Category: Encouragement

  • Surrender

    Surrender

    As we step into Holy Week, I find myself thinking about how Jesus entered this week—not with resistance, not with fear, but with a quiet, steady surrender. Not the kind of surrender that gives up, but the kind that gives over.


    On this Monday of Holy Week, Scripture tells us Jesus returned to Jerusalem with a purpose. He walked toward the cross with full awareness of what was coming. And yet, He kept moving. He kept teaching. He kept loving. He kept surrendering His will to the Father’s plan, one step at a time.


    I imagine Him walking those dusty roads, knowing the weight of the week ahead. And I think about how often we carry our own heavy burdens we didn’t choose, questions we can’t answer, situations we can’t fix.


    But Jesus shows us a different way.
    A surrendered way.
    A trusting way.


    Surrender doesn’t mean we stop caring. It means we stop carrying what was never ours to hold alone. It means we loosen our grip so God can place something new in our hands.


    Matthew 21:12–14 — Jesus cleanses the temple, restoring it to a place of prayer and purpose.
    A reminder that surrender often begins with clearing space for God to move.
     
    Reflection Questions

    • What is one thing I need to surrender to God as I begin Holy Week?
    • Where am I holding on too tightly, and how might God be inviting me to trust Him more deeply?
    • How can I make space—emotionally, spiritually, or physically—for God’s presence this week?


    As we begin this sacred week, maybe the invitation is simple:
    Lay down what is heavy.
    Open your hands.
    Let God lead.


    Because resurrection is coming.
    Hope is already on the horizon.


    And the same Jesus who surrendered Himself for us invites us to surrender ourselves to Him—one breath, one prayer, one step at a time.

  • What is a Knit Crochet Bible Study

    What is a Knit Crochet Bible Study

    Take a look at your Bible Study group. Everyone sits around a table or in some group setting. Bibles are open and pens are poised for note taking. Some will say very little, fearful of sounding unintelligent. Others willingly share their knowledge and ideas. But the focus is the Lord.

    Now take a look at the knitting or crochet group. Everyone sits around, project in hand, with conversation and laughter around. The ease of the setting makes it easy to talk and share.

    Let’s combine the two. Take the ease and comfort from the knitting/crochet group setting and add the conversation guidelines of the Bible Study which is to be focused on the Lord. While the others are working on projects, one person reads the lesson and scripture. Discussion questions are stated.

    With the relaxed atmosphere and yarn in hand, a sense of sharing instead of studying prevails. For many, holding the project makes it more comfortable to join in the conversation. Insights are made with in-depth discussions into how the Word has affected the lives of those involved.

    That is a Knit and Crochet Bible Study. A few guidelines I suggest include:

    • All conversation must be God honoring. This is not a stitch and bitch session. Are you mad at your husband or children? You can speak but no demeaning words may be spoken. Male bashing will not be allowed.
    • You must be respectful of all persons whether in the room or not.
    • Prayer requests are confidential. They are not to be discussed outside the group. They are not to be forwarded with email.
    • Prayer requests must not be something that would be harmful information about another. Every family has secrets. Honor those secrets. Seek counsel from your pastor or another trusted person on a one-to-one basis.
    • Respect each others view. Don’t argue the gospel. Don’t speculate on the gospel. Use the Word as written.
    • There is only one gospel, but when it comes to knitting and crochet, there are many techniques. Just because someone doesn’t do the stitch or hold the yarn the same way you do doesn’t make them wrong. Work together without criticism of needlework abilities.

    And there you have a Knit and Crochet Bible Study.

    With that that in mind, grab your Bible, yarn, needles and/or your hooks; let’s get started.

  • Start Your Own Knit Crochet Bible Study

    As fall begins, so do local bible study gatherings.

    Have you considered a Knit and Crochet Bible Study at your local church?

    There are 2 options in my studies: Group and Personal

    The group study purchase offers you a PDF download with permission to print all the copies you need for your group, as well as picture files you can you to add to the front of notebook and spine.

    The personal studies are available in Kindle and print format.

