"and now I've found the greatest love of all is mine since you laid down your life the greatest sacrifice...."
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Floral Necklace ~ Crystal Velvet
This is my latest necklace created with some more of those stunning acrylic flower beads. This time they are matched with Quartz beads, swarovski crystals, liquid silver and delica beads.
i really enjoyed creating this one!
available through www.crystalvelvet.co.uk
Friday, March 27, 2009
Come to Jesus
A beautiful song...
"come to Jesus and Live"
"sing to Jesus and Live"
"fall on Jesus and Live"
"cry to Jesus and Live"
"Dance for Jesus and Live"
"Fly to Jesus and Live"
Get Ready!
My Father in law called me on the phone. He said "Next month we are coming to stay with you, We'll be with you at lunch time on the 25th"
I put the phone down looked at my extremely messy house and thought to myself, I really must sort this messy place out, i'd be so ashamed if he could see it as it is.
Thinking is as far as I got. A month was plenty of time to get sorted and if i did manage to tidy up it would only be tidy for a day before it all went to pieces again.
The month became a fortnight and then a week and I thought I really must do something about the mess, but I didn't!
Five days before they came I thought very hard about sorting out and did a bit of the huge washing pile and then the next day I was invited by my mum to go shopping. It's fine I thought, there is plenty of time.
Three days to go and I went to help a friend paint her house.
Two days to go and I went to watch the sports day at school.
One day to go. I woke up and fully intended to get on with it, but a new consignement of Beads arrived and they looked far better than the tidying up! it's ok, I told myself you can tidy up tonight!...... well i could have except that I had forgotten about the parent evening.
Never mind, said the laid back me.... They aren't coming until lunch time.
The following morning I was up at 6am. Got the kids up, breakfasted and dressed and then sent them on their way. I began to tidy up the bedrooms. Folding, packing, dusting, shoving rubbish into bags. This is going really well I told myself as I piled the black bin bags onto the landing. There would be plenty of time to tidy up and then get a shower and get dressed. After all it was only half past eight and I was well on the way to having the bedrooms sorted.
Now for the down stairs with all the mess, last nights pots piled in the sink etc. (and believe me when i say my home is messy I mean it!)
I was just going to go down stairs to tackle the mess when I looked out of the window and saw to my horror my father in law and mother in law walking up the drive...... They were here and I wasn't ready.
To my shame and embarrassment that is a true story. Exactly as it happened several years ago. They'd wanted to squeeze a few extra hours with us so they'd left very early in the morning.
In the bible we read about a group of people who are not ready, even though they know the job they have to do. The story is that of the wise and foolish virgins (or bridesmaids).
Matthew 25
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Do not put off puting things right with God as we are reminded "Therefore keep watch as you do not know the day or the hour" of his return. And you don't want him coming and finding you in a mess!!!!!!!!
I put the phone down looked at my extremely messy house and thought to myself, I really must sort this messy place out, i'd be so ashamed if he could see it as it is.
Thinking is as far as I got. A month was plenty of time to get sorted and if i did manage to tidy up it would only be tidy for a day before it all went to pieces again.
The month became a fortnight and then a week and I thought I really must do something about the mess, but I didn't!
Five days before they came I thought very hard about sorting out and did a bit of the huge washing pile and then the next day I was invited by my mum to go shopping. It's fine I thought, there is plenty of time.
Three days to go and I went to help a friend paint her house.
Two days to go and I went to watch the sports day at school.
One day to go. I woke up and fully intended to get on with it, but a new consignement of Beads arrived and they looked far better than the tidying up! it's ok, I told myself you can tidy up tonight!...... well i could have except that I had forgotten about the parent evening.
Never mind, said the laid back me.... They aren't coming until lunch time.
The following morning I was up at 6am. Got the kids up, breakfasted and dressed and then sent them on their way. I began to tidy up the bedrooms. Folding, packing, dusting, shoving rubbish into bags. This is going really well I told myself as I piled the black bin bags onto the landing. There would be plenty of time to tidy up and then get a shower and get dressed. After all it was only half past eight and I was well on the way to having the bedrooms sorted.
