Knit and Crochet Bible Study

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  • Made New

    “..to be made new..to put on the new self created to be like God in righteousness and holiness” Ephesians 4:23,24.

    We are in a new year, welcome to 2010.  When I was a child in the 1960s, the thought of a year in the 2000s was something in Star Trek, far beyond the imagination of where man would go. And here we are.

    Are you one who makes New Year resolutions? We are at the end of January, were you able to keep any of them? 

    I have been going through my craft closets and found a number of projects I hoped to start, several I started and set aside, some I started and didn’t like, some that I needed to get more material for.

    I wonder if God looks at me like I do the items in my craft closet. In my life he has started many wonderful works, some of which I have stalled Him on and not completed. He has completed many works in me and there are many more in process. Some projects are not yet complete, waiting on God’s timing. I can rush through, but without God there are dropped stitches in my life. Luke 1:20 in the Message reads Every word I’ve spoken to you will come true on time God’s time. 

    There are still many rows yet to knit in my life.  A beautiful edging of crochet will be added. But not yet.  God is still gathering materials and stitching my life together. But He doesn’t leave me in the closet, to pull out and work on occasionally.  He is always in my life, working within me.

  • My Grandparents

    Didnâ’t get any crochet or knitting done today. I had another commitment. 

    You see, today I went to the little town of Louisburg Kansas to visit my grandparents. We shared cake and celebrated. Why?  It is their 81st anniversary. No, that is not a typo, I said 81 years.

    In 1929 Vern Isenhower, 17  and Verbal Peterson, 16 walked into the local county courthouse in Salem Arkansas and left a short time later as man and wife. Thus their adventure began.

    They have many stories to tell of their lifetime together and the struggles they have encountered. No matter the battle, however, they held tight to each other and faced it together.

    Today they live in their own home where my grandfather continues to have his daily oatmeal for breakfast and his white beans for dinner, along with a glass of milk.  They watch the Kansas City Royals on television and root for the team no matter their win loss record.

    Their family has expanded to include great-great-grandchildren. I am blessed to have the opportunity to take my grandchildren to visit my grandparents. How many people have that honor!

    They may not be as spry as they were years ago, but grandpa still has his garden and sells his vegetables at the local farmers market. Christmas Eve celebration still includes 5 generation gathering in their home.Only recently has grandpa allowed someone else to make the turkey.

    Watch them together and you will notice they still hold hands.

    Happy Anniversary grandpa and grandma. Thank you for the lessons you have taught us of love and commitment.

     

  • Salvation Colors: update

    I have received several comments and emails from people just joining in on the Knit-along/Crochet-along. Welcome to all of you

    How are the rest of you coming along? Are your panels completed for the posted colors? 

    Next month I will post the last panel color, Green. Then shortly after that the black and red edgings to complete the project by Easter if you desire.

    If you need to download the previously posted colors, here they are:

    INTRODUCTION 1

    INTRODUCTION 2

    ORANGE

    GOLD

    PURPLE

    WHITE

    BLUE

    If you are not already receiving the monthly newsletter via email, you can sign up at Knitting Bible Study dot com.  You will receive a FREE sample lesson from Knitting Bible Study Book 1. (I am editing a 2nd book now and will include more patterns and also crochet lingo)

    Also, if you are on facebook, be sure to join the Knit and Crochet Bible Study fan club and post pictures of your completed work.

    By the way, a couple of the patterns are very intricate and may require more concentration than other stitch patterns.  My local group got a little frustrated when they looked at my completed project and then at their attempt. Remember, you are seeing my final results, You didn’t see how many times I frogged an entire panel or tinked back a few rows.

    May your hearts be encouraged, being knit together in His love. Col 2:2

  • BLUE Panel Correction

    I was just informed of a couple of typos in my BLUE Knitted version of the Salvation Colors Afghan. 

    Row 2 should read  K2 P31 K1 K1tbl  as you will now have 35 stitches on the needles

    Row 3 should begin with K4

    Sorry for the inconvenience.  Here is the link for the pattern if you need to download it again.

  • Salvation Colors Afghan – BLUE

    We are now on the 5th panel of Salvation Colors Afghan. How are you doing? In February I will post the final panel, then in March the edging and seaming.

    This month we look at The Waters of Baptism.

