Giveaway!

I love knitted dishrags!  I went for years wishing I had one.  Then 2-3 years ago, Jessica bought a set in the auction at Valliant, and I bought one from her.  I was hooked!  I refuse to use anything else now!  So I determined that after years of not being able to teach myself to knit that I WOULD learn to knit dishrags.  I'm still not a proficient knitter, but I can turn out dishrags fairly quickly.  I love making them and I love sharing them with others.

So if any of you are in the same boat that I was in, wanting to try one out but not knowing how to get one...or if you have already tried them and loved them and need replacements, now is your chance.  I have 2 sets completed and am almost through with the third set.  Pick your color and let me know in a comment that you want a set and I will send them to you.

For those who like neutral colors, this ecru/tan/brown might be what you are wanting.

Got a blue and white kitchen?  This set is for you.

This red one is still waiting for its partner which will soon be completed.

Please don't hesitate to ask if you want a set.  I really enjoy making them and giving them away.  I'm always trying new colors to see how they work up, so if you want a color not shown let me know and I'll see what I can find.

This is my own little "pay it forward" project for this year.  I like to have something to work on in the evenings and these little babies fill the bill nicely!

None of Self?

I have so much on my heart this morning.  I look around and see so much pain and ugliness and it breaks my heart.  If it bothers me, who is sinful and carnal, just think what it does to the heart of God.  Mr 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

 Ro 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 

Ge 6:5-6 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually  And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

Why do we hurt one another?  Why don’t we give more of ourselves and think more of the needs of others?  The scriptures tell us that sin comes from love of the world.  1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  The core of these three things is self-centeredness.  We want the things that we want.  We want to do the things we want to do.  We want others to think highly of us.  “I” am at the center of all that I say and do and think.  Christ gave us the remedy for this: Mt 22:37-39  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

 Lu 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Of course, we all know this…it is the basis of Christianity.  We are to be likened unto Christ and die to our old man through repentance, be buried into Christ through baptism, and rise to walk a spiritual life in Him.  But do we REALLY  do it?  Is seeking God’s will the most important thing in our lives?  Do we care for others’ needs as much as we do for our own?  Do we LOVE others as much as we do ourselves? 

Do I ever get into an argument with someone?  What causes it?  Why do I want to prove that I’m right and they are wrong, or why do I want to impose my will on another?  2Ti 2:24-25 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Do I ever say something, even if it is in ignorance, that is demeaning or hurtful to another?  Do I take the time and forethought to consider my words before speaking or writing them?  Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

 Ec 10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Do I freely give of myself (time, money, energy) to help others…even when it is hard or I don’t really feel like it?  Do I even think about it?  How much doesn’t ever get done just because it never enters our minds?  Mt 25:41-46 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:  I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying,  Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Ga 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

I watched a movie last night, “The Grace Card”.  It wasn’t the greatest movie in the world but the premise was excellent.  Do we truly love others and forgive others, even when it is hard or when they hurt us?  Mt 5:44-48 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Ro 12:20-21 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

So what am I getting at with all of this?  (I wish that I had the talent of my husband or my children to coherently express what is on my heart.  I just muddle through as best I can.)  I’m just wanting to remind us all, myself especially, to focus less on “self” and more on God and others.  I want us to truly be able to sing that song “None of Self and All of Thee”. 

Oh, the bitter pain and sorrow
That a time could ever be,
When I proudly said to Jesus,
“All of self, and none of Thee.”

Yet He found me; I beheld Him
Bleeding on th’ accursed tree,
And my wistful heart said faintly,
“Some of self, and some of Thee.”

Day by day His tender mercy,
Healing, helping, full and free,
Brought me lower while I whispered,
“Less of self, and more of Thee.”

Higher than the highest heaven,
Deeper than the deepest sea,
Lord, Thy love at last has conquered:
“None of self, and all of Thee.”

Car shopping & surgery

I do not like to shop...especially when it comes to buying a car.  I've loved my 2000 Camry and have been hoping it would last many more years, but that isn't to be.  At over 190,000 miles, it is rapidly developing a lot of problems that would require putting more money into repairs than it is worth.  Plus we are wanting to purchase a newer vehicle that will hopefully take us into retirement and be paid for at that time.  So for the past month, we have been trying to find a suitable car for the right price.  One of the reasons that I do not like to shop is because it causes me to want something that I don't have.  I am normally pretty content with what I have.  Shopping erodes that contentment.  Then when a car we want sells or we can't afford one that we really like, I get upset.  I don't like that about myself. The acquisition of material things shouldn't bother me like that.  It is humbling to realize that I am still that carnal.  When a beautiful, well-equipped car passes through our fingers, I should be able to accept it and realize that we didn't need it and trust we will eventually find what is best for us to have.  So I am praying that God will use this time to refine this old lump of coal!

