Arts Cuts ~ Not In Our Churches

With the news full of the devatating cuts in the Arts Budgets affecting orchestras, dance, music and art all over the UK, it's lovely to see the continued growth of encouragement for the use of Arts in worship in churches.

Lent series ~ Intimately Aquainted with Me ~ Masterpiece

If you want to read more about this then please look HERE on my blog Hallelujah Joy or  look at the whole on my Lent Series

Lent series ~ Where you are is where I belong ~ Laura Woodley

If you would like to know more about this song, then look at This Post on my other Blog Hallelujah Joy or look at the whole of my Lent series

The Creators Colour Palate ~ 365 Swatches Of Sky

So this is it.  The culmination of over a years work.  One photo per day of the sky from my workroom window.

365 swatches of colour created by a most tallented and amazing artist.

Lent series ~ Psalm 139

I have just written a blog post for my lent series based on Psalm 139.  It features the lyrics by Towan Greene.
You can see the post HERE. or you can look at all my lent series posts HERE

Powering The Future

Seeing the horrific images from Japan this last week, and knowing that not only do these thousands of affected people have to face the rebuilding of their lives, they willl also be facing aq very incertain future regarding the  nuclear issue. The radio active emmisions pouring out of the damages reactor builidings may well continue to pour health issues on those same people and further afield for decades to come.
Looking at our power needs in the UK, I can't help thinking as I have done for many years, that turning our backs on wind / wave and solar power is plain stupid. I find it so selfish and annoying when people object to having the turbines cited near them.  Rather a turbine than a nuclear plant!
I really think we should be embracing the natural power that is avalable to us.  I would rather see turbines all over our nation, than the vast expance of desolation that a nuclear accident would afford.
This is only our world to borrow, we are custodians and need to look after it for future generations.

Lent Series ~ O No, You Never Let Go

If you want to know more about this song, look at this post HERE on my blog Hallelujah Joy.  You cann see all my Lent series on Psalm 139 HERE

A Conundrum

This household is not an upto date household.  Our phones have cables, our computers have cables and the term "Bluetooth" sounds like the effect you get from using disclosing tablets.
Anyway, in the persuit of privacy, one of my boys was bemoning the fact that he can only call his girlfriend from a room that everyone insists on walking through, and wouldn't it be a good idea to buy a roving phone .... not quite sure what they are called. Yesterday whilst doing the shopping I bought such a phone and brought it home.
Sadly, we are now in a situation where the phone cable box is at one side of the room and the electric plug socket is on the other side of the room, so it's absolutly no use until I go shopping for an extension cable. I'm now debating whether to extend the electrics or the phone cable.

What Am I?

