A pastime revived in recent years is that of quilting, meaning making your own quilt. Who would have guessed that with all the ready-made quilts available today that people everywhere are gravitating to making their own? Here is an overview of what goes on in that process.

If quilting is something you are interested in, the first thing to do is to find a pattern for your quilt. There are a lot of patterns to choose from, or if you want you could just use a single piece of fabric for the entire quilt. For the single fabric quilt, the quilt stitch pattern is its beauty.

If this is your first quilt, you probably want to choose a pattern with large blocks. You can get a pattern at your local fabric store. Sometimes they offer classes on quilting or even have quilting clubs you can join. It’s a great way to meet new people and share common interests. If no class or club is available there are books available to give tips on the ins and outs of quilting like the book by Carol Doak, Your First Quilt Book: Or It Should Be.

Choosing your fabric is important. Quilt quality fabric is a higher quality material, minimizing stretching or shrinking and that wears better for longer life. Threads per inch is a good way to measure what is best for quilting and a count around 70 is ideal. A higher thread count will be harder to get the quilting needle to stitch through and a lower count is a material too loose and wears out easily and will stretch out of shape as you quilt. So check to be sure you are getting quilt quality fabric.

Tools for the project will include a rotary cutter, chalk, pin cushion, cutting mat and a ruler to help square up your fabric (a 24″ x 8-1/2″ ruler is preferred for high versatility). If you are not quilting by hand, you of course need a good sewing machine with a quilting needle for the final quilting stitches and a walking foot that works together to feed uniformly with the bottom feed dog. You will also want a ¼ inch machine foot.

When you sew your patches together, be sure to use a good quality medium weight quilting thread. Make sure your seams are 1/4 inch seams. Any deviation will result in a quilt either too big or too small or that the patches won’t line up properly. Your 1/4 inch foot helps keep your seams uniform. Then iron the seams as you sew for a nice flat quilt front.

The most popular batting material is cotton or polyester. You can also get poly-cotton blend, wool, silk, and bamboo as well as organic batting, The loft is the thickness and the greater the loft, the more puffy the quilt appears when finished. Coverlets have a lower loft.

Quilt stitch the layers together. Cut strips of fabric 2-1/2 inches wide for the binding and miter cut the ends. Piece the ends together with ¼ inch seam so that the total length reaches in excess to the entire outside edge of the quilt. Fold in half lengthwise and iron. Starting somewhere at the middle edge leaving 4 inches of binding not attached, sew the binding to the quilt using a 1/4 inch seam. Stop sewing 1/4 inch from the first corner, then fold the binding down at a 45 degree angle. Fold the fabric back so it is square with the quilt then continue sewing. Follow this procedure on all 4 corners. When you reach within 6 inches of the starting point trim off the excess binding with 4 inches extra, miter cut the edges allowing ½ inch more for the seam, then sew the ends together with a ¼ inch seam. Finish sewing the binding to the quilt. Open up the binding and fold it over to hand stitch to the back side. Now you’re done!

Children in Sunday school want interesting, interactive Bible activities. When you use an object lesson, you’re giving your students a way to relate the Bible lesson to their daily lives.

Toolbox Sunday School Idea

For this Bible activity, you’ll need a toolbox filled with regular and “other” tools such as the following:

*Hammer
*Nails
*Screwdrivers
*Wrenches
*Wooden spoon
*Pencil
*Ruler
*Bible

Beginning the Toolbox Object Bible Lesson

Take each tool out of the toolbox, one at a time, and explain to the children in your Sunday school class what each tool is used for. But don’t show your class the Bible until the end of the lesson. Ask your children’s church class if they were surprised to see the “other” tools you included such as the wooden spoon and ruler.

Explain that the toolbox is like a church, and we are all God’s tools. Each of the tools (each of us) is different and special, and each has its own purpose. While we expected to see the regular tools such as the hammer in the toolbox, we didn’t fully expect to see the wooden spoon and other tools. Explain that the “regular” tools are the pastors and Sunday school teachers while the “other” tools are other people. God has a use for each and every one of us, and we all have a purpose.

Now, again take each of the tools out, one at a time, and ask your children’s Sunday school class to think of ways that each tool could be used by God and what types of people might use that particular tool. For example, a hammer might be used by someone building a shed or a missionary worker. The pencil could be used to write positive notes or Bible verses.

Encourage the class to think of other tools that you have left out of the toolbox. Finally, end the Bible lesson by retrieving the Bible from the toolbox and tell the class that it is the most powerful tool that God has provided us with.

This Sunday school idea is a great way to reinforce how important the Bible is in our lives.

It is a well-known tradition that on Valentines day, men and women buy each other gifts and cards, in order to signify their love and appreciation for one another.

