayers and scriptures that seem to fit the moment everytime. You are appreciated and will be missed. I will be watching for new posts and hope that with some time off, perhaps you will feel rested and refreshed. Take care.
Selfishly, I will miss "visiting" with you regularly, but please know that I am so blessed that I found your blog and signed up for your newsletter so many years ago. You have been an inspiration. God is definitely using you and you shine the Light so beautifully. I pray that He will bless you and your family. Take care my friend.
Karin
Phi. 4:13
Jennifer, you left me hanging with the quilt. How would you finish this. I’m not generally a quilter and am confused as to how to finish this. Would you just sew the squares together add batting and quilt or add some kind of sashing between the squares? Help! I know how to do the binding so that’s good. I know you want to be done but and I respect that but I’m sure more than myself need a little guidance here. Can you give it? Thank you and once again thank you for this wonderful blog!
Hola Jennifer. Leo con un poquito de nostalgia este post que podría ser el último. No tengo otro sentimiento que el de gratitud hacia ti, que has sido para nosotras una fuente de inspiración tanto para nuestros corazones, como para nuestra creatividad. Guardaré con mucho cariño los archivos que nos has compartido a lo largo de todos estos años y en mi corazón tantas palabras lindas sobre nuestro Señor y las recomendaciones para ser cada vez mejores seres humanos.
Descansa y la decisión que tomes, la sabremos aceptar. Gracias por tanto.
Recibe un fuerte abrazo desde Maracaibo, Venezuela
Dear Jennifer,
I do not comment frequently, but I always enjoy coming here and reading your words that reflect your focus on God's glory and your life as a creative person at home.
May God continue to bless and guide you, and may His constant love and grace fill your heart and mind and soul.
Many thanks,
Lorrie
I always enjoy reading and seeing your beautiful work. I hate that you may stop blogging but I understand it can become tedious. You will be missed but I hope you surprise with a blog every so often to let us know how and what you are up too. Hugs and God Bless
Thank you Jenny! I always look forward to your blog posts! Your generosity has been so special in so many ways. You will be missed, but I do indeed understand life moving us on. God bless you! :)
I have been following along since 2008 - many seasons of life ago for both of us! Your blog has always been a source of enjoyment, and a lovely way to see the Lord in a different light. Thank you for all that you've shared with us these many many years. You will be in my prayers!
Good evening,
I wanted to thank you again for all the lovely embroideries, photos and biblical texts you've given us over the years.
I haven't been following your site for long, but I've enjoyed your articles immensely. I live in the south of France, but I was particularly sensitive to your texts, which were very good for our morale and spiritually.
Thank you for all you've shared with us over the years: prayers, photos of your grandchildren, recipes, etc....
God bless you and protect you and your family.
Anne
I wish you peace and good health as you rest. I will miss you and your words of wisdom.
Hi Bobbie, I wrote in the pattern for block 12 about finishing it. :-) Bless you!!
Will miss your blog posts dearly. Enjoy your rest time from the blog and may you find the answer you are searching for. Thanks for all your patterns and just being you.
Your blog will be missed. Through the years you've made me appreciate homemaking and I now take pleasure in doing so many little things that I just wanted to get done in the past. I will be reading your old post again while you are taking a break. I hope you continue in the future, but will understand if you don't. Please take care and you will be missed in my life.
Dear Jennifer, You have been such a blessing to me for many years now. I have many of your precious designs through the years being in your Club. May God richly bless you and yours as you have blessed many of us!
Thank you! I will miss you and your wisdom.
Jennifer, I just wanted to tell you, how very blessed I feel that I was led to your blog several years ago. I missed many of the 15 years but I tried to read as many prior posts as I could. Your writing truly is a gift from God. It opens my heart to so many thoughts and desires to follow God and His plans for my life. Your inspirational designs that you have created are so calming and beautiful. I know I will never be able to complete each and everyone that I have acquired, either freely from your graciousness to all your followers or purchased from your ETSY shop, but I shall enjoy the quiet times I spend doing my best to complete each one. I will miss your blog posts, but I surely understand your need to step back and reflect on what God has planned for you. May your days be filled with all the "ordinary things" that a good life can bring. Blessings to you and your family.
Dearest Jennifer. Thank you so much for all the patterns, recipes and comments you have made over the past few years, since I have found you. In your time away from your blog posts, I wish you days filled with calm and the joy of home and family. Take care of yourself and God bless. xx
Although I have only found you in this past year - thanks you for all I have read of your writings - it has been a blessing to get to know you, and see your commitment to God and obedience to Him .
