Balancing Act- Accomplishing Daily Tasks

Balancing Act is a free crochet 6 inch square pattern with devotional.

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft

Hook: H/8 -5.0mm (for other WW use a G/6 4mm)

Abbreviations:

sp or sps- space or spaces

st or sts- stitch or stitches

sl st- slip stitch

ch-chain

beg- beginning

sc-single crochet

dc-double crochet

tr-treble crochet

lp or lps-loop or loops

hk-hook

Special stitches:

(tr/sl st) - yo twice, insert hook into top two loops of stitch, yo, pull through stitch (4 lps on hk), (yo,  pull through 2 lps) 3 times, insert hook into same st, yo and draw through st and lp on hk.

BPDC (back post double crochet)- yo, insert hook from back to front around post of next st, yo and pull up a loop even with last st worked and complete dc. (You will always leave the top of the st behind unworked).

FPDC (front post double crochet) -  yo, insert hook from front to back around post of next st, yo and pull up a loop even with last st worked, and complete dc. (You will always leave the top of the st behind unworked).

Patttern Notes - Be careful to count your stitches with each and every row- especially after rows with tr/sl st. On the rounds following a tr/sl st, work into the tr only, skipping the sl st.

Begin ♥

Ch 22

Rnd 1- Sc in 2^nd ch from hook and in each sc across. (21 sc) (mark as RS-right side)

Rnd 2- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 6 sts, (tr/sl st-see special sts) in next 9 sts (this will make a pretty puff on the right side of the square), sc in last 6 sts (12 sc, 9 tr/sl st bumps=21 sts)

Rnd 3- Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across- using only one st for each tr/sl-st-bump from the round before(I use the second larger looking st of the two-top of the tr, skip the sl st). (21 sc)

Rnd 4- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 8 sts, (tr/sl st) in each of the next 5 sts, sc in last 8 sts. (16 sc, 5 tr/sl-st-bumps=21 sts)

Rnd 5- Ch 1, turn, sc in each st- using only one st per tr/sl-st-bump. (21 sc)

Rnd 6- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 3 sts, (tr/sl st) in next 3 sts, sc in next 4 sts, BPDC around next  tr/sl-st-bump (should be at center of rnd), sc in last 10 sts. (17 sc, 1 BPDC, 3 tr/sl-st-bumps=21 sts)

Rnd 7- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 10 sts, FPDC around BPDC, sc last 10 sts-using only one st per tr/sl-st-bump. (20 sc, 1 FPDC=21 sts)

Rnd 8- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 2 sts, (tr/sl st) in next 5 sts, sc in next 3 sts, BPDC around FPDC, sc last 10 sts. (15 sc, 1 BPDC, 5 tr/sl-st-bumps=21 sts)

Rnd 9- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 10 sts, FPDC around BPDC, sc in last 10 sts-using only one st per tr/sl-st-bump. (20 sc, 1 FPDC=21 sts)

Rnd 10- Ch 1, turn, sc in next 4 sts, BPDC around top of first tr/sl-st-bump from Rnd 7, sc in next st, BPDC around top of the last tr/sl-st-bump from Rnd 7 (skips 3 bumps), sc in next 5 sts, BPDC around FPDC, sc in next 4 sts, (tr/sl st) in next 3 sts, sc in last 3 sts. (17 sc, 3 BPDC, 3 tr/sl-st-bumps=23 sts)

Rnd 11- Ch 1, turn, sc in each of the next 10 sts -using only one st for each tr/sl-st-bump, FPDC around BPDC, sc in next 5 sts, (FPDC around next BPDC) twice-skipping the sc in between, sc in last 4 sts. (19 sc, 3 FPDC=22 sts)

Rnd 12- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 4 sts, BPDC around both FPDC from the round before at the same time, sc in next 5 sts, BPDC around the next FPDC, sc in next 3 sts, (tr/sl st) in next 5 sts, sc in last 2 sts. (14 sc, 2 BPDC, 5 tr/sl-st-bumps=21 sts)

Rnd 13- Ch1, turn, sc in each of the next 10 sts -using only one st per tr/sl-st-bump, FPDC around BPDC, sc in next 5 sts, FPDC around BPDC, sc in last 4 sts. (19 sc, 2 FPDC=21 sts)