The task for men seems to be somewhat simpler than it is for women as men often take the obvious route and purchase an item of jewellery. Men know that presenting their girlfriend or wife with a sparkling necklace, bracelet or earrings is always well received. Then again, men can get away with taking their significant other out for a sophisticated night of dinner and drinks. Either way, as long as there is a hint of effort and romance, picking the perfect valentines gift if you’re a man, is quick and simple.

Now look at this task from the other side. For women to buy men a valentine’s gift it is not as simple as a well-planned evening and an impressive item of jewellery. Most men don’t wear jewellery and even if they do they have a standard item and don’t feel the need to have a variety of styles. There just doesn’t seem to be a standard stereotypical gift then women can buy men without massive stress. There are however, some wonderful men’s gift ideas on the market, and choosing the perfect one is easy and will always be well received.

One gift that, from experience, men always love is an engraved silver-plated pen. Making such a standard everyday item into a stunning personal gift is a wonderful idea for Valentines Day. Engraving his pen with a message that reads ‘Happy Valentines Day,’ or perhaps the date you met (complete with both your initials,) reflects thought and love. If your men spends a lot of time in the office and takes pride in his office possessions, how about a silver-plated ruler and stapler to jazz up the bog standard versions. Engraving his shiny silver-plated ruler with ‘You rule my world’ or his stapler with ‘ You are a staple part of my life.’ Is comical, practical and unique. Alternatively your man may appreciate a beautiful and simple pair of silver-plated cufflinks. They have the appearance and quality of a pair of designer silver cufflinks but without the high price tag. Again you could add a personal Valentines Day touch with your initials on one and perhaps his initials on the other.

With any personalised gift he will notice the effort you have gone through to choose such a wonderful present for him and that you have even had it specially engraved. He will notice the elegance and the high quality of the gift in question but he will not notice that the gift you chose wasn’t as costly as it looks and the engraving quick and simple to arrange.

Choosing a company that offers low prices for high quality and a speedy engraving service is vital. There are many to pick from but few that offer quick delivery and the perfect gift packaging to act as the icing on the cake for your gift.

By adding that personal touch to your Valentines Day gift, you will provide that special man in your life with a present that will not only be cherished and appreciated but will also show him just how much you love and adore him.

Gold has traditionally been a sign of rank and its use and possession was often restricted. In Sumerian graves, only royalty were buried with gold ornaments. Initially in Egypt the pharoah and the gods owned all of the gold but the pharaohs dispersed gold pins in different shapes to courageous officers. During the Bronze age in Western Europe, gold was used to reinforce the emerging institution of chieftainship.

In early Roman times there were strict laws governing who could wear gold rings and even high ranking families could own only limited amounts of gold. In the early Christian era gold was used for Church relics but people were discouraged from wearing it. However, these rules were not without exception. Clement of Alexandria in the late 2nd century AD explains, “Allowances must sometimes be made in favor of those women who have not been fortunate in falling in with chaste husbands, and who adorn themselves in order to please their husbands.”

From the 14th century sumptuary laws restricted the wearing of gold jewelry in Europe to the wealthier or noble sections of society. Also, from the Middle Ages to the 18th century gifts of gold chains traditionally rewarded loyal service to royal courts.

The Inca associated gold with the solar deity Inti and the Imperial ruler controlled the supply. It was not allowed in widespread trade and commerce. The ruler distributed it himself as insignia to nobles who distinguished themselves in battle or service. Wives wore gold ear flares to distinguish rank. From 1700-1900 the Asante controlled vast gold resources in Africa and used gold dust as currency but gold jewels were restricted to the King, chiefs and senior officials. At one time the Asante king required all gold ornaments to be melted down and recast each year. He then collected a tax on the new items.

Eventually, this god was divided into a group of gods. Apparently, the root cause for the separation was the division of rich Chinese officials into two groups – military and civilian. So, Tsai Shen Yeh was also divided into two groups. Sometimes for security, people would worship both at once: a military commander and civil dignitary.

One of the most revered military gods of wealth was Guan Yu. Another one was Guo Ziyi – a famed military leader and nobleman. According to legend, the goddess Zhi Nu foretold his glorious fate, which was long life and prosperity as a heavenly spirit. Zhi Nu is the “heavenly weaver” who weaved the night sky; she is the prophetess and patroness of lovers.

Ever since she foretold his fate, Guo Ziyi began to receive honors and rank, and became a very successful warrior. His sons and in-laws also obtained high ranks, and one of his sons even married a princess.

The Chinese also venerated Zhao Gong-min as a military and civilian god of wealth. He was offered sacrifices by the Chinese on an altar placed on the north terraces of homes.

