Knitters' Devotional: Casting Off

As we reach the end of a knitting project, we prepare to cut the yarn by casting off the stitches and tying up loose ends. It is a time to look back over the project, recognize our progress, give thanks that something is nearly completed and fix anything that needs repair. Then we finish.

As we reach the end of our lives, we need to prepare for God to call us home – for death—by separating ourselves from the things of earth and readying ourselves for Heaven. We look back over our lives. We can see all that we have learned and the many blessings we have experienced. We can try to right any wrongs and reestablish broken relationships. Then we are ready for the final stage.

Several of my family members have received hospice care at the end of difficult illnesses. Hospice workers have taught us that there are observable patterns that those who are preparing for death follow. Many begin to forget the names of those around them but to remember those who have gone before. Eating becomes less important to them. Many, shortly before the end, have a final spurt of energy during which they say their good-byes.

There is also a spiritual dimension to this preparation. Those around the dying can help with prayer and reading scripture aloud. We can offer help to people who wish to confess sins, repair relationships or make amends. Many knitters make beautiful prayer shawls for hospice patients so that those patients can feel surrounded by love and faith.

May God bless you as you prepare for the end of life and help others to do so.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.

  ~Psalm 116:15

I am in the process of writing a knitters' devotional and would love your thoughts on this post. Thanks!

Mosquitos vs. Sumithrin

I have an organic garden.

Or perhaps I had one.


My town contracts for truck -based aerosol spraying of Anvil, a pesticide formulation containing sumithrin, PBO, and white mineral oil (a petroleum based solvent.)

Sumithrin is considered "slightly toxic" and both PBO and white mineral oil are minor carcinogens.

For more information:

The New York State Department of Health's information sheet on Anvil

This stuff was sprayed on my street, near my garden, the night before I intended to harvest green beans. AAARRRGGGHHHH!! I had been watching the newspaper and hadn't seen an announcement of the spraying.

I waited 24 hours before harvesting the green beans and washed them thoroughly. But I really don't want this stuff on my food. How well does it wash off?

After doing a little research, I spoke to the company contracted to do the spraying. I hear that sumithrin breaks down quickly in sunlight (but my garden doesn't get sunlight until midday.)

I learned that Sumithrin persists in soil for up to sixteen weeks. My contact agreed that to be true but said that it adheres to the soil and doesn't go anywhere for that time. Umm....except under my nails. And it's in the soil on any root vegetables or vegetables that touch the dirt in that time.

The kicker? I asked if the spraying was effective, since mosquito borne illnesses are a threat, too, after all. I got the following evasive answer. "Well, it's truck spraying. It's not aerial spraying. That would be effective, but it's politically and environmentally prohibited in [this state.]" So it sounds like these sumithrin applications aren't all that helpful.

Non-pesticide mosquito control measures include eliminating standing water on property, keeping pools clean and chlorinated, and maintaining bat houses. People can also avoid bites by staying in during peak mosquitos hours, covering up if they do go out and judiciously using repellants.

My town's board of health wanted to talk about eliminating the spraying, apparently, but the board of selectmen refused to discuss it. I guess I need to get politically active.

I have excluded my property from all mosquito spraying and town-wide pesticide applications, so by next year my garden will be fully organic again.

What are your thoughts on mosquito spraying?
Do you have any other resources on this topic?




 

Song for Sunday: Shut de Do

I have no idea why this song is in my head. It arrived two days ago and stuck. I haven't heard it or thought about in years, probably decades. 

It's a calypso-style song written and performed by gospel singer Randy Stonehill sometime in the '70s or '80s. Websites disagree about the date. I remembered it being performed by gospel choirs when I was in college. 

It is a song about keeping Satan at bay. Shut the door on sin, shut the door on the devil. It's a fun song about making right choices. 

I have been meditating on light and dark, so maybe that is why this came up. 

