Knit and Crochet Bible Study

April 17, 2013
by BearyAnn
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Take Off the Grave Clothes

The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11:44

The story of Jesus calling Lazarus from the tomb after laying dead in it 4 days is a story often told. As excellent a bible story as it is, I bet you are wondering what this has to do with knitting/crochet.

My pastor did an excellent sermon this week using the story and pointed out something I had not seen in previous readings. At the end of the verse (John 11:44) Jesus told the family and friends with him to ‘take off the grave clothes’. He was telling them to take these off Lazarus. The point of this? We need others in our lives.

One of the benefits of group bible studies is sharing with each other. We can talk about daily happenings and encourage one another. You can study by yourself, but God did not create us to take life on alone. He wants to be part of our lives and he wants us to spend time with others of faith.

The Knit and Crochet Bible Study is created to be used in a group setting. Often these groups are multi-generational. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from each other, young and old. The short story I tell in each lesson is created to be conversation starter. Read each piece, then discuss amongst yourselves how the verse affected you; can you relate to my story; tell your story.

We are in the process of making single copy studies available via Kindle and Nook. This is not to take you away from the group setting, but to allow you to each have your own copy instead of the church version where paper copies must be made for everyone.

Many people have been hurt at one time or another by someone in the church. They have chosen this as a reason to stay away. God doesn’t want us to stay away. He wants us to help each other grow. As in all gardens there are weeds that need to be plucked, but the flowers still need to stand out and grow together, making a beautiful picture.

Join the group, take off the death clothes, and let’s grow together.

To get a sample lesson go to:

http://knittingbiblestudy.com/

To order the bible study with permission to make as many copies as necessary for your local group go to:

http://knittingbiblestudy.com/getknittingbiblestudy.htm

February 26, 2013
by BearyAnn
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Lessons 1 Practical Application

I am currently leading a Knit and Crochet Bible Study. We recently had our first session.

If you are about to lead a study, here is an idea that may help.

In my group everyone already knows how to knit and/or crochet. They are at varying levels, but each is working on a project.

Lesson 1 focuses on Jesus as the Foundation of our spiritual life. We are called to ‘cast our burdens on him”. Along this line we must make our foundation strong when we ‘cast on’ or our projects will fall apart.

So we practiced different ways to cast on in knitting. Did you know there are multiple cast one methods?

The “long tail cast on” is the most popular. We reviewed that. Then we discussed “knit on” and “cable cast on”. You can find a description of each of these on the knitty web site.

If you want to add the beginning of a crochet project, some techniques to practice could include the foundation single crochet.

In preparation for this I took some extra sets of hooks and needles and well as some scrap yarn from my stash to allow everyone to practice. I made sure all hooks and needles returned to me before everyone left. Smile

I would love to hear what practical lessons you have used in these sessions. Tell me about them. Share your suggestions to help others planning their first sessions.

a citizen of heaven (Heb 13:14) straining toward what is ahead (Phil 3:13) ; bearing witness of Christ (Jn 1:7) anxiously awaiting His return (I Cor 1:7)

February 10, 2013
by BearyAnn
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Test Me

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do”,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!: Mal 3:10

I have the pleasure of testing knit and crochet patterns for a couple of designers online. I get an advanced copy of the pattern which I use to create their product. I help determine if sizing of the item is correct, are the materials proper for the project, is the pattern written clearly.

Once it has been tested by several people, the designer then releases the pattern to the public.

Did you know God has asked us to test Him?

We are to accept God’s love and salvation on FAITH. We are to follow His Word on FAITH. We are to trust His Will on FAITH. But there is one area He says “test me” – giving.

God promises if we will give back a portion of that which He has provided for us, He will pour out blessing upon us. It is hard, once that paycheck is hand to turn over from the top, a portion back to Him. Now, this is not a ‘give to me so you can get more’ type of scenario. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.

I have attended a couple of churches that offered a money back guarantee. For 90 days give from the first fruits as God gave to you. If after 90 days you feel the giving has created a financial hardship and you were not blessed, you would get your money back. In the 15 years one church offered this, no one ever asked for their money back. The same for the short 4 years the 2nd church made the offer. God keeps His promises.

If you are not a regular giver, consider God’s offer to test Him and see what blessings He has for you.

Below are just a few of the items I have had the privilege of testing over the past few months.

February 6, 2013
by BearyAnn
2 Comments

Prayer Focus

As I discussed before, my ‘word’ for the year is FOCUS. I am seeking ways to focus on myself, my life, my home, finances, family. I want to focus on my bible study and prayer.

One way that helps me to focus better is by making lists. So I have started a prayer journal.