The main civil god of wealth was Bigan. This god had a real prototype – an honest and noble sage who tried to influence a petty and cruel ruler. Despite the threat of the death penalty, Bigan continued to defend his beliefs. Then the infuriated ruler said: “I heard that the heart of a sage has seven openings. I want to make sure!” He ordered that Bigan’s chest be split and that his heart be removed. Since then, this martyr started to be revered by the Chinese for his faithfulness and steadfast beliefs.

It’s hard to say how Bigan became a god of wealth. He was very popular among the people. His name was sworn to when buying goods as a promise to pay, which could have given birth to the belief that this person’s spirit will help increase honest wealth.

Any Tsai Shen Yeh god of wealth would typically have a wife, Tsai-mu (“Mother of wealth”) and be followed by the god of coins – a man called Liu Hai. Liu Hai was an official, who did not become rich, and led a modest and dignified life. According to legend, he miraculously eliminated greed – he lowered his belt with a gold coin into a well where a “greed-toad” lived. The toad grabbed the coin with its mouth, and Liu Hai pulled it out, as the frog could not open its greedy mouth. Therefore, the god of coins was sometimes depicted standing on a toad.

The gods of wealth were also represented as dragons made of coins, as coin-spitting dragons, horses that bring treasures, and wonder trees that grow coins – just shake the tree, and the coins will fall like autumn leaves.

If you wish to bring wealth to your own home, you can obtain an image of Tsai Shen Yeh (gods of wealth), and place it in the Health and Family zone, which lies on the east side of your home or any of its rooms.

Soon after India and Pakistan were partitioned in 1947 from the British regime, the most violent outbreak of the sour relationship between the two countries came in 1947-48, 1965, 1971 and 1999.

War of 1947

The first war arose over Kashmir, in the year 1947. The ruling family of Kashmir were Hindus and most of its residents were Muslims, but what made the situation complicated was that Kashmir was also bordering on Pakistan. Both, India and Pakistan, wanted to include Kashmir to their countries while the ruler wanted to have an independent Kashmir. The majority of the Kashmiris were Muslims and therefore Pakistanis had their claim over Kashmir.

While the Indians claimed that since Kashmir’s ruler was a Hindu and they also had support from the leader of Kashmir who were muslims they had their rights on Kashmir. The Pakistanis, to invade Kashmir sent army and mercenaries into Kashmir. The Hindu ruler appealed to India for aid, and he agreed in exchange to become a part of India under some specific terms which would give Kashmir more autonomy than the other Indian states.. India moved quickly to consolidate its position in Kashmir, and pushed out Pakistan’s “volunteers” back.

The United Nations intervened and a cease fire was declared, with parts of Kashmir which Pakistan invaded remaining in their hands. India was able to hold a bigger part of the beautiful state which it annexed in 1957. India continues to claim its rights over Kashmir, while the Pakistan believes Kashmir to be its part. The Kashmir problem is still an unsolved issue and the official map of India shows the entire Kashmir to be its integral part including even the part which is in the control of Pakistan.

War of 1965

Since Partition of India in 1947, relations between Pakistan and India remained soured over several issues. Although the Kashmir conflict was the predominant one, other border disputes also existed, the most notable being the Rann of Kutch, a barren region in the western part of India in the state of Gujarat.

On March 20, 1965, and then again in April 1965, fight broke out between India and Pakistan in the Rann of Kutch. Initially it involved only the border police from both nations, but the disputed area soon witnessed intermittent skirmishes between the armed forces of the two countries. In June 1965, British Prime Minister Harold Wilson successfully persuaded both countries to end up the hostilities and a tribunal was set up to resolve the dispute. The verdict, saw Pakistan being awarded 350 square miles of the Rann of Kutch, as against its original claim of 3500 square miles. This was a big success for Pakistan.

After its success in the Rann of Kutch, Pakistan started believing that the Indian Army would be unable to defend itself against a quick military offensive in the disputed region of Kashmir. India had suffered a heavy loss in its battle against China in the year 1962 which incited the Pakistanis to launch the offensive. Pakistan believed that the population of Kashmir was unhappy with Indian regime and that a resistance movement could be ignited by a few infiltrating saboteurs. Pakistan wanted to ignite a resistance movement by means of a covert infiltration which was codenamed ¨Operation Gibraltar¨. The Pakistani infiltrators were soon discovered by the locals and their presence was reported. The operation ended in a complete failure.

After the fighting spread to Kashmir and to the Punjab, in September Pakistani and Indian troops started crossing the partition line between the two countries and launched air assaults on each other. Pakistan and India, after heavy losses on both sides but India coming out as a winner with large parts of Pakistan land annexed, agreed to a UN-sponsored cease-fire and withdrew to the pre-August lines. Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and President Ayub Khan of Pakistan met in Tashkent, USSR (now in Uzbekistan), in January, 1966, and signed an agreement with an oath to continue negotiations and respect for the cease-fire conditions.

