Then Sings My Soul Saturday

"If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that My Name may be there forever. My eyes and My heart will always be there".....2 Chronicles 7:14-16

I rest in the knowledge that God is listening, is attentive, always waiting for His children to speak to Him.

"Then Sings My Soul Saturday" is hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders. Please stop by Amy's to see all who are participating and perhaps join in yourself!!

Have a wonderful, God-filled day!!

Beth

10 Things I Love

Jennifer at Through the Storms of Life posted 10 things that she loved starting with the letter "M".

I decided to play along with her, and she assigned the letter "R". So, here are 10 things that I love which begin with the letter "R":

• Reading--I love to read and spend a portion of every day reading for enjoyment and relaxation, learning something new every day of my life.

• Rainbows--I don't see rainbows too often, but I always find them beautiful and amazing. A rainbow always reminds me of God's covenant with Noah--And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come. I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.".....Genesis 9:12-16

• Red licorice--My daughter, Lindsay, lives in Texas. Everytime she comes home for a visit she brings Kooka Burra Red Licorice--the very best red licorice I have ever tasted. Of course, I sometimes don't get too much of this with my son around. He loves this, too. I suppose this is a good thing that I don't have too much too often affecting the progress of my kitty tracker!!

• Real--I love people who are real and up front with me, sharing the ups and downs of their lives. We all have these, and people are who real have helped me in my walk of faith with my Lord.

• Rabbits--I don't have a bunny rabbit, but we used to. His name was Taco, and I loved watching him hop around all over the place--just exploring everything. There are many rabbits that live in the outdoors near me, and I love when the little ones are born. They just look so cute hopping around!

• Redeeming Grace--I love my God with all my heart and soul. I am thankful for His redeeming grace and mercies in my life. Where would I be without Him? I know where I would be--still on the path to destruction.

• Ravelry--a wonderful knitting website that has all kinds of information, patterns, anything I want to make or learn is there. And if it's not, there's always a place to ask a question, and someone will help you. Do you know anyone who knits or crochets that doesn't love Ravelry? I don't!!
  

• Relevance--I read and study a lot. Some of this has meaning in my life and some does not. So, I always ask myself the question: "Does this apply to me in my life at this time? What relevance does this have in my life? Is this revealing to me something that I need to know and carry with me?"

• Rain--I love hearing the raindrops falling on the leaves outside my bedroom window. This is a very relaxing sound to me, and I could just stay there and listen for a very long time.

• Red berries--We have a tree outside my office that has red berries on it all year round. Thus, the picture in my header (no, I didn't take this picture--can't take credit for this one), but I have taken many pictures of these red berries at different times of year--ice covered, snow covered, and these berries full and plump in the springtime.

And there you have it!! Ten things that I love starting with the letter "R". If you'd like to play along, just let me know and I'll send you a letter. I won't make it too hard, I promise!!

Stop by "The Power of Your Love" today. I've posted a poem about walking by faith and not by sight.


Then, be sure to visit "The Lighthouse of Prayer". We're praying for a friend today--one friend, concerns you have for that friend that have been placed on your heart and in your mind.

I'd love to see you there!!

Beth

ABC's of the Word--Y

Pam at Grey Like Snuffie is hosting the ABC's of the Word. This week is the letter "Y". Be sure and visit Pam to view all the participants' verse choices this week with the letter "Y". Maybe you'd like to join in this week. It's easy and it's fun!!

Here's my choice for this week:

When I consider YOUR heavens,
the works of YOUR fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which YOU have set in place,
what is man that YOU are mindful
of him,
the son of man that YOU care
for him?
YOU made him a little lower than the
heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory
and honor.

YOU made him ruler over the works
of YOUR hands,
YOU put everything under his feet;
all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our LORD,
how majestic is YOUR name in all
the earth!

Psalm 8:3:9

As I read and ponder on these verses, I have to ask myself these questions:

Are we taking care of all that God has given us? All that HE has made us ruler over?

Who am I that HE should care so much for ME?

How awesome and wonderful is OUR LORD!! How majestic HIS name and HIS creation!!

