God Knits!

Illustrates the definition of a knitting wale, a set of stitches in which each stitch supports the previous one and is itself suspended from the next. This fabric was made using two colors of hand-spun wool from the same sheep, knit using a slip-stitch double-knitting trick; that’s why the alternating red and white wales are half-staggered with respect to one another. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

The New International Version of the Bible contains 12 texts that reference the word “knit”.  Not all pertain to the actual act of knitting, but the care for unclean knitted/woven  materials of linen, wool or leather.  Most of the texts in Leviticus spoke directly to the care of material having mold.  Leviticus 13:49-57.

Though I must admit that my favorite knitting text is Psalm 139:13 (NIV) ¹³ For you created my inmost being;  you knit me together  in my mother’s womb.

As a knitter, I choose materials that feel good to my hands, that slide and glide across my fingers without causing hang-nails or raw skin.  I select colors and weights on a belief that what will be produced will not only be beautiful, but will by extension be a reflection of my love and care.   The psalmist understood that God took that same care with him while in his mother’s womb.  I take comfort in knowing that this very same God to the same care with me!  Today I am rejoicing and thankful to be a one-of-a-kind God original!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

 

I love the idea that God specially selected every facet of my being, that He carefully and lovingly fashioned me to be an extension of His love to others.

 

Related articles

• Be Still – “No Mistakes” (exceedinglyabundant.wordpress.com)
• Lanvin Tribal Woven and Leather Sandals (slamxhype.com)
• Confession (tylersheart.wordpress.com)
• Wonderfully Made (parlaadaltavoce.wordpress.com)

Crowd Reaction

Jesus and Saint Peter, Gospel of Matthew 4.18-20 Français : Jésus et Saint Pierre, Évangile selon Matthieu 4.18-20 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Matthew 9:36 (NIV)

³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,  because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 13:2  (NIV) 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.

When the word spread through the villages and towns that Jesus was coming, they flocked en mass to where ever he was to hear what he had to say.  The words spoken and lessons taught caused people to literally drop what they were doing to hear this man from Galilee speak .  As I watched American Idol last night there were remarks about the audience of 7,000 people packed into the Nokia stadium.  A stadium with comfortable seats, air conditioning and restrooms.   This to hear two gifted young people sing for a title.

Christ packed a shoreline with folks so tight, he had to sit on the water in a boat to teach.  There were no restrooms, no comfortable seats or concession stands.  Physical comfort was not a concern, the desire to hear what the Master was teaching was the objective and sole purpose for being in that place, at that time.  I have witnessed crowds losing their minds over this celebrity or that celebrity whose ultimate goal is merely to entertain and not necessarily uplift.

Give me Jesus!  I would take the discomfort, heat and crowd just to have been able to hear Him speak the words that have on so many occasions provided salve for my soul.  He still speaks today and I yearn to hear and obey each and every word.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

Related articles

• Cast Your Burdens on the Lord! (psalmsofpraisewomensministries.wordpress.com)
• A New Song In My Mouth, A Hymn of Praise! (psalmsofpraisewomensministries.wordpress.com)
• “The Stones Will Cry Out…” (risinghawk.wordpress.com)

In the Creator’s Hands

Ephesians 3:15 (NLT)

¹⁵ the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.^[a]

Perception. This rose is perfect, despite my shaky camera phone hand. Each delicate petal perfectly formed, open at just the right angle, colored in a hue that speaks volumes of love. It appears large enough to fill a lapel or round out a corsage.

Reality, this is a miniature rose on a petite bush on my coffee table. Yet a close up reveals and unfolds God’s masterful handiwork.

There are times when we feel our contributions do not really matter as much. The little that we contribute, seemingly a mere pittance, yet in God’s hands our little far exceeds our expectations in order to fulfill the purpose God has for us!  The Creator of the entire world and all that is in it created us, we were made to do amazing, incredible things all we have to do is believe!  All contributions to mankind count, no matter the size!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

Posted from WordPress for Windows Phone

Related articles

• God’s Masterpiece (lacwriters.com)
• Marriage Markers (glendamills.com)
• Seeds of Truth – Ephesians 3:20 (plowingthefields.wordpress.com)

Worship Wednesday

The clouds were amazing this afternoon during the storm. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Psalm 34:9 (MSG)

⁹ Worship God if you want the best;   worship opens doors to all His goodness.

Today it is all about praising God in all His awesomeness.  No matter what we may be going through, worshiping God is the fastest way I know to change my mood!  Thinking about how awesome He is and how much He loves me, I cannot help but have my mood elevated!!

http://youtu.be/d3kqAqKqcRQ - Charles Jenkins – My God is Awesome

http://youtu.be/aWyep7tvLuU - Fred Hammond – He’s An Awesome God

http://youtu.be/RLwGWv3lTYk - Casting Crowns – Praise You in the Storm

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

 

 

 

 

 

Related articles

• Genuine Worship (pastorstrom.com)
• God’s Sole Right to Worship (islamicchamper.wordpress.com)

I Just Want to say “Thank You”!

Over half-way… (Photo credit: Brett Jordan)

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

¹⁴ 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 I will hear  from heaven, and I will forgive  their sin and will heal  their land.

There has been so much going on in my life in the last couple weeks!  All I have been able to muster the energy to do is repeatedly and constantly call on the Lord.  As this day got underway today this song, that I have loved for a long time touched and moved me in ways it hadn’t before.

http://youtu.be/rq-5UjgtiYA – (Fred Hammond) Thank You Lord for being There for Me.

When I couldn’t find a voice to ask for help, He heard.

When my eyes shined with unshed tears, He heard.

When it seemed that hope was fading, He shored me up and renewed that hope.

When it seemed that one door had slammed shut, another opened.

