Needles in a haystack

 

This quilt was inspired by the Fall landscape in Alberta. The harvested grains and grasses left a pattern of lines and the hay bales were circles scattered around the fields.

 

 

With a new year upon us and all kinds of wishes and resolutions being made I was wondering what that is really all about. Does it come from a sense of inadequacy, or wishful thinking, not being happy with ourselves or our situations?

Aren't we in a sense looking for the needle in the haystack with all of this? Not to diminish the positive results of living healthier and happier, but isn't it better to concentrate on something that we know is true and to notice where God is at work; in our own lives and the world around us?

 

What's in a name?

While I was in Rwanda last November I made some sketches about my experiences.

While I couldn't find words yet to describe my feelings and experiences, I was able to draw them. No ready made quilt ideas this time! Now I'm back home and free to ponder and remember and process, these sketches are slowly coming to life in quilts. The rough feelings of horror and helplessness have lost their sharp edges and God has shown me the depth of the bigger picture, His view on this all.

Rape, has become Hope Will Rise

 

Genocide, has become Imanuel (just the pattern for now)

As we are still in the Christmas season, we celebrate Christ's birth, God as Imanuel, God with us, coming into a very dark world. I truly believe that God didn't leave Rwanda and the DRC, while evil seems to reign. God didn't leave this planet after he created it, but is and always has been God with us. Our task is to spread this message of hope, with whatever gifts and talents we have received.
May we be aware of and seek God's presence in whatever 2015 will bring us.