Shut de do, keep out de debil
You shut de do, keep de debil in de ni-eet
Shut de do, keep out de debil
Light de candle everything's alright
Light de candle everything's alright

When I was a baby child
(Shut de do, keep out the debil)
Good and bad was just a game
(Shut de do, keep the debil in de ni-eet)
Many years and many trials
(Shut de do, keep out the debil)
They proved to me they not the same
(Shut de do, keep the debil in de ni-eet)

I say shut de do, keep out de debil

Shut de do, keep de debil in de ni-eet
Shut de do, keep out de debil
Light de candle everything's alright
Light de candle everything's alright

Oh, Satan is an evil charmer
(Shut de do, keep out the debil)
He's hungry for a soul to hurt
(Shut de do, keep the debil in de ni-eet)
And without your holy armor
(Shut de do, keep out the debil)
He will eat you for dessert
(Shut de do, keep the debil in de ni-eet)

Shut de do, keep out de debil

You shut de do, keep de debil in de ni-eet

Shut de do, keep out de debil
Light de candle everything's alright
Light de candle everything's alright

Hey, hey, hey shut de do
Hey, hey, hey shut de do
Hey, hey, hey, you gotta shut de do
Say a prayer he will be back no more

My mama used to sing this song
(Shut de do, keep out the debil)
Oh poppa used to sing it too
(Shut de do, keep the debil in de ni-eet)
Jesus called and took them home
(Shut de do, keep out the debil)
And so I sing the song for you
(Shut de do, keep the debil in de ni-eet)

Shut de do, keep out de debil

You shut de do, keep de debil in de ni-eet
Shut de do, keep out de debil

Light de candle everything's alright
Light de candle everything's alright

I said you shut de do, keep out de debil
You shut de do, keep de debil in de ni-eet
Shut de do, keep out de debil
Light de candle everything's alright
Light de candle everything's alright
Light de candle everything's alright
Light de candle everything's alright

                                           ~Randy Stonehill

May you all be blessed and have success at keeping the devil in the night!


Do you have a Song for Sunday? 

Knitter's Devotional: Persistence

    

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  ~Hebrews 12:1-2

Most of us knit because we enjoy it. It's relaxing and helps us keep our hands busy at meetings or while we chat with friends. It's fun to see a project take shape. 

However, there are times for many of us when the enjoyment goes out of it for a while. The yarn tangles, the pattern is confusing or we reach a stretch that is boring and tedious. We could give up, but if we want to complete what it is we are doing, we have to slog our way through.

It can be like that in the Christian life. Sometimes the work is hard. Sometimes things go wrong, sometimes we have a season we just have to get through without much excitement or change or even real rest. 

Paul compares our spiritual lives to a race. We don't need to be the fleetest or the most stylish. We have to set our eyes on the goal and get to the end. 

May you sense Christ's presence as you move along the course. 

We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command.  May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:4-5

Knitter's Devotional: Patience

I am in the midst of writing a knitter's devotional and this is one entry. I would love feedback.

When I read A Tale of Two Cities in high school, my English teacher explained that Dickens portrayed Madame Defarge as a knitter to show that she was patient. She was willing to work and wait for her plans of justice and bloodthirsty plans to come to fruition.

Knitting certainly does take patience. Projects take time and effort to be completed well. Knitting can also help develop patience as we work slowly toward a goal. We learn over time to plan our projects, leaving ample time.

Patience is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians 5, listed with joy, kindness and the others.  It is also a characteristic of God.  The Bible tells us:

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

 The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, ⁷ maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished... Exodus 34: 6b - 7a

It has been suggested that people not pray for patience because then God will send trials to teach it. I think that it is good to pray for the fruits of the Spirit, including patience. God will teach us in the way that is best for us. 

Patient and loving God, Teach us patience that we may be more like You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Has knitting helped you to learn patience?

Song for Sunday: Cat's in the Cradle

I feel like my boy is growing up fast. So very glad I have gotten to spend a lot of time with him. Into his teen years, I hope he still wants to hang with the family.