    Spend time focusing on God’s Word as you stitch your favorite project.  Or create a “Colors of Salvation” lapghan/afghan from the pattern included with each.

    Find a summary of these items on the website: http://www.knittingbiblestudyonline.com/purchase-knit-and-crochet-bible-studies/

    I have created some tote bags on the Zazzle website which could be used as gifts for your participants. Consider a tote bag filled with a a printed copy of the personal book or a notebook of the group study, a skein of yarn and a crochet hook or set of knitting needles. Prepare to teach the craft along with God’s Word in a relaxing, informal environment. (for best use of your funds, watch for site sale events)

  • In the Blink of an Eye

    But joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

    (from “Stitched in Christ” by TerryAnn Porter available on Amazon)

    I was working on a doll that I was crocheting for my grandchild which was done in a way that had the clothes worked into the pattern. This means there will be color changes along the way.

    I was half way through the project, mindlessly making the stitches, when I looked back at the doll and realized something was wrong. This outfit didn’t look well at all crocheted into the doll body. It was then I realized that although I made the color change for the waistband, I missed the color change back on row 17 for the bodice. Can you say FROG!  (you know, rip-it  rip-it  rip-it).

    On another project I noticed the scarf I was working on had become quite askew. No more did I have the straight even edge that looked so smooth the first 6 inches of the project.  Now, nearly 24 inches later I picked up a wrong needle from the basket it was laying in. I had knitted the last 18 inches on one needle of appropriate size and one 2 sizes smaller.

    These events are very similar to the day I woke up with a smile on my face, plans for the weekend all set, only to receive a phone call that my dear friend has passed away a few hours prior. “In the blink of eye, disaster!” (Psalm 73:19)

    Jesus was escorted into Jerusalem on what we now call “Palm Sunday”. (see the story in John 12)  When people heard he was coming to the Feast; they gathered palm branches and shouted as he approached, “Hosanna” “Blessed is the King of Israel”. (see John 12)

    A few days later these same people stood in a crowd in front of Pilate and cried out “Crucify him! Crucify him!” (see John 19)

    So quickly things change. Every day offers new challenges and new rewards. That dark day was brightened when the women went to the tomb and found it empty. (see John 20) A sad day quickly became bright as Jesus appeared to many who loved him.

    Your life, like the wrongly knit scarf, can change with or without notice. Every day offers new opportunities. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” is our promise in Psalm 30:5.

    God is a steady fortress,(Psalms 91:2)  unchanging (Hebrews 6:7),  ever present (Proverbs 15:3). When things turn suddenly to dark, hold tight to the hand of God. Walk with Him daily, and He will be at your side. Stay with Him when the stitches of your life are straight and smooth; and He will be there when you miss that color change or drop a stitch in your life. “Hold tight to God, your God, just as you have done up to now.” (Joshua 23:8)

  • Gift Idea

    I am putting together a couple of gift bags I am donating to a local single mom’s ministry.

    A friend saw them and thought it was a great gift idea for a friend of hers. This made me want to share the idea with you.

    First, a disclaimer, there are links in the posts to which I am affiliated and may receive a small royalty.

    Now, on to the project.

    I have prepared one with a knit focus, and one focusing on crochet.

    Each started with a Knit and Crochet Bible Study tote I purchased from Zazzle.  I watch for sales and discounts, then order several for my use.

    To each, I added the two Knit and Crochet Bible Study Devotional/Journals I have posted to Amazon.  As a side note, if you purchase the paperback, you are eligible for a Kindle version at no cost – give the paperback, keep the digital version.

    Then I went to Hobby Lobby where I purchased a pattern booklet for each, and one skein of yarn and the proper sized needle/hook to complete one project in the book.

    Who will you encourage with a similar gift idea?

     

  • God is My Partner

    Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not for human masters   – Col 3:23

    This verse has always reminded me to look at everything I do as if I were am employee of God, working for Him.

    It didn’t matter what I was doing, typing a report for my boss, washing the dishes, or even folding the laundry.  My goal was to do my best for God.

    Recently I found another story and verse that had me look at these daily chores slightly different.