I've just filled out an online survey.  In it I was required to fill out my "Religious Affiliation" there were two options available for me (not being athieist agnostic,of another faith or post modern ~apparently that's someone who hates being labelled), so my two options were "Christian - Anglican" or "Christian -other".
In the end I used "Christian -Other" and filled in the details "Multi denominational Christian"
Currently I worship in an Anglican Ecumenical Partnership with Methodist Church.  When we originally moved to this village (when I was 11) It had three Churches. Methodist, URC, and CofE, and if you go further back in history, there was a Presberteryan church before the URC. Over the years, the congregations have changed, aged and depleated.  In the end, I think the Methodists were down to 9 elderly people (although young at heart!) and their church building was tired and they joined with the Anglican congregation.  It's a partnership that works really well.  The communion service is sometimes the Methodist one, sometimes the anglican one and is sometimes led by a Methodist superintendant and sometimes an anglican vicar.  We use chalis's or small glasses.  No one seems to mind at all.  I for one embrace it.  Our congregation is large.  It's made up of a huge range of ages from 2 weeks to 90+.  We have within it Methodists, anglicans, Baptists, free church, and probably more backgrounds than that.
From being a tiny babe in arms until the age of 15ish, I was brought up in the Baptist faith.  Church for us, usually meant a long journey to a nearby town.  As a small child it was "Just what we did", I never thought about it particularly, but it was annoying to be too far away to be in volved in mid week events like the girls brigade etc. Over the years we moved around and I experienced many differing Baptist Churches, I've been to Fire and brimstone ones with banging on the pulpit and no toys on a Sunday type rules, small mining chapels (with a lovely lady who would make the children gingerbread men with white icing decorations) and more modern ones in run down areas where the services would frequently have youngsters jumping on the roof  during the service (quite a frightening experience).
When I was about 14, a friend of my mum and dad in the village where we lived started a youth group from the local Anglican church.  It took place on a Friday night and we (my brother and myself) were invited along.  We were still attending a Baptist Church 13 miles away, but met with the youth group on the friday.  At that youth group, for every service you attended you received a point to save up for a bible.   I had two or three bibles, but I was really narked that my attending at a Baptist church didn't count for points as I was attending every week and I'd have soon got my new bible!
I've never been quite sure what happened next, but all of a sudden, we started going to the local Cof E.  At first it was really  awkward with the parading out for communion and the liturgy, but eventually we began to feel at home and I began to lead a Sunday school class.  I approached the vicar and asked him if he would perform an adult baptism (aka Baptist style!).  He ummed and ahhed and in the end agreed to on the understanding that I would be confirmed.  I agreed, but I was really cross as I felt that he didn't understand
what the Baptism meant to me.  So there it is, I was baptised in a Baptist style baptism in a friends swimming pool, by an Anglican vicar and then confirmed in the Anglican church. (incidentally, many of our young people choose that form of baptism and it now takes part in a paddling pool in the Church grounds, (it used to be within the church itself until one poor lads feet poked right through the side and caused a huge surge of water to cover the church.
When I left home and moved to the outskirts of London to work as a nanny, I tried out a Baptists church, a free church, but eventually settled in a Cof free style with a fabulous supportive youth group for ages 18-23.  it was just what I wanted and I really enjoyed my time there.  I used to catch a bus, or one of the people would give me a lift there, but again, i was back to travelling to church.  I moved jobs and decided to go to whatever my nearest church was.  It was a CofE, and I spent some happy times there.  I also met my husband there and we were married.
We moved into a village suburb in a wealthy area (we were the poor relations!) We went to our local parish church and it was dire.  The services and the congregation were traditional to say the least. It had a large fully robed choir and a full set of bell ringers. After a few weeks of attending, I noticed one day that we were going to be singing "shine Jesus shine", I actually got quite excited at the prospect, some modern music, but my excitement was short lived as the choir led the song at quarter of the speed it needed to be sung at.  We persisted in going, but it was a chore and very easy to find an excuse to miss it.
I did meet "living" Christians around the village in the playgroup etc, but they weren't in the two local churches.

It was at that point that I vowed that what ever my local church was be it modern, traditional, high, low, Methodist, baptist, sally army etc, then that is right where I would be.  I don't need a badge of affiliation, I just need a "part of the community" one.
11 Years ago I moved back to the village I spent most of my growing up years in.  The church has come a long way from the formalish CofE it was.  We are reaching out into the local schools and recently appointed a youth leader to work with local churches and in the local senior school and feeder primaries.
There are problems for me with all the main denominations and whilst I consider myself a member of them whilst I am worshiping in them, I do have issues with all sort of bits and bobs, For example, I don't agree with a royal family (unelected) and so how can I  accept one of them as "the head of the church" and as for what comes next ~ hey ho anything goes! (perhaps I'll save that for another day!
I think to summarise, I shall pinch our churches statement for myself
My aim is to be a Caring, celebrating, worshipping, proclaiming and growing Christian presence in the village and the world..

ACEO ~ Cross On A Hill

I love the colours and simplicity of this beautiful fabric ACEO created by 2stitch with applique and free-motion quilted background. 
It measure 2.5 x3.5" and comes in a protective sleeve.  You can purchase it HERE

lent Series ~ Footprints in the sand ~ Leona lewis

If you want to know more about this song, then look at THIS POST on my blog Hallelujah Joy, or to look at all my lent series on Psalm 139 look HERE

Necklace and Earring Set ~ Vintage Rose

This is the quintessential English Rose inspired jewellery set.
Each bead Has been selected to compliment one another in this beautiful floral necklace and Earrings. Small floral glass beads and enhanced with the use of deco green and pink toned beads. Silver coloured accent beads enhance the necklace.
The necklace measures 48cm (19") at it's longest setting and 42cm (16.5") at it's shortest setting The drop measures (3cm) 1.25"and is fastened with a an extender chain and lobster clasp.
I can adjust the length should it be required.