Now for the down stairs with all the mess, last nights pots piled in the sink etc. (and believe me when i say my home is messy I mean it!)
I was just going to go down stairs to tackle the mess when I looked out of the window and saw to my horror my father in law and mother in law walking up the drive...... They were here and I wasn't ready.
To my shame and embarrassment that is a true story. Exactly as it happened several years ago. They'd wanted to squeeze a few extra hours with us so they'd left very early in the morning.
In the bible we read about a group of people who are not ready, even though they know the job they have to do. The story is that of the wise and foolish virgins (or bridesmaids).
Matthew 25
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Do not put off puting things right with God as we are reminded "Therefore keep watch as you do not know the day or the hour" of his return. And you don't want him coming and finding you in a mess!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
You Are my Hiding Place
You are my hiding place
you always fill my heart with songs of deliverence
whenever I am afraid
I will trust in you
Let the weak say I am strong in the strength of my Lord
I will trust in you
Floral Bracelet
This bracelet is my latest wireworked bangle. The bangle is created using silver plated wires and acrylic flowers with a smooth matt finish.Available from www.crystalvelvet.co.uk
Monday, March 23, 2009
Spring? winter? the weather just can't make up it's mind!
Saturday was a simply glorious day. I woke up with sun rays peeping through the curtains and that wonderful warm feeling.
I had a busy day of playing at "mum taxi" First thing was to get my middle lad out to orchestra. I am very lucky because a couple of neighbours take him over with their daughter. Once he was out the door i had to zip down the road to collect my eldest from a sleep over. As I pulled out of the drive in the car I was forced to stop and return inside for a pair of sunglasses. (not used since last summer!) luckily they were right where I'd eft them.
The journey was little over ten minutes, but what a joy, lots of people out walking, daffodills and other spring flowers dancing in the delicate summer breeze.
On the way back I called in at the local shop to collect a planter for my mum for mothers day.
There was not a lot of the morning left. Just time to feed the blueberries, water the potatopes and then I was off again to collect middle son from orchestra and to take him to a choir practice.
The journey was a route I'd never gone on despite living in the area for a total of 30 years! The route ran over the edge of the wolds and with the weather so clear and sunny I was able to see at least 40 miles.
The rehersal that I took my son to was already underway as it had started in the morning. As we walked into the building the sound was amazing. Vivaldi's Gloria filled the corridor with it's full and rich tones.
Then I had the journey back home. This to was lovely. What is it about the sun that makes everyone so so happy.
This morning was in contrast dark, dull and blowing a gale. "My greenhouse" was half way accross the garden and has remained there ever since as I know if I bother to go and stand it up, that I'll have to do it again later. There has been very heavy rain and hail and it's back to jumpers and central heating!
miserable weather!
I had a busy day of playing at "mum taxi" First thing was to get my middle lad out to orchestra. I am very lucky because a couple of neighbours take him over with their daughter. Once he was out the door i had to zip down the road to collect my eldest from a sleep over. As I pulled out of the drive in the car I was forced to stop and return inside for a pair of sunglasses. (not used since last summer!) luckily they were right where I'd eft them.
The journey was little over ten minutes, but what a joy, lots of people out walking, daffodills and other spring flowers dancing in the delicate summer breeze.
On the way back I called in at the local shop to collect a planter for my mum for mothers day.
There was not a lot of the morning left. Just time to feed the blueberries, water the potatopes and then I was off again to collect middle son from orchestra and to take him to a choir practice.
The journey was a route I'd never gone on despite living in the area for a total of 30 years! The route ran over the edge of the wolds and with the weather so clear and sunny I was able to see at least 40 miles.
The rehersal that I took my son to was already underway as it had started in the morning. As we walked into the building the sound was amazing. Vivaldi's Gloria filled the corridor with it's full and rich tones.