Rnd 14- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 4 sts, BPDC around FPDC, sc in next 5 sts, BPDC around FPDC, sc in next 5 sts, BPDC in top of first tr/sl-st-bump from rnd 11, sc in next st, BPDC in top of last tr/sl-st-bump from rnd 11 (skips 3 bumps), sc in last 4 sts. (19 sc, 4 BPDC=23 sts)

Rnd 15- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 4 st, (FPDC around next BPDC) twice-skipping the sc in between, sc in next 5 sts, FPDC around BPDC, sc in next 5 sts, FPDC around BPDC, sc in last 4 sts. (18 sc, 4 FPDC=22 sts)

Rnd 16- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 4 sts, BPDC around FPDC, sc in next 5 sts, BPDC around FPDC, sc in next 5 sts, BPDC around both FPDC from the round before at the same time, sc in last 4 sts. (18 sc, 3 BPDC=21 sts)

Rnd 17- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 4 sts, FPDC around BPDC, sc in next 5 sts, FPDC around BPDC, sc in next 5 sts, FPDC around BPDC, sc in last 4 sts. (18 sc, 3 BPDC=21 sts)

Rnd 18-  Ch 1, turn, sc in first 2 sc, (tr/sl st) in next 2 sts. BPDC around FPDC, sc in next 5 sts, BPDC around FPDC, sc in next 5 sts, BPDC around FPDC, sc in last 4 sts. (16 sc, 3 BPDC, 2 tr/sl-st-bumps=21 sts)

Rnd 19- Ch1, turn, sc in first 4 sts, FPDC around BPDC, sc in next 5 sts, FPDC around BPDC, sc in next 5 sts, FPDC around BPDC, sc in last 4 sts –using only one st per tr/sl-st-bump. (18 sc, 3 FPDC=21 sts)

Rnd 20- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 4 sts, (tr/sl st) in next 3 sts, sc in next 3 sts, BPDC in FPDC, sc in next 5 sts, BPDC around FPDC, (tr/sl st) in next 2 sts, sc in last 2 sts. (14 sc, 2 BPDC, 5 tr/sl-st-bumps=21 sts)

Rnd 21- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 4 sts–using only one st per tr/sl-st-bump, FPDC in BPDC, sc in next 5 sts, FPDC around BPDC, sc in last 10 sts. (19 sc, 2 FPDC=21 sts)

Rnd 22- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 7 sts, (tr/sl st) in next 4 sts, sc in next 3 sts, (tr/sl st) in next 3 sts, sc in last 4 sts. (14 sc, 7 tr/sl-st-bumps=21 sts)

Rnd 23- Ch 1, turn, sc in all 21 sts. (21 sc)

Rnd 24- Ch 1, turn, sc in first 11 sts, (tr/sl st) in next 3 sts, sc in last 7 sts. (18 sc, 3 tr/sl-st-bumps=21 sts)

Rnd 25- Ch 1, turn, sc in all 21 sts. (21 sc)

If at this point your square is not 6 inches square then you can go all the way around the block with even spaced sc.  I think a lot of times an edging of sc evens it out too J

This is what your square should look like after crocheting-(minus blocking).  The railing over the scales is blocky- so I took a needle and yarn and after fastening to the back of the square- would run my needle through each tr/sl st and either tack it up or down, making the stitches look like a smooth transition.  For example from left to right on this picture- I would tack the second tr/sl st up, the third one down, the fifth one up, the sixth one down, the ninth one up, the tenth one down, the twelveth one down, the thirteenth one up, the fifteenth one down, and the sixteenth one up.

Here is a photo pushing the needle to the side of the tr/sl st that you are wanting to tack down.

Push your needle through the center of the tr/sl st.

And then put your needle through into the stitch below it- pulling the whole stitch down.

It makes that stitch a little lower than the one to the right of it- and then you’ll also need to tack the tr/sl st that is to the left of it up- for a smoother transition.

This is what your square will look like after the tr/sl st on the top rail are properly tacked down- making a smoother line.