The Earrings are created with matching beads and are on silver plated hook findings although should you require a stud topper or a clip on topper, they can be changed.

The necklace and earrings will be supplied in a gift bag.   Available to purchase HERE

Lent Series ~ Even though you know

If you want to know more about this song, then look HERE at the post on my blog Hallelujah Joy.  You can catch up on all my Lent series studying Psalm 139 HERE.

lent Series ~ Footprints

If you want to know more about this poem, then look on my other blog Hallelujah Joy at this post or to see all of my Lent series study of Psalm 139 look HERE

Thoughts ~ Pray for Japan

I've seen the horrific images of the earth quake and subsequent tsunami in Japan and am now reading that the tsunami is arriving at other destinations.
So many of us know people in those areas and it's a very frightening time for everyone. 
At this moment one of the most popular trends on Twitter is #PrayforJapan.
 I'm one of a whole load of people praying for the rescue and safety of all those effected. How blessed I feel to know that I'm not the only one.

Knitting the Royal Wedding

It's not often that Kniiting hits the headlines, but today it has.  This fabulous hand knitted wedding has made the front page of the papers.
The book of patterns is called Knit Your Own Royal Wedding and retails at £9.99. To order a copy for £8.99 (p&p free) call 0845 155 0720 or see www.ivypress.co.uk.
The patterns include: Kate, William, Harry, The Queen, Prince Philip, Rowan Williams, Prince Charles and Camilla and the corgies.

Lent Series ~ Your Love ~ Oslo Gospel Choir

if you would like to know more about this song then please look HERE.
You can see other posts in the Lent Series HERE on my worship blog Hallelujah Joy

The Garden ~ Spring

Out in the garden, things are starting to happen.  Little green shoots are pushing there way through the soil and what was, for so long bare soil, is beginning to get ready for an explosion of spring time colour.  So far only the pansys are in flower, but the bluebells, daffodils, tulips and other plants are coming to life.  The buds on the raspberries, blueberries and blueberries are beginning to poke out of twigs.  The cherry tree's have tiny tiny tight little buds on them.
I cleared the veg patches of the weeds that had sprung up over the winter.  Now I have a blank canvas of soil for planting vegetables and my sedds are all waiting to be planted.  I think I'll leave it another week as bad weather is threatened.  I still get funny looks as people walk by and see I have a huge veg patch instead of green lawn at the front of the house.

This years list includes:
Carrots, lettuce, beans, Kale, Salad greens, Parsnips, Squash, cabbage, spring greens.

Lent Series ~ I cannot hide from You

If you want to know more about this song and the Lent series then check out my other Blog Hallelujah Joy

The loss of a pet ~ Mopsey Bunny

Once upon a time there were two little bunnies called Flopsey and Mopsey (very unoriginal, I know!).  Sadly now htere  is only one.  Yesterday there were two, but when I went out to see them this morning, there was only one. Mopsey (with white ears) died sometime last night.
The rabbits came to live with us 5 years ago.  A chance remark in the playground one day about how my kids would love a pet, yeilded the offer of two rabboits, a cage and a run.  At first I didn;t believe the offer and sort of passed it by, but a week later another mum came up to me and said that the offer was genuine.  The rabbits had previously been owned by the lady and her two daughters, but after the initail attraction, the girls had lost interest and the mum wasn't the rabbbit type! (she was scared of mice coming etc .... how right she was! SEE HERE) So the buunies arrived one day with their fantastic two storey hutch and their run and their escape tunnel that allowed them day and night access to the run.
To start with the bunnies were very skittish.  They hadn't been held much, but after a few weeks and several scratched arms and faces later, the larger of the two Flopsey was enjoying all the fuss.  Mopsey remained a little more reluctant and so it was largely left to me to handle her.  During the summer the bunnies would come into the house to play.
Last Saturday Mopsey lost the reluctance to be handled, I think she was probably getting tired and sick, but she didn't resist being picked up.  Yesterday she spent much of the day snuggled in the straw and then this morning when I went out, the two bunnies were snuggled together, but Mospsey was clearly not there anymore.  She's now burried in the garden and I know that when the children get back from school / work they are going to be very saddened at her passing.

