I don't know why I make the outfits for my grands in the order that I do. It is different every time and very random. I have planned out, more or less, how I'm going to make each of these little garments. They'll all be different, but will coordinate.
My husband and I went to a meeting at church this afternoon. I've mentioned before that I direct a puppet team at our church, and I am sort of in charge of a Wednesday night get-together that we have mainly for our children, but families, and anyone else who wants to come is invited. We eat together, play together, study together, craft together....... You get the idea. Anyway at this meeting today a couple of people criticized both the puppet team's work and the Wed. night get-together. We have a tiny church and not a lot of kids, but they are all, mostly anyway, very involved in both of these activities. The criticism was mostly that we haven't "GROWN" our youth in numbers. Well darn it, we may not have added kids, but we've added fun stuff for the ones we do have to participate in. The puppet team just started in January and this is our 2nd year for the Wed. night goings-on! I was so upset that I almost left the meeting. I may just finish up what is planned through Christmas and hand it over to those who are so critical. BTW, those folks don't help with either of these activities. One of them is the father of a couple of the kids, though. They always appear to be having fun to me.
I'm sorry, I know this blog is not supposed to be a place for me to rant and rave, but I just feel better typing this and seeing it in print. Whew! Now I can go to bed and sleep.
Tomorrow is another day, a busy one at that. I have a committee meeting to help plan the wearable arts show that our local arts commission sponsors. The next one is in Nov. of 2010. It takes lots of planning. And, my sister is here. And, I need to go get some more stuff for my Christmas sewing.
12 comments:
First, let me say that your embroidery is exquisite.
You are a very busy woman. I am amazed at all that you are involved in.
I think it's wonderful how you have poured yourself into these children. I can't believe anyone would have the nerve to criticize any of you when you are doing your best and from your heart. They should be grateful that their children have a fun and safe place to go on Wednesday nights with people that care about them as you do. They should think how awesome it is that you are willing to do so much for such a small group.
I would not blame you one bit if you turned it over to those who have criticized. It would serve them right. They have no idea what goes into doing a production like this. And could they do any better? I think not. People who are not doing anything to help have no right to criticize. If they see a problem, they should be a part of the solution or keep their mouths shut. And if they are interested in numbers, then maybe they should find a bigger church. I don't think God is concerned with numbers. There. Now I've said it. I've gotten it out of my system, too.
And you can rant and rave all you want. It's your blog. If people don't like it, they can go somewhere else, too.
And I will end as I started: Your embroidery is exquisite.
Dear Julia,
I was going to write some encouraging words, but Trudy said it so well, all I can say is "Ditto!". Hang in there my friend (And the embroidery truly is exquisite!)
Julia, I so agree with what Trudy said. Giving yourself to others, and by extension, the Lord, in ministry is hard, hard work. Don and I pastored for many years and had every criticism you can imagine thrown onto us. But we had to keep reminding ourselves how much the Lord loves those people too. And we just had to continue "being Jesus" to them until He directed us to do something different. I cried a lot. But I loved our life in ministry, and know that people's lives were changed.
You seem to really love your ministry with these children. You need to decide if that is enough. And if so, do not listen to the criticisms of those who are not invested in what you are doing. Just keep doing as God is leading you.
Hugs to you my sweet friend. You are a blessing.
Oh my, there are some nasty folk about. You'd think that they would know how to behave better, especially being Christians. I don't suppose the good lord is too impressed with their behaviour either. You just keep on doing what God has in mind for you to do and never mind others with nasty mouths. Could it be that they are envious of what you are doing for your little church. On a much happier note, I absolutely adore the embroidery on the dress and the pearls set it off really well. Pam xx
Ditto to the comments above. Some people don't appreciate the efforts of others.
your blog is so wonderful and even more so when you show your true emotions, all of them even the sad and mad ones :) people can be so annoying, children are so much easier to be around!! god is working through you, so keep up the good work.
smooches rosey
All I can see when I look up close are beautiful stitches filled with love!
I don't know Julia, all I can say about the meeting is sometimes the hardest lesson to learn is to not have others control our emotions,to be in control of ourselves and to know what we are doing is the right thing. Sometimes others can't see what one person has to offer until they're gone. I think the kids should make the decision since it's for them. Adults don't know sometimes what kids desire most. We only assume.
BTW - loved the picture of your mother! She has a glow about her. :)
Julia
I loved your embroidery!!! I am mostly self taught too. Keep up the good work.
Don't let those nay-sayers rob you of your joy!!! You are doing a wonderful work for the Lord and you will receive the blessings. Please don't give up!!
Wow!, Julia ... your embroidery is exquisite! You underestimate your talent, sweetie.
My friend is going thru a similar situation at her church, those that are the 'front row seaters' & 'critiques' are the ones who do nothing ... here is an old cliche ...
MANY FOLKS WANT TO SEVE GOD, BUT ONLY AS ADVISORS!
I hope this doesn't deter your enjoyment & the children enjoying you all ... but I'd probably turn it all over to them, also as Trudy suggested. You will do what is right ...
Hugs of love, Julia ~ TTFN ~Marydon
Your embroidery is beautiful. Have you noticed that criticism at church always comes from those who do nothing but warm the pews. Just keep in mind that what you are doing is for Jesus, and I would try to just let their criticism (although it does hurt) roll off your shoulders.
We will pray for the complainers and naysayers.
The embroidery is gorgeous.
Having grown up inside the church (preacher's kid), I'll tell you that Those that Don't Do love, love, LOVE to criticize those that DO. And in my book, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
It's really hurtful to hear those folks, but you kinda got to let it roll off your back. It sounds like you're doing a great job. And keep it up!
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