Time for a Tea Party ?

Although it was a busy and fun weekend with all the kids and their friends home, i found myself escaping a time or two to the sofa so i could sit and knit (i know .. shocker!) .... and just slow down a bit with a cup of hot tea and some baby hats to work on .... or a scarf to finish .... just something to keep my hands busy yet allow my head and heart to focus on the True Priority of my day ....

there were times when the moments to sit and knit were NOT long enough and i was up and busy doing something else that needed to be done ... and once that task was complete i'd run back to the sofa and grab the needles ... the tea had long grown cold so i'd heat it back up and start the process over again ....

however one thing i noticed was how my tea had gained flavored and intensity when it was left sitting ... the tea bag was still floating within the cup of water, but the water was now more infused w/ the flavor of that particular tea bag .... i had done nothing to contribute to that accomplishment, it resulted simply because of TIME. which has left me pondering my own state ... my Flavor .....

if my heart is a simple cup of water and the Lord is the tea bag, just how infused am i? am i a tepid cup of tea that has had the prefunctory 3-4 dips of Him - which is just enough to 'color' the water of my life but not really be even an adequate representation of His flavor? or .... Have i found those times of contentment when i can just sit and steep and allow Him to permeate every bit of who i am .... so that i become a true and genuine Cup of Tea and not just a cup of hot water?

Surrender . . relinquishment. . time . .. all the things needed to become a reflection of Him and loose the bitter after taste that i so often leave behind .....

Isa 58:11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Why not invite a friend over and have a tea party?  Ask her to bring her yarn, or share some of yours, and just sit in the quiet ... sip and knit ... and share the afternoon catching up .... make time to rejoice ... to renew ... to be refreshed .....    Tea Parties  - -  are for the little girl in each of us!

Do your blessings have a name?

Thanksgiving 2010

i got a new one Thursday before Thanksgiving lunch ... her name is Tori and she is going to be my 1st DAUGHTER IN LOVE!!!!  As we circled up to say the blessing Thursday, Bubba suggested we go around the room and share something we were thankful for.  He began, and Tori followed after him.  Then our son, Paul, started to share his blessings and when he finished he turned to Tori and said he had one more thing to ask . . at which point he proposed and sweet Tori just beamed as she resoundingly replied YES!!!! and i cried (duh!) as Paul slid the ring onto her finger ... and  from there, hugs abounded ... squeals resounded ... and lunch was just the best ever!!!

The rest of the day was a sweet time of simplicity ... sharing a meal with family and friends, and then throw in a nap during the afternoon football games and knitting throughout the evening as leftovers were warmed up and enjoyed again ...  sometimes i think we get so busy with the preparation that we are too distracted or tired to enjoy the purpose and those that we invite over to share it with!

Knitting often proves the same theory:  it doesn't have to be complicated to be beautiful!  Knit So Simple is more than just a title . . . given the right yarn and needles it becomes a calling card that echoes a lifestyle .. and the following lace pattern can be adapted from washcloths to prayer shawls, and any other yarn that seeks to be shared ....

Using a thin weight mohair, slip the first stitch on every row to make a chain edge.
Cast on 33 stitches (over two needles so it would be nice and loose) on a US #3 needle and work garter stitch (Knit every row) for 3 ridges and then begin the pattern -
Rows 1 and 3 (WS) Purl
Row 2 - Slip 1, * Yarn Over, Knit 3 Together, Yarn Over, Knit 1 * Repeat from * to* ending Knit 1.
Row 4 - Slip 1, Knit 2 * Yarn Over, Knit 3 together, Yarn Over, Knit 1 * Repeat from * to * ending Knit 3.

End by working 3 more ridges in garter and binding off - not too tight!