Enjoy the video!! It's a wonderful way to start your day!!

Beth

Please stop by The Power of Your Love to read my "Thankful Thursday"!!

New Project Started!

I have started a new project. This is certainly not the first pair of socks that I've ever started, but I've made up mind that these will be the first pair that I complete!!

This is the start of You and Me Socks designed by Debbie O'Neill. As if I didn't already have enough yarn, I joined the Sock of the Month Club--yes, there is such a thing as a sock of the month. Luckily you can join to receive a pattern and yarn every other month because realistically, I just don't have time to knit a pair of socks a month with all the other commitments (like work) that I have going on. But, every other month seems like something I could handle.

So, here is the start of my first sock that I am going to complete!!

I have about another inch of the ribbing to do, and then on the the pattern of the sock itself. We'll see how this goes, and I'll post some pictures as I go along--so you can see how this is coming and for my own accountability!!

Now, I've had some people ask me about dishcloths--why so many dishcloths? I belong to two different dishcloth groups--each knitting two dishcloths a month--that adds up to a lot of dishcloths in a year!!

I have to say this about dishcloths--they are versatile and useful in so many ways--not only for dishes!! I use them in the shower, to dust, the older ones I use to scrub the floors. And then I have these two daughters who are always asking for these for themselves and friends.

And here's the greatest thing about knitting a dishcloth--I almost always learn something new that I haven't tried before--a new stitch, a new technique--that I can carry over onto a project that will certainly cost more than a dishcloth. These are an inexpensive way to learn something new!!

I have a new one going on right now from Knit Dishcloths designed by my friend, Aunt Kathy. This one is going to be round with bobbles!! What??? Bobbles?? Well, I've tried these before without much success, but she has promised to help me!! Thank you, Aunt Kathy!!

Another question I've been asked--Do I love to knit and truly find it relaxing? Yes, I do!!

A cup of coffee, some good music, a skein of yarn and needles--I'm happy and set for a day!! (oh, but I have to go to work in order to pay for this enjoyment!)!!!

I've got to go now and get ready for work soon. There's about 4 inches of snow that I have to clean from my car before I can go anywhere!! I'll be sure to be back later and share some pictures of the most snow we've had this year. I think Aunt Kathy has it all at her house--would you mind sharing--just a little bit, Kathy? We're missing our snow here this year!!

Beth

A Couple of Completed Projects To Share

I have two completed projects to share with you today:

This is the neck warmer I made for my friend Linda for her Christmas present. She has a charcoal gray winter coat, and I thought this would go very nicely with it. I made this a little longer than the pattern calls for so she could tuck the ends inside the front of her coat. I don't have a picture of her wearing it yet, but as soon as I do I'll be sure to show you!

I had to try it on to see where I wanted the buttons placed, so I took a picture to share with all of you! I like the idea of a neck warmer--keeps you warm from the cold without all of the long ends of a scarf getting in the way sometimes!

And here is my latest dishcloth--the mid January KAL from Monthly Dishcloths. This is called Cheyanna after the designer's daughter. A quick knit and can be used in a solid or a variegated color.


That's all for today!! I'm sick at home with a strep throat, and I'm back to bed for some rest to recuperate!!

Oh, and I'm still waiting for someone to sign up for "Pay It Forward" from yesterday's post!! Won't at least one person join me in spreading some love around? This isn't expensive, takes little time, gives someone else a surprise in their mailbox (instead of bills!), and I know a lot of you have a lot of talent and love to share! PLEASE!!!!

Beth

Mission 4 Monday

My mission for this Monday is to show others caring through my time and love for them.


I was visiting Jennifer at Through The Storms of Life, and she has posted a "Pay It Forward" Challenge. This is a great way to bless others with a surprise in their mail--using your time, energy and love.

Here are the rules as posted on her blog:

The first 3 bloggers to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand-made item from me. Those 3 bloggers promise to post this challenge on their blog (meaning they too will ‘pay-it-forward’, creating a handmade gift for the first 3 bloggers that leave a comment on their blog!!) That's a lot of hand-made love being passed around! ; )

The gift can be any price range--though I'm thinking that keeping it small will be sufficient--and you have 365 days to make/ship your gift!! So, the person receiving this will be definitely surprised when a surprise shows up unexpectedly in their mailbox!