May you find a greater measure of the peace that passes all understanding in these next few months
Blessings
Maxine
Jennifer, what a blessing you have been and how God has used you. I pray refreshment, reinvigoration and a double portion for you and your family during this time of "come aside". Perhaps we will see your heart and musings again in the not too distant future.
Dear Jenny, you have no idea what you have meant to me over the years. Seing your sms pop up always cause a smile and a warm feeling. Your creativity, generosity, love for the ordinary, commitment to family; and mostly your love for our Lord Jesus Christ, have inspired and encouraged me. The Lord has used you mightily without you knowing. May he continue to uphold you in faith, may his presence fill you with awe and joy. And may your love abound in all you undertake. God bless you dear friend. Love, Erna.
Dear Jennifer, I und, our times are in His Hands! You are doing what is right listening to His prompting. Thank you for your ministry and support and help all these years
I don't think we will loose touch! Mark and I were reading your txt from the Jewish Bible on our way to Dublin! Very interesting. I might buy one! Much love Every Blessing. Have a good rest? Well deservedxx Mary-Lou
Jennifer, I too, join the others in thanking you for all the blessings, thoughts, helpfulness, creativity, photos shared over such a long time. You have taken us into your home, garden, family, mind and especially your heart; and we are better for it. Your investment! Yes, your mission field! Continue to do what God asks. God bless you richly. Hazel
Darling girl - I love these new designs, may we all continue to find joy in the ordinary! Of such moments a life is made. I am praying for you, that the Lord will gently lead you in the way that you should go. I just adore that picture of you and Blossom!!!!!!!! Love you!
Dear Jennifer, thank you SO much for everything. God bless you and your dear family. xEsther (the Netherlands)
May the lord be with you and your family at all times times. I shall miss you Dearly my friend
What a joy it has been to read your blog for all these years. You have always been an encouragement. It has been an honor to watch your family grow and to pray for you. Over the years, your embroidery patterns have been used for gifts and to cheer up my home. I will miss your posts more than I can tell you.😢 Take good care. You are a blessing! Robin in New Jersey
Thank you for the years of blogs, Bible quotes, and beautiful patterns. You have been an encouragement to me and to many others. I will miss you blog and newsletters. Will you keep your etsy shop open? There are still patterns I would love to have but cannot get them all at one. Some of the Bible verses I have printed out smaller, colored them, and hung them were I could see them and some by the front door.
Thank you for all the years of blogging. I have been following you for 15 years. I was home from work on maternity leave in July of 2009, and was scrolling through the internet and found your blog. I immediately subcribed my daughter is now 15. I am saddened for your departure not for but for me because through all these years your newsletters and posts have brought me so much comfort. However, I am very happy for you, I know that what ever God has waiting for you will be just as wonderful. Thank very much for your time and inspiration.
Dear Jennifer, Thank you seems an insignificant word to use to express my gratefulness for your faithful blogging over the years. Personally God has used your situation to mirror many of the things happening in my life to provide comfort, encouragement and biblically based direction. Your talent to amplify the importance of the Proverbs 31 Woman in our modern world and treasuring our heritage and legacy from our mothers and grandmothers
has been a blessing. May the Lord bless you ( and your family), and keep you and make his face shine upon you and give you peace. MIZPAH from Faye
I have enjoyed your blog for many years and thank you for all you've shared along with way. You have many talents and use them in a way to enrich lives from your faith, homemaking, crafts and love of your family. Your posts are far reaching and you will be missed. Wishing you well and I look forward to hearing from you later this year.
Dear Jenifer, Yes, you're a sweetheart.
I found out about you through my research on embroidering Bible verses on Pinterest almost two years ago, when I discovered Post Cards. Since then, I've been embroidering some and I took the liberty of translating them into Portuguese and teaching some friends from church. It's been a blessing to share with them what I've learned from you. This month I finished embroidering a panel for my 5-year-old granddaughter with some cards with promises that she chose. Since I've never written on a blog before, I don't know if it will work, but I'll try to send a photo. I can not, sorry.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for everything and may God reward you for all the good you've done for all of us.
Love from Wanda - São Paulo - Brazil (sorry for my google English 🥴)
Milá Jenifer, jste neuvěřitelně inspirativní žena.