    In Matthew 3, Jesus is approaching John the Baptist and asking to be baptized. John says it should be the other around.  Notice Jesus’ response in verse 15. “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.”

    Did you see it?  “for we”, WE “must carry out all that God requires.”

    We aren’t just working FOR God….we are working WITH God.

    You are not alone (Matt 28:20) “I am with you always”.

    I love Isaiah 41:10 “I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will hold you with with my righteous right hand.”

    We are not given an assignment and sent on our way.  We are in this with Jesus, doing God’s will – together.

  • Stitched in Christ

    After much procrastination, prayer, hard work, editing, and more prayer, a second ‘Knit and Crochet Bible Study Devotional/Journal’ is now available in Kindle and paperback formats on Amazon.

     

    Books

     

    I have no big testimony. I live a simple life. I often wonder how God can use someone who enjoys yarn crafts and loves teddy bears. Then I found the verse in Matthew 18 about seeking Him ‘like a little child’. To me this means look for His love, mercies, and grace in the simple things.

     

    This is not intended as a deep study of Scripture. It is designed to encourage you to “be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10); to seek Him in the small things, even in the gift of knitting and crochet He has instilled in you. It is designed to encourage you to seek a deeper relationship to become ‘Stitched In Christ’.

     

     

    I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery.  Col 2:2 MSG

  • My Life In Stitches

    My Life In Stitches

    I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. Colossians 2:2

    What stitch pattern would represent your life  For me, I think it is the ripple.

    With the ripple stitch, there are highs and lows. It seems I am always climbing high or rolling down.

    Things seem to be going smoothly, all is going as planned, when suddenly…….life happens.

    Perhaps a phone call with bad news, maybe a friend said something hurtful. Down I plunge. And while there I see everything in the negative.

    Then a gracious smile, a pleasant conversation, and I am rising again.

    It continues like that.

    But then I look back at the pattern after a few rows are completed. It looks lovely  A color change here and there and suddenly what seemed confusing and disjointed becomes a warm blanket.

    While facing the ups and downs I feel alone, there is no rhyme or reason. Then I look back. Look how far I have come! Even if I have to frog a bit, there is still a patch that shows me I have made progress. It is here I stand, knowing I may roll down the hill, but realizing I always climb back up.

    What stitch pattern would describe your life?

  • Calming

    A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body. – Prov 14:30

     

    Prov14_30



    I learned to knit and crochet as a child. I made lots of afghans. As a young mother I expanded my skills to include dolls and other fun items for my children. My children grew up, other skills and opportunities entered my life, and over time I set down the yarn and moved on to other hobbies.

    I later developed chronic back pain that left me bed-ridden quite often. In an effort to change my focus from the pain, I picked up a skein a yarn and started to knit and crochet again. This is actually where the Knit and Crochet Bible Study started to stitch together.

    There are many articles available in print and online about the health benefits of knitting and crochet. Some of these benefits include:

    • reducing anxiety
    • relieving depression
    • increasing self-esteem
    • working through grief and pain
    • alleviating stress


    One big benefit is reflected in Knit Crochet Bible Studies and other Groups: it creates community.

    When feeling pain, depression, anxiety, etcetera, many will isolate themselves. This unknowingly adds to the symptoms furthering the condition.  (this I can affirm from experience)

    Speaking with others, sharing life and it’s many stressors, helps create a sense of community, of belonging. We are reminded others experience these same things, though in different manners. Scripture encourages us not be isolated.

    And let us not neglect our meeting together, but encourage one another – Hebrews 10:25

    For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am among them – Matthew 18:20

    Bear one another’s burdens – Galatians 6:2


    You are not alone. Find someone you can share with, pick up your yarn and stitch your way into His Word, into each other’s lives, into better health and focus.

  • Take Your Teddy Bear To Work Day

    It’s National “Take Your Teddy Bear To Work” Day.

    My bears say ‘we are at work with you every day!’

     

    It is hard to have a tough day with these bears by my side.

     

    BearsToMyWork

     

    What makes you smile in difficult times?