As you can see, if every cooperates and "pays it forward" this spreading of love could go on for a very long time.

If you want to participate, just leave a comment telling me so and then repost this on your blog so that you can pay it forward to 3 others, and so on, and so on, and so on.......

You can still leave a comment on what you think about this even if you don't want to participate!!

I'm anxious to see who the first three will be who want to participate in this venture of spreading our love for another!

Beth

Super Simple Sunday

Today is Super Simple Sunday at Peggy's. Be sure and stop by and visit to view all the participants. Maybe this is the week you'll want to join in!! It's Sunday, it's Simple, and it's Super!

I received a surprise in the mail on Friday--a gift from a friend that was completely unexpected. She had won this gift in a blog contest, and instead of having the gift sent to her, she had it sent to me! A great big thank you to Peggy and Lora at By the Lamplight.

What was the surprise? A deck of cards. Now, you may think to yourself--what is Beth so excited about? A deck of cards?

These are just not ordinary cards. These cards are called "Embracing the Word". Yes, they are marked as regular playing cards, but instead of the usual markings there are individual Scripture verses. I tried to take a picture, but my camera abilities seemed to have failed me once again!

So, for today's Super Simple Sunday I reached into the pack of cards and randomly picked one card. A beautiful verse written on the 7 of hearts:

As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth....Job 19:25

Wow!! What truth is spoken here!! My Redeemer lives--He died for me, for you, for all of us and yet He lives!!! And the hope that is said--and at the last He will take His stand on the earth!!

This is a promise from God that I don't want anyone to miss. So, today, ask yourself--who do you know that needs to know the love of Jesus, the sacrifice He made so that we may have forgiveness of our sins, salvation and a closer relationship with God, the hope and joy of an eternal life spent with HIM.

Think of one person--just one. Then ask that person to attend church with you, share your hope in Jesus, reach out and touch someone today with the Love of Our Lord!

I've got to tell SOMEBODY!!

Beth

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

This song from my childhood was running through my mind this morning, so I decided to see if I could find a video of "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand". Not exactly the same version as the one I remember from my childhood, but beautiful!!

I stand on Christ, and Christ alone.

Stop by and visit Amy for more participants of "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" and start your day in Our LORD!! Maybe you'd even like to join in!!

Beth

News About Miles

For those of you who have never had the wonderful experience of meeting my kitty, Miles, I've posted two pictures of him so you may become acquainted with him.



As you can see, Miles is an adventurous kitty--defying laws of gravity to jump and perch in Christmas trees, loves getting tangled up in my yarn (which has been reorganized and put out of his reach), and attacking my older kitty, Scout, as she just happens to be walking by. I don't have a picture of this feat--happens just too quickly!

He is now of the age where I would take him to the vet to be neutered, and I was hoping, so hoping that this would settle him down--just a little bit!!

Well, Miles has been acting strangely lately. He has been trying to go outside when I leave for work and when I come home! He has never been outside, and I thought he was just getting to the age where he wanted to go "tom" around (you know what I mean!).

Last evening, he started meowing as if he were in pain! He was following my son and I around, rubbing himself all around our legs as we walked and just being an altogether nuisance!

I started thinking about this--I was given Miles in the spring as a gift when I was ill. I was told that he was a male, and I NEVER LOOKED!! I just assumed that he was a male since that is what I was told!

I said to my son, "I think this cat is a girl!" His reply, "No, way! He can't be a girl!" I told him that we had better look!

So, between the two of us, we anchored Miles for just a minute and checked out this situation. To our surprise, there is no male paraphernalia on this kitty.

MILES IS A GIRL!!! And not only that--he/she is a girl in heat!! Oh, no!!

Andrew sent Lindsay a text message regarding this most upsetting situation. She called and is hysterical that we didn't even know that our boy kitty is actually a girl!!

Now we have Miles (should I change his/her name?) meowing around here all night long, trying to get outside, and well, all I have to say is that it just isn't pleasant!

