splashing about in creativity...

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T15:19:00.008-07:00

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

2009-12-31T15:43:00.003-07:00

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...

2009-12-28T14:45:00.005-07:00

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

2009-12-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-12-21T10:00:00.002-07:00

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

2009-12-14T16:59:00.006-07:00

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...

2009-12-12T16:35:00.001-07:00

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...

winter wonderland

2009-12-09T16:08:00.004-07:00

Thick snow, like freshly piped icing.

Feathery,

fern-like,

frost etched on windows.

Winter draws in.

Out with the woollies, on with the boots.

Hot chocolate with marshmallows and hearty stews.

Another log on the fire

an old movie or two.

Embrace the season.

Second Sunday of Advent

2009-12-07T15:55:00.006-07:00

Coming Light
Anticipation
Peace

71. my Aunt & Uncle for being a light in my life
72. the Christmas feast prepared by loving hands at church
73. my daughter's growing independence....how proud I am of her, though it brings a lump to my throat....
74. my beautiful poinsettia, a burst of colour during this snowy season
75. log fires: Snap! Crackle!
76. an unexpected Christmas card....beautiful, heart warming words
77. my husband's help running errands with me
78. finding the perfect gift for the family gift exchange
79. hot water
80. quiet time knitting

'Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

where's Waldo....!

2009-12-03T15:48:00.003-07:00

Busy knitting....well 'tis the season after all!
What with temperatures hovering around -37C, it's mighty chilly....brrr. So at the request of my daughter, knitted mitts were in order.
Colour scheme her choice, of course....

Celebration dinner

2009-12-02T15:35:00.001-07:00

Well another bible study session has come to a close and we wrap things up with a celebration dinner. I am feeling reflective and thankful this Advent season for all my church family, for those who point the way, who embody, "a long obedience in the same direction." (Friedrich Nietzsche)

How I look to them and so appreciate our time of study, discussion and growth.

How blessed I am to share the journey with them.

Advent

2009-11-30T06:49:00.002-07:00

first Sunday of Advent
first candle lit
hope

61. the sound of Morley singing in church behind me
62. though frail and unable to stand without help, her joy as the choir sings pours into me
63. the way the sunlight spills into the santuary through the stained glass window
64. my Aunt's award for her important volunteer work; her tender care, her extra mile, her dedication, acknowledged and recognised.
65. Bible study, the encouragement of others
66. the company of friends
67. the ministry of care; the faith of friends
68. knitted mittens for my daughter
69. Helena's thoughtful card & story of Bluefeather
70. the gift of God's Word

The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord,
make His paths straight.'
Luke 3:4

the architecture of life

2009-11-26T23:24:00.007-07:00

What gives our life it shape? Our families, our jobs, our hopes, our experiences, our accomplishments, our losses, our past?

I think about the people who uplift, support, encourage, cheer us on and hold us close. Some we see daily and others less frequently. And I think about those few, those rare & precious few, who care with such depth of tenderness, who take or rather make the time, to build relationship with us, those whose shoulders we stand upon. Kind people who have shared their insights with us, who have encouraged and gently pointed the way.

How grateful I am to be blessed with such people. Sharing the journey together, walking with Jesus by the grace of God alone.

And in this season of Advent, may we all take the time to reflect upon and give thanks for those people who have made a difference in our lives. Those who have stood by us shoulder to shoulder and helped carry our burdens.

May we make room in our hearts for Jesus, may His light burn brightly there as we wait and ponder and ready ourselves anew for His arrival, knowing our lives are defined and shaped by the hand of God, by His grace, His watchful eye, His extravagant love.

Thanks be to God.

grateful...

2009-11-23T20:44:00.007-07:00

Inward preparation,
waiting with anticipation,
a light shining in the darkness...

51. the comfort of those who care
52. crocheting hats....well, trying anyway!
53. cream of sweet potato soup: pumpkin spiced, velvety & warm
54. books that inspire
55. knitting Lily little legwarmers
56. watching my daughter grow in her faith, seeing her minister to others
57. phone calls with my SIL as we both make dinner for our families
58. my daughter's tenderness
59. a stack of craft magazines to browse through
60. the coming season of reflection and wonder

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

crocheting goodness!

