Aoril 30, Today’s thought — The God Who Listens

Fresh eggs at Cozy Acres

Good Afternoon,

“I love God because He listened to me.” (Psalm 116:1)

God knows everything and everybody; and everything about everybody. He knows even that which is yet unknown to anybody. There is no thought, idea, invention, place, person, plan, or purpose which He does not know all there is to know about. Imagine, then, the wonder of His genuine attentiveness — “He listened to me.”
Have you ever tried to say something important or personal to someone who wasn’t listening? Oh, sure, they held eye contact, only occasionally glancing away at some passing distraction. And they nodded at appropriate moments, and even muttered a muted grunt while you were speaking. But, despite their feigned interest, the moment they get a chance to reply, they either fire back some trite response that has nothing whatsoever to do with what your were saying; or, they quickly excuse themselves with some pressing need that somehow suddenly came to their mind. Bye.
But God is not like this. He listens.
Obviously, it is not for what He may learn — for He already knows. So why does He do it? Because it gives Him pleasure — the pleasure of seeing, hearing and enjoying our learning process, and the passions that stir our hearts in life.
When you pray, therefore, do it with the awareness that He is the God who listens, and is delighted to do so. Your words matter; each one is carefully weighed by the Master of Words; each phrase is turned over and examined with artful care in His great heart. And He appreciates with Fatherly pride everything you think and say.
And, having listened to you, He will also speak. But here’s the question — do we then listen to Him? Rylie

I LOVE the Lord,
because He has heard
[and now hears]
my voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live.
Psalm 116:1-2 Amplified

Trust God for your day. . . Today
With my prayers, desiring yours, Leslie

Published in: on April 30, 2012 at 1:11 pm  Leave a Comment  

April 29, Sunday Bible Reading

An evening view at Cozy Acres, God’s creative power.

Deuteronomy 8:11-20
Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God,
in not keeping his commandments,
and his judgments, and his statutes,
which I command thee this day:
Lest when thou hast eaten and art full,
and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;
And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply,
and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied,
and all that thou hast is multiplied;
Then thine heart be lifted up,
and thou forget the LORD thy God,
which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt,
from the house of bondage;
Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness,
wherein were fiery serpents,
and scorpions, and drought,
where there was no water;
who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna,
which thy fathers knew not,
that he might humble thee,
and that he might prove thee,
to do thee good at thy latter end;
And thou say in thine heart,
My power and the might of mine hand
hath gotten me this wealth.
But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God:
for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth,
that he may establish his covenant
which he sware unto thy fathers,
as it is this day.
And it shall be,
if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God,
and walk after other gods,
and serve them, and worship them,
I testify against you this day
that ye shall surely perish.
As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face,
so shall ye perish;
because ye would not be obedient
unto the voice of the LORD your God.

Trust God for your day . . .today
With my prayers, desiring yours, Leslie

Published in: on April 29, 2012 at 12:31 pm  Leave a Comment  

April 28 Today’s thought — A Morsal of Kindness

9:30 this morning

Good Morning

Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need, but does not help. then God’s love is not living in that person. 1John 3:17

Leo Tolstoy, the great Russian writer, tells of the time he was walking down the street and passed a beggar. Tolstoy reached into his pocket to give the beggar some money, but his pocket was empty. Tolstoy turned to the man and said, “I’m sorry, my brother, but I have nothing to give.”

The beggar brightened and said, “You have given me more than I asked for–for you have called me brother.”
To the loved, a word of affection is a morsel, but to the love–starved, a word of affection can be a feast. Max Lucado, He Still Moves Stones

1John 3:17  But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? KJV

Trust God for your day. . . Today
With my prayers, desiring yours, Leslie

 

Published in: on April 28, 2012 at 3:29 pm  Leave a Comment  

Improving Your Skillset — 3KCBWDAY6

How far down the road to learning your craft do you believe yourself to be?

From no knowledge to being able to teach others to knit and loving every stitch, every needle, every skein of yarn along the way.