I so appreciate and thank the Lord for Carmen Carpenter and Bekah Doughty for all of their testing and editing- this is definately a group endeavor. ♥♥

© Copyright May 2012 by Cynthia Boylan, all rights reserved. This pattern, in whole or part, may not be reproduced – mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying -- without the written permission of Cynthia Boylan. Projects made from this pattern may be gifted, swapped or sold. If you use this pattern to sell items on the internet, kindly credit Cynthia Boylan as the designer.

Balancing Act- Accomplishing Daily Tasks

Have you ever felt like you are performing a balancing act trying to get one thing done just to let four more things that need to be done slide? Two people that are very close to me have shared with me their struggles with this just this week. 

I live in a house that we started building seven years ago.  It is a log home and though it is livable, it has a lot that needs to be finished.  There is a lot of drywall that needs to be hung in the loft area of the living room, trim needs to be added everywhere, the floors need to be laid (living on a painted subfloor), and there aren’t any stair railings or loft railings.  All of this, and the outside needs to be stripped and re-stained.  A big project- that I chisel at as much as I can, but it seems that just as I would start on a project  -and I may get a lot done on that project-  my cleaning, cooking, and everything else would fall by the wayside. I would of course make excuses to my husband and any company that would stop by and see the mess- but feel like a failure inside because I lived so unbalanced- focusing only on one area at a time.

Here are a few steps that I have taken to balance out my days, and knowing that I have accomplished what needed to be done that day.  My house is still not finished, but it is mostly clean when company drops by and projects are slowly getting chiseled away.

Prioritize-

Make a sheet of your priorities- what you feel that God has called you to- my list would be as follows;

1.       Daughter to Him (Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.”)

2.       Wife to my husband (Ephesians 5:22-23 “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.”)

3.       Mother of my three children

4.       A part of my earthly families

5.       A part of my church family

6.       A part of my community

Making the list totally shifts what I feel is important (working on the house projects) to not losing sight of what is really important.

Since the Lord is my first priority, so is prayer and spending time with Him. I have found that if I don’t spend time with the Lord- my day feels like a train wreck. First and foremost, make a time to pray and read the Bible- since we want to get to know the Lord and His ways, we have to get to know Him- and what better way than reading His book J  Jesus set a wonderful example.  Mark 1:35 “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”  Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” 2 Peter 3:18 “Grow in grace and knowledge of your Lord Jesus Christ.”  You have heard it said that you can’t run a car very far without fuel, your soul cannot run very far without fuel either without getting frustrated- seek the Lord.

Next in line is my husband - is their some task that he wants me to do- or something that I can do for him to show him that I love and respect him?  When I pray in the morning- most of the time, I ask the Lord to show me a way to show my family that I love them that day.  Often at my husband’s mid-day call to me, I will ask him if he would like me to do something for him. The task my husband sets forth is very small- he likes a gallon of iced tea made every day.  Oh- he may ask me to call someone or do a little five minute activity, but more often than not when I ask him what he wants done for the day- he wants tea.  I can definitely fit that activity in most days. Doing something for the kids to let them know they are loved may be a little note tucked in a place they will find it, making their bed for them, or preparing their favorite dessert that day (hubby doesn’t like dessert or I would have mentioned that for him).

Children take up the bulk of the time.  Between taking care of them, and taking care of the home, most of the day is spent. There are several websites that focus on organizing and de-cluttering your home so that you can get housework under control; my favorite is Flylady.net.  Children that are at home with you can help with the cleaning- they will have a home of their own someday and there is no better time to learn J Titus 2:4 “Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

Being a part of mine and my husband’s families, we have an obligation to reach out and help with their needs.  It may be as simple as babysitting or helping with yard work- but you will find that when you give, most often it comes full circle and help will come your way as well.  (There are exceptions to that rule as well- and when that happens, we should be in prayer and be in agreement with our spouses.)  Likewise, we pitch in with various things for our church, friends, and community.  My father in law gave a wise piece of counsel on this a few weeks ago, “You have not been called to fulfill every need or want of others, and though it may be someone else’s conviction to help with a need, it may not be what the Lord would have for YOU to do.”  Pray and communicate with your spouse about any decision to help others.