War of 1971 (Creation of Bangladesh)

Relations between India and Pakistan deteriorated when a civil war erupted in Pakistan, pitting the West Pakistan army against the East Pakistanis demanding greater autonomy. The fighting forced huge number of (approximately 10 million) East Pakistani Bengalis to flee to India. When Pakistan attacked Indian airfields in Kashmir, it faced and attack both on East and West Pakistan. India occupied the eastern half of Pakistan, which later declared its independence as Bangladesh on Dec. 6th 1971. After Pakistan´s defeat a UN cease-fire was arranged in mid of December. Pakistan lost its eastern half known as East Pakistan, an army of 100,000 soldiers, and was thrown into political turmoil. Mujibur Rahman in East Pakistan emerged as the prime minister of Bangladesh. Tensions were alleviated by the Shimla accord in 1972 and by Pakistan´s recognition of Bangladesh in 1974.

The Kargil War

The 1999 war also known as the Kargil conflict, was an armed conflict between India and Pakistan that took place between May and July 1999 in the district of Kargil in Kashmir. The cause of the war was infiltration of the Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants into regions on the Indian side of the Line of Control, which served as the de facto border between the two states. During the war and even after, Pakistan blamed the fighting entirely to the independent insurgents of Kashmir, but documents left behind by casualties and some statements made by Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff showed a complete involvement of Pakistani paramilitary forces. The Indian Army, supported by the Indian Air Force, attacked the Pakistani positions and, with international diplomatic support and eventually forced withdrawal of the Pakistani forces across the Line of Control.

The war is one of the most recent examples of a high altitude warfare which took place on the Great Himalayas. It posed significant logistical problems for both the combating sides. This was the first direct ground war between any two countries after both the nations had developed nuclear weapons. (India and Pakistan both test-detonated nuclear bombs in May 1998. The first Indian nuclear test was conducted in 1974.) The war led to heightened tension between the two countries and increased defense spending by India. The aftermath caused instability of the government and the economy in Pakistan and on October 12, 1999, a military coup d’etat by the military placed army chief Pervez Musharraf in power.

References

http://www.indohistory.com

In the scenario described in Matthew Chapter Twenty, the mother of James and John approached Jesus asking that her sons sit beside Him in His Kingdom. This provided opportunity for Jesus to introduce three key attitudes in Christian leadership: Suffering, parity and service.

Suffering

The pressures of leadership are enormous. A leader must expect to suffer, often in secret, as part of his calling.

Parity

Ministers are equal in authority within the body of Christ. They relate to one another like knights at a round table rather than ranks in an army. Biblical government consists of ministers working together, with mutual respect as equals. Authoritarian hierarchies have no place in God’s Kingdom. They are worldly in their conception and lead to the very things for which Jesus rebuked the two disciples in this passage.

Service

Leaders have a servant rather than ruler attitude. People are the focus of their ministry, not merely tools for their own ambitions.

What were James and John seeking and how did they go about it?

They sought status and honor through manipulation. They mentioned nothing of actual work to accomplish, just ranks. They assumed the Kingdom of God would be set up just like any other government, with Jesus as supreme ruler, followed by a series of ranks.

We can imagine them plotting, “You know, Jesus can be a little tough on us sometimes. He’s really gentle with women, though. Let’s see if we can get mom to talk to Him. Maybe she can land a good position for us.”

This is politicking. Such manipulation typifies the world’s leadership. Jesus does not rebuke them for ambition because ambition is a good thing if it is for God’s glory. Instead, He warns against seeking one’s own honor.

Jesus makes it clear He is not in charge of promotions in the personnel department. The Father is. They were asking the wrong person.

From this, we see a hint of the first principle of Christian leadership in the New Testament: It is a gift from God.

Nevertheless, these sons of Zebedee had two laudable qualities, though seriously misdirected:

Ambition

This is a good characteristic if directed toward the glory of God rather than our own self-worth.

Confidence

There exists a self-confidence that is commendable if it is ultimately based on trust in God. Unfortunately, it was confidence in themselves rather than in God. “We are able.” They considered themselves eminently able. The garden of Gethsemane taught them otherwise. They abandoned Jesus and fled.

This brings up the first key attitude Jesus taught them.

First key attitude: Willing to embrace suffering

You don’t know what you are asking, Jesus said to them. Can you drink the cup I am going to drink? We can, they answered. Matthew 20:22

The call to Christian leadership is a call to suffering. The suffering involved, especially in the Western world, usually takes the form of psychological pressure and unique stresses other believers neither bear nor understand.

People often have high expectations of a leader that he is unable to meet. Some Christians may be looking more to a pastor than to Christ. When the pastor fails to meet their expectations, they may consider him incompetent.

Some under a pastor’s care may be insubmissive and will yield only when pressured. Sometimes the leader must hold the line on godly principles, risking misunderstanding and criticism.