I learned to crochet from my mother as a child, while watching her make a traditional granny square afghan, bright colors with black. I never really made anything, I could just do the stitches.
I made a shell stitch scarf for my husband when we were first married. Later a couple of large single granny square afghans, I don’t like to stitch little squares together. I tried afghan stitch making an afghan and adding cross-stitched pattern. for my girls I crocheted open-work ponchos.
I always wanted to learn to knit. I found an ‘I can learn to knit’ book, so step by step and picture by picture I learned the basics, English style.
I had seen Continental style and that was the way I wanted to knit. I didn’t know what the styles were called. I talked with an older knitter friend, and she showed me how to start. So I just kind of put together a way to knit — leaving me knitting with twisted stitches. I didn’t know that either.
I made a hooded poncho and a sweater, a baby sack …sock hats with long skinny ends. We called them elephant hats, because when you bent over the hat tails fell down looking like elephant trunks.
THEN………I started reading (collecting) knitting books,and all kinds of needles, wood, bamboo, metal, plastic, glass, round, square, straights, double pointed and circulars and Y A R N!

I began reading, following the pictures, and step by step perfecting the little I knew.

I mainly used a yarn like Lion’s Homespun. I was afraid of my stitches, afraid I was doing them wrong, afraid of what they looked like. I kept on knitting. I don’t know how many round afghans I knitted from Homespun.

If someone would ask me ‘do you knit?,’
I would always say, oh kind of, or just a little; always comparing myself with other knitters. Then one day I realized, I KNIT! Not as good as some, not as competent as others, but I knitted the best I could.

My mom bought me this book and I began to work my way through it. Some patterns I couldn’t figure out because of my twisted stitches. I have a bag full of 4×4 inch squares of samples. Now I use the pattern book to make washcloths, still trying new patterns.

I learned how to knit without twisting, how the stitches sit on the needles and what it means, and how to pick up drop stitches.
I have tried and love knitting lace and have made 6 shawls. I’ve made soxs.

Most times I have either a Wallaby or a Zimmermann’s baby surprise jacket on my needles.

Oh…..and I LOVE stitch definition.

Knitting,  being able to read the stitches, listening to the rhythm of the needles is like another language.  I’ve become bi-lingual!

Published in: on April 28, 2012 at 6:32 am  Leave a Comment  

April 27, Today’s thought — Three Tree’s Story

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.    Psalm 27:13-14

Some times people wonder why prayers are not answered promptly, or why the reply is not what they expected. The following story will help them to understand:

Three large trees in a forest prayed that they might choose what they would be converted into when they were felled. One prayed to be made into a beautiful palace; the second to be a large ship to sail the seven seas; the third to stay in the forest and always point to God.

Illustration By: Tim Jonke

One day the woodman came and chopped down the first tree, but instead of a palace, it was made into a common stable, wherein was born the fairest Babe in all creation. The second was made into a small ship that was launched on the Sea of Galilee, on the deck of which stood a tall man who told the multitudes: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” The third tree was made into a cross, and to it men mailed that young man, the loveliest personality that ever walked in the earth. Ever since then, the cross has been pointing men to God.And so each prayer was answered. Unknown

Just a simple version of a children’s story; let us take heed and be willing to wait for God’s plan and God’s timing.

Trust God for your day. . .Today
With my prayers, desiring yours, Leslie

Published in: on April 27, 2012 at 11:16 am  Leave a Comment  

Something A Bit Different — 3KCBWDAY5

What does KCBW mean to me?

K  —  K2tog

N  —  Needles

 I  —  Intarsia

T  —  Techniques

T  —  Tutorials

 I  —  Increases

N  —  Notes

G  —  Getting gauge

and

C  —  Color

R  —  Rip it, rip it, rip it

O   —  (yarn) Overs

C  —   Cast on

H  —  Hooks

E  —  Entrelac

T —   sTash

B  —  Bind off!

L  —  Lace knitting

O  —  One more row

G  —  Grab your camera

W  — Wonderfully

E  —  Exciting

E  —  Exhausting

K  —  Kin we do this again?