Then I had the journey back home. This to was lovely. What is it about the sun that makes everyone so so happy.
This morning was in contrast dark, dull and blowing a gale. "My greenhouse" was half way accross the garden and has remained there ever since as I know if I bother to go and stand it up, that I'll have to do it again later. There has been very heavy rain and hail and it's back to jumpers and central heating!
miserable weather!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Hello
Crafting & Praising at the same time is such a blessing!
I made this wall plaque from a wooden house template and a wooden love heart template,
I painted, Used Ink & varnished & distressed it ... a lot! :)
I drilled holes in it and threaded it with wire, hung it on the wall.
A daily reminder for me and mine that this is what our house is all about, and pray it may be forever.
Sarah x
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Agnus Dei ~ Michael W Smith
This is a song that builds and builds taking everything and everyone with it.
Simplisic words that allow you to join in with the worship rising to the Lord.
Worship and enjoy!
Mice , Potatoes and other garden glories!
This week it has finally been warm enough to venture out into the garden. My garden is fairly small at the back, but has a much larger area at the front and last year we dug up some garden beds At the back and tried a few vegetables. This year we are really going for it. we've dug up more of the back plot and are digging out a fairly large plot at the front.
Earlier this year I planted a whole host of fruiting plants, blueberries, black / red currants, gooseberries, tay berries and raspberries. They are all nicely established and beginning to shoot.
Yesterday it was potato day and I ventured out into the garden to make some raised beds for the potatoes I've been shooting in the kitchen. Some of them are proper seed potatoes and others are strays (you know, the ones that hide in the cupboard growing sprouts instead of being eaten!)
Anyway, I've got them all planted in lovely raised beds. Hope they turn out as nice as last years potato crop. Last years were delicious. I didn't set out to grow them. It just happened! I went to chuck some waste into the compost bins and found them all growing from the potato peelings I'd chucked in there.
This year though, my compost bins are not growing potatoes...... they are growing mice!
I noticed a while back that next door had a mouse, a really cheeky think that would boldly venture into the middle of their lawn and drag back huge pieces of bread put out for the birds. It would also hang out under the peanut feeder they'd put out for the birds and wait until the nuts were dropped before scoffing them.
When I was reordering the garden I emptied out the two huge compost bins and discovered a nest. there were no mice at home, but I'd noticed them head for cover as I began to empty the compost. How many mice? Well so far in my multi mouse catcher (humane of course) I've caught two and then I transported them to the edge of the village and chose a nice hedgerow in a corn field to let them go.
Hope they'll be happy in their new home!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Peace be with you John 20
Life so full i give to you
As the Father sent me so I send you
Spread my light throughout all life
Peace Be With You
Words and music by Adrian Snell
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Walking to school ~ the joy of spring.
I am very lucky to live in a lovely village nestled at the edge of the Yorkshire wolds (a range of gently rising hills and beautiful countryside. )
Every morning I walk my daughter to school and without fail the 3/4 mile always has something wonderful in store for me. (yes... even in the rain and the fierce wind!)
I wish I could show you my walk to school, but I shall tell you instead. As we go out of the door, my garden has begun to sprout with fresh green and the daffodils, tulips and crocuses are beginning to peep through the cold soil. as I turn out of my gate, I am met with some small verge plots and here the daffodils are ahead of mine and are just beginning to show the golden yellow hint of what lies in store.
We cross the road and begin the walk up the street. Every bodies garden are flourishing with new growth. early pink blossoms, yellow daff and little purple primulas.
Then we reach the cottages. We look at the old terracotta bricks and find the outline of cottages long since gone. Their bricked up doors and windows barely visable to those who don't know to look for them.
We wave to friends and neighbours as they pass in their cars thinking how sad that they are not enjoying this walk of new discovery every morning.
We cross the road with the lollypop man who is a wonderful friend to all the children and he wishes us a cheery good morning.
