Fiber Arts for Bible Teachers & Preachers, Part 1

She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.  Proverbs 31:19

Fiber arts terms are found in many placed throughout the Bible.  As a person who enjoys the fiber arts, I find the mention of these terms encouraging.  What I find discouraging (though truly cringe worthy) is the lack of understanding of these terms among Bible teachers and preachers.  So, here's my effort to provide a resource for those who would like to better understand the fiber arts that are mentioned in the Bible.  If I didn't answer your questions, please comment below so I can respond with helpful answers and so all who read the post may benefit.

First up: Tools!

Distaff: a stick that can be forked or straight that is used to hold the fiber that has been prepared for spinning.  The 1st picture above has 2 distaffs that have been dressed with flax.  Dressed means that the flax has been distributed around the distaff so that it will be easier for the spinner to spin from it.  The 2nd picture looks a little more like wool on the distaff. The blue ribbon on the distaff is to help keep the fiber in place on the distaff.

Spindles: Spindles come in many different sizes and styles. The weight on a spindle is called a whorl.  If this whorl is near the top of the stick, it is called a top-whorl spindle.  If it near the bottom of the stick, it is called a bottom-whorl spindle.  I'm not going to attempt to say which exact type was used in Bible times but please know that both types have existed for many years.  I'm also not here to argue which type is better.  The weight of the whorl helps determine what kind of yarn will be spun.  The lighter the whorl, the finer the yarn.  The heavier the whorl, the thicker the yarn.  The whorl of the spindle does not have to be a round disk.  The spindle with the curved cross bars for a whorl is my favorite drop spindle to use.  It is called a Turkish drop spindle. 

Spinning Wheel: Yes, we have them today but they did not exist in Bible times.  This is where the ESV Study Bible notes for the verse above have it wrong. I'm not going to explain this tool (I love mine!) because it won't help you with the intended message of this post.  :)

Leviticus 13:48

... like a weaver I have rolled up my life; he cuts me off from the loom... Isaiah 38:12

Loom: This is a weaving tool and there are many different types and sizes of looms.  It is a structure that keeps the warp threads under tension while you pass the weft threads over and under the warp threads.  This is how cloth is created.  Take a look at your pants. You should see a bunch of threads that run up and down with threads that pass over and under them going side to side.  The cloth for your pants was made on a loom.  Look at the fabric of a t-shirt.  It looks like a bunch of 'V's in columns or interconnected loops.  Your t-shirt is made of knitted fabric and it was not created on a weaving loom.  See the pictures below.

Plain Weave Diagram - notice the separate up and down and side to side threads.

Knitted Fabric Diagram - notice the interconnected loops

The warp threads are the ones held under tension on the loom.  The weft threads are the ones that go from side to side going over and under the warp threads.  Weft threads are placed one row at a time while the warp threads are all in place before weaving begins.  The old term for weft is woof.

Cutting the project off the loom is part of the finishing process of a weaving project.  

A word of caution: Using a loom to create cloth is called "weaving" not "looming."  If you use "weaving" you sound like you know something, but if you use "looming" it sounds like you haven't learning a thing.  :(

My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle and come to their end without hope.  Job 7:6

Shuttle: The shuttle is a tool used to hold the weft thread that will pass back and forth through the warp threads. The picture above is of stick shuttles ready to use on a loom.   Weaver's shuttles can move rapidly through the warp threads.  The shuttle used in this video clip is a boat shuttle but I also want you to notice how fast the shuttle can pass through the warp threads on the loom.

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Part 2 of this topic will cover Fiber while Part 3 will cover Processes and Resources.  These posts will follow over the next few days.  Please consider passing it along to your pastor or Bible teachers so everyone can have a better understanding of fiber arts in the Bible.

Don't forget: If you have questions, please ask them.  :)

Thank you,
Sister Jane
Romans 14:8

Ch Ch Changes

Dear Sisters (and brothers),

This post probably should have come before the last one but I had something pressing on my mind and so the post on distractions came out first. 

So, here's what's going on with the blog.  As you can see, the name has changed.  The blog is no longer called the "Sisters That Need No Misters Convent" but is now "Tumbling Tumbleweed".  I felt the need to close the Convent because a relationship has developed that doesn't fit with the running of a convent.  I also didn't have anyone else to pass the Convent to for blogging.  I chose to keep the blog and change the name instead of getting rid of it because I enjoy sharing what God is teaching me and I feel that the information shared can benefit many.