Simplify-

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

We know of the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42 “As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him.  She had a sister called Mary who sat at the Lord’s feel listening to what He said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to Him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.’” It’s not that Martha was wrong wanting her guests to be comfortable and taken care of- she could have simplified the preparations and been able to spend time with Jesus (and her guests too).  I know that I used to do that- make birthday parties so fantastic that I couldn’t enjoy them myself because of the scurrying around the whole time.

When it comes to cleaning- you are your own worst critic!  Many people do not see the dirt that you do.  For most people, cleaning is something that we put off.  Try to make cleaning fun.  Make a game of picking up- use a timer whether it is just you, or you are having the kids help, and reward yourself with a snack or allow yourself to read a chapter in a book when you are done.

Separate on a sheet of paper what you want and need to be done.  We all know that there are wants for each day and needs.

The laundry, dishes, and cooking need to be done. I use the Flylady.net’s methods of having routines, so it is basically on auto-pilot getting those things done.  There are a lot of good tips on cleaning and organization on different sites like Pinterest. When it comes to deep cleaning- remember that it is ok to hire someone to help, the Lord may remind you of a person that would be trustworthy and needs some financial help- or I have often thought of swapping cleaning chores with a friend would be fun too J Somehow someone else’s dirt just seems more fun to clean than your own and you could chat while working.

Before Flylady and Pinterest, our mothers had a system of getting everything done.  This was taken from Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder, “Wash on Monday, Iron on Tuesday, Mend on Wednesday, Churn on Thursday, Clean on Friday, Bake on Saturday, Rest on Sunday”.

It is nice to have some place to put down some realistic goals that you would like to do after the needs are met. There is a wonderful goal sheet (http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/02/10-goals-for-this-week-8.html ) that I found on the internet where you list different goals for the week so that you remember to do certain things.  Included on the goals for the week are personal (like mudmask or painting your toes, or shaping your eyebrows), household (cleaning out daughter’s drawers or tackling the basement, or putting up some drywall), and mothering (reading a certain book to your kids or taking them to the park). 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven; a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

Rest and Fun-

Even the Lord rested.   Genesis 2:2-3 “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work.  And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done.” And Exodus 23:12
“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed.”

Have some downtime and do something that you love.  My downtime is usually in the evening, while my husband is watching tv.  I am either chatting on the computer, chatting on the phone, or crocheting (sometimes a combination of all three!).  Find some time to do what you love best, whether it is crafting, writing, exercising, reading a book, or some other hobby; it will make a difference. Do something fun each week (or even each day)- run through the sprinkler, blow bubbles, finger-paint, or sing a silly song off key.

Pray :)

Psalm 119:133 KJV “Order my steps in thy word; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 27:33 KJV “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way.”

I pray that the Lord would order my steps and let me know what He wants done.  Ask Him to show you how your days are unbalanced or what He wants you to do.

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

Proverbs 16:9 “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

Do it for Him-

Do everything as you would for your Lord.  No task is too small that He doesn’t see it. 

Colossians 3:17 “ And whatever you do, whether in word of deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

Be thankful-

Be thankful for the things that you do accomplish each and every day.  A long time ago- someone told me once to be thankful for the dirty dishes and the dirty laundry as I am accomplishing these tasks, because the Lord put these special people in my life.  Isn’t it amazing that the Lord has entrusted us with the particular people and tasks that He has given us?  I have a completely different outlook on doing chores when I pray for those in my care, rather than grumble, even while doing the most menial tasks.

Ephesian 5:15-20 “Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.  Instead, be filled with the Spirit.  Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.  Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

After following these steps- I hope that you feel more balanced in your life, knowing that you are accomplishing what the Lord would have you to and with the right attitude.  Here are two wonderful prayers in the book Prayers For Today by Kurt Bjorklund.