I spend time with the Lord writing to him. Keeps my focus on Him (i am easily distracted). I can also see his blessing come and answered prayers and be reminded to thank Him.

I have journaled for years. In fact, it was journal entries that created my current Knit and Crochet Bible Studies.

I don’t save my journals. I usually destroy them after a period of time. After all, these are private thoughts, between me and God. I pour out my heart. No one else needs to see them.

Do you have a prayer journal? Do you journal at all? Do you,like me, destroy your journals, or do you keep them? I’d love to hear your thoughts if you would be willing to share them.

January 30, 2013
by BearyAnn
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Colors of Salvation afghan/lapghan ready to download

In an effort to make the Colors of Salvation Afghan/Lapghan more easily accessible to all, I have added it as a FREE download on the CRAFTSY website. The downloaded pattern includes BOTH KNIT AND CROCHET versions in one file.

Craftsy dot com is an exciting website geared toward teaching several craft skills, including knitting and crochet. You will have to create a free account in order to access the downloadable files. You will also find many teaching videos, some free and some for a fee.

Source: Colors of Salvation Afghan/Lapghan via BearyAnn on Craftsy

Stich along, and enjoy!

If you don’t have a Craftsy account, you can download it from my site. CLICK HERE

Stitch along and enjoy!!

January 1, 2013
by BearyAnn
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Welcome 2013–A New Word to Live By

2012 has bid farewell, and 2013 begins anew.

Last year was the first time I had worked on a WORD for the year. The word was “Unfinished”. A lot of things went unfinished, including my posting.

I have not been diagnosed with A.D.D. I know several who have been diagnosed and take medication for it. They look at me and question the possibility I may be a bit A.D.D. I tell them “I am just a multitasker”. Unfortunately my multitasking has led to more ‘unfinished’ projects.

That is what last year’s word has shown me. I lose focus and leave too many tasks incomplete. Losing focus can come from physical pain, from crafting distractions, from life in general.

In Bible Study my multitasking led to ‘rabbit trails’ where I would seek additional information, but many times the rabbit trails led me out of the forest into a whole new universe. And often times once distracted that far it is hard to return to the study at hand.

So, this year’s word is FOCUS. I can continue to multitask but I need to reach completion.

I learned a lot about myself looking at last year’s word. I work very well with deadlines. I have been fortunate to begin pattern testing for some designers through facebook. I watched myself set aside current projects to work on their assignment to completion. I need to make assignements to keep me focused.

So, my assignment for this week…….

Make lists:

Goals for 2013
Current unfinished items
Planned projects

Then with list in hand, make deadlines and move forward. Become more focused on what I am doing and, if necessary, make an assignment of each project if that is what I will respond to.

Most importantly is I need to forgive myself. When I leave something unfinished I often punish myself. This must stop. I need to stop, pray, forgive, move on. It’s easy to write down. It seems obvious to be now. But living it out is often difficult. With God’s help, I know I can do it.

I think 2013 will be a very interesting year.

Welcome 2013. Let’s get FOCUSED.

P.S. Do you have a problem focusing or completing projects? How do you deal with it? What tricks it techniques have worked for you? Comment here. We can focus together.

November 14, 2012
by BearyAnn
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Slow Down, You Move Too Fast

Isaiah 30:15 convicts me, ” This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, say: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”

Pain has had me in its grips the past few days. I cannot concentrate so I am watching some old TV Land Andy Griffith shows. Today’s episode reminded me of this verse.

A traveling pastor comes thru town and speaks on slowing down, taking it easy. “Why are we always in a hurry” he asks.

We are living in a day of technology that was supposed to offer us more free time, and instead it seems to keep us busier than ever. We are never without a phone that dings every few seconds to tell us of incoming emails and facebook posts. We sit at tables in restaurants with family, everyone having their own conversation on their phones, not with each other.

We can’t even watch television without the interruption it offers, announcing incoming phone calls.

Being a multitasker myself (or is it A.D.D. or Type A personality or just I can’t focus on one thing?) I find that I don’t do just one thing. If I have a knit or crochet in my hands, I have headphones on listening to a book, or the television on entertaining me. Even when I sleep my minds replays the events of the day and the list of items that remained undone that day.

I find my biggest problem in doing one thing is during Bible Study time. If I use my laptop to study I find it easy to get distracted by notifications of messages and the temptation to see what is going on with family and friends on facebook. When I use my printed Bibles I look around and feel I am neglecting duties around the house.

It takes determination to set these things aside and focus totally on the Lord. Just like choosing to follow Him and choosing to knit or crochet, I must choose to rest. Perhaps if I focus on these verses I can bring my active mind into one accord with Him.