On past my aunties house where Eden always peeps through the window in the hope that auntie Kath will be there to offer a blown kiss or a cheery wave.
Past the church where lavender bushes edge the paths and in the summer bees will buzz. Up the hill where the new hedge is planted and we see more pretty daffodils and then finally we reach the beck (Yorkshire word for a stream).
The beck is an amazing place. Until recently it was over grown with ivy and trees hanging their branches to cover the water so that from the path the secret world was just that. Recently the "in bloom" group have taken the mamoth task of clearing trimming and re planting. What they are doing is so amazing. They've uncovered brick walls and planted snow drops on small ledges giving the appearance of a fairy land paradise. The top area has tree stumps and a woven willlow hedge and ferns, daffodils, daisies yellow aconites. The stream itself trickles by over boulders and in the silent moments between the cars passing you can hear the gurgle of water and a miriad of bird song. Sometimes you even get to see rabbits whose burrows invade the bank. Finally we are at school. I say goodbye and turn to retreat my steps, to glimpse again at the flowers and greenery. A sudden noise overhead makes me look up and I see a huge flock of canada geese fly over. They circle and then I watch as they glide down into the lake belonging to the hotel. Barely a ripple as they land.
And all the way back lost in my thought of the busy day ahead I am greeted by people and smiled at. I thank God for the wonderful world he has put on my doorstop. I hope I instill in my children the same appreciation for this creation that God made.
Click on this link to see the beck section of my walk!
Every morning I walk my daughter to school and without fail the 3/4 mile always has something wonderful in store for me. (yes... even in the rain and the fierce wind!)
I wish I could show you my walk to school, but I shall tell you instead. As we go out of the door, my garden has begun to sprout with fresh green and the daffodils, tulips and crocuses are beginning to peep through the cold soil. as I turn out of my gate, I am met with some small verge plots and here the daffodils are ahead of mine and are just beginning to show the golden yellow hint of what lies in store.
We cross the road and begin the walk up the street. Every bodies garden are flourishing with new growth. early pink blossoms, yellow daff and little purple primulas.
Then we reach the cottages. We look at the old terracotta bricks and find the outline of cottages long since gone. Their bricked up doors and windows barely visable to those who don't know to look for them.
We wave to friends and neighbours as they pass in their cars thinking how sad that they are not enjoying this walk of new discovery every morning.
We cross the road with the lollypop man who is a wonderful friend to all the children and he wishes us a cheery good morning.
On past my aunties house where Eden always peeps through the window in the hope that auntie Kath will be there to offer a blown kiss or a cheery wave.
Past the church where lavender bushes edge the paths and in the summer bees will buzz. Up the hill where the new hedge is planted and we see more pretty daffodils and then finally we reach the beck (Yorkshire word for a stream).
The beck is an amazing place. Until recently it was over grown with ivy and trees hanging their branches to cover the water so that from the path the secret world was just that. Recently the "in bloom" group have taken the mamoth task of clearing trimming and re planting. What they are doing is so amazing. They've uncovered brick walls and planted snow drops on small ledges giving the appearance of a fairy land paradise. The top area has tree stumps and a woven willlow hedge and ferns, daffodils, daisies yellow aconites. The stream itself trickles by over boulders and in the silent moments between the cars passing you can hear the gurgle of water and a miriad of bird song. Sometimes you even get to see rabbits whose burrows invade the bank. Finally we are at school. I say goodbye and turn to retreat my steps, to glimpse again at the flowers and greenery. A sudden noise overhead makes me look up and I see a huge flock of canada geese fly over. They circle and then I watch as they glide down into the lake belonging to the hotel. Barely a ripple as they land.
And all the way back lost in my thought of the busy day ahead I am greeted by people and smiled at. I thank God for the wonderful world he has put on my doorstop. I hope I instill in my children the same appreciation for this creation that God made.
Click on this link to see the beck section of my walk!
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