This is what happens when we just assume something!

Beth

ABC's of the Word--X

Hmmmm......X!!!

I've looked, and there aren't too many words that begin with the letter "x". I'm glad that Pam at Grey Like Snuffie has given us a little leaveway this week in the choosing of our verse.

I did find some verses that have "x" in them that tell how I feel about my love for God and His love for me:

I will eXtol the LORD at all times
His praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me;
let us eXalt His name together.

Psalm 34:1-3

Any one who knows me, knows that music is never far behind. God speaks to me through music, and I have a video I'd like to share in addition to this verse.

How Great is Your Love
MercyMe

My heart is steadfast oh God
And I will sing
With all my heart and soul
Music for the King
And I will awake the dawn
With my praise to you O Lord

How great is Your love
So much higher than the heavens
With faithfulness that reaches the sky
How great is Your love
So much higher than the heavens
With faithfulness that reaches the sky
O how great is Your love

Praise the Lord O my soul
And glory to the King
Forever You are robed with majesty
We come to you O Lord
And Lay our praise at your feet

Be eXalted O God and let Your glory reign
Be eXalted O God and let Your glory reign
Let it reign
Let it reign
Let it reign
Let it reign
Let it reign
Let it reign

Be sure and visit Pam at Grey Like Snuffie for more ABC's of the word participants. I see she has a Mr. Linky up for all those who would like to join in!!

Have a wonderful day! Remember to eXalt Our God today and let HIS glory reign!

Beth

MY BIRTHDAY GIRL!!

Yes, she is 26, but she will always be my baby!!

The mittens fit perfectly!! I was a little concerned about this. Cara's hands are much larger than mine, and I kept trying them on and thinking to myself--just a little longer, just a little wider. She is so happy with her mittens, as you can see.

Andrew told her that they had better fit since I woke him up at 3:30 one morning to try one one. I knew that if they fit him, they would fit her!!

Cara was so excited and happy to receive these mittens. She couldn't believe that I had finished them in time for her birthday.

We're going to go out to dinner over the weekend for her birthday. All in all, a wonderful birthday!! She and I have had our differences over the years (especially that very difficult teenage time), but today we each talked sensibly about a problem that has been going on recently in her life. And surprise--we both agreed with each other and reached a resolution.

I guess there are advantages to having your children grow up (yes, Pam--even though I'm still 22--how does that work anyway?)

And, Kathy--thanks for telling me the link didn't work!! I fixed it in case you want to look up the pattern. You knit much more than me--if I can do it--you can do it!! I know a little boy who needs some red mittens!!

Beth

Happy Birthday, Cara!

Today is my oldest daughter's 26th birthday. It's hard to believe that 26 years have gone by, with all its ups and downs.

Cara requested a pair of mittens to match the scarf and hat that I made her for Christmas. She told me this the middle of last week!

Did I finish them? Yes, I did!! Just finished the last thumb this morning, steamed them, and I think they turned out pretty well for my first pair of mittens!!


Here's the pattern, if you're interested. I like this pattern a lot--has instructions from small children to men's--and it's easy to follow.

So, a very happy birthday to Cara!! Hopefully, they fit!! I made them a little bigger than my own hand, and they should. If I'm lucky, I'll get her to pose for a picture with her hat, scarf and mittens.

Be sure and check out my kitty tracker!! It says 7 pounds, but apparently kitty's don't do decimals!! It's actually 7.4 pounds, and that 0.4 is important!!

Beth

Mission 4 Monday

Peggy, at Amazing Grace~~Mazes, Messes, Miracles hosts Mission 4 Monday. Remember, each one of us has a mission in our lives. This mission may change from time to time, but we are each created and called by God to have a mission.

My mission for this week has actually come from my weekly memory verse. Please stop over and read my mission for this week and how I came to this mission in my own life.

Beth

Knitting, Knitting, Knitting

I've finished another KAL dishcloth!! Actually, I finished this a few days ago and just never got around to blocking it until last night.

This is the January 2009 KAL from Rachel's Knitting Room. And this is a special cloth because it was designed by Aunt Kathy, a friend of mine.