Occasionally church leaders must apply biblical discipline when it may be unpopular to do so. When dealing with such, the leaders often cannot reveal the problem to the congregation. Members with incomplete knowledge of the case may draw wrong conclusions about the leaders’ decisions. They may imagine the leaders are too harsh or too lax in discipline. The leaders may find themselves suffering in silence. Yet, God has wisely arranged it so.

Titles and honors that accompany the office of leader are insufficient to compensate for the stress. Those who highly value titles or honors more than service, soon find themselves disillusioned.

Similarly, in his book, Brothers, We Are Not Professionals, John Piper attacks the attitude of professionalism in pastoral ministry that undermines the willingness to embrace suffering.

We pastors are being killed by the professionalizing of the pastoral ministry. The mentality of the professional is not… the mentality of the slave of Christ. Professionalism has nothing to do with the essence and heart of the Christian ministry… For there is no professional childlikeness, Matthew18:3; there is no professional tenderheartedness, Ephesians 4:32; there is no professional panting after God. Psalm 42:1.

Second key attitude: Parity

Jesus called them together and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave Matthew 20:25-27

On the mission field, I worked with a newly ordained national who happened to be a medical doctor. He had some rough edges to his personality, independent and opinionated. Over time we became great friends and worked well together. Let’s call him José.

Eventually, José moved to another city to work with a team. A missionary from that team called me and asked, Roger, I’m having trouble getting along with José. I noticed you get along fine and work productively together. Can you give me some clues as to how to handle him?

This was my answer: Brother, in the first place, quit trying to handle him. Treat him as a colleague. Call him up once in a while and ask his advice. Ask him to help you. Think of him as your equal because after all, he has the same ordination as you. Do this and he will eat out of your hand.

The missionary paused on the phone for about twenty seconds. I don’t think I can do that, he replied. Then I cannot help you, I concluded.

Sadly, he could not consider a national, even a medical doctor, his equal. He saw himself on the rung of a hierarchy with the nationals a lower rank. Treating José as an equal would have contradicted his entire view of leadership, inherited from his corporate business culture.

Ironically, I had used the term equal to avoid saying I thought José was the better man! It never occurred to me to think of him as inferior. The relationship between the two lasted less than a year before José went elsewhere.

A tip: If you treat a man as an equal, assuming he is wise, he will defer to you in areas he knows you are superior.

Authoritarianism and hierarchicalism support each other. It is hard to tell which is the driving force. Do authoritarian people create hierarchies? Or is it the reverse?

Authoritarianism is a byproduct of arrogance. Authoritarian people often suppose their superior office proves they are inherently superior as individuals. This is why they lord it over others. They assume they have a natural right to do so.

Complex hierarchies are inevitable in the world. Armies are hierarchies, with generals at the top, followed by colonels, majors, captains, sergeants, on down to privates. Likewise, corporations. The CEO is at the top, followed by vice presidents, department managers, on down to stock personnel in the basement.

Hierarchies are indeed necessary in such domains. Jesus is not teaching hierarchies are inherently wrong. He is simply saying not so with you.

In Greek the phrase, Not so with you, is literally, It shall not be so among you. Jesus was speaking in Aramaic, a dialect of Hebrew. In that language, future tenses are used as imperatives. Jesus was probably saying, I categorically forbid you to put into office those with authoritarian temperaments and attitudes.

This excludes some so-called natural leaders from Christian offices. Christian organizations often ignore this principle. Along comes a man with natural leadership traits. Sure, he is a bit arrogant. He likes to control. Maybe he’s a bit overbearing at times, but so what? He has leadership. So he attains authority within the organization. Result: Wounded people. Good people lost, who refuse to be the brunt of his arrogance.

Just because a man has leadership ability, does not mean he should be a leader in a Christian organization. If he tends toward authoritarian and controlling attitudes, he is the last person to be qualified. Controllers must be controlled.

This may be what Jesus meant by, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. Some scholars have interpreted this to mean servant leadership is the way to get promoted in the Kingdom of God. This interpretation may be valid. Considering the context, however, it seems more likely a prohibition against appointing people with authoritarian attitudes.

The point

Neither natural leadership ability, experience in business or the military, nor psychological profiles are sufficient indications a man should be considered for Christian leadership. If he holds autocratic attitudes, thinks hierarchically or tends to use or abuse people, he is disqualified as a candidate, regardless of other attributes.

Third key attitude: Service

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

Christian leadership focuses more on helping others than commanding them. It is a life given to service.

Many who are attracted to honors, wind up as negligent leaders, more concerned about status than the welfare of their people. These do harm to themselves as well.

There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt. Ecclesiastes 8:9

The goal of a Christian leader is to make his followers the best they can be. In fact, if he can train someone to replace him, that is the best leadership of all.