 

Published in: on April 27, 2012 at 6:02 am  Comments (2)  
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Yarn Along — April 26, 2012

This week two projects have received my attention. The Wallaby Sweater for a little boy who just turned three has both sleeves and decreasing up the yoke. I started this sweater as a ‘I need something to take with me’ not really checking to see the total amount of yardage needed for knitting the sweater in sock yarn instead of worsted. I am running out of yarn. A quick trip to favorite LYS and a nice smokey grey said it would be glad to help out. I trying for a few stripes and finish with the grey as the collar.

“

The mess is the Alpaca Sox Shawl, I’m down to the last 4 rows of the body, then an eyelet row and a picot bind off. Again I ran out of yarn, so I’m auditioning from my stash a charcoal grey for the last 7 rows of body and finishing. I purchased 4×4 cube beads in metallic purple iris to add to the picots. I really not sure about the grey (although it is making a gallant effort) I may have to go back to LYS. 🙂

I am re-reading, tried and true, “Flowers in the Rain” by Rosamunde Pilcher, a book of short stories. I love her stories about everyday life, with every day people, and a story book ending. My favorite novels are The Shell Seekers and September (read the shell Seekers first). If I ever get to merry ol’ England; the towns written about in Pilcher’s stories are where I want to visit.

I share my knitting progress with others at Small Things. Come and see!

Published in: on April 26, 2012 at 8:31 am  Leave a Comment  

A Knitter for All Seasons — 3KCBWDAY4

A Knitter or Crocheter For All Seasons?
I am definitely a knitter for all seasons.
It doesn’t matter when, I will knit.
It doesn’t matter what fiber yarn
(Although I am a bit of a yarn snob,
I really like the nice stuff)
It doesn’t matter where, I will knit
at stop lights
(sometimes I hope I have to wait for the next green light)
in restaurants
at family get to-gethers
on vacations
Jeckle Island, South Carolina

You see,
I have works-in-progress. . .

I have needles . . .

I have yarn . . .
(Picture taken during stash organization)
I have a cozy spot . . .

I have a favorite yarn shop. . .

Babetta’s Yarn and Gifts
Fair Oaks, CA

I AM A KNITTER FOR ALL SEASONS!

Published in: on April 26, 2012 at 6:27 am  Comments (1)  
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Today’s thought — Beyond. . .


A wildflower or a weed flower? Found out under the oak tree; where over a year ago the Farmer threw around some wild flower seeds. This is the first of anything pretty we’ve seen.

Good Morning

Ephesians 3:14,20-21
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, . . .Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

To be read, prayed, slowly…

‘O God,
I bless thee for the happy moment

when I first saw thy law fulfilled in Christ,

wrath appeased, death destroyed, sin forgiven,

my soul saved….

I want no other rock to build upon than that I have,

desire no other hope than that of gospel truth,

need no other look than that which gazes

on the cross…

May my cry be always, Only Jesus! only Jesus!

In Him I have all that I can hold;

enlarge me to take in more…

If I am tempted, and have no wit,

give me strength enough to trust in Him…

If in extremity,

let me feel that He can deliver me;

If driven to the verge of hope

and to the pit of despair,

grant me grace to fall into His arms.

O God, hear me,

do for me more

than I ask, think, or dream.”

~ excerpted from Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]–  To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

Trust God for your day . . . Today
With my prayers, desiring yours, Leslie

Published in: on April 26, 2012 at 5:55 am  Leave a Comment  

Wordless Wednesday — Big Dog Came to Visit

On Wednesday’s we bite our tongues
or should I say fold our fingers
to stay Wordless.

Visit here to see what other folded fingers can say.

Published in: on April 25, 2012 at 3:33 pm  Comments (7)  

Today’s thought — Kinder

Grissabel and the computer close and personal.

Good Morning

My Daily Creed

Let me be a little kinder,
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me;
Let me praise a little more.
Let me be, when I am weary,
Just a little bit more cheery;
Let me serve a little better
those that I am striving for.

Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver;
Let me strive a little harder to be all
that I should be.
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother that is weaker,
Let me think more of my neighbour
And a little less of me.

