Wednesday, June 4, 2014

... and a time for every purpose under heaven.....

Or, I might entitle this....

 "Who's in charge here?"

More than once in my relatively short blogging history, I have found coincidences that seem to be orchestrated by a higher being ... the meeting of friends that were, until then, names with e-mail addresses ... on-line friends that share backgrounds, passions, histories and even other friends. Each time it becomes harder to look at these happenings as just a coincidence.

During times when I have a lot to worry about and even sleep becomes a problem, even a small diversion is a real blessing and not to be taken lightly.

With that in mind, out of the blue comes an e-mail from an unknown person by the name of Glenn Okamoto. As one who is a bit more savvy of the internet than I, he has found a picture of the fan quilt made for the ASIJ Gala auction. He has been charged with contributing a block ... or two ... to a quilt being assembled for his future Grandson, and looking for advice ... or help ... or both.

Well, how could I not help? Each of my grandchildren has been met with a quilt. I can only think of how that little one will feel, coming into a world of love and care and welcome bits of fabric messages from those around him.

We began an exchange of messages back and forth. It was determined by me that the quilt will be made by another relative and that the fabric pieces handed out will actually finish at two inches square. OH MY! That is not very big! No way I could piece a fan block that tiny. It would be all seams. He is allowed more than one square. Could his squares be combined to a larger block? Well, maybe ... No one knows the vision of the finished piece in the mind of the quilter.

So, once my Cub camp was over, I returned to our discussion and we came up with the fan, a Japanese kite, and the Okamoto family crest.


Here are the pieces I was able to come up with and post to Glenn, hoping they would satisfy the requirements for the quilt. Today he notified me that they had arrived in the mail and gave me permission to share the story. He also promised me a picture of the quilt when assembled and ... I hope ... there will be a family picture with the baby and the proud Grandpa.

The diversion has given me a bit of creative challenge, knowledge of wood sorrel as a family crest, and a new friend across the pond in California. During these few weeks, a few wrinkles in the road of life have been somewhat smoothed and I was able to get a bit more sleep. Was there a bigger "purpose" here? Maybe so. Who am I to judge? But I know who I will be thanking in my prayers.


18 comments:

  1. Me too, a truly lovely story when hands reach out, asking, then giving with such generosity, your blocks will tell a story all by themselves, and your part in the whole quilt will be so treasured. Hugs to you Julie, from Jean.

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  2. its fun to be able to help out .. and as you say find a little peace for yourself as well x remember to take some "me" time every now and then xx

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  3. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story. A little diversion can make a world of difference, but you are always helping others. You are an angel in disguise! I can't get over how small the blocks had to be. Your work is exceptionally detailed and beautiful.

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  4. Very interesting baby name. Love the kamon. Remember we almost always see the underside of God's great tapestry. He sees from above and has the finished design in mind.

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  5. What a great story - I hope you get to see the finished quilt.

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  6. It is wonderful that you could help him and you did a beautiful job on creating the designs to fit the blocks.

    Debbie

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  7. You are a wonderful FRIEND, Julie!

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  8. What a wonderful thing to do!! Quilters are such wonderful people!! I love the community of friends that we have and make!

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  9. Julie you are so giving! I loved this post.

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  10. Julie, That is a wonderful gift of your time and skill that will be enjoyed for decades to come... thank you for this heartwarming story ~Marina & Daryl at Q.I.

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  11. What a wonderful person you are .... so giving and we look forward to the photos!

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  12. God puts people in our paths, whether or not we respond as he wants us to, is up to us. Isn't it good that God knows best?

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  13. My goodness Julie - these are fantastic! Do they really only measure two inches? So heartwarming to connect with others.

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  14. Julie is a gift from God! I have never meet a person who would take the time to answer a question let alone help make these beautiful patches. I am blessed to have meet Julie let alone consider her as a friend.

    Thank You Julie you are a special human being more than you Know!

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    Replies
    1. What a kind thing to say. I only wish it to be true.

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  15. What a fun thing to do - I hope you share the picture of the quilt when you get it. blessings, marlene

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