I remember hearing this song in my youth including once around the campfire at the New England Baptist Youth Conference, now the Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park. I also heard it live yesterday when I was out with the CYC staff and faculty after they just completed another successful, intense and enjoyable conference. It struck a chord, so it became today's Song for Sunday.

Cat's in the Cradle

My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it, and as he grew
He'd say "I'm gonna be like you dad
You know I'm gonna be like you"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home dad?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

My son turned ten just the other day
He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play
Can you teach me to throw", I said "Not today
I got a lot to do", he said, "That's ok"
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah
You know I'm gonna be like him"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

Well, he came home from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
"Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"
He shook his head and said with a smile
"What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please?"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

I've long since retired, my son's moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind, m
He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You see my new job's a hassle and kids have the flu
But it's sure nice talking to you, Dad
It's been sure nice talking to you"

And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then 

Words: Sandy Chapin, Music: Harry Chapin

What songs do you rember from your youth? Which do you think have an important message?

Knitters' Devotional: Taking the Time

Knitting takes time. Some projects take a lot of time. When we want to make something, we need to budget the necessary hours to complete it, for when we rush we are more likely to make mistakes.

It is good to keep that in mind as we plan for the various areas of our lives. It is better to do a few things very well than to do many things poorly. Planning out our time, making sure that the important things are allotted their share, is a good idea.

The Shakers believed that God's greatest gift was that of time and so strove to use their time wisely. We would do well to emulate them in that respect.

Another thing about time is that it is a gift we all get -- 24 hours every day. We don't know how many of those days we'll get though, so best not to put things off.

Whether with knitting or with other things, take the time. It will lead to blessings.


So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

                                                                   ~Proverbs 90:12







I am writing a devotional book for knitters and would appreciate feedback. 

Knitter's Devotional: A Consistent Gauge

 

I haven't written an entry for my knitter's devotional in a while, but it's back. I am hoping to form this into a book. Suggestions welcome.

Keeping a consistent gauge is an important part of knitting. Regular, uniformly sized

stitches help us to make a nice-looking product. Clothing will fit better, too. It’s not

always easy to maintain that consistency in our knitting, especially for beginners.

 

It’s also not easy to be even-tempered in our lives. Many of us spend seasons of our lives

on an emotional roller coaster. It is difficult to maintain a calm front, to treat others well,

to think positively when things around us are going wrong. But is important, even when it

is difficult.

 

Rudyard Kipling wrote the poem If to instruct his son on what it is to be a man. The opening verse says:

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:....

 

 

 

 

In Kipling's estimation, being even-tempered is part of maturity.

 

 

The Bible lists “self-control” as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and reminds us that a

soft answer turns away wrath. We are called to practice self-restraint and not sin when we

are angry.

Like a consistent gauge in knitting keeps items well-sized and well-shaped, self-control

helps keep our lives balanced and productive. It facilitates healthy relationships, good

parenting and a positive reputation.

 

May God help us all to keep a consistent gauge in our lives.

Song for Sunday: Here, I Am, Lord

I am visiting my favorite community, the Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park, and got invited to sign this song as the group sang it at worship this morning. I do love this song and the campers seem to as well.

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them,
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I will hold your people in my heart.

                ~Dan Schutte, 1981

"I will hold your people in my heart." It is my prayer that I will be able to do that. 


What songs make you feel more a part of your faith community?

Crime and Victims

In the wake of Amy Lord's tragic murder in South Boston, a martial arts expert is offering free self-defense classes for women at his studio in my town. A generous offer and I am sure his intentions are good. However, a statement he made, which was reported in our local paper, prompted me to write this letter to the editor:

     In a front page article in Tuesday’s paper,  a reporter quotes a local martial arts expert as saying, in response to Amy Lord’s murder, “Another woman dead because she couldn’t defend herself.” I could not let that statement pass without comment. Ms. Lord is not dead because she couldn’t defend herself. She is dead because someone chose to murder her.