It is so easy to wallow in what is not right, but the reality is that there are so many other little blessings along the way that deserve my abundant thanks and gratitude.

Thank you Lord, for always being there, for hearing and answering my unspoken prayers and for sending angels to minister to me, when I need it most.

“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood…”

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

Related articles

• The Key to Living a Godly Life! (psalmsofpraisewomensministries.wordpress.com)
• If My People… (connectwithjoy.wordpress.com)
• Psalm 11 – Be assured You are Under His Watchful Eye,.. (atthetableoftheking.wordpress.com)

Magnetic Words

Psalm 33:4 (NIV)

⁴ For the word of the LORD is right and true;  He is faithful in all He does.

I have owned a box of  magnetic words for almost three years.  I found the box, covered in dust on top of the fridge this morning and was inspired to surround myself with words today.   I got here a little early and have posted them on my office door and door post filling me with a profound sense of God’s presence as each word is a word that draws me (and hopefully others) closer to Him, if only

they read and understand the words!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

 

 

Posted from WordPress for Windows Phone

Related articles

• Living in God’s Presence (craigladams.com)
• You’ve Got It! (todaysanewday.wordpress.com)
• Encouragement – Praise (spendomai.com)
• Words of Encouragement (reeknittingwordswithgod.wordpress.com)

Thankful Thursday

Acts 24:3 (NIV)

³ Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude

Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

My eyes opened and I saw the sun streaming through the window.  My lungs pumped in air without hesitation or wheeze  and when I rolled over and pushed myself up, I was able to do so.  As my feet touched the floor, I did not hear the usual and customary  snap, crack and pop of my bones realigning.

This is yet another day that the Lord has made and blessed me to see and I am filled with gratitude!!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

Related articles

• Gratitude (operationbringboyhome.wordpress.com)
• Praise in the Psalms! (psalmsofpraisewomensministries.wordpress.com)
• A Singing Lesson From Paul (gospelapprentice.com)

The Wrong Flock

Animal husbandry (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

¹⁶ I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. John 10:16 (NIV)

Growing up I recall how exotic and exciting it felt to visit another church when the family traveled out of town.  Being shy I hated that part of the service when we were asked to stand up to be oggled and often tried to imagine that if I held very still I wouldn’t be seen, or noticed, I know not likely when the rest of the family stood, but I couldn’t be blamed for trying.

The older I got my feelings about standing out in church never quite felt right, so regardless of where I went, no matter the looks or elbows from friends with whom I attended, I did not and to this day do not stand.  While I might walk around and shake a few hands, I refuse to stand up and stand out.  You see, I realized that no matter where I went, surrounded by other believers, should have been home.  The text this morning reminded me that standing out in a flock is not a necessary requirement.  My Shepherd, Jesus knows my name, pedigree,  and even the number of hairs on my head (before and after they are cut).  As a Christian I believe it is imperative when in the presence of other visiting sheep, to envelop them gently and prayerfully.  Our posture of attentive, active listening to the Sheperd’s voice  is an example in and of itself.    There are amongst us daily sheep not really looking for flocks, yet the attention and love of the Shepherd wraps them in a love that bids them to stay.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

Posted from WordPress for Windows Phone

Related articles

• The first job of the shepherd: protect the flock (pjcockrell.wordpress.com)
• “Jesus had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (worryisuseless.wordpress.com)

Praying for Freedom

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Many years ago I was in an emotionally abusive relationship. That relationship robbed me of self-esteem, confidence and hope. When some days seemed darkest a sliver of light peeked through and with that light the promise of renewed hope and possibilities.

During my emergence from that pit it was necessary to get a new car. I selected a 2000, 4-door Acura Integra that I named Freedom. Freedom allowed me to come and go when and where I pleased. Along with an orange stuffed prayer bear we traveled from one end of the country to the other. There were several failed theft attempts to remove her from my life and a late night tussle with a deer that caused a rattle and wheeze that can still be heard.

Through it all Freedom has been such a blessing in my life! When she became our only vehicle, I admit to harboring a smidgen of doubt as she is getting up in years but daily we covered her in prayer and placed her and our safety in God’s hands.

Freedom’s radiator began hissing smoke on the way home the other day and again I prayed and again God delivered us home safely. i am so thankful that God always allows me to see His love and hope in situations that appear

1994-2001 Acura Integra photographed in USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

dire and I know that by continually trusting God all things will work out as He sees fit.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

Posted from WordPress for Windows Phone

Related articles

• How To Pray, Part One (dianasymons.com)

Thankful Thursday!

god lives in yu - treo_062809_002_web (Photo credit: kevindean)

¹¹ Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion;    proclaim among the nations what he has done.  Psalm 9:11 (NIV)

Each and every single day there is something to be thankful for!  From the breath filling my lungs, the blood that pulsates through my veins, the smile I can share but most of all for a Savior who loves me!  This day is special because it is the day of my 100th blog posting, I am truly amazed that it  happened so quickly.  Praises to the Lord for inspiring, touching and blessings with these posts, I am so grateful to be used by Him.   My humble thanks to those who pray for me and read these words!

This week I am also very thankful for good medical reports! My Dad no longer needs dialysis and his body and life are miracles and he truly has a testimony to share. I am also thankful for the blessing of being able to witness the promises and possibilities that another Spring brings.

Today, I thank God for the love and possibilities that surround me. Lord, let Your light and love shine through today!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

Posted from WordPress for Windows Phone

Related articles

• A Call to Praise! (psalmsofpraisewomensministries.wordpress.com)
• Thankful Thursday (whiterthansnow.org)
• Giving Thanks (theemptynestexpress.com)
• Thankful Thursday: It’s not always fun and games (ponderingbylaurie.wordpress.com)