O Give Thanks unto the Lord .... His Love Endures Forever!  Ps. 136

not ANOTHER scarf . . .



a simple slip knot

 have you ever noticed that Scarves seem to be the catalyst and inspiration for many new knitters .... but WHY?  they are 12 miles LONG ... and take forEVER to knit, or so it seems, if this is one of your first projects and you have no sense of how to gauge the time it's going to require - - or even realize the monotony (rather than the relaxation) of simply going back and forth, back and forth, back and forth . . . learning the basic knit and knit and knit and knit ....

however, we have learned that the more comfortable we become with our knitting skills the more welcoming a scarf project can be simply BECAUSE of the repetition and the freedom to allow your mind to relax a bit as the rhythm of the needles soon brings a settling throughout .. an envelope of tranquility that creates a tiny cocoon within which you can dwell on the recipient of the scarf - - or the texture of the yarn as it flows from the skein, across your fingers, around the needles and off into a soft pile in your lap - - or the marvels of a pattern that develops one row at a time which is often such a reflection of how God works in our own lives - - patterns don't often make sense when judged solely on one ROW ... but cumulatively they are so intwined that their collective effort presents itself as a delicate and intricate work of art.

so . . with our extensive collection of scarves hanging as accessories for us to wear, have you ever considered a different option as far as HOW to actualy wear them?  not just draped and hanging like a long and slender upside down "U" resting on our shoulders .... what about a Slip knot ... or a 4 in Hand knot? 

 

For more ideas you can Check out this Crochet Me site, or any of the Knitting Daily patterns that might inspire you .... remember to consider the weight of your yarn AND the appropriate needle size in order to create a soft and subtle drape to the fabric of the scarf that you are knitting .... a strip of stiff and strong fabric might be a perfect and stunning statement if afforded the option to simply hang from your neck, but would hardly be a highlighted accessory if you tried to "knot" it .... the rigidity might appear more like a bow tie rather than a gentle boa ....  (just a little point to ponder there!  however, if you love the yarn, why not conisder going UP several sizes in the needles you use so that your stitiches are more fluid and the drape flows effortlessly rather than fighting to maintain its rigidity.)

Finding Rest for the yarn by thinking outside the box/label and adjusting your needle size is really a perfect solution though it may not appear conventional to some.  Finding Rest for my heart is much the same process.  Often in the midst of what would appear an obvious 'solution' to a problem, it's the still, small voice of the Lord that ends up being the true 'Solution' ... that becomes the Compliment to the yarn of my day .... that turns things from TENSE bow TIES into a gentle and soothing drape of Peace around my heart . . that apart from Him i can NOT explain.

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. 

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

ps. 4:7-8

a few "Happy's" to start the week . . .

a little panda with pink ears ... and uggs to match!

lower the ears... and you've got a monkey!

you've GOT to learn to crochet ...
after Christmas, okay?
sweet little baby cloche!

One Row Lace Scarf -
Started on Wednesday, Finished Last Nite.
Added a Crocheted Scallop on the edges.

it was a profitable weekend as far as my knitting goes .... there was some other areas of the day that didn't flow so freely ... and sent me to knitting in the stairwell and hiding for a bit so i could talk to God and ask Him "WHY?" .....  He gently and consistently reminded me of His promise in Hebrews 11:1 - Now FAITH is being SURE of what we hope for and CERTAIN of what we do not see! .... Clinging to His promises today and humming this amazing verse from one of my childhood hymns - - The Solid Rock:

His oath, his covenant, his blood, supports me in the whelming flood.

When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.

Friday + Fall = FUN

with all the rain we've had this week it seems that the leaves are finally letting go ... conceding to the fact that it's officially Autumn and the colors have finally turned into that beautiful hue that settles deep within my spirit to get me ready for all the holidays soon to approach.  Rich palattes of gold, deep ambers and vibrant jewel tones of red are slowly floating from overhead and gently dripping down to my front porch steps .... scattering themselves across my front yard, and calling for the rakes to be pulled out and the Jumping to soon commence!

What better way to celebrate this wonderful season than with a complimentary scarf as well! Or perhaps just a sweet and simple bookmark, using the same stitch, just smaller yarn and needles.  Such a classic example of how we can use what we have, when we have it, to bring out a good thing.

