Habakkuk

I know I don't usually do difficult posts, so many are much better at evangelism that me, and it's also a little bit scary. I run the risk of alienating my non-Christian readers, but here goes.
In the links list, on my side bar, are 2 links to places that are really special to me and my family, one is the Mustard Seed Gift Shop, the other is called Habakkuk.
And it's Habakkuk I want to talk about.

Sometimes it's difficult to know if we are doing what God is directing us to do, when things take longer than we think they should it's hard to remember that God's timing is not the same as ours. I constantly question if I am in God's will, sometimes it's obvious that I am (or not as the case may be) but at other times it's hard to tell. Last week, again I questioned if we are in God's will regarding the "Habakkuk" side of what we do.
After much prayer, I didn't seem to have an answer, then, while watching a Christian programme on GenesisTV, the answer came.
Habakkuk is a little used book of the bible, one of the "minor" prophets, it isn't often used in preaching or teaching (in my experience) yet the answer came directly from that very book.

Habakkuk 2:2,And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by. (3)For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.
(from the Amplified Bible)

My heart lifted. What a Gracious God we serve. On the leaflets we hand out to promote what we do to ministers etc we have this section;

The Vision
1Peter 4v.10 Each one of us should use whatever gifts he has received to serve other, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms.

The Vision is to have a place that would support evangelism and outreach in South Derbyshire, particularly Swadlincote and surrounding areas. A place where God is at the centre.

A place of contact between Christians and non-Christians, with a biblical, evangelical heart without the traditions and doctrine of man.

A place where the body of Christ can be seen and accepted as part of the community.

A place to provide friendly, non-threatening outreach, an place where contact between the church and people is easily obtainable, providing details of services, events, community projects etc.

A place where information of Christian organisations (Y.M.C.A., Y.F.C., etc) is easily available.


So now I have done just as Habakkuk was directed by God. I have made the vision God gave us easily available, so that everyone who passes through here will be able to see it.
Now I need to do the same elsewhere, but at least I've made a start. Thank you for being patient with me.

Love and blessings in Christ,
Elaine xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The New Batch

Here are the new members of the family. I've been working on these for a few weeks (with lots of interruptions) and I'm really pleased with the results. Several of them are already ordered, but some will be making their debut on the website soon.
It always seems a little bit sad when I come to the end of another batch, especially as I know I can't get some of the fabrics again, and some I will choose not to use again, not because they aren't pretty enough, but because I like to keep everything as unique as possible. Even the rabbits that look alike have their differences, maybe just a different colour or type of ribbon, maybe different bloomers, whatever it is, they each have their own quirks.

I have received another award from the lovely, and very talented Martha,
It's so gracious of her to think of me, she has such a wonderful way of making Annies, simply gorgeous, just pop along to her blog to take a look.

Now I have to think of others to pass this award to. This is a difficult task as there are so many talented people out there.

Firstly I'll say Raspberry Grace, she has a lovely blog, such a expressive way of writing, and photos of her lovely home are so inspiring.

Next I'll say Shabby Angel. She will claim she is not creative, but I dare you to read her blog without laughing. Angel also sews, though she'll say she's not good enough to show her work, but I know she is.

Then I'll say Nine Fruits Pie. Not only is she my daughter, but an extremely talented Jewellery maker too. She works mostly with silver, gemstones and pearls, and creates some stunning designs.

I have to include Lace Hearts. Lacey claims to be quite new to sewing, but you'd never know. There is a wonderful tutorial for a tote bag on her blog. Lovely.

Last but not least I'll say Trish at Trixie's Trinkets. Trish can do all kinds of things, and has some lovely, inspiring ideas.

Sorry to anyone I have missed, there are so many lovely, talented people out there, you all deserve an award MWAH.

Love and blessings in Christ
Elaine
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A little reminder of the time of year.

I can't believe how fast the year is going, and as a little reminder of just that thought, I bought another Christmas present on Friday. A car boot tidy for my brother-in-law, I plan to put 2 huge rolls of paper towels in it, as my sister is rapidly running out of teatowels (he just grabs whatever is closest to hand)

I haven't taken many photos recently, though I have several new goodies on the go, but here is a bag I made last week

I went to Dunelms and found the lush printed taffeta fabric and a metre just popped into the shopping trolley LOL

I thought I share some older photos of things I've made over the years
(excuse the quality, it's a very old scanned photo)

This lovely pair were made several years ago, probably at least 10 years, my how time flies.

And these are Christmas Annies I made a couple of years back, my sister actually bought them for her Granddaughters, but I still have Joy, she has become our mascot and her picture has pride of place on the website.Unfortunately this photo was taken before I learned to use the camera, not that I'm much better now !

I have loved dolls since forever really, and making them helps feed my habit, just a little bit.

With love and blessings in Christ
Elaine xxxxxxxxxxx