Category Archives: Crafty Mama (or Daddy!)

Mar 18 2013

Hello world, take two!

For the child we each are…cheers!  May your road be blessed, as you journey to an understanding of yourself, others and the world around you.  Peace :)

I first published that sentiment, October 3, 2011, as a way to break into the  world of journaling with technology. Reflecting back on my blogging beginnings, I do not appear much different, physically, emotionally or spiritually. At the most, I wonder why I publish such intimate thoughts.

I have continually asked myself what I really want to accomplish on my WordPress site? If I go down the list of personal interests, rarely do I encounter posts written on quilting, cooking or gardening. I want to change that aspect of our experience together. Of those three activities, which do you participate in? Quilting? Cooking? Gardening?

I notice I delve quite a bit into my spiritual being, but I am not reaching the audience to the extent I had hoped. I have longed to encounter hurting people looking for answers to some of life’s most difficult questions. To have a dialogue with believers and unbelievers about what life has taught and provided each of us. What can you share? Do you have a blog? Feel free to ad a link to the comments so we can find you.

There is never enough time to spend with our dearest friends and dearest passions. I want to be able to reach out to those who need a gentle hug, an understanding, a heart of love to pave a new road for their tired and worn feet.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

If you do nothing else today, for yourself, a stranger, or a friend, be reminded that time is fleeting. Store up for yourselves not things that rot, rust and can be stolen, but treasures that endure for eternity. I sincerely pray that we are able to spend more time together, if not in person, enjoying a favorite beverage, at least through the waves of air, light and speed. Technology often feels like a barrier, but we can conquer our fear by interacting and sharing life. Feel free to drop a line. Be brave. Ask. Inquire. Let us learn and grow together.

©jeannelizabeth

Dec 27 2012

In our despair comes HOPE!

Our country is in trouble. The world is in trouble. What is the Lord Jesus’s advice?

John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”

What a beautiful reminder that God is in control. Over and over I am reminded of this, yet in my flesh I try over and over to make things better, but all these things must happen before He returns.

Come Lord Jesus!

Still, not in my strength, but in HIS, I was moved by the Sandy Hook tragedy. I felt that same drive to run or fly to those in need as when I heard the news of my brother, but with no sense of direction, I sat still, mourning. We are either paralyzed with fear or set in motion by hope. Hope that God is in our midst during our despair. The following Sunday morning brought inspiration to take the scrap cloth that has amassed in my sewing room and mend my heart and pass my creation onto someone in need of love.  I had wanted to send this quilt before Christmas, but like all my projects, there is only so much time. Indiana’s snowstorm, yesterday, gave me the much needed time to spend with my beloved family as well as heal some more for lost innocence. December 26, 2012 was a great day to finish the project.

DSC_0005 DSC_0001

It is finished! This quilt will go to Wheeler Missions Women and Children’s Center in memory of Sandy Hook victims. I heard of the love outpouring and the city’s wish that further gifts be given towards others and I will fulfill that wish.

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

That is my prayer for you today. Shalom! ©Jeannelizabeth

Nov 14 2011

The year was 1974

Eva was poor. Her family did not have much and the Christmas party at school was approaching. My classmates and I had drawn names after Thanksgiving break and Eva had picked me. Everyone teased that I would end up with nothing. My heart grew anxious and I feared they would start to edge me out of the “hip” group.

“Everyone pass your presents out to whomever you picked.” Miss Wiggles was never very friendly, even for a teacher. We nicknamed her that for Miss Wiegel, but we all secretly thought her a witch.

Eva handed me the hand-crocheted, dish-detergent based basket. It was yellow and cheery, but I could hear the girls snickering in the corner. As I undid the crocheted ribbon, a little doll with a yellow knit dress lay at the bottom. I liked it. I did not speak or look at the girls in the corner of the room. Even as a child, I knew it had taken Eva’s grandmother some time to make that gift and I cherished it. Still in my head, the giggles pierced my heart and it broke in two for Eva, who was obviously embarrassed by the gift. It was not store bought like everyone else’s present.

To this day I find myself thinking back to this third grade moment. It really was just a moment. Much has taken place since then. I remember Eva in high school. She had a boyfriend, Shane, and I do believe they ended up marrying. I often wonder how their life turned out, if she knows Jesus, and if I were to see her ever again, would I tell her how much that gift meant to me. It was clearly a gift of love. I think most of all, I would give her a hug.

This was the closest thing I could find on the web that resembled my purse… http://crochetit.blogspot.com/2010/01/free-baby-youre-star-cradle-purse.html

Now imagine it is all yellow, with the bottom of a dish detergent bottle as a base, and the rest crocheted.

Acts 20:35 (NKJV) 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” What of the women who gave all she had? Was she not more blessed than all the rest? In some ways she was. Sometimes people say it is the thought that counts, but I like to think it is the sacrifice you make to bless someone else which honors God. Have a Merry Christmas!

Oct 6 2011

Help! I’m making a mess…

Has your child ever said that to you? “Help! I’m making a mess.”

Like me, you might have said, “Don’t make a mess!” “Clean up your mess when your done!” or ”I’m not cleaning up your mess!”

I sometimes find I need to clean and organize in order to create. There is something about a clean piece of paper that frees me from all inhibitions that crowd my soul. As God created the world He moved from the large picture to the details. I think I’ll try that next time I attempt to write a short story or novel.  Go from the big picture down to the minuscule.

Food for thought: When Horton heard that Who, the world around him laughed, but Horton knew the visible scenery does not make the invisible obscure. Jeannelizabeth©

Feb 4 2011

Valentine’s Day Treat

I just found something easy and quick to make for someone you love.   Simply click the wreath…  Heartwreath

 

All things old

Are new again

They begin their life with me

Grandma’s teacups

Pictures of mom    

Baby shoes worn

Stories, pictures, memories

Life comes alive

Grandma’s smile

Mom’s hugs

Children’s wet kisses are felt

All things old

Are new again

They begin their life with me

Our 25th anniversary

Comes and goes

I stand and look in the mirror

For a moment I’m lost

And found again

When the whispers of God resound

Teach your children

The way they should go

And when they are old…

All things old

Are new again

They begin their life with me

Love letters wrote

A nativity set

Quilts so lovingly sewed

Stories, pictures, memories

Life comes alive

I set them out

For all to see

Touch, smell and dream

Sweet promises

Of Jesus’s peace

Envelope our every day

All things new

Are old again

Life begins with you