Tumbling Tumbleweed seemed to be the best name for the blog because that's what I've felt like over the past few years.  I'm a fan of westerns and of the Tumbleweeds comics and the song Tumbling Tumbleweeds fit my mood perfectly.  So as I tumble along God's path for my life, this blog will be me outlet for sharing what I learn along the way.

Sisters, I hope you do not think that I have abandoned you.  While the relationship that has developed is something that I have desired for a while, it did surprise me that it did happen.  God's timing is much better than mine ever could be.  So I enjoy spending time with R and seeing our relationship grow in the grace that God has provided for us.

I'm still here, I still have things that God is teaching me, I still want to share those things with you.

Sister Jane
Romans 14:8

Distractions

What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace?  By no means!  Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?  But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.  I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations.  For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.  But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed?  For the end of those things is death.  But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  

Romans 6:15-23

Dear Sisters (and brothers),

I'm here to confess that I have been distracted and that distraction has resulted in me neither spending time in God's Word as I ought to nor as I had planned.  I'm months behind with my Bible reading plan and world prayer plan.  I got distracted by a new devotional (it's not a bad one but I should have just added it into my Bible reading plan).  Moving has been a distraction as well.  Spending time with loved ones has also been a distraction.

God gently "kicked" me in the butt this week regarding these distractions.  He showed me that I wasn't placing Him as my top priority; I was just fitting Him in where I could.  Is this how my Savior who has poured out so much grace on me should be treated?  No!  Relationships take time and work and if I'm unwilling to put in the time and energy, what does that say about the relationship I have with God.

I'm not going to say that a person has to spend a specific amount of time at a specific time of day in the Word and in prayer.  That kind of requirement borders on legalism.  Nor should I suggest that one should not worry about being in the Word on a regular basis because that would take the concept of Christian liberty too far. 

God's grace should not be used to give me license to do whatever I want (Romans 6:15).  At the end of this verse, Paul says "By no means!"  I really like how the KJV says it: "God forbid!"  I should be so thankful and in such awe of His grace and love for me that I should desire to be in His presence through prayer and reading the Word all the time.  Think about when you were first in love with your spouse or significant other.  Did you want to hang out with that person ALL THE TIME?  I remember seeing this kind of behavior when I was in college.  I didn't understand it at the time and even thought it was funny, but through recent changes in my life I understand this behavior better now.

So I again, ask for God's forgiveness of my lack of effort and desire to be in our relationship.   I ask Him to help me to not let the distractions of this life keep me from our relationship.  Do I know that I will fail to be in His Word at many different points in the future?  Yes.  Does this mean that I should plan not to be in His Word?  NO!  I know I will fail.  I am a human being with a sinful nature.  But I know that God loves me; He chose me and covered me with His grace.  I should be seeking the fruits of righteousness which leads to sanctification which is a process.

Prayerfully yours,
Sister Jane
Romans 14:8

For everything there is a season...

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war; and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

This certainly has been an interesting weather season here where I live.  The winter was much longer and harder than the one last year and it doesn't seem to want to leave at all.  It's the middle of April and we've had at least 2 days with snow falling from the sky.  Thankfully it didn't stick around for very long but still, I didn't like to see the white fluffy stuff floating to the ground.

For the past few seasons I have been back living in my home state.  It has been a blessing and allowed me a chance to reconnect with friends and loved ones.  It allowed me a chance to work in a new job.  It has allowed me to meet new friends.  It has allowed me to develop a better understanding of Christ and His grace in my life.

The time has come for the Convent to move south, back to the town where I previously lived.  I do know that some will question this move.  Please understand that I would not make this move it wasn't in God's plans for me.  A new season awaits me in another familiar place.

I am entirely thankful that I live in an era where we have the technology that will allow me to stay in contact with friends and family even though I am moving away again.  And as this area will always be "home" I know that I have a place I can visit and be welcomed back with open arms.  Admittedly I don't look forward to packing and finding a new place to live, but I am happy to be moving and following God's will in the process.  Many adventures await me in this new season in my life, and I look forward to what God will show me through these adventures.  I look forward to sharing these adventures with you.

