What a thrill to meet a sister in Christ who also loves to knit, who also suffers from chronic illness, and also uses hymns as God’s glorious invitation to love Him with “all” in the midst. We have much in common, Michele!
For over thirty years of serious chronic illness and intractable pain, God has sustained, nourished, and held me fast through hymns that echo truths of His Word. In my recent decline and a second lifesaving brain surgery, He so graciously showered my mind and heart with hymns. Oh, what a treasured gift of grace from our Lord, into my suffering.
Thank you for creating this beautifully edifying project…praying that many will be “couraged-into” through it, glorifying and enjoying our Lord! I’m joining you, currently using the Gadsby hymnal as part of my special time with Him daily. 🎶✝️🙌🏼❤️
I often wake up with a song in the back of my mind and find myself singing it throughout the day (or week). There are many contemporary songs that enrich my days, but hymns are particularly inspiring to me. The depth of understanding of God's majesty and the lyrical richness feed my spirit, encourage and instruct me, and draw me to His side. My husband and I will probably be adding a hymn to our morning devotionals now!
When you're done with all the mittens, Michele, look up Little Cotton Rabbits! They are the best patterns I've seen for introducing wee stuffies to the inexperienced knitter(which I was when I began). I found them happily addictive 😊 i love the hymn idea... I will have to put mine in reach of my rocker😊 Keeping a running list sounds wonderful!
How wonderful that Child Evangelism Fellowship is still a vibrant ministry. My mother co-led a Good News Club when I was young, and one afternoon the story was about Jesus' crucifixion. All these decades later I still remember thinking that if Jesus was willing to suffer such pain and die for me, how could I say no to his offer of forgiveness and his gift of eternal life? I was just four years old but understood enough to ask Jesus into my life that day (with Miss Ruth's guidance). Of course, my Christian parents had prepared me well, leading up to that day, and then beyond.
Michele, I smiled as I read about your hymn project, as I can hum most of the hymns those names of God come from. And I love that you are a knitting grandma! On a writerly note, I'd like to chat with you in a few months (when we return from our volunteer months in Norway) about Substack. I'm seeing many of my Redbud friends using this forum rather than previous platforms. Did you have any issues moving your subscriber list over?
I enjoy knitting, too! I'm still at a beginner level, sticking to scarves and cowls, but one of these days I want to try my hand at a hat. Those mittens are adorable!
When I read William Law's A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life a few years ago, I was challenged to sing hymns and read a psalm every day before my Bible reading. It is such a wonderful praise "feast" before I even get to my regular devotions.
Oh I love that God is opening all these doors for you in this endless winter season, Michele. Sure beats looking out the window and pining for spring. And creating sweet mittens for all those little 'paws' ... best therapy ever.
I have used a hymnal in devotions before, but adding the idea of writing down what is said about God is a wonderful idea and focuses attention where it should be.
I'm looking forward to seeing you in Waterboro in March.
I love the idea of the hymnal project! Not sure I want to commit to journalling through one this year, but I certainly want to read through my own book on hymns and soak in all their beauty and poetry.
Some of my life giving projects this year are to do a deep dive into rich, beautiful theology and church history. To read more poetry. To continue reading intentionally by writing down quotes and pertinent passages in my commonplace book. Lastly, to 'bookend' my days with scripture and prayer.
What a thrill to meet a sister in Christ who also loves to knit, who also suffers from chronic illness, and also uses hymns as God’s glorious invitation to love Him with “all” in the midst. We have much in common, Michele!
For over thirty years of serious chronic illness and intractable pain, God has sustained, nourished, and held me fast through hymns that echo truths of His Word. In my recent decline and a second lifesaving brain surgery, He so graciously showered my mind and heart with hymns. Oh, what a treasured gift of grace from our Lord, into my suffering.
Thank you for creating this beautifully edifying project…praying that many will be “couraged-into” through it, glorifying and enjoying our Lord! I’m joining you, currently using the Gadsby hymnal as part of my special time with Him daily. 🎶✝️🙌🏼❤️
I often wake up with a song in the back of my mind and find myself singing it throughout the day (or week). There are many contemporary songs that enrich my days, but hymns are particularly inspiring to me. The depth of understanding of God's majesty and the lyrical richness feed my spirit, encourage and instruct me, and draw me to His side. My husband and I will probably be adding a hymn to our morning devotionals now!
When you're done with all the mittens, Michele, look up Little Cotton Rabbits! They are the best patterns I've seen for introducing wee stuffies to the inexperienced knitter(which I was when I began). I found them happily addictive 😊 i love the hymn idea... I will have to put mine in reach of my rocker😊 Keeping a running list sounds wonderful!
How wonderful that Child Evangelism Fellowship is still a vibrant ministry. My mother co-led a Good News Club when I was young, and one afternoon the story was about Jesus' crucifixion. All these decades later I still remember thinking that if Jesus was willing to suffer such pain and die for me, how could I say no to his offer of forgiveness and his gift of eternal life? I was just four years old but understood enough to ask Jesus into my life that day (with Miss Ruth's guidance). Of course, my Christian parents had prepared me well, leading up to that day, and then beyond.
Michele, I smiled as I read about your hymn project, as I can hum most of the hymns those names of God come from. And I love that you are a knitting grandma! On a writerly note, I'd like to chat with you in a few months (when we return from our volunteer months in Norway) about Substack. I'm seeing many of my Redbud friends using this forum rather than previous platforms. Did you have any issues moving your subscriber list over?
I enjoy knitting, too! I'm still at a beginner level, sticking to scarves and cowls, but one of these days I want to try my hand at a hat. Those mittens are adorable!
Thank you, Michele! And thank you for reading!
When I read William Law's A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life a few years ago, I was challenged to sing hymns and read a psalm every day before my Bible reading. It is such a wonderful praise "feast" before I even get to my regular devotions.
Love to you from another knitter, Michele! I imagine prayers for those littles of yours in every stitch. And aren't hymns like those mitts, in a way?
Love your leaps into February.
Oh I love that God is opening all these doors for you in this endless winter season, Michele. Sure beats looking out the window and pining for spring. And creating sweet mittens for all those little 'paws' ... best therapy ever.
I have used a hymnal in devotions before, but adding the idea of writing down what is said about God is a wonderful idea and focuses attention where it should be.
I'm looking forward to seeing you in Waterboro in March.
I love the idea of the hymnal project! Not sure I want to commit to journalling through one this year, but I certainly want to read through my own book on hymns and soak in all their beauty and poetry.
Some of my life giving projects this year are to do a deep dive into rich, beautiful theology and church history. To read more poetry. To continue reading intentionally by writing down quotes and pertinent passages in my commonplace book. Lastly, to 'bookend' my days with scripture and prayer.