leaving a mark . .

in the rhythm of the needles

there is music for the soul.

- found on an old antique sampler

i love this quote ... i have found so much truth in those very words on those days when all the noise of the world is hectic and busy and screaming and i just need a few minutes of 'quiet' ... and i found that truth to be validated each time i knit a special 'prize' for someone in my life and i spend time planning the project, knitting it and watching it come together all the while praying for them as i knit. And then on those days when i'm not bound by the consistent ticking of a minute hand, the rhythm that results from an uninterrupted row of stitches brings calm, leaves satisfaction at the progress, affords an optimism related to the productivity, and melody lines are soon formed by the very strings that flow across my  needles.

Just as knitting has proven to be a multi-dimensional, hands-on project for me, I have learned that walking with the Lord has many dimensions as well.  It's easy to sit and knit when i've got the time, and it's easy to Thank the Lord when things are going well!  BUT .. on the rows when the stitch count and the pattern are not EVEN agreeing i find that i must re-read the pattern, rip out and do over.  This may mean re-reading and re-reading and re-reading but i have to go back to what i know and what the pattern says; and on those days when i feel like worlds are colliding and i can't make sense of things, it's still a sign of obedience and maturity to place my Trust in the Lord.  It may require stepping out in what feels like blind faith, put placing my trust in Him to guide me through the pattern of the day He's designed will ultimately create an intimacy and trust factor that leaves a melody in my heart ... and that is the song that will console and encourage as i journey ....

leaving a mark ... with my yarn .. with my heart ...... humming a melody, listening for His harmonies . . .

. . therapy . .

In the Rhythm of the Needles ... there is Music for the Soul.

That is one of my all time favorite quotes that resonates so very deeply with me - - it a concept that has grown as i have learned  ... and actually am drawn ... to those quiet moments when i can sit and knit ..... and allow myself to sort through things that may be going on in my life.

Obviously, this quote can be taken in many different ways ... as in Lace:  the rhythm and song ss often sung AFTER it's all said and done and the beauty of the finished creation stirs your heart to that precious place of peace.  Often the "rhythm" is experienced in the regularity of the simple stitch - - the basic knit and purl of a scarf, or sweater, a washcloth or socks . . patterns that are established and therefore offer peace in the process.  And then there are those times when the "Music" is felt just when granted the moment to touch and feel and hold the yarn and recall the therapeutic nature and order that such "rhythm" can and will bring ....

And while i'm not really sure where this quote originated, i have found an 'original' verse much akin to this one .....  except BETTER ... and TRUER ..... and STRONGER ... and SO PERSONAL ... and AVAILABLE to cling to ... to quote .... to dwell on and tuck in my heart ..... and now share with you! . . .

The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make His face shine upon you ... and  be gracious to you;

the Lord turn His face toward you .... and give you peace!

Numbers 6:24-26

I realize that i'm not always going to be able to 'sit and knit' in the midst of things so that i can have those 'rhythmic' moments of knitting and peacefulness ... BUT with the gift of His Presence, i can - and do - abide and dwell and rest in the Peace that Passes all understanding .....  because He has promised ... and His Word is Life to me! ..... Thy Word have i hid in my heart - - that i might not sin against Thee!   No room for anxious thoughts or worries .... His Graciousness is shining on me ... and gives me Peace!