Roky sleduji váš blog s ve svých 71 letech se stále učím nové věci a dovednosti. Máme spoustu společných zálib a dovedností. vždy mi bylo s vámi moc hezky. Přeji vám ať se vám ve všem daří a hlavně ať jste zdravá. Budu se těšit až se zase ozvete. Jiřina Česká republika
Dear Jennifer I shall miss your blog post very much. You have been a constant encourager in my life for the past 14years even though I don’t comment very often. There have been many times when I have needed exactly what you have written. God blessed me when he led me to your blog. I understand your need for refreshment and time listening to what God is leading you to do. May He continue to bless you and your precious family as He guides you not this next season if your life. Thank you so much for sharing your life through your blog. Be blessed beyond measure xxx
Jennifer, I have loved and enjoyed your blog for years. You have encouraged and inspired me. I wish you all the best and I am looking forward to when you return to your blog. You have given so much to your readers. I pray for you and your family. Thank you so much for all your time and efforts that you have done. Many blessings to you, Terry
Thank you for the love and encouragement you have shared on this blog. Often just the word the Lord would use to encourage my heart. I am grateful for having found your blog and the encouragement shared. Thank you so much!
-Texas
Dear Jennifer, I have never been prompted to send a comment to anyone on a blog until today. I cried when I read your last blog. I felt so, so sad at the thought of never reading your blog again. I look forward to it everyday and when one shows up, I am thrilled. I have made countless projects from your patterns for myself, and for many gifts. Everyone is always so thrilled. Some were from your freebies, some were purchased. Every time a new pattern shows up I feel like a child in a candy store.
Your recipes are wonderful and I feel as though a friend is sharing them with me. I truly feel you are my friend
God has been with me my entire life , but since I lost my husband recently I have enjoyed your words of wisdom even more.
I know that I am being very selfish but if you have a good rest and recuperation and still feel a little pull to continue you will make a lot of us ladies very happy. If not all the time, maybe just once in awhile to catch up with all your friends and maybe a pattern occasionally. We all love you.
We would miss you terribly. I think that is all. Thank you for all the joy you have brought to my life, I hope it will continue.
A very grateful lady. May God Bless you
I lost my husband 2 years ago and you have helped me by reading your God
I
Thank you for all your love, teaching, encouraging and the beautiful patterns over the years. May God bless you and your family in abundance. 💕💕
I will so miss you and your blog as it has brought such happiness into my life. I hope it is just a break and not forever Jennifer. God blessed you into my life. Belinda
Thank you for all the beautiful patterns that you have shared over the years. Thank you for always being obedient in sharing the Word of God with us every month. May God direct your steps in this new season that you are about to enter and may He lead you by still waters as you seek His face for the future. Take care and stay blessed. Love from SA
Ciao Jennifer I started crying at your last post, but I respect your decision. All the other ladies before me wrote what I would like to say. You are a great person. God bless continues you and your family. Thank you for everything, for all you wrote and said, and your pictures...
You are a beautiful person inside and outside:-))
Big, big, big hugs and kisses dearest,
Miriam from Italy
Oh no. I am so sad. Mum will be too! I hope after a break you might share again. Meanwhile I'll just email you! xxx
I will sure miss your postings but certainly understand how you must feel after 15 years of regularly blogging. I always loved seeing your beautiful needle crafting (I do counted cross stitch), all designed by you. What a gift you have. I think the thing I will miss most is your sharing your faith and what it means to you. It has been such a blessing to me. Just today I went to a half price book store and bought the Complete Jewish Study Bible. It was just brought into the store yesterday to be sold...what a coincidence. :) I look forward to growing in my faith by learning the backdrop of so many of the things I have learned over the years. May God bless your next venture. Diane
James W. Foley > Quotes >
“Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.
Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's joy a-circling yet,
And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.”
― James W. Foley
Hi Jennifer,
After reading all the comments, this poem sums it all up :)
hugs, take care,
Joanne
God bless you, dear one! You have truly been the light of Yeshua shining out to all of us!
Beautiful pretty blocks. Love, love love the pic of you and Blossom!!! Very interesting reading from those pages. Impressed.
Hola Jennifer, desde hace años sigo tu blog que ha sido una ventana que siempre proporciona paz y ayuda en momentos difíciles. Te agradezco mucho la ayuda que he recibido. Seguiré guardando los trabajos que has compartido y seguiré haciendo algunos de ellos. Muchas gracias , cuídate mucho y espero que en algún momento puedas volver a publicar y tengamos noticias tuyas.
Te envío un abrazo muy fuerte desde Barcelona (España)
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