For me it seems to reiterate the point that God can and will use me despite how insignificant i may be feeling today ... or how whiney i am ... or how many excuses i may present to Him. I may be just a 'little ol' leaf' BUT once you pile all those leaves together you find yourself viewing a beautiful tree in the spring that renews your heart ..... you soon see trees that appear to be on fire in the fall because the colors are so vivid ... and you have the experience of jumping into the piles that have been collected and those childhood memories return to make you smile ....

so ...are you feeling thin and insignificant .... knit a bookmark and share with a friend.  are you feeling fat and happy - - grab some thicker yarn, chunkier needles and wrap this reminder around your neck ....  and just as the leaves of fall cling to the dampness of the early morning, hold tight to the promise of Exodus 15:13:

In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed.

In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling.

sometimes BIGGER .. . . IS BETTER ! ! !

Please tell me you have a pair of these wonderful needles in your knitting 'collection' ??   Please???  if not, then clip that Hobby Lobby 40% coupon for this week and RUN to the store and buy them!

Size 50 knitting needles!  that's right .... Size 50!  it's kind of like knitting with broomsticks, not that i've ever actually knit with broomsticks, but .....

yesterday i wore a shawl ... which was really nothing more than a scarf on some Incredible steroids .... to work and must confess that it was fun to knit AND equally fun to wear .... and did i mention EASY!!! ???

This pattern has the potential to make life during this hectic season just a bit more enjoyable as you discover pattern options and uses for these giant Speed Stix!  once you work through those first awkward moments of handling the yarn and the Stix you'll soon find that the stitches drop quickly ... you can have a scarf in less than an hour!  i PROMISE!

Short ... sweet .. and to the point!  Never underestimate the benefit of Simple!  seems to be a recurring theme in my life actually.  Kind of like those simple, obedient sheep that are referred to in Psalm 23:   

 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to Your word, You let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

 Even when the way goes through Death Valley,

I'm not afraid when You walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.

 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.

You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.

 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.

I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

He cares for His own ..... and under His guiding it seems that nothing is so complicated . . . that He can't resolve things so that i find true and simple rest . . in Him! That's the Speed Stix kind of day i long to have.

Truly ... Knit 1, Purl 1 .... 25 stitches, back and forth ....

Bind off!  Enjoy!

Grandma Says . . .

it's tuesday ... and it's still raining .... that soft, misty rain that makes it REALLY hard to get up in the morning ..... so i figured today was a PERFECT day to share this fun little poem sent to me by a friend i made several years ago in Glasgow, Scotland!

Grandma Says

When the folks next to you act like those in a zoo,

A grumblin' growlin' and spittin',

It's apretty good plan to be calm as you can,

And do somethin useful - like knittin'.

When a gossipin' Susan, with poison-barbed tongue,

comes into the room where you're sittin'

And starts to defame

A neighbours good name

Count stitches out loud - and keep knittin'.

When there's been a slight misunderstanding at church

And others hint broadly of quittin',

Why, the very best thing

You can do is to sing

And stay at your post - and keep knittin'.

When Satan moves in with his cohorts of sin,

Say,"You'll never find me submittin',

You irk me I find;

So, get thee behind

And please don't disturb me - I'm knittin'!"

In the middle of problems, the big ones and small,

It's always most proper and fittin'

To trust and to pray

Till the Lord shows the way-

And go right ahead with your knittin'.

Ps. 73:26 reminds me:  "But as for me it is good to be near God.  I have made the Soverign Lord my refuge;  I will tell of all your deeds!"   Praying you'll find some time to just go right ahead with your knittin' as you dwell and ponder on all the blessings you've been given ..... i started on my One Row Lace Scarf yesterday ... and i assure you, once that pattern gets into your bones - - and your needles  - - you too will be able to just sit and knit and think about the Lord and His goodness, especially at this Thankful time of the year!

I Promise . . . it's Easy !

How many times have you heard THAT phrase?  i know that i am guilty of throwing that one out there because for me something seems natural .... easy ... brings me joy and satisfaction ..... and thus, i assume it works across the board for everyone else!   well, the older i get, the more i realize that this is not always the case BUT ... i do believe that this particular pattern really WILL be easy ... and quick ... and portable ... and make a great option for gifts and stash busting!