Sister Jane
Romans 14:8

Ps: the picture above is of the adder's tongue flowers I saw during a geocaching outing while in the woods on spring break.  They are always a sign of spring for me; a sign that the seasons are changing.

Each Moment, New

 ...wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.  Psalm 51:8b

Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be whiter than snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.  Isaiah 1:18

It's so hard to take pictures of snow as it falls.  Falling snow is just one of those things you have to experience live. On this first day of the new year the big, fluffy, white flakes started to fall in the afternoon.  They floated down to the ground in a most pleasant way.  Snow just makes everything look fresh and new again.  It reminds me of the verses that I listed at the beginning of this post.

With the new year people often make resolutions, goals to start over or begin something new.  These resolutions could be to start exercising more, to begin eating better, to begin good habits, or to get rid of bad habits.  Some people have great success with these resolutions.  Some barely make it a week before they've tossed the resolution out the window.  My personal success with new year's resolutions isn't that great.  But maybe that's because I don't see the need to make a resolution only on January 1.  A couple years ago I made a choice to read through the Bible in a year.  That decision was made in April, not January.  Every year in August or September I choose to start new habit at work that will hopefully make the job easier or at least more manageable.  Sometimes I make these choices, resolutions, with the change of seasons or to mark a significant event in my life.

While I'm not the biggest fan of new year's resolutions, I do see a purpose in resolutions, in goals to be better.  I just think that some people set some of their goals too high or have a goal that is too long term without enough strategies in place to accomplish the goal.

One of the best strategies to accomplishing something is to take small steps toward your goal. Sometimes the small steps are doing something the right way for a minute, for an hour, for a few hours, for a day.  With this in mind, I read through the following scripture passages:

But that is not the way you learned Christ! -- assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.  Ephesians 4:20-24.

Put to death therefore what is earthly to you...On account of these the wrath of God is coming...But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.  Do not lie to one another, see that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.  Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another, and if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you so you must also forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.  Colossians 3:5-14.

The best goal any person can make is to put on your new self, the new self that is founded on Christ.  Why would we want to keep the "old self" when we know that God's grace has provided so much for us.  Jesus died on the cross so I can put on the new self and slay (put to death) the "old self."  Think about it this way: the old self is like a ratty set of clothes, the ones that were left damp at the bottom of the clothes hamper.  They stink and look awful.  The new self is a brand new set of clothes; all fresh and clean and a perfect fit for you.  This new set of clothes is just waiting there for you to accept and put on. 

As Christians we accepted this new set of clothes when we surrendered our life to God and His will for our life.  So, why are you talking about putting on the new set of clothes, you may be asking me, if as a Christian I already accepted them?  Here are my thoughts on this: just because you accepted the new clothes / new self doesn't mean that you put it on.  You may have accepted the new self but have hung it up in the closet to admire and have chosen to wear the "old self" instead.  I'm not sure of your reasons for making that choice, we all have different ones, but that doesn't make the choice to continue in our old life (wearing the "old self") the right one.  When we leave the new self on the hanger we are telling God "Thanks, but no thanks.  Having your Son die for my sins was nice but I think I really just want to live the way I was before and not make the changes in my life to follow Your will even though you have done so much for me."

Knitting is a hobby that I enjoy.  It is one in which I knit lots of things and most of them are for other people or at least their little children.  Baby items are quick knits as are hats but I'm starting to divert from the point I'm trying to make here.  When I knit things for people or their children, all I really want in return is a picture that shows them wearing the item.  Even if it's only one time.  I want to see that something I've spent time and money on will be of use for the person receiving it.  That picture, that sight of my handiwork on someone else brings me pure joy.  With God it is the same way but I know that His joy is greater than mine.  When we put on the new self we show Him that we appreciate the sacrifice, that we appreciate and accept the grace that He has chosen to place on us. 