Knowing Aunt Kathy, I knew there would be a heart in this design somewhere, and yes, there was!!

My oldest daughter, Cara, told me on Wednesday evening that she would like a pair of mittens to match her scarf and hat that I made her for Christmas. So, I started these last night.

Sorry for the blurriness of the picture, but my eyes were a little blurry also when I took this picture at 4 a.m. this morning!


Now, here's the problem--Cara's birthday is on this coming Tuesday. Do you think I'll have these completed in time? I hope so.

I also have a pair of socks that I want to get started on and then there's the mid-January KAL from Monthly Dishcloths just starting today.

Well, I guess i'd better go for now in order to be able to get some sleep, go to work tomorrow and finish Cara's mittens after work. WHEW!!! Honestly, work is just getting in the way of my knitting career!

Beth

ABC's of the Word--W

Pam at Grey Like Snuffie hosts ABC's of the Word each Thursday. I decided to join her last week. We're on the letter "W", and you can join in anytime you like. Yes, we're almost to the end of the alphabet, and then we're going to start all over again. With so many verses of Scripture to choose from, this could probably go on for a very, very long time. So, please be sure to visit Pam, join in if you would like. But, be sure to visit all the participants for some uplifting "W" verses today.

Before I begin, let me say that I had my "W" verse picked out last week as soon as I had posted my "V" verse. But, yesterday I received some new books in my mail. While leafing through them--just browsing--this verse literally jumped off the page!! This is one of my very favorite verses in the Bible, and last night these words just spoke to me:

The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.....Zephaniah 3:17

I know that these are small words--with and will--but they spoke powerfully to me last evening. Why? Because I found these two little words to mean "constancy" to me.

With--God is there beside us--no matter what!! He is close to us--only a prayer or cry away. He never changes in His promises, His faithfulness or His love. He is always with us!! I find great comfort and joy in this word "with". This brings me a feeling of peace knowing that God is omnipresent, always there to guide and direct me.

Will--This is based on the fact that we are God's children. He loves us and He will find His joy is us, just as we find our joy in Him. This is not based on what we do or do not do. This is based on pure, unconditional love.

He is our Father. I think of when my own children have an accomplishment achieved in their lives and how proud I am of them for attaining their goal. Our Father's joy is so much greater than ours. God is so much more joyful than we are--more than we can even grasp. Can you just imagine how joyful God is when we follow and obey His Will for us!!

His joy is so great that He cannot contain himself. He sings, He dances, He takes delight in us!!

He will quiet you with His love--What peace in knowing that whatever our circumstances, God is there. Just turn to Him, tell Him your problems, tell Him how you're feeling about whatever situation you're facing. God will quiet you with His love and His peace--the peace that surpasses all human understanding--the peace that remains with us always regardless of what pains and turmoils we're having in our lives at any given moment--the peace of God.

While the second part of this verse does not have a "W", it is the most important part. HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE!! Jesus is our only source of salvation, our hope for eternal life. God accepts our repentance from sin no matter how many times we come to Him. Yes, HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE!!

Abba,

Today I come to You with a thankful heart. Thank you for always walking with me, beside me. Thank you for taking delight in me even when I don't feel so delightful. Thank you for the comfort in knowing that you are with me at all times. You are there. Thank you for sustaining me with Your power, Your might to fight off the enemy's advances upon me. Quiet me with Your love today, Lord. Help me to find Your peace in every situation that I may face this day and quiet me with Your love. Thank you for paying the price for me through your own Son, Jesus Christ and allowing me to fall sometimes so that I can learn and grow in You.

In your Son's precious name,

All God's people say.........

AMEN!!

Be sure and stop next door for "Thankful Thursday" with Sonya.

Beth

The Moon--Only One of God's Awesome Creations

Just a quick post because I really have to get ready to go to work!!

I was leaving for work yesterday morning, and the most awesome moon was in the sky. So, I reached into my purse for my camera. Here is the picture of the moon yesterday morning as I left for work. I just had to share this with you!!