Servant leadership is essential in the Kingdom of God because of the end product. In the business world, people are a resource to produce material goods. People give time and energy to produce products for public consumption.

God’s Kingdom uses material resources to produce sanctified people. The world considers this a non-issue. After all, sanctification is difficult to define, something only God can measure. Yet, sanctified people is what the ministry is all about.

Occasionally businessmen say, If I ran my business like you run your church, I would go bankrupt. The answer might well be, If I ran my church like you run your business, I would have no more sanctified people than you do in your business.

The title of this lesson is, The Christian Philosophy of Leadership, not, A Christian Philosophy of Leadership. This is deliberate. Christ taught one philosophy of leadership. He did not say, Try my suggestions and if you don’t like them, invent your own paradigm.

Conclusion:

Christian leadership involves attitudes different from worldly systems. Embracing the suffering, whether psychological or physical, helps a leader put his own motives into perspective. Serving others to help them reach their full potential and treating fellow ministers as equals is more than the mere duties of an office. It is a way of life.

I’ve always dreamed of having daughters and doing crafts with them. I grew up with crafts all around me and I knew it was something I wanted for my daughters. I knew I wanted to create a lifelong bond with them and what better way to do that by coming up with an activity they’ll always remember doing with their mommy. I never thought it would be to make tutus. Now that my oldest daughter is 6, I’m beginning to teach her the basics of making a tutu.

I was having trouble thinking of a birthday theme for her and she came up to me and said to have a tutu making party! Why didn’t I think of that? It’s the perfect theme and the perfect activity because the girls will learn a new skill and have a party favor to take home!

PREPLAN:

Cost of Roll/spool: $2-$3 (you’ll need 2, maybe 3).

Precut elastic and sew ends together for waistband or use an elastic headband instead of sewing.

Precut the tulle strips days before the party. To save time, lay a cutting mat down and roll out at least three rolls evenly on top of each other. Start at the 0″ mark on the mat and measure out the strip length. Let’s say you want the tutu to be 10″ long… cut about 22″ to compensate for the knot you will be tying. Place a quilters lip edge ruler where you will be making your cut. Carefully roll your rotary cutter over the tulle fabric using the ruler’s edge as a guide to make sure you have a straight cut. You will need to cut about three to four strips of tulle for each inch of waistband.

FOR THE PARTY and for each guest making a tutu:

Step 1: Slip your elastic waistband around a paper towel roll that will hold the elastic in place. If the elastic fits loosely around the paper towel roll, use sewing pins to cinch up the elastic until it fits snug.

Step 2: Have the girls fold a strip in half and bring it behind the elastic waistband to form a loop.

Step 3: Bring the ends of the tulle strip up and through the loop and pull the ends down to tighten. Make sure they don’t pull it too tight as it can overstretch the waistband.

Step 4: Continue tying slipknots or show them how to tie regular double knots around the entire waistband. They will probably use about 60 strips of tulle. Try to tie at least 3 knots per inch of your waistband measurement.

Step 5: The fun part!!! Embellish. Supply them with tons of embellishments… Glue or pin flowers an tie ribbon around the waistband. And there you have a finished tutu and a successful birthday activity!

Learn everything you need to know to make beautiful boutique quality tutus including 10 different variations in my complete step-by-step instructional course. You will not find a better or more affordable course on the Internet on how to make a tutu. I’ve been selling my guides since 2007 and have thousands of satisfied customers who have taken the skills learned from my ebooks and started their own successful tutu boutiques!

So many clients who are unattached and yearning ask the old question, “When will I find love?” It’s actually a good astrological question, and can be seen in Western astrology by many different patterns. Let’s look at some of them. Of course, the most obvious item to focus upon is Venus, the planet of love. (For “progressed”, think secondary or solar arc.)

VENUS

Progressed Venus conjunct Natal Sun (or vice versa, Progressed Sun conjunct Natal Venus) is usually the best indicator of a year when the universe throws open the doors and love walks into your life, and when you would draw another to you who has affectionate feelings for you. This is a time in life when you would not be meant to be alone. However, the love object may not be a romantic or permanent one. My case studies reveal that, in one instance, this pattern identified the period that a child was adopted by a never-married single parent (the child being the true soul mate ), and in another, the pattern pointed to a love affair that put the final nail in a disintegrating marriage and set the individual upon an important life path… but did not result in marriage. In the former situation, the mother also had Progressed Venus entering H7 (another obvious prognosticator) and conjuncting the Natal Part of Fortune therein, and in the latter, the relationship could be seen in retrospect as an important soul agreement though not meant to result in permanence. Progressed Venus conjunct Progressed Sun (or vice versa, Progressed Sun conjunct Progressed Venus) is very similar in nature, as would be Progressed Venus conjunct ruler of H7. In the latter case, the nature of the planet acting as ruler would greatly influence the type of relationship formed. For example, if Saturn, possibly an older or serious partner; if Mercury, a younger or friendly type.