Author: Unknown
  And let us consider one another
to provoke unto love and to good works:   Hebrews 10:24
Trust God for your day. . . Today
With my prayers, desiring yours,  Leslie
Published in: on April 25, 2012 at 8:32 am  Comments (2)  

Scavenger Hunt Sunday for April 22, 2012

I really do know when it’s Sunday. Sometimes life just pushes activities in a different order, so on Wednesday I’m sharing my hunt.


Scavenger Hunt Sunday items:

Yellow,

On our drive home from family togetherness at Thanksgiving, we found yellow snow. I wasn’t able to take the picture I had in mind.

Something that Makes/Made You Smile,
Spring Lilacs always make me smile, as I remember picking bouquets as a teenager after helping my mom clean house on Saturdays.

Ancient or Antique,
This child’s rocking chair was my husband’s who isn’t really ancient or antique. It has a fabric strip woven seat painted red like the wood.

Splash
A triple fountain splashes all the day long.

In the Sun

You have to look closely. In the sun I found a snail’s trail loop on the sidewalk.

I join with many others here at Ashley’s to share our pictures.

Published in: on April 25, 2012 at 7:14 am  Comments (3)  

My Knitting Heros — 3KCBWDAY3


Blog about someone in the fibre crafts who truly inspires you.

The first knitter that came to my mind was Elizabeth Zimmermann.

“Really, all you need to become a good knitter are wool, needles, hands, and slightly below-average intelligence. Of course superior intelligence, such as yours and mine, is an advantage.” ― Elizabeth Zimmermann, Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes


I have her books and 75% of the time I have one of the Surprise Baby Sweaters on my needles. I have also made the tomten sweater for a 6 year old. I love the simplicity of garter stitch.


Here is my daycare ‘grandchild’ wearing hers.

“Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn’t hurt the untroubled spirit either.”
― Elizabeth Zimmermann

Then there is  the life and knitting adventures of the Yarn Harlot. Where would the knitting world be with out her wit. How often when reading her essays I find my self nodding, ‘yes.’

“SABLE- A common knitting acronym that stands for Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy.”

“Achieving the state of SABLE is not, as many people who live with these knitters believe, a reason to stop buying yarn, but for the knitter it is an indication to write a will, bequeathing the stash to an appropriate heir.” ― Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

.
At Knit’s End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much is my favorite book of hers.

Two of my daughters and I were able to take a sox knitting class with Stephanie, it was delightful. Her presentation, her practical knitting ways and wicked sense of humor made our hours with her fly by.

Sincere thanks to two beautiful ladies who have added so much enjoyment to my knitting life.

Published in: on April 25, 2012 at 6:00 am  Comments (1)  
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Today’s thought — Kindness

The Lilacs are blooming at Cozy Acres.

Good Morning

1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind;

Kind Hearts
What is your kindness quotient? When was the last time you did
something kind for someone in your family–e.g., got a blanket, cleaned off the table, prepared the coffee–without being asked?

Think about your school or workplace. Which person is the most overlooked or avoided? A shy student? A grumpy employee? Maybe he doesn’t speak the language. Maybe she doesn’t fit in. Are you kind to this person?

Kind hearts are quietly kind. They let the car cut into traffic and the young mom with three kids move up in the checkout line. They pick up the neighbor’s trash can that rolled into the street. And they are especially kind at church. They understand that perhaps the neediest person they’ll meet all week is the one standing in the foyer or sitting in the row behind them in worship. Paul writes: “When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10 NCV –Max Lucado, A Love Worth Giving

Galations 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Kindness isn’t listed among the Fruits of the Spirit, but I think it fits in real close to Gentleness.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Trust God for your day. . . Today
With my prayers, desiring yours, Leslie

Published in: on April 24, 2012 at 9:44 am  Comments (1)  

Photo Challenge — 3KCBWDAY2

I love the way my yarn swift makes yarn cakes.

One day I turned a cake of yarn, my daughter spun, on its side.

Neapolitan Sundae

It looked just like a hay bale we saw in New Mexico.

About five and a half feet tall and complete arm span wide.


Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to spin all that hay into yarn?

Published in: on April 24, 2012 at 9:35 am  Comments (9)  
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