Just one row of lace . . .  this is the same pattern that several of us have used to make long strips that we assembled into Blessing Blankets that we shared with some dear women in our church that were going through chemotherapy ....  but it works beautifully for making a very light weight lace scarf just as well.  it only requires basic knitting stitches, such as a Yarn Over and a Knit 2 Together (k2tog) .... if you need help or great pictures you can always call me ... or you can hit www.knittinghelp.com/videos/decreases for some of the best videos out there ....

this will prove to be a very simple pattern .... easy to memorize .... portable ... and always ready when you are .... which means that it will also provide you - - at some point - - with the ability to get lost in your knitting and allow your mind to wander to other things ..... which at this time of year becomes quite a respite for me.   i love those projects that keep my hands and heart busy .... praying for the recipient, talking to the Lord about the events of the days .... my worries, my concerns, my celebrations even!  in so many ways, this pattern is a perfect reflection of His grace and peace.  Quite simply put, He promises us a peace that passes understanding ... and true to life, i have seen time and again that when i run to Him and rest in His unchanging ways, that life really does fall from the needles in a much clearer and appropriate way. 

it doesn't mean that i won't have knots in the threads of my day .... botched stitches along the path that may require some Frogging - - or ripping back to a certain point - - but when i rest in Him and "lean not on my own understanding" i soon find, yet again, that the Rhythm of the Needles is firmly in His control . . . and the scarf of the day is a perfect reflection of Him!  and isn't that exactly where we want to be with EVERY step of our day?

this scarf really is Knit So Simple . . so go visit your stash ... or clip your coupon ... i know that Hobby Lobby has a 40% off this week (which you can also use at several other shops as well) . . grab some of that really neat sock yarn and remember to bump up the size of your needles a size or two in order to ease that tension and allow the stitches to drape nice and soft .....  and as you knit, cling to the promise of John 16:33 

"I have told you these things, so that in ME you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."

November Lace

We're well into the middle of November ... and i noticed last night many stores are already playing Christmas music ....  i know i'm guilty of thinking ahead as well in order to plan my gifts for the Christmas season .... working on menus and cleaning the house in anticipation of all that's to come ... but i don't want to get so distracted with things that are still quite a ways away that i loose sight of the precious gift of Today.  Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year!  I love all the cooking (not the cleaning so much!) .. i love all the smells ... i love all the candles we get to use  ... i love all the friends and family that share this special time ..... and i find myself dwelling more and more on all the blessings that the Lord has so graciously showered on me throughout this past year.  

In fact, most mornings during my quiet time i see many things that i can officially call "blessings" that perhaps i didn't actually realize were ... at their onset.  Time and time again, His faithfulness and wisdom and diligence in not giving up on me has left a cornucopia of bounty ... blessings .... reminders of all that i have to be thankful for.  The gift of knitting is one such unexpected surprize that has opened some amazing doors to share His love .. and the difference He makes in my every day ... with many of my friends and family.  and i pray that this season will also be a time to reflect on all He has done for you this year as well!

so, did you go?

i looked for you yesterday .... seems everybody and their brother was at Michael's ... and they were all squeezing into the yarn aisles with me .... Coupon in hand!  i felt rather impressed with myself as i made my purchases yesterday ... i had my list of things to knit and made my yarn choices accordingly!  and the best part of the day was at the check out counter as the prices were displayed on the screen ... and yes, they were pretty good just being 'on sale' ... but when she scanned my extra 20% off and the all the totals readjusted, one by one, and even MORE savings were deducted .... WOOO HOOOOOO!!!!


can't you just see this
sitting on top of a
precious little baby girl,
those great big eyes just
staring so sweetly
back at you!


in the midst of my shopping i spent the day trying to complete another little baby hat order that i have waiting.  it was supposed to be based on a previous little cloche i made for our Gifted presentation a few weeks back.  The original cloche was made with a baby weight yarn and was very delicate in nature ... so being the goofball that i am, just found a thicker yarn and just figured i could make adjustments.  Mistake #1!  and are you ready for this:  i even SWATCHED to count my stitches and rows and decided i'd just knit less stitches to accomplish the same effect.  Mistake #2!  and then, while on my hard headed streak, i decided that i could write the pattern better so i'd start from the top down using double pointed needles .... so i cast on 4 stitches, joined in a circle and immediately started increases with each round ... in my mind that made sense, but as i finished all my increasing rounds i looked up and realized i had a pointy head, not a smooth little cap that would sit on top of this new little baby girl.  Mistake #3!  Something deep down inside told me .... even SCREAMED at me, that this was NOT going to work ... it was NOT going to be a good duplication .... but i tried and stitched and pulled and stitched and tried to talk myself into making it work .... and after a couple of hours of sitting outside and enjoy the beauty of the day, i had to concede .... and rip it all out!  and THAT, actually proved to be the smartest thing i'd done all day ... aside from using my coupon at Michael's!



