Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Molly came to stay



Whilst digging around on the internet trying to find inspiration for Christmas gifts, I stumbled upon this pattern and Molly just had to come for a visit. Now she was intended to be a Christmas gift for Miss A, but I was sprung and she would not let Molly go. Right now she is fast asleep with Molly Monkey tucked securely under her arm.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Summer apples


I've had this material in my stash for a long time and last night thought it time so sew something with it. Sadly my first attempt failed as the dress was miles too big and is now part of my 'to sell' pile. I was rather disappointed though and so very late last night I made another, smaller version with the left over fabric. This one fits much better and Miss A. loves it. Perfect!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

3 things I am loving right now

Everyday there is so much to be grateful for. These are but 3 of the things I am loving right now:
1. Watching things grow. My veggie patch has become a real place of joy and peace and when we 'harvest our crop' there is a real sense of accomplishment.


2. The things my kids say. Today Mr T said to me; "We have to do it everyday, you know." "Do what?", I asked. "Eat ice-cream, everyday." How could I resist?

3. The quiet at the end of the day when the kids are in bed, the kitchen is clean and the television has been turned off. With the days filled with so much noise and busyness, the quiet is a real reward.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Big bib




After much searching I stumbled across one roll of PVC coated fabric at Spotlight. I am so excited, so I got straight into making a large bib/art smock for Miss A. It is super easy (thought the binding is a little time consuming) and just what we need.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Gifts

Our Bible Study group has got a secret sister program, where we commit to pray for and look after one member of our group for some of the year. The idea is to remain anonymous but through little notes and gifts to let the person know that they are being prayed for. So far I have been rather hopeless at sending little gifts, so I thought it time I get my act together.

I found this tutorial online for a little reversible handbag and I just had to try it. What a lovely simple pattern that worked wonderfully. I am quite pleased with how it turn out and will be sure to be making a few more for gifts.

I also tried my hand a making a stitchery. For some reason I have never made one before and found it quite enjoyable even though it is by no means perfect. The pattern of the little house I found online and the Bible verse I just printed up and traced myself.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Treasures

Over the last couple of months I have been really thinking and wondering about abortion. I am troubled, concerned and deeply saddened by the ease with which children's lives are and can be ended legally and easily in Australia. While this is an issue that is close to my heart I do not feel qualified to write about it. By God's mercy I have not been in a situation of abuse or violence nor have I ever had an unwanted pregnancy.

I have, however, had 2 'unplanned' pregnancies. Pregnancies that according to my timetable were to soon and that interfered with my plans and my (perceived) ability to cope. I know the feeling of dread when you realise that a new life has been formed and the responsibilities that come with it. I know the shame wondering how I could let this happen (a thought born out of the mistaken believe that we somehow have power over life and death). I do not for a minute propose that I understand how somebody else with the same news felt, because my situation is different. My husband is loving and supportive, we are healthy and there is a stable income.
What I do know for a fact is that everyone of my children is a blessing. Every time we thought we wouldn't cope, we have. The Lord has cared and provided way beyond our wildest dreams.

I have been reading a very powerful book by Sarah Williams called The Shaming of the Strong: The challenge of an unborn life. It is her story about finding out that the child she was carrying would not live beyond birth. She powerfully tells of the decision to carry the child to term despite major health issues and a tremendous amount of pain. In her final chapter she writes this:

"She was an unexpected treasure. She appeared at first to be the loss of hope and the disruption of all my plans, but through her, God came close to me again, wild and beautiful, good and gracious, strangely familiar but infinately exciting...Cerian was, by the world's definition, a weak thing, but the beauty and completeness of her personhood had nullified the value system to which I had subscribed for so long."
Tonight I do not want to debate about when life begins or point fingers and cast blame - there is enough of that in the world. I simple want to suggest that these unplanned children that we choosing to get rid of, are all unexpected treasures. What if (had I not been convicted otherwise) decided to abort one of my untimely pregnancies? I tear-up at the though of not having known my girls and the richness and joy they bring everyday. It would have been treasures lost.
I have friends who are not able to have children and who are struggling to adopt because there simply are not enough babies placed for adoption as a result of our high rate of abortion. Treasures that are lost that would have been loved and cared for by people like my friends.
I you are reading this, facing an untimely pregnancy, I want to encourage you to seek an alternative to abortion. There are many great websites out there that provided fantastic information that will help you to understand the choice you are facing. I am no expert, I am just a mum who was and continues to be amazed by the gift of my children. When I thought we wouldn't cope Jesus provided hope and continues daily to uphold us by his love and mercy. He cares and loves you and your little one more than you will ever know.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"
2 Corinthians 12:9