Wood - 71

 

Despite the recent cold temperatures here in the south - down in the single digit lows - i've been able to work in a semi-heated shop.  Some of the projects have involved creating benches for childrens' Christmas presents, while other work has entailed repair work on 30-year old windows.  The woodworking has been enjoyable and challenging.  i believe i forewarned about more time in the shop in one of the last posts on the antbrotherfarms website.  The work has been generated by just using the scraps and tools available to make what would be needed.

The finish carpentry work of repairing the old windows involves the recreation of sash, stiles, and sill while reusing the old insulated glass units.  This is considered some unchartered territory for me and has been some good experience.  The bench/stool/table pieces were made from scraps we generally grind up into woodchips at the plant.  The thinner strips of wood are from various species - oak, ash, pecan, poplar. 

i am working on getting the main website back online this next month.  i have run into limited funds to be able to support the site and the yearly renewal came up in early January.  Thanks and Blessings to a beloved supporter in helping me get the main site back online.

On the ministry front, i can't praise God enough for what i am seeing take place.  It is truly a moving of the Holy Spirit in the various aspects of ministry work that i was given a vision of in 2007.  Amazing Grace, really Lord, Just Amazing.

Love Blessings and Strength,

~ab

Wet Feet and Sharp Chisels - 19

  The wood shop is about to kick into gear again for the next couple weeks - part time.  i have always preferred making gifts for others rather than buying them.  i wouldn't mind disappearing among the wood chips for longer than that but people might wonder where i had gone, perhaps one day more time there may be justified.

   Working with wood is therapeutic for me, as much as gardening, and to be able to create something from wood with my hands gives me great satisfaction.  Often times it is the uncovering process that is so exciting.  Choosing a piece, looking at the grain of the wood and deciding what to do with it are all part of the starting points.  There is always an anticipation of applying the first coat of danish oil to the finished piece, patience, patience - it's not ready yet.  Just another hour of sanding...
i remarked to a friend of mine yesterday that my dad always taught me to do the best that i possibly could no matter what work i may be doing.  The work of our hands is our signature.  i miss those days as a youth, hanging out with my dad in his wood shop, watching him work and asking a million questions.  But for now, i have a GOoD Friend and Master Carpenter to spend some time with while making wood chips fly and sawdust.  Often times the project is already mastered in my mind before i begin - the image is complete and it is just a matter of time before my hands, tools and abilities catch up to that image.  That's the beauty of manifesting an image from your heart - sharing the beauty, goodness and love from within.

God Bless,  ~ ab