How SWEET is this little cloche!

 i had yarn ... i needed a pattern that was more conducive for the weight of that particular yarn .... i started searching on Ravelry .... voila!  I found it!  and it was PERFECT!  . . . i had to change over to crochet to accomplish the very thing that this yarn was designed for ... and it made me giggle as this precious little hat so effortlessly grew ... and then to top it all off with this sweet little flower! oh my soul!  what lessons i learned yesterday in being so stubborn!   how much time did i waste trying to do things the way i wanted, rather than acquiese to the dictates of the yarn!

which, if i must confess, is often how i handle my relationship with the Lord as well!  i have so many seeminlyg-good-to-me ideas and i'm just convinced that He likes my imput and appreciates my help!  [what a goofball!] .... He has so many good and perfect gifts just waiting for me but my stubbornness prevents me from enjoying the extravaganze that He longs to share.  His ultimate gift of salvation through His Son is reiterated each and every day in so many ways .. and yet my narrow vision often clouds my judgment and perspective and i walk away empty handed because my grip was too tight on one specific thing!

What, then, shall we say in response to this? 

If God is for us, who can be against us?

He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all -

how will He not also, along with Him,

graciously give us all things?

 . . . . .

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

For i am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,

nor any powers, neither height nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us from the love of God

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom. 8

Thank you Lord for being such a patient Knitter with me ... for seeing my potential and not settling for suggestions when You've known all along what would best accomplish Your will and ways in the yarn of my life!  Thank you for using ALL your coupons on me ... for redeeming me .... for making me Yours!

it's Crunch Time !

Today is Wednesday, November 10. and if you do the math AND face the reality, that means that Christmas is 45 days from today!  it's hard to believe that it's getting closer .. and for some reason i feel like it gets here quicker as well .... but none-the-less ... it's coming!  Tomorrow will be Veterans Day and there are some really good sales going on, so i'd like to encourage you to make a list and let's start looking for reasonable patterns that can make this holiday season Special ... one that's Heart felt and Hand made .....

Wakefield Scarf

Michael's is having a really GREAT sale on their yarn this week and they have some beautiful and affordable options, one of which is a new Lion Brand Yarn called Amazing.  The label says that it is a worsted weight yarn but it truly has some Amazing color variations that are [accordingly to the description] "soft, warm, and lusciously lightweight". It also claims to "magically create tweedy stripe patterns from the simplest of stitches, so even beginners can create dazzling designs. Stitch up stunning sweaters, accessories, and more". i have found a simple lace pattern  [famous last words, i know] that i think will be beautiful in this yarn ... and diagonal lace that will allow the yarn to be even more spectacular as the colors unfold and the bias that's created will pull your eye in all sorts of soft complimentary visions.  Knitting Daily is sharing this pattern for free and i have full intentions of keeping this one in my stash of go to patterns.

You could also try some sock yarn and larger needles (perhaps a Size 6) to duplicate this pattern ... or perhaps a simple ribbing pattern even ... if you use some of the self-striping sock yarns that are out now you will soon find that the 'effect' is actually created for you .. and you can sit and knit and enjoy the journey.  You can no longer play the 'i can't do it' card because it has already been done for you, as far as all the color changes and beautiful patterns that will soon be dropping off your needles, into your lap and then presented as a precious and priceless gift to someone you love!

Jude 24 is a Priceless example of what has been done for ME ... and the freedom that i can find in my relationship with the Lord - -  here's the promise:  To Him who is able to keep me from falling and to present me before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy - - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore!

Because of God's grace, He nows sees me as a knitted work of Heart ... i have no loose ends that need to be rewoven in to conceal them .... the color changes flow effortlessly due in part to Christ's blood that have covered my sinful stains .....  His salvation has made me into a scarf that my Father will proudly adorn ...

