Knitted Mitts- Getting Ready for Winter (!)

 I made mitts!!

My first pair of mitts!

I used the Tante Ehm pattern for Camp Out Fingerless Mitts that I found the pattern, FOR FREE, on Ravelry.

For my project, I used Freia, fine handpaints, refined yarn: 70% Merino, 30% silk, in Lichen (color).  It's an ombre yarn, in worsted weight (4 Medium).  I also used size 5 needles.  I increased the cuff stitch number from 10 to 18 sts., and the total length from 9.5 inches long to 10.5 inches long.

This is the right mitt. . . . 

Left mitt. . . . . 

. . . .and the left mitt, uncuffed.

I made the finger section longer than required so I could cover more of my fingers while outside.  I didn't do a perfect job, but it will do.  I find, in knitting, there are LOTS of ways to put things together.

So FUN!!  Knitting is a skill worth learning.

Life Interrupted, With Peace, Is Possible

When you’re young, mostly you don’t think about this stuff, unless “something” happens to you, at least, I didn’t.  However, despite what I believed then,  life is constantly filled with interruptions.

I always thought my life would have unsettling parts to it, but for the most part, I always thought I would get to a point where everything was going to be smooth sailing.  It hasn’t happened yet. At least, not for very long.

This last move was a whopper.  I had a rhythm to life going on down there in Tennessee.  I had a room all to myself to sit and ponder, on the second floor of a new farmhouse.  I could stare out the window for hours.  I could watch the seasons change, the beans and corn get harvested, sit on the porch and take a nap, sweat a lot and make iced tea with lemon.  Then I got sick.

DH said we must move back to where we came from.  Better air, better everything.  It took me completely by surprise.  I had a hard time moving.  It was very strenuous.  It was worse than moving to TN.

So we got this farm, and had to live in a camper.  We thought it would only be 6 months.  It turned out to be 2 years.  2 YEARS.  We had a lot happen that took years off my life, I’m sure, in those 2 years.  Now it’s been about 3 years, and I’m still not back to where I was in my creative life, as before we left.

Sometimes I’ve gotten rather frantic, panicked and almost suicidal.  But I have to tell you this:

God has met me where I am.  I have always believed in HIM.  Sometimes, I’ve had my bad periods, where I can’t hear Him.  That’s because of my own worries. And incessant worrying is about one of the worst things you can do, if you don’t want to hear from God.

So, about two-three months ago, I really prayed for some answers to all this stress.  I just couldn’t handle it anymore.  I was really down, down, down.  Nothing was going right.  I’m not sure exactly how it happened, but I just gave up.  I wanted out-- of everything.

Here I was, in one of the most beautiful places on earth, for me.  I had a new house. Things were so much better in our living conditions.  There was much less stress.  Let me tell you, having things, nice things, does not guarantee your happiness.  Beautiful scenery doesn’t guarantee it either, although it can help a lot.  

I gave up, as I said.  I just prayed to God to let me go.  He didn’t.   I found a great Christian radio station that plays contemporary Christian music - K- Love - they broadcast out of Nebraska.  I started my day out with listening to this station, and praying for God to “order my day.”  

"Order My Day." That is my prayer every morning now.  It has afforded me peace.  I used to be scared to let go and let Him have every day of my life.  I thought He’d try to make me a missionary, deny all my belongings, and go off into the world, and get myself into uncomfortable situations, really putting my life on the line.  He doesn’t do this, unless you are willing and able. 

Instead, He Will Meet You Where You Are.  I mean this absolutely.  He will meet you where ever you are in your life.  With kids and husbands, or not.  With a great job, or not.  In the aftermath of a tornado or hurricane, or not.  In a crisis, or not.  He will come to you, no matter your daily struggle, or turmoil, or where ever you are, and give you mental peace.

This doesn’t mean you won’t have stressed out days anymore, or things that happen that might not be so good, that might be downright bad.  But HE will be there with you.  Let Him be there with you!  You will have peace in the fire.

I really pray for all those who’ve lost everything through the storms.  I’ve been there.  I know what it’s like.  (Hurricane Andrew)   He will help you pick up the pieces.  Sit and pray before you do anything, take a deep breath, cry, let your emotions out.  He will send His angels to help you.  Ask Him to Order Your Day.  You will see His answers.  You may feel really alone, but He will be by your side, and give you peace.  I guarantee it. 

I think those interruptions in our lives, is to get our attention, to wake us up.  We need to help each other through this life, not destroy each other.  Help me walk when I am faltering. I will help you too. 

I hope these words I’ve written today will give you some peace of mind.  Ask God to help you, He will!