    1 Peter 3:21 says, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. 

    As a symbol of your commitment to the Lord God you are asked to follow Jesus in baptism. Baptism does not save a person any more than putting on a ring make you married. You must follow through in the action of commitment.’

    And he said to them, in Mark 16:15,16, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. This is the first command given to a believer.  Even Jesus was baptized in Luke 3:21,22.

    As you work through this pattern, read the story in Luke 3. Have you been baptized? If so prayerfully remind yourself of the love commitment that was made by Jesus and by you. If not, prayerfully consider if it is time in your walk with Christ to do so.

    The stitch panel in the knit version is called Little Fountain. That seemed appropriate for a panel titled “The Waters of Baptism”.

    Download the pattern for knit and crochet here. (A PDF reader is required)

       

  • Victory in Jesus

    I follow someone on twitter named Hooking Stitches.  She is a very encouraging woman who makes and offers prayer shawls and chemo caps to those in need.

    As the new year approached she has come up with an excellent idea to tear down her strongholds and change daily habits away from her sinful nature and toward the Lord. Using different colors to represent strongholds broken she is making a victory blanket and we can follow her progress as she demonstrates Romans 12:2 in action. Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  We cannot makes these changes alone in our lives, we must let God do the work and be willing to follow Him.

    She is opening her heart and her life while  telling her story in this blanket, just like we are telling the salvation story with the Salvation Afghan knit-along/crochet-along. 

    It is exciting to see the many ways people use their talents to share their love of Christ. Melody is an example of the Proverbs 31 woman and mentor to all around her.

    Proverbs 31:13 She shops for the best yarns and enjoys (crochet). MSG

    Proverbs 31:20  She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.NIV

    Proverbs 31:24 She (crochets) garments and sells them. NIV

    Proverbs 31:26 She speaks with wisdom NIV

    What are some things you’d like to change or improve in your life this year?

    Perhaps the idea of reading the bible in a year is too large a project, so how about starting with simply reading a chapter a day to get started? Proverbs has 31 chapters, January has 31 days. That’s a starting point.

    Maybe you’d like to improve your crochet or knitting skills. Why not try the Salvation Afghan. The stitch patterns were selected to stretch my own comfort zones and go beyond the standard stockinette and double crochet rows.

    Don’t become so focused on the big picture that you forget the small details. Before you run, you must learn to walk, before you knit yourself a sweater, you have to learn how to knit.

    I am encouraged by Melody and look forward to seeing her continue to grow as a woman after God’s own heart.

    What will you do to let God transform you this year? What will you put into your victory blanket?

  • Seeking Wisdom

    I have always thought that wisdom referred to a wealth of knowledge, that a wise man meant a smart man. 

    Recent study has opened my eyes to understanding that wisdom and knowledge are two separate things.  Look at these verses as examples:

    Solomon is speaking to God in 2 Chronicles 1:10, Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people. and God replied in verse 12 wisdom and knowledge will be given to you.

    Ecclesiastes 2:26  To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness.

    So then, I asked, what is wisdom?

    Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom

    Job asks in 28:12 and 20 Where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? He considers then the worth of such and that it cannot be found in the land of the living (verse 13).  It can’t be bought, it is of such high value, it cannot be measured. He concludes in verse 29 The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.

    These verses intrigued me. If they are one in the same, why are they listed separately by Solomon and by God? Then David and Job point out wisdom is the fear of the Lord.

    I checked out the definition of knowledge at dictionary dot com and read acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation, then I looked up wisdom and read knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action.

    Proverbs 2:10 helps differentiate the two.For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Again, two different values.

    Knowledge is information obtained by study, wisdom is knowing what is right and just. Right and just, that describes God!! Isaiah 45:21 There is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior. With God’s wisdom He who does what is right is righteous, just as he (God) is righteous.” 1 John 3:7.

    Proverbs is a book filled with wisdom, why we should embrace wisdom, and warnings against rejecting it. The book of Proverbs is 31 chapters. Why not spend the 31 days of January reading one chapter a day and finding for yourself God’s wisdom. Allow it to “enter your heart” as you begin this new year.

    I challenge you to seek to fill your heart with wisdom and grow in the knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

  • A Christmas Story

    I love the festivity around Christmas, with the lights, decorations, the songs and the many family gatherings. 