This will help you get started - print these coupons from Michaels .... get your list ready .... i'll see you there!  (Hobby Lobby also has a good coupon ... and Joanne's will take ANY stores coupons ... note to self!)

Songs to Knit By

You're all I want

You're all I've ever needed

You're all I want

Help me know You are near

Ever had one of those 'moments' as you sit and knit where a song just gets stuck in your head ... and you soon find yourself lost in that peaceful cocoon that come with knitting and dwelling on the lyrics of that song .... perhaps it's just me, but i often find myself choosing my knitting projects based on the quiet and introspective retreating i am anticipating to find while knitting .....

Looking for projects that can accomplish such?  Let me suggest a basic washcloth.  I know, i know, i am always pushing for the simple washcloth, but here's my logic:  Jesus calls us to be servants first and foremost.  And what better way to prepare your heart to serve someone else than while knitting them the very cloth that perhaps you could use to clean their kitchen when they are sick ..... or do some dusting and straightening around their home should they need an extra "encouragement" during a hectic week before guests arrive.  Sitting and knitting and praying for a friend makes for a sweet, sweet time!

i've recently knitted some small little baby things for our womens ministry event, Gifted.  and i can't EVEN begin to tell you all the places my mind wandered to while knitting these precious little creations.  This is BOUND to make you smile!  How in the WORLD can you not enjoy some sweet times of grins and giggles as you knit a little bitty panda hat .... just wait til you knit those ears!!!!  With each stitch of this pattern i find myself wondering if that's the way God felt when He was knitting me together in my mother's womb?  Somehow the Joy of the Lord takes on a different meaning when i knit and dwell on all His marvelous .. and intricate ... and detailed ... and soft creations that He makes and shares with each of us!

Babies!!!  how can you NOT just relax a bit ...even if you don't directly know someone who needs those littles hats and blankets and booties, you could always donate them to Sav-A-Life ... or share them with the church nursery .....  there's nothing like a soft and cuddly blanket to calm the fears of some of those toddlers when they are dropped off for the first time . . .

Draw me close to You

Never let me go

I lay it all down again

To hear You say that I'm Your friend

You are my desire

No one else will do

'Cause nothing else could take Your place

To feel the warmth of Your embrace

Help me find the way

Bring me back to You

Creative Memories

Simple Knit Stitch

Do you remember WHEN you learned to knit .... do you remember those awkward 1st attemtps at trying to hold 2 needles, twist the string counter clockwise, pull it BACK out ... and NOT loose or let go and have all of life just lying limp in your lap?  or even more so, do you remember your 'teacher' trying to tell you that Knitting was FUN?    that Knitting would help "Reduce your Stress" - - as your shoulders were drawing closer and closer up to your ears?  or are you willing to confess that you HATED that teacher/person because they made it look SO SIMPLE ... and you were struggling just to hold it together and appear to be semi-coordinated . . .    Remember those days?



Basic Purl Stitch

I'm teaching some of the students at school this year how to knit, thanks in part to a special teacher with a vision and heart for making a difference in the lives of men and women who are homeless.  In the meantime she is also deeply dedicated to instilling within the minds of her students the importance - and even the urgency - - to look OUTWARD and not be so focused on their own immediate needs or comforts ... or even their complancy with life as they know it.  And such life lessons are being taught with the simplicity of the Knit Stitch ... and hopefully next week ... the PURL stitch!
Knits and Purls .... that's it! Once you've learned to Knit AND Purl you can consider yourself a "Knitter". Amazing how 'simple' that sounds and yet how hard we often make it.  Surely life can't be that 'simple' ... just knitting and purling?  and yet, once equipped with that basic knowledge there is NOTHING that you can't do ... yet!   Because the 2nd most important lesson, aside from learning the mechanics of those 2 stitches ... is that you CAN [and will] RIP it OUT ... and start over!  and resume knitting and purling ... again!

this is very much a reflection of life, if you think about it .... i'm either leading my life ... or i'm allowing Him to lead my life .....  and i've learned that when i attempt to take control it's much akin to my 'interpretting' someone else's pattern based on what i 'think or feel' rather than what's already been recorded and put into print for me to follow.  HowEVER, when i submit to His leadership and direction and pattern writing i find that life goes just as He has planned ... oh, it may present challenges and lessons to be learned, BUT He is right there beside me!  psalm 102:27 reminds me:  "but YOU {the Lord} remin the same, and Your years will never end."