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.—Psalm 116:7.

Matthew 11:28: “Come to me… and I will give you rest.”

Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. – Psalm 116:7

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9).

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28 NLT).

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray my soul to rest in thee. Give me comfort, give me peace, in your arms Lords, I will sleep.

What do you do to clear your mind and find rest?

October 28, 2012
by BearyAnn
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I Know the Plans I Have for You

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11

This is a wonderful verse. God has plans for my life. In fact He had plans from the very beginning. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” says Jeremiah 1:5.

Though these promises were made to Jeremiah, I know I can claim them for myself.

God has plans for me, but I don’t always follow His plans. But He doesn’t give up on me. Psalm 138:8 says “The Lord will work out his plans for your life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”

I have one teddy bear pattern I enjoy using. Every time I knit this bear it comes out different. Here are some of the bears, all from the same pattern:

That last one looked more like a mouse than a bear so I added whiskers and a long tail. It is the same pattern, but yarn, stuffing, needle size and tension made some variations in His appearance.

No matter what I do every bear and every person created in the image of God is unique as well. Some have quirks, abilities, disabilities, etc. But everyone is made in the image of God. He has plans for you. Seek Him and follow Him. Allow Him to create you as He desired even before you were formed in the womb.

“Depend on God and keep at it be because in the Lord God you have a sure thing”. Isaiah 26:4 MSG

Do you have a favorite pattern? Tell us about it in the comments below.

October 8, 2012
by BearyAnn
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God–the first creative artist

My favorite Bible stories are the ones where God shows off His creative side. I swell up a little with pride because I think “I got my creativity from my Father”.

Scripture shows God’s creativity in so many ways. First, the most well-known, is in Genesis where we read about God creating the earth and its inhabitants in 7 days. For the sun, moon, seas and mountains He spoke; but when it came to creating man and woman, God stepped on the earth and with His own hands, created them. He blew His breath into their nostrils. We were ‘hands on’ created.

Check out Exodis28. God is giving Moses a pattern for making holy garments for Aaron. Read the detail God gives for this outfit and its construction. He even includes underwear. Underwear!! God is definitely into the details.

In Exodus 25 God gives instruction on making the ark – a sanctuary in which He would dwell among them.

These are just a few examples of God’s creativity. How many more can you find? Leave a comment with your favorite passage.

September 13, 2012
by BearyAnn
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The More Things Change….

Thanks to Netflix, I have just finished watching the entire “Upstairs, Downstairs” series. It was a British show in the 70s about a privileged family (upstairs) and their servants (downstairs) in the early 1900s. (If you enjoyed this show you might like to know I just found through google that a sequel was made to this popular series in 2011.) This show is along the same line as the current popular PBS series “Downton Abbey”.

During that time their daily lifestyle had a lot of rules of etiquette. I enjoyed watching the characters change as ‘life’ happened, how they responded to changes in society, tradition, inventions and routine.

My dog likes routine. She is a sheltie/miniature border collie mix. She is very even tempered and easily trained. Do something twice and she registers this as how it is to be.

We had sliding glass doors off the kitchen and she knew if she stood at the far left the door would slide and an opening would appear for her walk through. We changed out the sliding glass doors for french doors. Now the opening to pass through is not at the far left. It took several days for her to realize the opening had moved. She was accustomed to going out at the other end. And eve

We create habits,traditions and routines every day.

Tradition is very important in the Jewish society. It’s very interesting when doing a bible study to research into the traditions and history for clarity in understanding some of the passages. Take a moment to think of some family traditions or personal habits you have.

Change is not easy. I know I get comfortable and like a schedule. As long as things go as I had planned I am fine, but when someone or something doesn’t follow my list of how things ought to be, my first instinct (I hate to admit this) is panic. “That’s not how it should be!!” I shout – sometimes out loud Smile .

Our every day lives have changed over time. Years ago, my mother used a cumbersome manual typewriter. I grew up with electric typewriters; my children with computers. My grandson has no idea what a typewriter is!

Yes, things change. There is an old adage that says “the only thing that doesn’t change in life is that things change”.

I am excited and rest comfortably on one that does not change. No matter what period of life we are in, no matter who is in political power, no matter what inventions come along to make life easier – there is one thing that does not change. Malachi 3:6 tells us “For I am the Lord, I do not change.”

I take comfort in knowing no matter what, my God is the same yesterday as He is today and as He will be tomorrow. His steadfast ways are everlasting.

“You are my hiding place and my shield; my hope is in Your word.

Forever Stitched in His Word,



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