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23

Our "old self" is full of bad habits and many of those are hard to break.  This is where I want to tie back in the idea of resolutions. I'm not saying you can't choose to put on your new self for the rest of your life, what I am saying is that you can choose to wake up each morning and ask God to help you to put on the new self for that day.  Maybe you have to wake up and say that you're going to put on the new self for the next hour with God's help.  When that hour is up, you choose to put on the new self for the next hour.  You continue to do this throughout the day.  If you fail at putting on the new self during the day, please don't beat yourself up.  Confess it to God and ask Him to help you put the new self back on again.  Keep at it.  Each moment is a new opportunity for God to work in you.

I encourage you Sisters and brothers to look at each moment of your life and choose to put on your new self, your new outfit that was specially created for you by God.  It would be a shame if you chose not to wear this gracious, wonderful gift.  :)

Sister Jane
Romans 14:8

ps: some creature pictures to share with you  :)

T and S snoozing on the couch, almost nose to nose.  :)

The Franks enjoying the corn and snow

Creatures and Snow

Guess what showed up this past week?  Snow!  I've been waiting for the stuff.  While I have family  members who got the green Christmas they wanted, I've always liked the white, fluffy stuff.  Driving in it isn't fun but I feel like the snow outside gives me a great excuse to make a bunch of tea and curl up under a blanket on the couch to knit and watch some tele. 

 My parents are helping me stay well stocked with corn cobs for the moment so I can keep the Franks & Francines well fed during this snow covered season.  I did move the cob holder higher on the post so as the snow gets deeper the cobs can still be munched upon.  

 A few days ago, I noticed that on the most friendly Frank, a gash was on his back.  Poor Frank!  I'm not sure what caused it but I'm happy that he is still the most friendly convent squirrel and really appreciates my treats for him.  He was a bit uncooperative with staying still or staying in the proper position so I could photograph his back.  It doesn't appear to be oozing or anything bad like that.  He appears to be on the mend.  :)

 A couple months ago before the weather got colder I was able to feed the friendliest Frank from my hand.  This is the best picture I could get of Frank eating an almond from my hand.  I did discover though that I have to present the nut in such a way that he can take it straight from my fingers.  He doesn't understand that concept of eating from the palm of my hand and I'm not willing to try that experiment again.  Why?  Because I would prefer not to have him nibble on my finger again and discover that it isn't a nut.  :)   It's okay.  No skin was broken in the process of that experiment.  I think my shots are up-to-date...
 

Before we move to the inside Convent creatures, here's a parting shot of one of the Franks sitting on the edge of a show covered branch.  I wish I could have zoomed in more on him.

As I conclude this post, here's a picture of S and T snoozing on the couch.  They've been really good lately, well T not so much.  I recently attend the midnight premiere of the Hobbit movie (awesome movie by the way) and so I didn't go to sleep until after 4am that day.  Around 8am T decided that I should be out of bed and so he began to meow LOUDLY and run around on the bed and jump on me.  I tried to inform him that I didn't have to get up until 11am when the alarm was set to ring.  He didn't care.  Finally I rolled out of bed and hobbled to the food dish which was already full to add another scoop of food to it to get T to leave me alone.  That did the trick and back to bed I went.  That 11am alarm was not a welcomed sound but I had an appointment to get ready for.  :)

I pray that you stay warm during the cold weather and that Christ remains the center of your life.  Maybe we should have another visit over a cup of tea soon.  :)

Sister Jane
Romans 14:8

Strength and Sanctuary

But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,

until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end...

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever...

For me it is good to be near God; I have made the LORD GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

Psalm 73: 16-17, 26, 28.

Most of my scripture reading takes place in the evening.  As you can see in the picture above, one of the Convent cats likes to join me during my quiet time.  Of the two cats, T is the only one who likes to be this close to me in the evening; he's usually laying at the foot of the bed letting me know that it's time to go to sleep and the one sleeping next to me taking up half the bed in the process.  He's also the one who wakes me up early on the weekends when I have a chance to sleep in, all because he wants more food in his food dish.  T finds comfort in my presence; sanctuary in the warmth that I share with him when he snuggles in close to me. 

When I read Psalm 73 a few months ago, I knew that it would become the basis of a post.  Little did I know that as this post percolated in the back of my mind, God would be with me through  circumstances in my life to show me more about His strength and the sanctuary He provides.

A short time ago, one of my grandmothers passed away.  Mentally, she left us a few years ago and in October her body was able to catch up. True, it is sad that she left this world but Heaven is a much better place for her.  This is something that many in the family have clung to during our time of loss.  Grandma surrendered her life to Christ many years ago so we know that she is praising God in Heaven as this post is read.

