Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Chains Of Love












So often time it happens, we all live our life in chains, and we never even know we have the key.
The Eagles, from "Already Gone"

Last year I posted about my friend Karen, who was practising carving chains. She began by learning with soap bars. Well, she is now carving spirals and chains from wood. Specifically, 2x4's. They are not assembled or put together, they are from one solid piece of wood. Since she loves carving them, they are chains of love. God draws us to him with chains of love as well. We are is creation, and he still loves us even when we mess up, just like a father does his children.

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains."





Psalm 107:13

39 comments:

Regina said...

Sure know those lines..how about chain of fools? (lol) I think I recall that post you did..interesting! Well I can attest to that. He does draw us in and breaks them as well!

Annie Jeffries said...

I'm impressed. Her hands must have become very strong over time.

Anonymous said...

How very interesting and unique.

SquirrelQueen said...

Not only is she very talented but she has lots of patience too. The carving in the first photo would be beautiful as a holder for a small vase.

I'm having internet connection problems so I'm kind of on and off, hopefully it will be back to normal soon.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

What a very cool hobby!

Melanie said...

That is really neat!

RoeH said...

Holy cow! I love those. And I want some. How on earth does she do it. I wouldn't have the patience. Kudos to her. From one solid piece of wood, eh? That's amazing.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Karen is obviously a very talented woman.I am thankful that God draws me with those chains of love,and keeps me anchored to HIm.

MadSnapper said...

true works of love and for sure works of ART and all from a 2 x 4, incredible to me. i can't even imagine how she does this. there are so many things that these could be used for, gorgeous. i am wondering if you have one in your home. are these yours?

George said...

These are fabulous -- I don't know how she does it, but these are beautiful.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Ginny, Karen is very talented. I cannot imagine how she does that --but they are fabulous.

When I think of chains, I think of all of the weight which we all carry on our backs. We stayed chained up so much of the time. We always need to remember the God does provide the KEY --and that we don't have to stay all chained-up!!!!!

Great post..
Hugs,
Betsy

Reanaclaire said...

I remember in one bible verse old testament.. it was about the ropes.. where few ropes come together, they will be strong.. just as in humans.. like helping one another, the bondage will be stronger..

Remington said...

Very cool! Beth carves too -- she says it's fun!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

wow Ginny...this post was so cool.

Joanne said...

Wow! very powerful! and those pictures are amazing. Blessings, Joanne

S. Etole said...

That is such a good scripture and images to accompany it.

Mary Bergfeld said...

She must be a determined person. This is not easy to do. They are beautiful in a rugged way. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

aspiritofsimplicity said...

Wow, she is very talented. I would probably have no fingers left if I had tried to carve a chain. I love that Eagles song. I love almost all the songs by the Eagles.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Now that's impressive!!! I adore the fact that you call 'em chains of love! :o)

I'm so happy that God allows to mess up but yet has a plan of complete forgiveness!!! He's talented that way! :o)

God bless and have yourself a marvelous day sweetie!!!

DawnTreader said...

Wonderful work! I think I remember that post from last year.

Ann said...

I love that Eagles song. They're one of my favorites.
Those chains are awesome. How very talented she is.

Shug said...

Hi Ginny..
Wasn't sure what I was looking at to start with...What a hobby and an impressive one I might add...
Isn't it wonderful how quick God can remove those chains that bind us sometimes....Good Post...I enjoyed this one alot!
Blessings,
shug

Fred Alton said...

Thank God for His wonderful ways! He breaks the chains of sin from our lives and gives us His joy and freedom. Great post. Your friend has a great skill there...and a sharp knife!! ☻

Chatty Crone said...

You know Ginny - first of all those chains are lovely - but what I was going to say is - I think there are people who complain about their chains - but NEVER do anything to remove them - they almost like them on there. Sandie

Jenn Erickson said...

Wow, what an amazing craft. Looks like all that practice has paid off - Karen seems to be quite adept with those intricate designs.

Doris Sturm said...

How impressive! Looks like a lot of work and patience, but just like with any craft, if you enjoy it, it's a very rewarding activity.

--------

In answer to your question, Ginny, yes, Gizzy's head is crunched to one side - that's how he sleeps sometimes!

And if I move, oh, well, I'll just have to start over over there ;-) I'm tired of waiting to do what I want just because I might (or might not) move... time goes by so quickly and before you know it five years will be gone again and for all I know, I'm still going to be here...so I'm enjoying this gardening thing now while I still can.

Have a wonderful evening :-)

Glenda said...

Beautiful and creative work - a real labor of love!! I'm so God loves me and shapes me!

Anonymous said...

Hi Ginny, I also have an old friend who has this hobby. Great looking chains. Have a super nice evening tonight and a good day tomorrow!

Neal said...

Interesting. I would like to see how that is done.

Anonymous said...

We all seem to be interlinked to one another whether we admit it or not.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

How neat :) Impressive

LV said...

That is amazing what that lady is doing. I cannot imagine doing chins out of paper, let along wood. Remarkable.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

The chains are so unique! Wow! I would love to see how yoiur friend makes them.

Wonderful spiritual analogy, Ginny!

LC said...

These are chains that i can appreciate. My husband quotes the Eagles line to me when I forget the truth about God's chains that you expressed on your post.

Oh, and the forsythia tour was great. We saw so much of it on our way to and from the Smokies recently, like huge spots of sunshine.

Karin said...

There's a Chain of Love ministry in Brazil I've heard of! What an interesting hobby. So glad that God broke away our chains and shackles! There are so many quotes on Bible Gateway about chains! It was great reading them again!

MaryMoh said...

These are so beautiful hand crafted chains...very creative. It reminds me of the links in the chains. We are all links in a chain and we are just as strong as the weakest link.

Dawning Inspiration said...

Amazing! Beautiful!

Bobbie said...

I've never seen anything like it before. Very nice!

Anonymous said...

She's so talented! And the chains must be taking a great deal of time to carve!

The Living Room

 Here are the decorations I put out in the living room. I did a pink theme on one end table. On the T.V. stand The table by the entrance On ...