Sunday, June 24, 2012

Shine your Light!


 In the quilting world, color is important. Perhaps more important is color value. We sort our fabric and scraps by dark, medium and light. If the contrast isn’t right, the design of the blocks will not come through, medium values cannot overcome the dark and the results can be disappointing. On the other hand, mix in a healthy portion of light fabrics and wow! The results are striking! “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5,

Today I learned something new about my darkness. Darkness is a part of life, this is nothing new. When darkness and decay are epidemic in my life, I may not be shining my light. Christ said “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:13-15.

This light need not be profound. It starts with the person right in front of me. Is there a friend or family member in despair? They need my light. Is there an injustice done to someone in the workplace? My light is needed there too.

In the midst of darkness it’s so easy to want to run the other way or to resent the work in front of me, but where there is darkness, Christ calls ME to be the light. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.

Amen!!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

An Experience of the Senses


I haven't been quilting very long, about 12 years in all. Though I haven't had much time for the hobbie in many months, I can still experience all the ways quilting has stimulated my senses. In quilting circles we joke about fondling the fabric, but who can pick out the perfect cloth without touching it to capture all of the textures? The visual aspect of choosing the perfect pattern is probably quite obvious. Less obvious might be the smell of the fabric as I press it, and the heat that comes off as the wrinkles disappear. And lets not forget the auditory nerve... the buzz of the machine as I stitch yards and yards of fabric is so relaxing. Until I get more time to sew, I will continue to softly play these recordings into my imagination.