    I am very fortunate when it comes to family. I am part of 5 living generations: I have the privilege of having my grandparents as well as my own grandchildren.

    This year was the first year in many decades that extended family did not meet at my grandparents’ home to share Christmas Eve. It wasn’t because of their health, it was because a winter storm hit that kept everyone in their homes. As the storm continued Christmas day was spent home with immediate family instead of with my mother and siblings.. It is reported to be the first time it has snowed on Christmas day in the Kansas City area in 37 years.

    This made Christmas much more restful than previous years.  I was able to relax and focus on Luke 2 which  tells the story of the glorious birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  My heart went out to the young woman, alone in a town so crowded there was no room to offer a bed that she and her fiance were offered a place in a barn where they could rest. During the night, alone and far away from home, she gave birth to a child that would give his life that she and all mankind could have life.

    My family and I were able to stay in touch during though we were snowbound, thanks to telephones and the internet.  Mary had no such technology and could not contact her mother. With no internet or cell phones, word of this miraculous birth spread through angels. Shepherds in a nearby field heard the angels and went to welcome the newborn baby.

    Christmas is now over, the wrappings are thrown away, gifts are placed in closets or strewn across the floor. The tree is coming down and furniture put back in its place. Everyone is back to work.

    But the reason for Christmas remains.  Christ did not remain a child, laying in a manger. For unto you is born this day, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord  Luke 2:11.  He was born to bring you new life.  He lived,grew in stature and in wisdom, proclaimed God’s love, suffered, died, and conquered death. He is working, preparing a place for you in heaven.

    As Christ came to offer new life, we prepare for the beginning of new year. If you are like me, you have a stash of yarn and a stack of patterns waiting to be put to use; probably several unfinished projects as well.  In Christ you are a project, being perfected each day, another stitch here, a complete row there, even a little ripping back.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.. Eph 2:10NASB.

    As you look at your next project, I hope you will be reminded that you, too, are a project; you are a masterpiece created by the Lord God. He knows your heart; He shares your hurts, sorrows and pain; He rejoices with you in each victory of your life and joy you experience. May you grow closer to Him with each passing day.

    Wishing you bountiful blessings of love from God in 2010.

    TerryAnn

  • Salvation Colors Afghan – WHITE

    How is your afghan coming along?  Have you found a pattern you really like and want to incorporate it into other projects?

    I am sitting here watching the snow fall. The world around me is transformed as I watch the flurries fall from the sky’; as I see the white blanket the covers the land; and I watch the window pane frost over from the cold.  It lays a beautiful carpet of white on the ground and glistens.  I don’t mind the snow, as long as I can comfortably stay inside my warm home. 🙂

    The knitting pattern for this panel is called snowflake and seems appropriate for today.  The crochet pattern is called popcorn.  A large bowl of freshly popped corn is a favorite snack, especially when watching a movie.  A time to sit back and relax and enjoy.

    White, in the Salvation Colors, stands for purity, a clean heart.  The purity of Christ offers us the cleansing we receive when washed in His blood.  “He  appeared that He may take away our sins. In Him is no sin. (1 John 3:5 NIV)

    1 John 3:3 reminds us to look for this purity in our lives.  All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own. (MSG)

    May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers. (1 Thes 3:13MSG)

    Download the pattern for knit and crochet here.  (A PDF reader is required)

      

  • Jesus is Better than Santa

    With Christmas here, REMEMBER:
    Jesus is Better than Santa   (author unknown)
    Santa lives at the North Pole.
    JESUS is everywhere.

    Santa rides in a sleigh
    JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

    Santa comes but once a year
    JESUS is an ever present help.

    Santa fills your stockings with goodies
    JESUS supplies all your needs.

    Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
    JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

    You have to stand in line to see Santa
    JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

    Santa lets you sit on his lap
    JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

    Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, What’s your name?”
    JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

    Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
    JESUS has a heart full of love.

    All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
    JESUS offers health, help and hope.

    Santa says “You better not cry”
    JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

    Santa’s little helpers make toys
    JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

    Santa may make you chuckle but
    JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

    While Santa puts gifts under your tree
    JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

    It’s obvious there is really no comparison.  We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about — Jesus is still the reason for the season.

    May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas 2009
    And may He bless the work of your hands in the New Year 2010