Happy New Year!

New beginnings...
As 2010 dawns, I wonder where God will lead me, what new opportunities to serve will arise. I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions as such, but pray this year ushers in an ever deeper walk with God, an ever growing relationship with Jesus, a feasting on His Word. That He continues to foster faith filled relationships, drawing hearts to Him, revealing how I might use the gifts He has blessed me with for His glory.

May we love deeply
serve wholeheartedly
give generously
smile readily
seek Him earnestly

ministers all

practicing peace
spreading joy
extending kindness
giving thanks

witnessing for Christ
praising His name
Amen

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
2 Corinthians 5:17

the last knits of '09

With the countdown to 2010 sounding in the background, I wove in the ends on these fingerless mitts. A quick, satisfying knit, the pattern can be found here....Snug fit, ideal perhaps, for those new to cables, this would make a great gift knit....ahh maybe next Christmas!

I even squeaked in a little crocheting....

all in all, 2009 has been a very productive year of knitting. Onwards and upwards.....

2009, with a grateful heart...

Almighty God,
Loving Father,
Creator King!

101. the gift of God's Word; spoken, revealed, Immanuel 'God with us'
102. the joy of Christmas, the light and hope that Jesus brings
103. the love of family & friends, given & received
104. Silent Night by candlelight; santuary filled, hearts lifted, voices united
105. Helena's warmth, her light, our walk together
106. Seeing outdoor Christmas lights on a residence pulse to music on a radio station! What joy this must have brought to so many driving by, the work involved boggles the mind! Sheer delight!
107. the thoughtful cards & well wishes of so many truly touches my heart
108. fond memories of Christmas' past, each ornament tells a story, a piece of our story
109. Christmas Dinner: lovingly prepared, joyously shared, memories made
110. Jesus Christ, Lord & Saviour, gift of Grace for all

"How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light."
Psalm 36:7-9

Christmas Eve

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And He will be called

Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Love

freely given

a gift for all

91. birthday wishes

92. a birthday cake, homemade by my niece

93. the gift of a handmade apron, beautiful

94. job interview tomorrow

95. jingle mingle ~ fabulous family gift exchange

96. getting all my overseas parcels off...phew!

97. snowfall

98. laughter

99. good books

100. the love of family

"Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."
Psalm 106:1

Third Sunday of Advent

Beckoning light
Spirit filled
Joy

81. trimming the Christmas tree, looking at ornaments from years gone by; tinkets handmade, baubles received, memories all.....
82. pulling on the Santa hats once again, singing & dancing to carols
83. gingerbread baking....oooh the aroma throughout the house!
84. wrapping gifts, crafting labels, sending Christmas wishes
85. Joy to the World! An ecumenical celebration, six choirs lifting their voices in worship...electric!
86. the glow & sparkle about our home....
87. the memories of Christmas past...the hands and hearts that lovingly created these treasured memories
88. love & thoughts as another niece turns 18....
89. the reconnection of long lost friends....Joy indeed!
90. laughing late into the night with my daughters...

"You have made known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

crafty goodness...

So I've been feeling crafty! I found the inspiration to make these festive coasters here

a must see for those devoted to all things felt.

In January I created the above table rug for my little niece. Made in the style of 'penny rugs', a wool appliqué popular in the early to mid 19th century, gaining its name from the large pennies used as templates and the thrifty use of scrap woollens left over from other projects. I chose the colours to match the scheme of her bedroom. So much fun to do, a satisfying little project to work up in front of the fire, sipping tea, watching tv...