You Are My All In All ~ Hillsong

Shrove Tuesday ~ Pancake Day

Enjoy your pancakes.
Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday (the start of the preparation for the celebration of Easter in the Christian Church known as Lent).  It can be as early as 3rd Feb and as Late as 9th March because the clelbration of Easter is based around the cycle of the moon.

The term shrove tuesday is derived from the word to "shrive" ~ seek absolution from sins through confession and penetance. It's usually a day of high spirited fun before the more sombre and subdued preparation for Easter.  Traditionally Lent is a time of self deprivation, fasting and focus on the meaning of Easter.  For this reason, Shrove Tuesday is also known as "Fat Tuesday".  In order to avoid the temptations of a rich diet, the sugars and fats in a household were used up by making Pancakes.  This meant that through the period of lent, the temptations of sweet and fatty food were removed, making the process easier. 

You can find a step by step guide to making pancakes HERE. 

Or you can cheat by going to your local shop and buying a packet mix!   My personal tip is to make sure your pan is smoking before adding the batter mix.

ACEO ~ Cockles and Muscles

 

Original artwork in acrylic and ink by Karen Clark

Cockles & Muscles ~ Sweet Molly Malone
Rainbow shells

Signed dated and titled on the rear of the card. presented in a celephane sleeve.

Size 2.5 x 3.5 inches collectable artwork
quality card base. Available to purchase HERE

I Stand In Awe Of You

You can read more about this song Here on my blog Hallelujah Joy

A Plastercine Garden

Westminsters homeless ~ Johann Hari ~ The Independant

This is another article regarding the criminalisation of feeding the homeless in Westminster London.

Previous posts can be read HERE

Earlier this week, the Tory-run Westminster Council, one of the richest in Britain, announced a ban on sleeping on the streets, or feeding anybody who does. They say giving Steven food only “encourages” him to be homeless. So on Tuesday night, I went on one of the soon-to-be-criminalized soup runs. I walked around the neon warrens of the West End – through the theatre-throngs, and past the fancy fashion stores – with two volunteers from the charity the Simon Community.

Cynthia Jameson and Mark Jones know by name all the homeless people they give soup, sandwiches and coffee to. They know their anxieties, their foibles, and their jokes. There’s Steven. There’s Greg, who believes he has discovered a cure for malaria, but the UN has stolen and destroyed it. There’s Andrew, shivering with heroin-withdrawal. There’s the Chinese man who can’t speak English but smiles with gratitude as he shovels five sugars into his tea. And, these days, there are new faces every time they come. Phil is a 27 year-old who has only been out on the streets for three weeks. “I worked in construction for twelve years, but this recession is so bad now there’s just no work,” he tells me. “I couldn’t pay my rent, so I got chucked out. I never thought this would happen to me. I’m so ashamed.” I tell him the Tory council believes he is “encouraged” here by the free food. He looks down at his sandwich and asks softly: “What planet are they on?”

Cynthia and I pause outside the Covent Garden Opera House. With the light reflecting in her eyes, she shakes her head and says: “How can they make it a crime to show kindness like this?” 

Westminster Council is taking this action pre-emptively because they know that rough sleeping is about to sky-rocket as a direct result of David Cameron’s policies. To understand why, you have to go back a few decades. One of the symbols of Thatcher’s Britain was the Cardboard City that suddenly appeared in every town. But then they largely vanished. It wasn’t by accident. The last Labour government did some appalling things, but the homeless charities agree they had at least one remarkable achievement: they brought the number of rough sleepers crashing down by a startling 75 percent. Why? The specialists agree: Labour set up a dedicated Rough Sleepers Unit, and lavished money on it. Homeless shelters became well-staffed with professionals who had the time to listen, and the money to get homeless people the training and support they needed to start living a decent life again.