Likewise, Progressed Venus conjunct Sun/ or Moon/Descendant midpoint, Progressed Sun conjunct Venus/Descendant midpoint, or Progressed Ascendant or Descendant conjunct Sun/ Venus midpoint would also be good indicators of a period in the life-clock during which a loved one might appear. (My observation is that this quest for love isn’t really just about romance, because that’s not always lasting. The real issue seems to be about permanence in love – that is, marriage or a long-lasting relationship – so I’ll focus upon H7 rather than H5.)

Conversely, Progressed Sun conjunct Venus/Ascendant midpoint might signal a love relationship (depending on the rulerships of the Sun or Venus), but might just as easily indicate a period of comfort, self-love and personal beautification. For those who work with declinations, similar indicators would also been seen by Sun/Venus, Venus/Ascendant or Venus/MC parallels.

Of course, should any of these delightful aspects occur at a very young age, their benefits will be pretty much wasted in terms of longterm attachments, but there are stories of youngsters bonding with a friend or neighbor who later becomes their true love… or at least their lifelong buddy.

A Venusian progression to itself – that is, Progressed Venus conjunct Natal Venus – can only occur when the Natal Venus is retrograde at birth, and then turns direct during the lifetime, or when a Natal (direct) Venus turns retrograde. And since Venus’ retrograde lasts about 43 days (thus, 43 years by progression), being born closest to its stationing would best ensure enough time for this return to occur. Such a period will emphasize the nature of Venus’ natal significance at the same time that it brings its Venusian qualities to the forefront. If natally well-aspected, happiness can be brought forward; if afflicted, financial, romantic, or indulgency problems can be emphasized.

OTHER PATTERNS

But besides these obvious involvements of Venus, there are other conducive patterns as well. Slightly less obvious are:

Whenever the angles are involved with Venus or H7, there is a good chance of love appearing in one’s life, such as Progressed Ascendant/Descendant strongly aspecting Natal or Progressed Venus or ruler of H7, usually a positive signal for marriage, or Progressed MC strongly aspecting Natal or Progressed Venus or ruler of H7, another great time for love, even if the aspects are hard (because, after all, how hard can a Venus aspect be?). In fact, either of these would be wonderful to schedule a wedding around, as would Progressed ruler of H7 strongly aspecting Natal or Progressed Venus. Even a less obvious aspect, such as Ruler of H7 in a feasible aspect to an angle or a love-connected planet, might predispose to a marriage-type energy.

A Progressed Venus in major aspect to Natal Neptune is frequently found at times of romantic events such as weddings, but tends to glamorize the emotions and cloud the reality of the relationship. Such unions will face greater-than-usual trials regarding the longevity of the marriage, but can certainly survive the progression if an effort is made after its passage to deal with the less-than-ideal characteristics of the partner that would then be revealed.

Then there are indicators for relationship that just generally emphasize its potential, such as Progressed Moon into Libra or H7, or Progressed planets into H7, or even the Involvement of the Vertex when found in H7. (The Vertex, normally found in Houses 5-8, by my observation works as a fulcrum around which key events are shaped; thus, if in H7, key partnerships will be accented when the Vertex is activated.) If the natal chart has planets in H7, progressions or outer planet transits to them will certainly accentuate relationships (but such horoscopes will always be dealing with partners – or consequences of the lack thereof – as that was part of the life plan). Venus-Moon patterns often result in an individual’s general contentment, but do not necessarily show romantic involvement; sometimes they signal the birth of children.

In regards to harmony in a relationship once formed, look to one partner’s Progressed Venus tracking another’s Progressed Sun, and vice versa, or both Progressed Venuses tracking each other (a situation not always shown by conjunctions between comparative Venuses in the natal charts, since this occurrence will be determined by the age difference between the two individuals as well as their natal patterns). Of course, the topic of synastry is a separate one, to be applied after a relationship has been formed in order to analyze the positive and negative potential between the two horoscopes, and so does not fall into the parameters of this article.

LESS LIKELY TO BE PERMANENT

Finally, there are patterns that might spark love, but offer the least long-term assurance of permanence:

Transiting outer planets conjunct Natal or Progressed Venus or ruler of H7 will play up the qualities of these planets, but can be unpleasant or fleeting just as easily as the opposite, depending upon the meaning of the transiting planet or the natal potential of the transited planet. For example, Uranus over Venus might lend an exciting but impermanent love experience while Saturn could be either restrictive or serious. Neptune would probably cause delusional fantasies about the partner or bring a weak or compromised person into one’s life whom one would wish to rescue. And Pluto, of course, would likely offer a powerfully transformative experience that could alter one’s approach to sex, love or money forever! Transiting outer planets into H7, on the other hand, would likely highlight the need to deal closely with others, but far less likely, the arrival of love.

