Sewing for joy

On Easter weekends, the youth at my church participate in a project called "30-Hour Famine," where the opportunity for raising funds for food insecurities, crises and disasters leads them to go without solid food for 30 hours. They have raised thousands of dollars for WorldVision, which has been able to often be doubled or tripled by other donors. On Holy Saturday, the 'famining' youth engage in a service project; a couple of years ago, they fashioned blocks to express something they are grateful for about Resurrection Sunday. I took them home and assembled into a cross for a hanging (I won't say how long I stayed up piecing and completing the hanging), and it now adorns the sanctuary during Easter season. On another occasion they made decorated t-shirts for a charity our church supports (it was so cool to have teen guys sewing and designing!)

I was asked to do an Advent stole vestment, and made this (still needed final ironing in this pic).

Another large banner for the church sanctuary for Pentecost (ignore my basement floor 'storage system' - it was about 2 in the morning when I took this pic). Using my phone camera doesn't do the piece justice. It is about 5.5 by 4 feet. The flames and Spirit depiction of a flying dove are in the background. I want to make another companion banner that has the I AM tetragram letters and the name of the Holy Spirit in Hebrew.

This is why I want to retire - there are days when I swell with the ideas of praising the Lord through my sewing gift. 

Women who Create are Women who can Bless!

Women of faith are some of the most creative women around. Many use their God-given talents for both pleasure and for ministry. The skills are as diverse as are the women who practice them. One of my favorites is sewing. I am most glad when I am able to use it for ministry, and for giving to others. Also, cooking, gardening and giving away the 'fruits' of my labor. I am amazed at the skills and natural gifts of women in my congregation. They sew, knit, crochet, draw, cook/bake, sing, you name it. The principle of God blessing us with good things and abilities so that we may become a blessing to others is important to remember because it reflects who we are in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15).

I was reminded of these things when my daughter brought me back the heirloom dresses I had made for my granddaughter several years ago. I have not taken the time in a very long time to create in my sewing room - only to supply. I had forgotten what God had given me to use, and I praise Him for reminding me. It is a double blessing for us to express our natural gifts freely - we are blessed in the opportunity for increased intimacy with God as we create, and those who will view or receive the beautiful work of our hands will also be blessed.

I have a friend who used her God-given talents in sewing and needlecraft to teach young women who are learning to re-orient their lives to care for themselves and their child. Her gift of sewing machines, time, fabric and supplies, not to mention of herself and her time are a real inspiration. And the blessing has impacted the young women by building their self-confidence as they realize that they have a hidden and valuable talent, offering them a new skill for self-maintenance and for creating for their child and/or future home, a creative outlet for their energies, and possible income source. My friend not only gave blessings - she created a legacy.

What do you create? How have you used your natural God-given talents to serve others?

For those who cook, any favorite recipes?