Now all that is being dismantled. David Cameron is slashing the money that is given to local councils, who have the legal responsibility to house the homeless – and the result is entirely predictable. Cornwall is slashing its spending on the homeless by 40 percent. Southwark is slashing it by 50 percent. Nottingham is slashing it by 70 percent. Across Britain, services for the homeless are closing. The ones that remain will have a skeleton staff, opening and shutting the hostel doors but not providing the long-term support that actually gets people off the streets. I couldn’t find a single person in the field who believes Cameron’s claim that volunteers will make up the difference – or even get a tenth of the way there.

This is being done at a time when the number of people needing those hostels and that support is set to sky-rocket. Some 90,000 single tenants and 82,000 families are facing eviction from their homes because of Housing Benefit cuts. Some will end up on friends’ sofas, or in emergency B&Bs. But a lot will end up on the streets. More and more people will be scrambling for fewer, feebler shelters – and all the Tories can think to do is try to ban people from feeding the victims. Their only hope is to turn our media into a Murdochracy, where the real news will be drowned out by an orgy of blaming the victims. Even people unmoved by basic human sympathy can surely see that all this is a recipe for a crime explosion.

James Cummings knows better than anyone what Cameron’s policies will mean. He was a manager in pubs and hotels all his life, but after his marriage broke down, he found himself glugging his way into severe alcoholism. He eventually lost his job in 2008 and ended up under a bridge in Elephant and Castle. He was found by a government outreach worker. She linked him up with a government-funded charity who took him in, got him a hostel bed, and got him training in IT. “Now I’ve got a good job and I’m paying taxes,” he tells me with justified pride, “but Cameron? is cutting to ribbons all the services that turned my life around. The hostel that took me in has closed now, and the charity that got me my training is facing huge cuts [in its grants].” So what would have happened if you had become homeless this year, in Cameron-Land? “I’d still be out there on the streets,” he says. In fact, it’s unlikely he would have lived to see this day: the average life expectancy for a homeless man is 42, and he is 50.

None of this is happening out of financial necessity. All of these cuts to services for the homeless could have been stopped if Cameron had moved one figure on a spreadsheet: if he had taken the £1bn in taxpayers’ money paid in bonuses to RBS bankers, and ringfenced it for the homeless instead.

At the end of the soup run, I watched Steven walk off into the darkness, trying once again to outpace his grief – and I glimpsed the skyline of the City of London glinting in the distance. The people in those towers caused this economic crisis. They crashed the global economy. But they are richer than ever, partying like it’s 1999 with our money – while the chance of Steven getting a bed for the night, a bowl of soup in his stomach, or a path back to a normal life is being stripped away. Why is David Cameron punishing him for their crimes?

 Johann Hari ~ Independant

See What A Morning ~ Stuart Townend & Keith Getty

If you would like to know more about this wonderful song then look at my other blog Hallelujah Joy

Homeless in Westminster

A few days ago after reading about the Westminster Council outlawing feeding the homeless and making it an offence to sleep rough in Westminster, I wrote  "I was Hungry and you fed me",

Today more of the press are taking up the cause and this is what The Guardian's Stephen Bullivant has to say: (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2011/mar/04/homeless-victoria-london-westminster-bylaw)

If the "big society" means anything, then Victoria on a Monday night might seem a strong contender. At around 10pm, a minibus rolls up loaded with crates of sandwiches and still-warm hard-boiled eggs, urns of tea and homemade soup, bags of fruit, and sacks of donated clothes and bedding. Also inside are three of Mother Teresa's nuns, the Missionaries of Charity, and a handful of others – university students, young professionals, retirees – drawn from across Greater London. After a short prayer, food, clothes and (perhaps most importantly) conversations are distributed to dozens of the borough's rough sleepers and most vulnerable.