 “This day is your gift to me; I take it, Lord, from Your hand, and thank You for the wonder of it.  God, may I see Your presence in this Your day, every day and every way.  All that I am, Lord, I place into Your hands.  All that I do, Lord, I place into Your hands. Everything that I work for, I place into Your hands.  Everything that I hope for, I place into Your hands. The troubles that weary me, I place into Your hands.  The thoughts that disturb me, I place into Your hands.  I place into Your hands, Lord, the choices that I face.  Guard me from choosing the way perilous of which the end is heart-pain and the secret tear.  Rich in counsel, show us the way that is plain and safe.  May I feel Your presence at the heart of my desire, and so know it for Your desire for me… Help me to find my happiness in my acceptance of what is Your purpose for me: In friendly eyes, in work well done, In quietness born of trust, And, most of all, in the awareness of Your presence in my spirit.  ~Oswald of Northumbria, Celtic monk (605-642)”

“O God, our Father, we thank You for waking us to see the light of this new day.  Grant that we may waste none of its hours; soil none of its moments; neglect none of its opportunities; fail none of its duties.  And bring us to the evening time undefeated by any temptation, at peace with ourselves, and with You.  This we ask for Your love’s sake. ~William Barclay, Scottish Bible professor (1907-1978)

Here is the link for downloading the pdf version from Ravelry.

Tongues of Fire- A Life or Death Matter

Tongues of Fire is a free crochet 6 inch square pattern with devotional

Yarn: Worsted weight-two colors

Hook: US I /9 -5.5mm or H/8 -5.0mm

Abbreviations:

sp or sps- space or spaces
st or sts- stitch or stitches
sl st- slip stitch                  
ch-chain
beg- beginning 
sc-single crochet
hdc-half double crochet
dc-double crochet
tr-treble crochet
ch-2 sp- chain 2 space
cl-cluster                             

yo-yarn over

Special Stitches-

Beg Cl- Beginning Cluster- Ch 3, yo, insert hook in next st, yo, pull through, yo, pull though two loops, repeat from * once more, yo, and pull through all loops on hook - making a little peak.

Cl- Cluster- *yo, insert hook in next st, yo, pull through, yo, pull though two loops, repeat from * twice, yo, and pull through all loops on hook - making a little peak

Begin J

Using Color A , ch 4 to start or use a magic loop.

Rnd 1- Using Color A, ch 1, *(3 sc, ch 2) in the loop,* Repeat from * to * 3 more times and sl st to beg sc. Fasten off Color A. (12 sc, 4 ch-2 sps)

Rnd 2- Attach Color B with a sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, Beg Cl in corner ch-2 sp, * ch 5, cl over next 3 sts, ch 5, cl in corner ch-2 sp.* Repeat from * to *2 more times, ch 5, cl over next 3 sts, ch 5, sl st to top of beg cl. Fasten off Color B. (8 cl, 8 ch-5 sps)

Rnd 3- Attach Color A with a sl st to top of any cl, (Ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same st to make corner, *4 hdc in each of the next 2 ch-5 sps, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next cl.* Repeat from * to * two more times, 4 hdc in each of the next 2 ch-5 sps, sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off color A. (32 hdc, 16 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

Rnd 4- Attach Color B with a sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, Beg Cl in same sp, * (ch 5, sk next 2 sts, cl over next 3 sts) twice, ch 5, sk next 2 sts, cl in corner ch-2 sp.* Repeat from * to *2 more times, (ch 5, sk next 2 sts, cl over next 3 sts) twice, ch 5, sl st to top of beg cl. Fasten off Color B. (12 cl, 12 ch-5 sps)

Rnd 5- Attach Color A with a sl st to top of any corner cl, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same st to make corner, * (4 hdc in next ch-5 sp) three times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next cl.* Repeat from * to * two more times, 4 hdc in each of the next 3 ch-5 sps, sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off color A and weave in ends. (48 hdc, 16 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

Truly- I could not put these patterns or thoughts together without my Lord to guide me, and without Carmen Carpenter and Bekah Doughty to share their thoughts and editing J  I love you so much J

© Copyright May 2012 by Cynthia Boylan, all rights reserved. This pattern, in whole or part, may not be reproduced – mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying -- without the written permission of Cynthia Boylan. Projects made from this pattern may be gifted, swapped or sold. If you use this pattern to sell items on the internet, please credit Cynthia Boylan as the designer.

Tongues of Fire- It’s a Life or Death Matter

Ok- so maybe you were thinking this would be about Pentecost- hold on, we may just visit there- but what we are talking about today is OUR tongue.  What we say each and every day- and the problems that we have with it.  I think that my tongue is perhaps my worst enemy- it seems the more words that I say, the more that I want to retract!