Even though one knows that Heaven is the best place for the Christian loved ones who have left us, there is often a desire to have something physical to bring comfort during troubled times.  It can be a hug or a shoulder to cry on.  During the funeral  I noticed that for my mom, it was holding onto dad's hand as they walked past grandma's casket one last time.  My parents are not publicly affectionate so seeing my parents holding hands made an impression on me.  I wish I could take the picture I have in my brain of that sight and frame it.  Yes, mom was relying on the strength that God was providing her to get through the time of loss but having dad there by her side was a great comfort to her.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart, I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

This is a great verse.  Unfortunately, I have forgotten to find my peace in Christ more times than I dare count.  I let my head get in the way of Christ's work in me through the troubled times in my life.  Sure I would pray and cry about the circumstances but deep down I knew and Christ knew that "I" was trying to figure MY way out of the circumstances and not HIS way.  I wanted a worldly peace, not the peace that Christ would place in me if I would just surrender my stubborn (and I do mean stubborn) will to Him.  That peace of God which is difficult to understand is a protection for my heart and mind (Philippians 4:7.) Sadly, a few 2x4* situations have had to occur in my life to remind me that my faith is to be in Christ and not myself or anything else around me.  I am to place Him first in my life.  If my actions do not spring forth from that faith in Christ then I am the one who has sinned (Romans 14:23.)

Read that verse in John again.  Christ didn't say that our lives would be easy.  He said He would provide us with peace and that we should take comfort in knowing that He's taken care of things for His followers.  Sometimes I need to kick myself and say:

Darn it!  Stop getting in His way!  He's got this.  Let Him be in the lead.  Step back!  Seriously, woman, what are you putting your faith in today?  Get down on your knees and beg for forgiveness.  Stop trying to be in control.  Hand over the issue / problem / choice to Him and leave it with Him!

My life in Christ is not meant to be the world's vision of perfection.  My life is to be in Christ, seeking His will, knowing that He is there to help me accomplish it.  Fulfilling His will is often done through trying circumstances, unpleasant losses, and painful situations.

The following are a few more verses that remind us from where our strength is to come; where we should seek sanctuary at all times, not just when things are troubling.  Read these verses thoughtfully, please.

If it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us... Our help is in the name of the LORD who made heaven and earth.  Psalm 124: 2-3, 8

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.  Isaiah 43:1b-2


It is the LORD who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed.  Deuteronomy 31:8

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:12-13.

No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death or life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8: 37-39.

Knowing that I can find strength and sanctuary in Christ doesn't mean that I should go out and do stupid things; that I should put my faith in something other than Christ.  Paul is pretty clear about this: What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace?  By no means!  Romans 6:15.  I really like how the King James Version says the last part: God forbid!  Here's my paraphrase for this verse and it should be read with lots of sarcasm.  "Really?!  You think that because He has done and will do all of these wonderful things for you, you think it's okay, that it is acceptable to go out and continue to live as though He's done nothing for you.  Please go have your heart examined because you really don't understand what Christ's love for you is."

Lord, please examine my heart today.  Forgive me for my lack of faith in You in ALL circumstances that come into my life.  Forgive me for not putting You first in all that I do because I have really messed up a good friendship with these bad choices.  I pray that I will put You first every day in all that I do.  I pray that the friendships You desire for me will grow with You in the center.  Lord, thank you for the strength and sanctuary You provide in all situations and for Your grace that has allowed me to live to this point today.  Amen

Sister Jane
Romans 14:8

*2x4 moments are not real pieces of wood hitting me upside the head but maybe they should be.  These are times when God has had to point out that I wasn't putting Him first in my life.  Sometimes I believe He has done this through job losses, financial difficulty, and relationship struggles.  I pray that they will be few but I know that when they do happen it's because I had a lesson to learn or a lesson to continue to practice in putting Him first in all things.

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ps: Some creature photos to share with you!

Someone decided to snuggle close and take a nap while I worked on this blog post.  :)

Another cute sleeping pose I just had to share!  Someone loves his momma.  :)

Frank / Francine enjoying what was left of the corn roll.  October 2012