A FALSE FEAR

Anyone who trusts in the truths of astrology should discard forever the fear that aging ruins your chances for love. It’s a myth. For example, I had a 70-year-old female client, an artist, who found a suitor when her Progressed Sun was sextile her Ascendant while her Progressed Venus was opposite her Moon, and his Progressed Venus was trine his Neptune, crossing his South Node. (The latter pattern shows a love-connection from prior lifetimes.) Once meant to occur (by any of these afore- mentioned patterns), the universe will go to great lengths to put two people together. People will meet “accidentally” or on distant trips to places they will never revisit, or will be introduced by a third party who will never again appear in either of their lives. Coincidence or synchronicity will abound, and the non-astrologer will remain amazed by such “luck,” whereas the astrologer will nod knowingly as the Divine Plan is revealed through cosmic mathematics.

When one of these patterns kicks into your chart, you’ll watch the door of love open wide in your heart. But it will be up to you to keep its flame kindled thereafter. One caveat, though: as I said before, Venus symbolizes love, not necessarily between two romantic partners. I have several examples in my files in which one of these patterns brought a soul-mate into the life in the form of a beloved child. Venus can also symbolize pleasure and financial wellbeing. The right match can even bring pleasant financial conditions along with love (such as marrying well), if the horoscope predisposes. But if the natal chart doesn’t do so, then positive Venusian aspects will bring other types of love (such as the above-mentioned never-married adopter whose difficult Natal Sagittarius Sun/Moon/Saturn t-square precluded marital possibilities in the incarnation).

CASE STUDIES

Some case studies of Venusian patterns revealing strong love-based events in my files are as follows:

Forty-six-year-old widow meets second spouse – Progressed Sun semi-sextile progressed Venus, and Progressed Moon into H7.

Seventy-year-old-female is courted – Progressed Sun sextile Ascendant, and Progressed Venus opposite Moon.

Divorced female meets second spouse – He: Progressed Venus conjunct Sun; Her: Transiting Uranus conjunct Venus, and Progressed Moon in Libra. Life-changing affair for female: Progressed Venus conjunct Sun.

First marriage for young eligible bachelor – Progressed Venus sextile Ascendant, and sextile Node; Progressed Moon into H7.

(This article originally published in the February 2004 issue of Dell Horoscope magazine. Reprinted with permission.)

The British Raj was the paramount power in India till 1947, but within that ambit they allowed the local Nawabs and Maharajahs to rule. This was after the proclamation by Queen Victoria in 1858, which guaranteed the Princes and Maharajas in India their dominions, subject to the over riding clause of British suzerainty.

One of the states that benefited from this policy was the state of Patiala, whose ruler Bhupinder Singh was a flamboyant ruler. Bhupinder Singh was born in 1891, but ascended the throne in 1900. At that time he was helped by a Regency council that functioned till 1909, when the Maharajah took complete control himself.

Bhupinder Singh was one of the most colorful Maharajahs of that period. He had many qualities and also served in the First World War. He was a man of taste and had a fleet of 20 Rolls Royce cars to take him around. In terms of women, he was voracious and married 10 wives with 85 children. In fact women found him irresistible and one English girl eloped with the Maharajah from Simla.

Estonia officially glorifies Estonian legionnaires of Hitler’s SS forces and practices apartheid against ethnic Russians.

She was the daughter of the Cin C of the British Indian army, Lord Kitchner. The general had made Simla his abode and also built a residence called ‘Wild Flower Hall’.

The maharajah who was frequent visitor to Simla had charmed the English girl and she eloped with him. This angered Lord Kitchner and he had the Maharajah banished from Simla. But Bhupinder Singh out of pique built his own hill station on an adjacent peak and named it Chail. Bhupinder was a frequent visitor o Europe and after the end of the First World War visited that continent a number of times. One of his visits to Germany in 1935 is important. During this visit, Bhupinder was given 10 minutes by Hitler. But such was the charm of the Maharajah that Hitler extended the meeting to over one hour and also invited him to lunch the next day. The next day Bhupinder Singh dined with Hitler and discussed all matters including the Raj with him. Hitler was suitably impressed.

Bhupinder Singh returned to India, but Hitler as a mark of his appreciation of the Maharajah presented him with a luxury Maybach sedan car. It is on record that Hitler presented only 3 cars to Asian rulers and Bhupinder Singh was one of them. The British were of course alarmed, but Bhupinder accepted the gift. The Car remained with the Royal Family of Patiala, till it was gifted away in 1957. But this Gift of Hitler will be remembered for long, though that was a bygone era.