And God said, "Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to marks seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. God made two great lights--the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the fourth day......Genesis 1:14-19

Beth

Mission 4 Monday--The Ghana Project/Key of Hope

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace......Acts 20:24

As I think about this--my mission not only for Monday, but for every day of my life--testifying to the good news of God's grace, I sometimes feel that I am not doing enough.

But, Jesus has said that His burden is light and His yoke is easy (Matthew 28:30).

We each have been given, through the Holy Spirit, different spiritual gifts and talents. Why then, do I sometimes feel that I have to do it all? It is not for me to do it all. God never intended this to be my burden alone. This is why we each have different gifts and talents, so that the tasks could be spread among us--we each can contribute our part using our own specific gifts that God has bestowed upon us. God does not want us to feel burdened and overwhelmed in accomplishing His work!

My particular talent was given to me at the age of 9 when my neighbor taught me to knit. So, I am using this talent to participate in The Ghana Project/Key of Hope.

If you have never visited their site, please take the time to do so. It is so rewarding to see and read about God's people joining together to make afghans to send not only to Ghana for those undergoing spinal surgeries, but also to Durban, South Africa to the Key of Hope Project for children suffering from the AIDS virus. Many of these children are "street children", having lost their parents to this disease.

What a comfort an afghan would be on a cold, rainy night!!

This project is very simple. All you need to do is make 7 inch squares and then send them to Pam who puts them all together in an afghan. She even supplies instructions for these squares. You can either knit or crochet them--as long as they are 7 inches square. They must be made of acrylic yarn for easy washing, drying and long use.

I know (since I just reorganized my yarn) that I have a lot of leftover yarn from various projects that can easily make a 7 inch square.

I have committed myself to making this my mission for everyday--one square a day. I'm using double stranded baby yarn for these squares. I have had to purchase none (that's how much I have in stock!) And a 7 inch square goes very quickly--I've made one before I went to work in the morning.

I know that a lot of knitters and crocheters stop by here for a visit. I also know about how much yarn we all have left over from our various projects.

Why not think about checking out this site and donating a square or maybe a few!! You don't need to send enough to make an entire afghan--just how many your heart calls you to make.

I've included two pictures of the afghans that have been put together by Pam--all from squares that others have donated:




Aren't they beautiful!! Please stop by The Ghana Project/Key of Hope site, and you can read all about their projects, how this came about, instructions for knitting the squares as well as more pictures of completed afghans.

Not much time, not much trouble, not much expense--and you can have a mission to help others in need--a comfort and warmth following a surgery--a comfort and warmth to a homeless child stricken with the AIDS virus.

Won't you join me in this mission? To read more about Mission 4 Monday, please visit Peggy. She has all the details there!!

Beth

If you're participating or would like to join in the Weekly Memory Verse, stop by next door!!

5 Minutes for Mom Giveaways

I know I already posted today, but I just have to tell you about this in case you don't already know.

5 Minutes for Moms also hosts 5 Minutes for Giveaways! They're latest giveaway is for a WiiFit!

At their site, you can also access WeightView.com. There you can send them a picture of yourself at your current weight, and within 48 hours they will send you a simulated picture of yourself at your goal weight. Now, what could be better encouragement than this--to actually see yourself at your goal weight!!

Stop by and visit them today!! You could have a chance to win a WiiFit, and you'll definitely be able to see those pictures of yourself at your desired weight. I don't know about you, but that will be a great stimulus for me--someone who has dealt with this issue for many years!!

While I was there, I also entered one of their giveaways for a Crockpot e-lume!!

Just click on the button above or on the button on my sidebar, and you'll be there!!

I suppose the Kitty Tracker will be back in business now!!

Beth

A Couple of Projects and Where is That Snow?

I finally finished my January KAL for Monthly Dishcloths. I have another one started for Rachel's Knitting Room which should be finished in another day or two.

Here's a picture of my first dishcloth of the year:

In case you can't tell, it is an ice skate. The color is really blue, and I have no idea why it looks green!!

You might ask yourself what I do with all these dishcloths. Well, remember I have two daughters who are constantly asking for these, and I actually have very few left of the many that I have made. They are quick, inexpensive, and completing one gives you a feeling of accomplishment!! A project started--a project completed!!