     Preparations and precautions are sensible, but a lack of them does not make a person responsible for a crime. No victim of crime is at fault for what befell him or her. The blame rests solely on the shoulders of the perpetrator or perpetrators. Ms. Lord died because of someone else’s actions. She is innocent.

Perhaps I should have been a bit more charitable and also mentioned that I was grateful for his willingness to help in his community. However, I stand firmly by what I did say: victims are not responsible for crimes, criminals are.

Another item came to my attention this week. A judge in England gave a 41 year old man a light sentence after he had sex with a 13 year old girl. The judge didn't send the perpetrator to jail, he sentenced him to probation, is requiring him to take a sexual offenders course and has banned him from having contact with children. This was because, according to reports, the judge said the girl was predatory, that she was sexually active and that she egged the man on.

Perhaps the girl did initiate sexual activity with this man or encourage him to go ahead. So?

If a child attempts to initiate sexual contact with an adult, no matter how aggressively, the adult has the responsibility to assume authority and insist the child stop such behavior.  The adult should then inform the child's parent and help in formulating a response. Such a response, in my humble opinion, should include professional psychological evaluation and treatment and increased supervision for the child.

However, if the adult responds sexually, they are commitng a crime and they are fully responsible for it.

Again, victims are never the ones at fault.

Let us remember:

It is not good to be partial to the wicked and

 so deprive the innocent of justice.

                                      The Bible, Proverbs 18:5

What examples of "victim blaming" have you come across?
Are there ways to put an end to it?






   

Getting Organized-- Kitchen: Part 2

My family got invaded by tiny ants. We found them along baseboards and in one cupboard. They especially liked our honey.

This happened at the start of our stay-cation and I first felt that it, along with the rain-outs of various planned activities were going to put me over the edge into a bad mood. However, my son loved attacking the ants with the vaccuum cleaner ("Can I do that?" "Have at it, kid.") We actually had fun trying different kinds of pepper to discourage them.

And I got a project done that I had on my list but just wasn't getting to. (If you also struggle with putting things off, check out my blogging buddy Karen's new series on Preventing Procrastination.)

I had been planning to clean out and reorder that cupboard as part of a an overall reorganization of my kitchen  Now, with everything out on the kitchen table, I had a strong impetus to do it.

We removed everything, washed everything down, and vacuumed ants repeatedly. Getting rid of them took a few days. We then contact papered the shelves. I threw out outdated food and put expired medications aside to take to the collection spot. Then I put everything back in an organized fashion.

I didn't have the presence of mind to have my son take a "before" photo, but you can take my word that it was a mess. Here are a couple of  "after" photos
.

My family and I have agreed that when anything is taken out of the cabinet it will be returned to the same half shelf (unless it is used up or needs refrigeration after opening.) This is a crucial step in maintaining organization.

Anyway, I am happy to have accomplished this!

What projects have you completed recently?

Photos by J. Parry

Song for Sunday: A Person's A Person No Matter How Small

I went to see a very fun production of  Seussical the Musical the other night and was quite taken by the song Horton sings after he hears the Whos on a dust speck. 

Then, I visited a church this morning. A husband and wife, both CYC alums, were dedicating their baby to God. I have a soft spot for babies and this beautiful tiny one put me in mind of the song again.  

So I am sharing it as this week's Song for Sunday.

The song is taken from this excerpt from the book Horton Hears a Who, here read by a mom:

A Person's a Person No Matter How Small

I say! How confusing!
I've never heard tell
Of a small speck of dust that is able to yell,
So you know what I think?
Why I think that there must be someone on top of that small speck of dust.
Some poor little person
Who's shaking with fear
That he'll blow in the pool!
He has no way to steer!
He's alone in the universe!
I'll just have to save him
Because after all,
A person's a person, no matter how small.
A person's a person no matter how- 



As performed by a high school drama club:

Do you like Dr. Seuss?

What song from a musical do you enjoy?