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.

what does a prayer shawl look like?

a prayer shawl HAS to be a triangular shape to be official, yes?

it can't possibly be a long stripe (i.e scarf) ... and there's NO WAY it could be shaped like a purse.... could it??????

it's been a busy several weeks with lots of projects mixed in ... i've spent many hours searching for 'perfect prayer shawl' patterns .... been involved in a few swaps on Ravelry and wanted to find the perfect pattern for my swap partner .... and all the while i have learned some life lessons as well as some new knitting techniques. For one, i tried a new stitch called the Trinity Stitch and found a new technique that created an interesting texture. When was the last time you veared away from the comfortable stitch you know (knit a row, purl a row) and combined those stitches in a NEW way .... Trinity Stitch is simply a K1, P1, K1 in 1 stitch, then P3together in the next. It only takes 4 rows to complete a pattern. Ready? Cast on a multiple of 4 sts plus 2

Row 1: (RS) Purl

Row 2: k1, *(k1, p1, k1) into next st, p3tog, rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 4: k1, *p3tog, (k1, p1, k1) into next st, rep from * to last st, k1.

Who KNEW that a simple change in perspective - looking at things in a new and different way - could be fun? productive? dare i say, relaxing? I had ever intention of making my swap partner a knitting purse. I found myself praying for her as i knit, asking God to bless her and her family, her knitting that she shares with others, just seeking His favor on her while i knit for her. Well, time constraints limited me to just 1 side of the purse, which i used to turn into a smaller notions bag. i ran the stripes lengthwise, rather than width wise, seamed up the sides and left a flap to fold over - inserted a pocket and some lining and my 1st 'prayer shawl' was filled with goodies - and prayers - and shipped out!

i have many friends who share a common love and affection for a dear family who served as our minister of music so very faithfully for many, many years. we recently learned that Aubrey was having a really hard time with a long term illness and IMMEDIATELY my sweet sisters banded together with their needles and yarn to create a blessing blanket! we have opted for Christmas colors (because our friends brought Christmas to our hearts and our music with a passion that few can match). Casting on a multiple of 3 stitches (not to exceed 24ish...) we have all agreed to knit stripes 4 foot in length and pray for dear Aubrey and Phyllis during this time. You may call them stripes or scarfs but when we meet again, we'll sew them together, spend some more time in prayer for this sweet family, and present them with a blessing blanket --- or --- a prayer shawl!

i've knit 2 stripes so far for aubrey. Have you ever tried the 'mistake rib' pattern? or the diagonal rib stitch pattern? yet again, it"s about

Diagonal Rib (multiple of 4 stitches)

Row 1 (rs) *k2, p2, rep from * to end

Row 2: same as row 1

Row 3: *p1, k2, p1, rep from * to end

Row 4: *p1, k2, p1, rep from * to end

Row 5: *p2, k2, rep from * to end

Row 6: same as row 5

Row 7: *p1, k2, p1, rep from * to end

Row 8: *k1, p2, k1, rep from * to end

Repeat these 8 rows for desired length.

Now, what have i learned from all this? Prayer shawls ARE triangles ... but they are also rectangles and squares. They are long, short, thick, thin. Wool or cotton. Cashmere or Acrylic. A shawl is a covering that is worn to bring comfort, shield from the cold, wrap around us as a gentle reminder that someone was thinking of you, PRAYING for you and whispering your name to the Father. Is that NOT the way that we knit just about every sweet gift that leaves our needles? Romans 8:26 reminds us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words when we often don't know exactly how to pray, or what to ask for. I have learned that my knitting produces prayer shawls in all shapes and sizes for the people i love, that God has laid on my heart. Some of my prayers are audible... ALL of them are understandable because my Father is always listening.

What else have i discovered? God can use ME and my needles even though i may not fit the standard, pre-conceived idea of a knitter! I may not have as much experience as others, my techniques may be lacking compared to others, my yarn may not be as 'nice' as others.... but when God sees MY heart and my willingness to be used, HE blesses my gifts. He has ordered my days and my yarn (though my stash does seem a bit discombobulated at the moment!) He knows the number of hairs on my head and the number of needles in my knitting bag! When i keep my focus on Him i soon discover that His love for me is the catalyst for all that i do. He sees me with different eyes! How can i NOT share His love with everyone i meet ... some are hurting, some are searching ... but we all need HIM! and a prayer shawl (purse, scarf, blanket) is an outward expression of such a compelling love!

In the rhythm of the needles there is music for the soul.

Be still and know that I Am God!