James 3:3-12 “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.  Or take ships as an example.  Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.  Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.  It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by @#!*% .  All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue.  It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be.  Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?  My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

Matthew 15:10-11 “Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, ‘Listen and understand.  What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean’, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him ‘unclean’.”

Jesus also says in Luke 6:45 “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.  For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” It seems it is not so much a tongue problem and having a tongue that has a mind of its own- but a heart problem.  Proverbs 18:4 “The words of a man’s mouth are deep water, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.” 18:6-8 “A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.  A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.  The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” This verse shows that what we speak is a reflection of our soul and likens gossip to food for the heart,  what are we feeding our hearts?

If then it is a matter of what we feed our souls- why not feed the Bread of Life? John 6:53 “Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.  For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in Me, and I in him.  Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me.  This is the bread that came down from heaven.  Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.” 

There is life in Jesus- through belief in Him.  Not only is He our Savior, our Redeemer, but also a Refiner of our hearts.  Malachi 3:1-4a “’See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before Me.  Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to His temple; the Messenger of the covenant, Whom you desire, will come,’ says the Lord Almighty.  But who can endure the day of His coming?  Who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap.  He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver...”  Proverbs 17:3 “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.”  

We can pray and ask the Lord to purify our hearts.  Psalm 51:6-15 “Surely You desire truth in the inner parts, You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.  Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.  Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice.  Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.  Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will turn back to You.  Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.  O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.” Isaiah 6:5-7 “’Woe to me!’ I cried.  ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’ Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.  With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’” Romans 10:10 “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat it’s fruit.” What then shall we choose, life of death? We know that our tongues can get us into trouble and therefore is a snare to our souls, a tongue of death- let us now look at some of the things that a tongue of life can do.

A tongue of life brings healing. Proverbs 15:4 “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life. But a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 16:21-24 “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.  Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.  A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.  Pleasant words are a honey comb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 12:18 “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 26:20 “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.”

A tongue of life speaks encouragement. Hebrews 3:13 “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”  Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing”.

A tongue of life with Jesus’ redemption overcomes the evil one. Revelation 12:11 “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

A tongue of life speaks of His salvation. 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage- with great patience and careful instruction.” Acts 2:1-11 “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.  When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heart them speaking in his own language.  Utterly amazed, they asked; ‘Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?  Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?  Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamplhylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs- we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

These are but a few of the attributes of a life speaking tongue- just think of the life we speak while in prayer for each other. J

Here is the link to download the pdf version from Ravelry.

Manna- the Lord's Provision

Manna is a free crochet 6 inch square pattern with devotional

Note: 8 stitch markers needed.

Yarn: Worsted weight-two colors

Hook: US I /9 -5.5mm or H/8 -5.0mm

Abbreviations:

sp or sps- space or spaces

st or sts- stitch or stitches

sl st- slip stitch

ch-chain

beg- beginning

sc-single crochet

hdc-half double crochet

dc-double crochet

tr-treble crochet

PM-place marker in last st made

Special Stitches:

Picot: Ch 2, sl st in 2^nd ch from hook.

Begin :)

Using color A, ch 4 and sl st to beg ch to make a loop. (Or make a magic loop)

Round  1- Ch 1,  8 sc in the loop, sl st to the beg sc. (8 sc)

Round 2- (Ch 1,  2 sc) in same st, 2 sc in each st around, sl st  to beg  sc. (16 sc)

Round 3- (Ch 1,  2 sc) in same st, sc in next st. *2 sc in next st,  sc in next st,* repeat from * to * around,  sl st to the beg  sc. (24 sc)

Round 4- Ch 1, *(sc, PM, hdc) in same st, (dc, tr,  picot, dc) in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st, (sc, PM) in next st, (hdc,  picot) in next st, sc in next st,* repeat from * to * 3 more times,  sl st to beg sc.  (8 points- 4 larger points with 4 smaller points on the sides of the square)

Round 5- *Ch 4, sl st  into next picot point, ch 4, sl st  in next marked st (remove marker), ch 3, sl st into to next picot point, ch 3, sl st  in next marked st (remove marker), * repeat from * to *  3 more times, sl st to 1^st ch of beg ch-4. Fasten off color A. (8 ch-4 sps,  8 ch-3 sps)

