Lacemaking and dogs are not words that immediately fit together, nor are they words that necessarily align with a Christian viewpoint.

However, God does work in mysterious ways and although we may not always be aware of His hand in things looking back can be very enlightening.

A friendship with a new member of the lace group I was a part of when I lived in Oxfordshire was the first step I took towards regaining my faith following a very traumatic time in my life.

By the time she moved back to Birmingham I was a regular member of the congregation at the local Congregational Church.

When I decided to move north to Cumbria I was faced with finding a new church and originally settled in a church where I met a lady who was just about to gain a dog. It was not long before she introduced me to Carrie a miniature long haired dachshund and I soon went in search of one for myself. I ended up with two!

I am now a member of South Lakeland Lacemakers and also still have two dogs, although not the original two who both lived into their mid teens. One of the two I have a present is a Crufts qualifier and I now show her regularly at Crufts.

My search brought me into contact with another Christian and through her I began to attend Storth Village Church. Although only a small church, Storth is a combined Methodist/Anglican congregation, very friendly and where I am now Senior Steward.

Kay Hellens

Kirkby Lonsdale