This service is just one of many such volunteer-led initiatives, faith-based or not, doing what little it can to alleviate the depth of poverty and loneliness in one of the richest cities on earth. Just as Mother Teresa herself did in the slums of Kolkata, the Lambeth-based Missionaries of Charity saw a need, and responded to it. They receive few, if any, government and council grants or subsidies. Those helping them – including, I am proud to say, several of my own undergraduates – make no expenses claims. The Victoria system is, moreover, very efficient: those who need it, know when and where to come. And on other nights of the week, the same caritas (a word which, let us not forget, means "love") is provided by different groups.

Surely, this is the "new culture of voluntarism, philanthropy, and social action" that the prime minister claims is his "great passion"? Yet it may also be, if members of the Tory-controlled Westminster council have their way, about to be outlawed.

The proposed by-law would forbid a person either "to lie down or sleep in or on any public place", or "to distribute any free refreshment", within the confines of a large charitable no-go area west of Victoria station. Offenders could face fines up to £500. Lest that all seems a bit draconian, a handful of exemptions to the "distributing free refreshment" rule are mercifully proposed: these include sporting events (in case the London Marathon needs to be diverted slightly?), and businesses offering free samples of their wares (though only next to their own premises).

Westminster reportedly has the highest concentration of rough sleepers in the country. Banning them is certainly one way to make the problem go away: at least as far as the next borough. But I doubt if there are many spare hostel and sheltered housing beds in neighbouring Kensington and Chelsea. And as Victoria's dispossessed are displaced once again, what is there to stop a domino effect of councils effectively outlawing homelessness?

The justification for banning charity, meanwhile, will be familiar to all those who help, however infrequently and inadequately, the homeless. Feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, and even welcoming the (asylum-seeking) stranger, apparently merely encourages them. (That's the bit that Jesus forgot to mention.) Giving money to the poor keeps them in poverty. Just as it is the benefits system that creates unemployment, and not unemployment that necessitates benefit, so too – by the same callous logic – it is charity that produces homelessness, not homelessness that gives rise to charity. Yet delicious though their soup is, and pleasant company though they undoubtedly are, it is not the Missionaries of Charity who are keeping people on the streets.

According to Cameron, "We do need a social recovery to mend the broken society". Reading Westminster's proposed bylaw – a symptom of a broken society is ever there was one – I'm convinced he is right. But if that is indeed "what the big society is all about" then his fellow Tories have, as my mother would say, a funny way of showing it.

ACEO ~ See What A Morning

Original artwork in acrylic and ink by Karen Clark

Inspired by the song "See What A Morning", by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, this Easter ACEO depicts the dawning on the sun on Easter Morning with the empty cross symboising hope for mankind.

Signed dated and titled on the rear of the card. presented in a celephane sleeve.

Size 2.5 x 3.5 inches collectable artwork
quality card base.
Available for purchase from HERE

And the winner is ..........

The winner has been drawn at random and is ......... Womble aka Kokokelli.

Thank you to everyone who entered.  I'll be having lots more giveaways soon, so keep your eyes open.

I Surrender All

If you want to read more about this beautiful song, please look here where I have written about it on another of my blogs Hallelujah Joy

Necklace & Earrings ~ Waterlily

 This necklace has been inspired by water lily ponds, the blues and greens of the water with all it's relections and the stunning crisp white lilys floating on the surface.

This stunning necklace is created with beatiful lucite glass floral beads in frosted white , these floral beads are interspaced with a selection of coloured glass, gems and assorted pearl beads in a myriad of colours. The beads are all individually wired and connected to the each other
This necklace is perfect for spring or summer.

It measures 20" (51cm) at the shortest, but can be extended to 22" (56cm) with the use of the full extender chain.

I can adjust the length, should it be required.
The necklace closes with a lobster clasp and extender chain.

The earrings are created with a selection of the same beads. They are currently on hook tops, but can be changed to post tops or clips.
The necklace & Earrings will be supplied in a gift bag

Available to purchase HERE

The Sheep and the Goats ~ Keith Green

Yesterday I posted about The Westminster Council banning Charities from feeding the homeless.  You can read the details HERE.  I received a comment from Debbie and she directed me to this track which I have decided to share today.  It's a version of Matt 25 which I quoted on that first post. It's a fantastic rendition
by the late Keith Green who's music still has a real ministry all these years on from his death.