Dennis is scheduled for a hernia repair next Wednesday.  This makes his third one...and hopefully his last.  He will be off on sick leave for six weeks following the operation, which should really do him good.  Things have been really bad at the post office for a long time.  As with most companies nowadays they are trying to work understaffed...working their carriers 10 hours most days, six days a week.  That is a difficult pace to keep up when it involves walking 10 miles or more a day.  Dennis will be the third carrier (out of the 7 or 8 regular carriers) to have surgery in a three month time period.  It is really wearing them all down.  This surgery will allow him to rest up and do some things around here (like car shopping, for one!).  He has a muzzle loader kit that he recently bought at a garage sale that he is putting together for Stephen.  He hopes to get it done during that time period.  He hasn't had the time or energy to work on it much since he got it back in November or December.  He will be pretty sore for a couple of weeks but should be up to "low-energy" activities.  We would appreciate any and all prayers for a successful operation and easy recovery!

We are thankful for the abundant rain we've received over the past 36 hours!  It is still supposed to continue on through tomorrow morning.  I love seeing how God cares for His creation!  During a drought like we had this summer, the weather professionals are quick to say how (outrageously) long it will take to recover.  God has a way of making them "eat crow".  He knows what we need and provides according to His timetable, not ours!  Guess there is a lesson in that for us all (me, especially!).

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Batteries Recharged

We enjoyed another wonderful Lord's Day yesterday.  The weather was absolutely glorious!  We heard two outstanding lessons.  James did an excellent job yesterday morning teaching about Light vs. Darkness, then Layne followed up last night with a great chapter study on Gen. 28.  The singing was wonderful...beautiful melodies with very inspiring messages.  We enjoyed getting to visit shortly with Sarah and DJ, who were visiting.  Then the Rasmussens came over between services and we sang for about an hour.  After evening services Anita, Sherrod, Debbie and Caidem and the two of us went to Rosa's for supper.  As our dear Sister Joyce used to always say, we got our batteries recharged for the week!  (The only down side to the day was the gift left in the churchhouse by a skunk.  Very thankful for olfactory fatigue!)

I didn't get much accomplished last week.  I had been sick since the previous week with a cold turned sinus infection.  I finally went to the doctor Wednesday and got some medicine and was feeling better by the weekend.  I'm hoping to get back into my normal routine this week.

We are enjoying having an extra little holiday today.  Sundays and holidays are about the only time Dennis gets off work anymore.  He had a doctor's appt. this morning, but we hope to get a few things done around the house today while he's off.  He can always use the extra rest, too!

I'll leave you with a couple of verses from one of the passages that Layne read last night:
De 4:39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. 40 Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

Leave a Note

There is an "event" on facebook for next Tuesday, Jan. 17.  The purpose is to have people write an encouraging note and leave it lying around, anonymously, for someone to find...hopefully shedding a little light on their day.  I've decided to participate and have been struggling with what to write in my note.  It is hard to find just the right words to impact a complete stranger and bring joy into their lives.  I knew immediately that I wanted to use God's Word, for what has a greater positive impact on anyone?  So I've been doing a little research...looking for just the right thing.  What do you say, in just a short note, that will not only brighten someone's day but also lead them in the direction of the only way to true happiness?

Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

 

La 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.

Mt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 

Mr 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Ps 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 Joh 15:9  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

 Mt 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

So much to choose from!  I will continue my quest and hope to touch someone's heart.  If any of you have any verses that you think would be appropriate, I would welcome the input!  I realize that finding a random note with a short Bible verse isn't going to lead someone to Christ.  However, I am hoping that it just might touch someone's heart and encourage them to seek Him. 

Pr 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Layne gave a really good lesson yesterday morning on the tongue...giving it a different twist.  A few of my favorite verses from his lesson:

Ps 39:1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

Ps 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting

Pr 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.  3  The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.  5  A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 6  In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 7  The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

Pr 25:8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. 9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:  10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. 11  A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. 12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. 13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters. 14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. 15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

Isa 50:4 The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

"He Whispers Sweet Peace to Me"

Woke up with this song in my head this morning.

Sometime when misgivings darken the day,

And faith's light I cannot see;

I ask my dear Lord to brighten the way,

He whispers sweet peace to me.

He speaks thru His word, assurance He gives,

I'm His and I know He's mine;

And safe in the fold my soul He will keep,

I'll rest in His love divine.

He whispers sweet peace to me, He whispers sweet peace to me,

And thro His blest word He strengthens my soul,

He whispers sweet peace to me.

Such a blessing to have the wonderful peace of God in our lives through His son, Jesus!  There have been times when I didn't know how I could go on, but He was there to guide me through.  Even during the "normal" times, His peace provides such comfort and joy.  Glory be to God for his amazing love and grace that sustains us!

Ro 15:13  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

New Years Eve Party

Had a great time all weekend.  Ricky, Stephen and Mandy surprised me at the last minute by coming down for the weekend.  It was great having everyone together!  I worked on getting ready for the party all day Saturday, and then all my wonderful helpers pitched in and got things set up in record time.

Decorations going up

Hot Chocolate Bar

My great helpers!

Glitter was EVERYWHERE!!!

Melting Snowman Cookies - a big hit with kids (young and old)

Peppermint Oreos

Sweets table

Snowflake cookies

Spades - a serious game!

Hope you all enjoyed the holidays and have a wonderful New Year!