I'm also keeping up with one square a day for The Ghana Project, but I'm going to wait and take a picture of these when I have one month completed. If you have extra yarn (and come on, I know all knitters and crocheters do!), please look into this very worthwhile project. I finished a square before i went to work one morning!! Very little time at all, very little expense, and you're giving your time and talent to someone who is need of some comfort! Stop by and visit their site. It's very interesting and full of designs for so many different squares!

Last night, I made a batch of Tea's Rosy Citrus Marmalade. I haven't tasted it yet, but it sure does look yummy!!


I would love to be able to show you the pictures of the snow we were supposed to have received. Six to 7 inches was the prediction. Did we receive this? No!! Instead we have about 1/2 inch of snow with a new glaze of ice from the again freezing rain!!

I don't know about the rest of Central Pennsylvania, but I'm getting pretty tired of ice. Snow--bring on the snow!!

If you'd like to stop by The Power of Your Love, I have my Then Sings My Soul Saturday and my Super Simple Sunday posted there.

I think I'm going to be iced in today, so I'll be knitting along while the laundry is being done!!

Beth

Snow--Instead of ICE?!?!

According to the weather forecasters, we're in for some snow--at least six inches--starting tonight through Sunday morning!! WOO HOO!! Now, I know that some of you have had more than your fair share of snow and wouldn't be very excited about this.

But, we haven't had our first REAL snowstorm of this winter yet. In a way, I'm looking forward to it--though I do have some plans that will not come about if this snow does arrive.

If it does arrive though then I'll have a chance to catch up on some things that I've been meaning to do and have put on the backburner--like do the last day of my first KAL of the year, start my next KAL, and finish the reconstruction of my blog!! I still have all my CHRISTmas projects listed here!! I really need to get this updated!! There is more to do, of course, but the list could go on forever.

Here are two pictures of what our winter has been so far:




As you can see, it's been ice, ice and more ice!! I'm ready for a little of the white stuff falling from the sky!!

Beth

ABC's of THE WORD--V

You know how it goes in blogland!! Someone finds you on another blog, they visit you, you visit them and there you find something interesting!

This happened to me this week, and I met Grey Like Snuffie who every Thursday is doing ABC's of the Word. So, I decided to join in with her. All you need to do is find a verse with a word or words with the letter of the week in it and post it!! If you're interested in joining in this fun venture, visit Grey Like Snuffie. There you can see all the participants and perhaps join in yourself!

This week the letter is "V", and here is the verses I have chosen:

How many are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
There is the sea, VAST and spacious,
teeming with creatures beyond number--
living things both large and small.

Psalm 104:24-25

VAST: Of great or immense proportions, a very large quantity in size, amount and space.

When I read and study this verse, the VASTNESS of all that God has created and has in His control, I wonder that He evens finds time for me. Yet, He does.

My Father,

I thank you for finding time for me each and every moment of my life--for always being there for me in all Your faithfulness. Please lead and guide me through this day with the great promise of Your unfailing love.

In your precious son Jesus' name,

Amen.

For my Thankful Thursday post, please stop by and visit me here.

Beth

List Hit the Bricks

My best laid plans in my previous post were laid to rest by the GI bug that is circulating around my office and everyone I know outside of work!!

I did manage to accomplish one load of towels and one load of necessary clothing, and that was about it!

Last night I started to feel a little better, so I did organize my yarn. I needed to do that before moving on to anything else. And what I want to know is--Where did all of this come from? Surely, I didn't buy all of this yarn. Now, granted some of this I have had for years, but really!!

So, I filled the plastic bin that Andrew gave me for Christmas, I have two boxes (with lids) filled with yarn and then in addition a whole bag of baby yarn!!

WHAT?!? Well, I have thought about this, and I am officially on a yarn diet. No more yarn buying for me at the moment. I do have some arriving in the mail that I won, but that doesn't count.

What am I going to do with all this yarn?