ACEO ~ Snowdrop

Snowdrop in the snow

Original artwork in acrylic and ink by Karen Clark

A beatiful snowdrop in the snow

Signed dated and titled on the rear of the card. presented in a celephane sleeve.

Size 2.5 x 3.5 inches collectable artwork
quality card base.
Available to purchase HERE

For I Was Hungry And You Fed Me

 I was shocked to read this report yesterday regarding the banning of charities in the London Borough of Westminster, running soup kitchens for the poor and homeless.  The council also want to  make it an offence to sleep rough and they are proposing to cut £5 million from the budget to fund hostels.
Westminster council, one of the richest in the land, wants to bring in a bylaw making it an offence to “give out food for free”, punishable by fines. The twisted move blows apart David Cameron’s Big Society boast that an army of ­volunteers will flock to help those worse off.

Reverend Alison Tomlin of the Methodist church in ­Westminster said: “The proposals are nothing short of disgusting. This bylaw punishes people solely for their misfortune and belongs in a ­Victorian statute book, not the 21st century.”

But Westminster’s Daniel Astaire risked provoking further fury by declaring free food “keeps people on the street longer”. He added: “Soup runs have no place in the 21st century. It is undignified that people are being fed on the streets. They actually encourage people to sleep rough with all the dangers that entails."

When did these so called policy makers look at the Bible.  It speaks clearly of the duty of those with, to give and care for those without.  Ideally there would be no homelessness, no metal illness, violence and abuse and poverty  that have led to the huge number of homeless on the streets, but while there are homeless, there needs to be support and love shown to them.

“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.

 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.  For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

  “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?  Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.  For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’  Matthew 25 v 31~45.

Don't forget the Giveaway....

Don't forget to enter my give away to win a bespoke necklace and earring set made to your own specifications.
Details HERE closes on Friday

Hallelujah Joy

I have several blogs, I really enjoy writing them, but sometimes it becomes a chore and the joy goes out of it and so I take a break. 
Last night I had a conversation which reawakened a desire to post on my Christian Worship blog Hallelujah Joy.  I would love it if you took a look over there and spent a few minutes lost in the wonder of the music and lyrics.

Craft Juice Tuesday ~ In the garden

An acrylic artwork by Clootielugs, painted in acrylics painted on card.  I love the vibrant colours and the natural  positioning of  the plants.

Every garden needs birds, I have chosen this stunning plate designed by Catherine Reece.  I love the simplicity of the birds and the great use of colours.

This decoupage box has been created by MJanePurcell.  It would make a cheerful gift holder.  I do like the pencil coloured drawings.

And what garden would be complete with out  a gnome or two.  This cheeky pair can be knitted (ok I accept they are not entirely suitable for your garden) from the pattern by Fresh stitches

Fire Heart Pendant

 
This stunning glass heart is beautifuly made. It contains goldstone and metal leaf. The effect is a sparkling fire like heart.
The pendant is suspened with a lovely silver coloured bail from a string of textural peacock shimmer beads. These set the heart of beautifully.
It measures 18" (46cm) with the heart and bail drop an additional 2" (5cm)
I can adjust the length, should it be required.
The necklace closes with a barrel clasp.
The necklace will be supplied in a gift bag.
Available to purchase HERE

Indescribable

If you would like to read about this beautiful song, you can read THIS POST on my other blog Hallelujah Joy

Pink Shell Necklace

 
This necklace is 44" (102cm ) long . It can be worn in a single loop or it can be doubled up. The beads are an eclectic mix of wooden, glass, faux pearls, shell pieces, shell discs, and acrylic beads. All the beads are individually wired.
The beads are interspaced with gilt chain lengths.
The necklace does not have a clasp.
The Earrings are simple cube glass beads Currently they are hook tops, but can be changed for a post and butterfly or a clip on.
This set will be supplied in a gift bag.

It is available to purchase HERE