"Creative Memories"
in Swatch Form!



i have a pile of swatches that i keep in my knitting room .... and for the most part they are nothing to be proud of, BUT they do document things that i have tried ... and not been so successful at!  and when i look back over those days when i felt rather "large and in charge" i find them to also be Day Swatches .. that reflect less than stellar accomplishments.  However, when i stop and recall the simplicity of obedience and return to the rhythm of the knits and purls of His leading i see that i am left with Creative Memories that are recorded to remind me of His grace and goodness, His faithfulness and willingness to lead me ... to always do what's ultimately best for me .... to never leave me!  Acts 17:27 says "For in Him we live and move and have our being. 'As some of your own peots hae said, 'We are His offspring." ..... So perhaps if i'd return to the basics, i'd find that He has filled His Scrapbook with swatches of my days when i yielded to His design ... guess it's time to confess my stubbornness [Rip it out] .. and acquiese to the beauty that's found when i place myself within His Hands .... Knit and Purl ... Knit and Purl ...... Knit and Purl . . . . and life becomes Knit So Simple!

For we are God's masterpiece.

He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,

so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

Eph. 2:10

Gifted



Head Over Heels -
happy hats for grins & giggles

 

Last nite i had the privilege of participating in a very special Women's Ministry event sponsored by our church.  The purpose of "Gifted" was to remind each of the women present that we ALL have things in our life that we can use to share God's love . . with friends and neighbors, family and coworkers, with strangers that cross our path throughout each day.  It may require some time of soul searching and/or bravery to actually take the talents you so often deem as 'ordinary', and become bold enough to allow God to use such gifts .... but the blessings of being obedient, and watching God work in other people's lives through what i try to downplay as just "no bid deal" .... leaves me humbled and giddy ... and of course, running to the yarn shop for more yarn "so God can use me some more" ... or at least that's the story i'm sharing with my husband these days! ;)

Yesterday at school a dear friend asked me to help her teach some of the students how to knit and i just HAD TO oblige.  I mean, ANY time i can sit and knit and call it JOB RELATED ...... nothing to pray about there, for SURE!!  Slowly the awkwardness of holding the needles and the string and trying to wrap your brain and hands around how those knots are actually going to become beautiful stitches dissipated and the lite bulb started to flicker with hope ... and there were even some glimmers of FUN that flashed through those moments!  THAT was my Gift to them ... and i pray every day that i can share that with someone new. 



Sweet Feet

 i have spent the last few weeks ambitiously working on sweet little 'Gifts' that others can buy, or perhaps even be inspired to go home and try themselves . . . and coming to realize that things that make me smile may not necessarily have the same impact on others.  There are a plethora of projects out there to knit ... and my new mantra may become ... So much Yarn:  So little Time!   However, with each Gift that i knitted i was reminded of all the ways that God can use my simple offering.  He does NOT care as much about the quality of my stitches and my ability to weave in my yarn tails, or fluff the pompoms on the hat as He cares about my obedience to follow His call and to have HIS love woven in every aspect of my day.  He is not as impressed with my ability to display my knitted hats as He is with my willingness to display HIS character in all my conversations and daily living.  

Sips-n-Soaks

 

and of course, it all boils down to my perspective ... which reflects my time spent with Him ... and learning that i am, of all women, most blessed to have the GIFT of LIFE that He has so graciously shared with me.  To know the Gift of His Salvation and Love ... the freedom of His Forgiveness and the Abundant Life that i can now live and share with others .....  His Supreme Example of Gift giving .... He clearly has led by example.



what sweet & tiny feet
will fit into this?

The grins and giggles that were brought to my heart with each little baby hat ... or the tiniest of little baby booties can't even compare to the PRIDE that i believe our Father has for us - "every good and perfect Gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all He created." James 1:17-18