2009-11-21T14:31:00.004-07:00

So I've been playing around with fibre....no surprise there, I'm an avid knitter, but I am new to crochet and having a wonderful time....

Yum!

Joy

2009-11-21T11:42:00.005-07:00

It has been viewing week at my children's dance studio.....what a sheer delight!

approaching Advent

2009-11-20T10:38:00.011-07:00

I'm thinking about the upcoming season of Advent.

I want to create space ~ heart space ~ to reflect upon this special time of year.

To be mindful, to chart and reflect, to ponder the incredible gift we've been offered.

In what ways might we mark this time of anticipation?

How can we involve our loved ones, celebrating together, focusing on the birth of Jesus and not the consumerism of our culture?

With intention and Grace.

an attitude of gratitude

2009-11-16T16:52:00.003-07:00

Steadfast love
outpoured...

His tender care
administered...

41. reading with my daughter at bedtime
42. breakfast in bed ~ on a school morning!
43. oatmeal: hot, milky, with flaxseed & raisins.....yum!
44. my sister~in~law's invitation to the ballet....what an absolute treat!
45. finding the perfect gift for someone
46. a slice of the most moist, lemon coconut loaf. Oh how I need a great recipe for this!
47. winning a prize at a church raffle!
48. newly cleaned windows....how the light streams in
49. inspiring, thought provoking photography
50. my niece taking my daughter out for a birthday meal....how sweet, how thoughtful...

"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:13

'Tis the season....for Christmas Bazaars

2009-11-14T15:59:00.003-07:00

In the spirit of my handmade pledge, I thought I'd share some of my crafty finds with you....

walking in gratitude....

2009-11-09T21:20:00.002-07:00

"For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

31. the colours of fall

32. quiet bible reading alongside my husband

33. the gift of hospitality

34. pear: perfectly ripe, deliciously juicy

35. fellowship at our church bazaar

36. the glow and crackle of an open fire

37. the approach of Advent, how blessed we are....

38. the gift of family

39. my daughter, sharing her dance with me

40. warmth & generosity.

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done." 1 Chronicles 16:8

prayerful

2009-11-08T09:06:00.006-07:00

Here's my own prayer bowl courtesy of Girl in a Glass House, what a lovely idea.

In it, my daughter and I have written the names of those we love, those we hold in our hearts, those who touch our lives, we lift to our Father in prayer.

May each be blessed, may each know that the Lord is near.

"For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5

Giving Thanks

2009-11-02T15:21:00.020-07:00

quietly,

softly,

His love ministers.

May I have ears enough to hear and eyes enough to see....

21. my daughter singing with abandon in the shower

22. wee knitted Christmas pudding hat! Adorable

23. the smell of freshly baked, buttery, cookies...Mmmm

24. our little dog snoozing in a sliver of afternoon sunshine

25. dinner table devotions

26. pumpkin lasagna, the fruits of Fall

27. times of quiet...spiritual nourishment

28. Edelgard's thoughtfulness, her gentleness

29. my daughter's gift of chocolate

30. leaves that trail and dance behind cars

"I will praise God's name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving." Psalm 69:30

All things bright and beautiful

2009-10-27T19:46:00.011-06:00

I've been thinking about beauty.

It's everywhere. Irrepressible, resilient, in unlikely places, inhospitable places. Defiant. Glorious. Bold.

The way a flower might push its way through a fissure.

May we shine brightly, even in the hard and dry places of our lives.

The brittle and the broken places.

The hard to reach places.

Encouraged that, "there is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still." Betsie ten Boom

Mindful Monday

2009-10-26T21:06:00.011-06:00

Daily blessings

of extravagant love,

His heart poured out....

11. Mary's ready laughter

12. Sherry's joy at knitting her very own scarf

13. Dawn's gift of chocolate & prayer book in the mail

14. A table set with candles & family gathered

15. My mother~in~laws' surprise thank you note hidden beside my tea canister

16. The exciting, new chapter for my daughter researching university options

17. Singing the Faith concert; five choirs assembled, the santuary filled, voices lifted in worship

18. my uncle's message...Faith In Action, "I hope God will give everyone of us many small chances everyday to be the people God called us to be."

