back from the breaking point

Life has changed in so many wonderful and blessed ways. I am now a solo pastor of a small church in Alabama. I am now the mom of three! Two girls and one precious little boy. He's 14 months old tomorrow!!!!! He was born two months early and spent the first 2 and 1/2 weeks in the NICU before joining us at home. Now I can't imagine my life without this unexpected blessing.
I also lost a dear friend who was my first son on June 1, 2012. He was an amazing head strong fiery youth who died much too soon in a tragic car accident 1 week after graduating high school. I went through a very long period of depression and grieving that God is slowly pulling me out of.
While there was great chaos and suffering in preparing for the move, the change has been good for me and my family. I am getting back into the routine of sermonizing every week and learning again how to pastor a congregation. Loving the people and feeling loved and praying this isn't just the honeymoon phase!
Organizing and planning and writing rule the days ahead.
Lord, give me creativity and strength for the journey!

way too long

After a ridiculous absence from the web I am back, at least for today.

knitting has become more than a hobby. It is my new obsession. I'd rather knit than just about anything these days. Right now I am working on a couple of ear warmer/headbands for women associated with my church. Then I have to get on the ball with three hats and a scarf for family members. I also need to make something for the girls, although I have no idea what to do for them.
I've made 5 hats so far, for nieces and sister-in-law, and too many baby things to count. Yet my notebook of ideas grows every hour it seems!

I am loving my church knit group, called the knitwits, and enjoying the fellowship I have with them and the things we all create. Lately our big thing has been baby stuff, like nappy cakes and the like, but several of us made ornaments for the church christmon tree this year.

Doing well, enjoying serving, and loving knitting!

A job well done, or at least done

I am wrapping up all of the throws and shawls our knitwits group has made for our cornerstone banquet. There are 14 recipients this year. (The cornerstone group is 75 years and up) I am so thrilled to have been a part of this team effort. Now I am anxious to get going on some lapgans for the local nursing home. I'm trying to find some cute patterns, in crochet or knit. While crochet is faster, I am enjoying the challenge of knitting lately, so I'm not sure what I will come up with.
Of course I also have 1 throw, 3 hats, 8 necklaces, 2 stoles, 1 wrap to make before Christmas, and a blanket to stitch together before Dec 3. Impossible, perhaps, but I'm having fun trying!

I'm back!

Had the most wonderful peaceful vacation experience. If you ever get the chance to cruise, do it! It was a blessing. We were on Princess cruise lines and went to the Mexican riviera. I have never enjoyed a a vacation more!
Now I am relaxed and back to work.
A lot of things coming up in the busy time of the school year, a lot of Christmas knitting and crocheting, a lot of time to be spent with the girls who are growing up too fast!

The task at hand

Today is a rainy dreary day. One that, on any other occasion I would be tempted to sit at home and read a good book, or better yet knit or crochet a good anything! But today I am at the office working on all that I need to get done before my upcoming vacation.
I have a meeting with several youth leaders to discuss the presbyterial youth fellowship.
I am working on Sunday school, Children's church, and Bible studies to fill the times I will miss.
I have a prayer service to set up and get approved.
I need to work on a budget proposal.
And I have so much knitting and crocheting to do!!!!!!

Deep breath in, deep breath out.

Lord, may I focus on the work you have for me rather than the task head.
May I realize that there are other things besides the mundane or whats under my bed.
May I always seek to rely on your sight and not my weakening eyes,
May I learn to listen to that still small voice and stop looking for signs.
May I hold on to your promises so true,
And May I always and in every way love you. Amen.

Trellis Yarn- the hunt is on!

I am looking for trellis yarns, not just for my own sake, but for my churches knitting/crochet group. We are wanting to make some necklaces that we saw made from this yarn. I have looked at too many retailers to count and am now thinking ravelry users may be the way to go. However I am thoroughly confused on how to proceed.
Its amazing that once we find something we want the lengths we will go to to get it! What does that say about us? How could that be used to describe our relationship with God?

There are so many fascinating items in resource catalogs. Some seem to be can't live without, some can't live with, and others, I don't know why by I REALLY want this!
Perhaps if I can ever get bookcases in here and put up all that I have in my office, I might better know what I NEED instead of having the wants!
Side note, the littlest girl is ill again. Her ears have taken a turn for the worse. I am praying, will you?