I have committed myself to complete one project a month for someone else or myself (I own nothing that I have made except for one scarf). I have also committed myself to knitting one square a day for the Ghana Project. I have been neglecting this lately, and a lot of this yarn can be used for this project. If you have any extra yarn just lying around doing nothing, you might want to check out this endeavor. it is a worthwhile cause, and one square doesn't take too long to knit.

I did not finish Linda's Christmas present and I did not clean out my closet. Just not enough energy to do this. I really needed the time and rest to recuperate--just in time to go to work today!!

I did go over my lesson plan for tonight and review the DVD. So, I'm all set in that direction.

Lists, lists, lists--they are good things (at least for me). I'll just move what I didn't accomplish onto my next list.......and so on, and so on, and so on. Eventually, it will all get completed.

We're moving on to another week in our Weekly Memory Verse, so if you are participating in this or would like to participate, please stop by here to join in!!

Have a wonderful day, and I hope none of you are hit with bug!!

Beth

Oh, I have a lot to do today!! So much that I have made a list. Lists and I are great friends. I make the list in order of priority, and then cross off as the tasks are completed. This does give one a feeling of accomplishment.

Here is the list for today (or maybe it will extend into tomorrow--who knows yet?):

1. Laundry--who would have ever thought one young girl could have used every towel I own?
   
2. Finish my friend Linda's CHRISTmas present so that I can give it to her tomorrow. I'm going to give her a jar of that homemade pepper jelly along with her knit present. I'll knit on this while the laundry is being done.
   
3. Finally organize my yarn (yes, I know I said I was going to do this last week!) into that wonderful bin my son gave me for CHRISTmas.
4. Review the DVD and go over my lesson plan for our first Small Group meeting of this year. We're doing the study "The Life You've Always Wanted" by Jon Ortberg, and I am psyched about this!!
5. Start a new project for the Carefree KAL (haven't decided what yet)
6. Clean out my closet???

While I'm doing all of this, I'm going to be listening to a new CD that I received in the mail yesterday from my friend, Firefly. That ought to keep me going!!

And, oh yes, trying to keep Miles out of the tree!! I hadn't planned on taking it down until next weekend since we didn't even get this up and decorated until Christmas Eve, but now I just don't know. He seems to have made this his second home. He even sleeps in amongst the branches!

I'll be back either later today or tomorrow with some pictures of Linda's finished project and the beginnings of my next project.

I'm posting my Internet Cafe Chat on The Power of Your Love as well as information about a spectacular giveaway happening at Laced with Grace. So please stop by there as well!!

Beth

A New Year???

Anyone who personally knows me knows this about me:

I AM NOT A NEW YEAR CELEBRATION PERSON!! NEVER HAVE BEEN!!

Due to circumstances of past events in my life, I always looked at the end of the year as "Well, I got through that one!" The beginning of a new year brought thoughts such as: "Here we go!! Another year--change the number and that's all that is going to be different. If I make it through this year, it more than likely will be the same as last year. Same circumstances, same situations, just a new number at the end of the date. I got through last year, and somehow I'm going to get through this year!"

Sound depressing? Sound self-defeating before the year even began? Yes, it surely does!!

I'm glad to report that my attitude has been changed in this New Year Dilemma (which is what I used to call it).

Instead of dreading a new year, I am now looking forward to it. I'm looking forward--that is the key word here--FORWARD--not back at all the circumstances and situations that have occurred in the past.

Yes, I will look and learn from these situations--remember what God has taught me through each and every trial.

And I am looking forward to using what God has taught me to help and enrich the lives of others because that is what He wants me to do!!

So, I do wish a Happy and Blessed New Year to each and everyone of you!! Remember to look forward and focus on what is ahead of us. The greatest gift awaits all of us--we just have to receive and accept this gift.

This is the gift that has changed my entire outlook on my life, my day to day comings and goings, my hope, faith and trust for however many days and years may follow. I have placed my hope in Jesus and not myself. Having this hope within me, I can soar like an eagle--whatever the circumstances!!

What are you facing today? Where are you going to put your hope? It is a choice we each have to make, and I choose Jesus.

Please stop by The Power of Your Love for an update on The Weekly Memory Verse and also a chronological Bible reading that is being hosted by Marsha.

Beth