19. Late night scrabble with my husband

20. my church family

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4

in the eye of the beholder....

2009-10-23T16:03:00.005-06:00

"Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God;
But only he who sees, takes off his shoes..."
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Things I heart....

2009-10-23T14:04:00.016-06:00

"We are shaped and fashioned by what we love." ~ Goethe

Knitting
Tea from a teapot
A log fire
Hand sewing
Baking

Autumn in all its glory

Books you just can't put down
Farmer’s markets & organic produce

Friends who lift my heart
Freshly cut flowers

Crafternoons spent with my children & nieces

The sound of my daughters laughing

The smell of newly mown grass

Fresh linens on my bed
Coming home from the library with a large stack of books

When scripture speaks directly to my heart
Christmas Eve….oooh the anticipation!
Cranberry orange scones
Morning glory muffins from Planet Organic…oh my!

The smell of new books and glossy magazines
Seaglass
Community gardens
When bus drivers wave at each other as they pass by

Watching my daughters dance

Tenderness

voilà!

2009-10-22T09:12:00.007-06:00

I needed a quick, satisfying knitting project to decompress after completing the quilt. With the help of Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, her 'One Row Handspun Scarf' pattern and two skeins of Noro, I was off to the races! I love it. A dash of colour on grey & gloomy days.....

Why not give it a try!

a quilt for my mother~in~law

2009-10-19T23:18:00.006-06:00

ok, so this has been a loooong project. Namely, I've missed two deadlines; Mother's Day 09 and my Mother~in~law's birthday....ho~hum! Oh well, I managed to finish in time for Thanksgiving, (with some wonderful help here) and I feel thankful for that! Seems an appropriate season to give her this..... 15 handprints of all her grandchildren. Thankful hearts all.

Peace

2009-10-01T15:46:00.013-06:00

Wednesday's "To Do" List......

make school lunches
make breakfast, see girls off to school
tidy up, read emails
run errands
spend afternoon with the Dalai Lama
go to bible study

wait, wait, wait, I hear you say....
"spend afternoon with the Dalai Lama"??

Well yes, yesterday I had the privilege of seeing the Dalai Lama & hearing him express his thoughts on peace, compassion, kindness & the way of non-violence.

What an afternoon, just me and ummm 19,999 other people!

Such a warm man, with a ready smile and infectious laugh. What a joy to hear him speak.
His message? He asks us to make an intentional and sustained effort to BE peace, to choose the way of gentleness & kindness, to promote & foster joy.

As a Christian, I see the Way in the person of Jesus Christ. By grace He extends the fruits of the Spirit to us; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Gifts of grace.

Yes, the Dalai Lama ~ 'Ocean of Wisdom' indeed.

Peace be with you, gentle reader.

farewell...

2009-09-28T23:33:00.009-06:00

to my niece who is off to university in Australia. I pray she is met with such opportunity to grow & learn & explore, that she meets with a soft place to land..... She truly is a remarkable young woman. And so it is with a heartfelt farewell, (not goodbye, goodbyes are altogether too hard) that I embrace my niece...... off to a far away land. God be with her.

gratitude community

2009-09-21T00:23:00.005-06:00

God's daily graces,

everyday epiphanies,

His boundless love ....

showers of autumn leaves
hot cups of tea
watching little hands knit....sheer delight
fresh linen on my bed
morning glory muffins
hot baths
Ann ~ 93 yrs, bright blue twinkly eyes, ever present smile. Woman of faith, how I look to you
God's grace
my children sleeping peacefully, tucked up warmly in bed. Bliss....
my bible study group

'You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.' Psalm 23:5

summer reflections.....

2009-09-18T14:36:00.010-06:00

The leaves are turning, there's a bite in the morning air, summer wanes...ho~hum.

Welcome.

My hope is to create a place for rest & reflection, for thought & ideas, a celebration of home, family, faith & creativity in all its forms.

Let's share the journey together....