on the 11th day of Christmas . . .

my True Love gave to me
11 Pipers Piping

11 ... not 12, but 11 pipers that piped the music and message of a Savior that they knew, up close and personal.  The tune that had been implanted deep within their heart .... a melody that would keep them company on the long walks between the villages, on those lonely nights when others questioned their calling yet they knew in their heart of hearts that Jesus WAS who He said ....

Can you name the original 12  11  - - (Judas isn't counted according to this particular song!) ....

Simon Peter and his brother Andrew,
James son of Zebedee, and his brother John,
Philip and Bartholomew,Thomas and Matthew the tax collector,James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus,
Simon the Zealot [and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him]

Men who knew first hand what Jesus' voice sounded like, what things made Him laugh, what things brought Him to tears of compassion or of sorrow.  Men who ate dinner with Him, shared lenghthy journeys and boat rides,  who sat under His leadership and teaching.  Men who experienced a true career change ... and were never the same.  Men who were commanded to be fishers of men, to cast a net that would serve as a Hope and Anchor for those who surrendered to the capture and relinquishment of their own lives in order to find Light and Life through following Jesus Christ. These men KNEW Jesus, and their testimonies were simply a continuation of His final instructions to them ... to Go and Make Disciples.

Have you ever seen your knitting as a venue that God can use to make disciples?  An opportunity to share with someone what your faith in Christ means .. and could mean to them as well?  Or, do you realize that with the gift of your knitting you could say Thank You to someone who is in the ministry, whether by vocation (your church) or simply by daily obedience as they work along side you each day at your desk . .   Isa. 52:7 says "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"  What better way to express your appreciation this Christmas season than with the gift of some warm and wooly slippers  for those 'beautiful feet' that have worked so diligently this year?

In Matthew 28:19 Jesus commanded us to "Go and make disciples".   Well, you and i both know you can't "GO" without a great little purse to hold all phone and debit card and keys and Dr. Pepper Chapstick and your New Testament while you are "GOing" .... so why not say thanks to those you know that GO with a cute little felted tote, just right for tootling around town.  Or for the young at heart, what about this little carry bag that would work up so quick and be so cute when those sweet feet are out sharing the Good News of Christmas.

more KISSes please . . .



a simple tri-fold of
knitting makes a beautiful
jewelry roll!

 still pondering on the simple KNIT stitch ... back and forth, back and forth .... you have to be careful that the simplicity doesn't turn into monotony ... which can turn into some major knitting ADD .... and before long your needles are set aside and you're dreaming of new and exciting projects and yarns and patterns ....... and the previous simple knit becomes a UFO (Unfinished Knitting Object) ....  ;(

in order to avoid an expensive piles of knitting UFO's it's necessary to stay focused ... have a plan! (sounds like i'm watching too much sports!) ...  Grab some 100% wool and get ready to knit to get out your aggressions!



sew up the sides and your
square becomes a make-up bag!



***With Size 13 needles and holding your wool doubled, cast on 15 stitches and knit for 20 rows. Bind off loosely and weave in the ends.  Toss these squares in the hot water of the washing machine and VOILA!  each skein of wool has the potential to yield 4 felted and very absorbant coasters!   (great for an early Christmas gift!)

***With Size 13 needles and holding your wool doubled, cast on 25 stitches and knit for 40 rows.  Bind off loosely, weave in the ends and once felted, you've got a trivet or potholder that can protect your counter ... and your hands .... for more knitting!

Feeling adventuresome?  Using size 9 needles, cast on 40 stitches and knit until the piece measures atleast 15" (or you could opt to knit until you run out of yarn - approximately 25" give or take).  Bind off loosely and get ready to felt.  
                   * If you stop at 15", sew up the sides, sew a triangle approximately 3/4" in from each end to create a 'base' for a felted cosmetic bag (add zipper, lining and embellish once dry).
                    *If you knit the entire length you'll find yourself with a long rectangle that will felt into a tri-fold jewelry roll or wallet with just a little planning.

Point to Ponder:  never underestimate Simplicity and Pressure!  When encountered, the hot water and aggitation transform a Simple Square (or rectangle) into a multitude of uses ....  much like the days that the Lord has ordered for me, the ups and downs and hills and valleys of my life are designed to ultimately bring Him glory.  The 'hot water' of trials, my willingness to 'be stretched' while i'm drying in order to finish His felting process .... all necessary steps to bring about an end result that makes me useful for His Kingdom work.  He's got the pattern ... [He always calls the right plays] .... now if i'll just relax - Trust Him and comply with His needles i won't find myself in His UFO pile .....

 "All the days ordained for me were written in Your book

before one of them came to be" 

ps. 139:16