Monday, December 13, 2010

on the 9th day of Christmas . . .

On the 9th day of Christmas
my True Love gave to me
nine ladies dancing

the "art" of dancing ... when done properly, appears to be effortless ... feet that seem to be a mere extension of a heart that has connected to a sequence of notes and then - spontenaity results . . you can't tell where the music starts or ends .. the entire body becomes a fluid and poetic paradigm of melody and harmony . . .

and as such, these ladies are a perfect illustration of the fruit of the Spirit . . the evidence of a secure and strong attachment to The Vine .... fruit which is produced, not because it was the "branch's" idea or suggestion, but because of the relationship to the Vine that contains the seeds to life .. and productivity ... and ultimately to being a true expression and representation of Him.  Fruit, just like a dancer's feet, bears a direct correlation to the life/music that flows from the Vine (dancer's heart) .... so i'm left with the question:  is my life a true resemblance and taste of what the Lord would look like to others ... do they see Him when they encounter me and the way that i live and interact with others that cross my path?   What DOES my fruit basket look like?

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,
Faithfulness, Gentleness, Meekness and Self Control

LOVE
 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:16 
*
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

JOY
The joy of the Lord is your strength. 
Nehemiah 8:10

PEACE
 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1
*
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

LONGSUFFERING/PATIENCE
We are strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power,
unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.
Colossians 1:11
*
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2

GENTLENESS/KINDNESS
 We should live in purity, understanding, patience and kindness;
in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God;
with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left.
2 Corinthians 6:6-7

GOODNESS
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling,
and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power
Thessalonians 1:11
*
For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth
Ephesians 5:9

FAITHFULNESS
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name;
for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth
Isaiah 25:1
*
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit
in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Ephesians 3:16-17

MEEKNESS
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual,
restore such an one in the spirit of meekness;
considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted
Galatians 6:1
*
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2

TEMPERANCE/SELF CONTROL
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue,
to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance,
 to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
2 Peter 1:5-7


living a life that is a genuine reflection of Him ... a lifelong goal, an eternal promise that He will complete and fulfill .... and everyday opportunities to demonstrate the difference He makes ... i can do that with my knitting  by always being mindful of the needs of others.  We've found patterns to share hats with those in need, scattered sachets around so that the fragrance of friendship gently fills a room, or purse, or drawer.  Bracelets slip over a wrist and adorn the wearer, reminding them that they have been thought about and prayed for throughout the day.  What about a more "practical" gift .... true "domesticity" from your needles:  Coasters! 

looks like the basic
washcloth pattern to me
Mug Mats
On first glance they are quite utiliarian in appearance, but should NOT be dismissed as non-functional or unappreciated. Basic can be beautiful as this simple pattern will demonstrate.  Or, you could always call them by a fancy name such as Mug Mats!  Doesn't "Fancy" usually cost more yet serve the same purpose?  it's all in the perspective AND the presentation! 

Mug Rugs
Speaking of Fancy, what about Fancy AND Seasonal ! 


small = coasters,
large = trivet
and for those extra warm items in the kitchen you could always consider this perfect use for  Wool and your Washing Machine!  Did you know that Wool is antimicrobial AND that it purports to be self extinguishing, making it an excellent choice in the kitchen.  (it would also be a good reason to try your hand at needle felting, just in case you were looking for a fun and yet justifable excuse . . i mean . . reason!)

Praying that today your life and your needles will be a beautiful taste of Him ... that regardless of the role, the servant heart and compassionate awareness of others will be a vibrant demonstration, a spontaneous antiphony that leaves a lingering melody when you cross paths ....  whether He calls you to be fruit salad, fruit preserves, fresh fruit in the bowl or still fruit ripening on the Vine, i pray that you'll know in your heart that 'in the rhythm of the needles there is music for the soul'.  Let your needles dance ... let your light so shine . . . that they may see the good works of your Father.     "I am the Vine, you are the branches.  apart from Me you can do nothing."

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