Round 6- Attach color B in next ch-4 sp with sl st, *(3 sc, 2 hdc, dc) in ch-4 sp, ch 2 (dc, 2 hdc, 3 sc) in next ch- 4 sp, (sc, hdc, dc) in ch-3 sp, (dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-3 sp.* Repeat  from * to * 3 more times,  sl st to  beg sc. Fasten off color B. (Each side will have a ch-2 sp, dc, 2 hdc, 4 sc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, 4 sc, 2 hdc, dc)

Round 7- Attach color A in 2^nd dc in middle of any side with  sc, (see pic below) *ch 4, sk 5 sts, sc in next 2 sts, hdc in next st, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp,  hdc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, ch 4, sk 5 sts,** sc in next 2 sts,* repeat from * to * 3 more times ending at ** on final rep, sc in next st, sl st to beg sc. Fasten off color A.

Where to attach color A for Rnd 7

Round 8- Attach color B to any corner with a sl st, *3 sc in corner sp, sc in next 5 sts,  4 sc in ch-4 sp, sc in next 2 sts, 4 sc in ch-4 sp, sc in next 5 sts* Repeat from * to * 3 more times, sl st to the beg sc.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

Add topstitching or sl st crochet on top of square to make a design that would help you to remember that the Lord is your manna :)

A super special thank you to Carmen Carpenter and Bekah Doughty for testing and editing :)

© Copyright April 2012 by Cynthia Boylan, all rights reserved. This pattern, in whole or part, may not be reproduced – mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying -- without the written permission of Cynthia Boylan. Projects made from this pattern may be gifted, swapped or sold. If you use this pattern to sell items on the internet, kindly credit Cynthia Boylan as the designer.

This last one was done using only one color- and then making a sort of celtic cross.  Have fun with the pattern :)

Manna- the Lord’s Provision

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were starving. They needed food, but food was scarce in a desert. The Lord provided in the way of Manna- a flake of bread. Exodus 16:4a “Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day..” The Lord filled their bellies with bread, however they could only think of the days when they also ate meat, so they were not content again- not content over a miracle provision from the Lord. Instead they remembered one little perk from the days when things were awful for them, they were slaves for Egypt, sweating and working for people that had no respect for them or for their God.
How often do we do that- in our discontentment remember a time (of course with rose colored glasses on) and somehow forget the trials that we were going through, but instead romanticize those days, yearning for something from the past. We wish that we were thinner and more beautiful, as we were when we were younger- but we did not have the wisdom and experience that we have now. We yearn for when the children were babies again, and we could hold them once more- but we forget the sleepless nights, and the diapers. We may look back longingly at a relationship at a time when we were young and in love, but forget the passion burned as brightly in our arguments also. Our memories have a way of failing us. (Of course there is the flip side where in some cases we remember everything negatively where there is nothing positive.)
Maybe it’s not our remembrances, but we see what others have- and long for the blessing they have received. Doesn’t it seem that some people have all the luck? In Matthew 5:45b Jesus says “…He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Do you ever wonder why God gave us the Ten Commandments? In my opinion it wasn’t to be a meanie, but for our own protection- He knows what will happen in our lives, and is protecting us, as we do our own children. You don’t tell your children to not play in the road because you are mean- but instead because you love them and don’t want them to get hit by a car. One of the Ten Commandments is Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” And here is a good reason for this commandment, Proverbs 14:30 “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
So back to our story- the Israelites complained and remembered the meat that they were eating in Egypt; Numbers 11:4-6 “The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, ‘If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost- also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” Exodus 16:11-14 “The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, “At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’ That evening the quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor.”
The Lord provides all of our needs, and all of our provisions. No, it may not be what WE want, but He gives us what we need. In the New Testament, Jesus is the heavenly manna. John 6:31-36 “Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘from now on give us this bread.’ Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be thirsty.’“ John 6:47-53 “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
So if the Lord is our manna- why are we discontent? It is our flesh listening to the rabble amongst the Israelites, we are wanting more and more- we are not hungry, our bellies are full- but our flesh wants more. Galatians 5:16-26 “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious; sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
The Lord ALWAYS has our best interests in mind- He is the Lover of our soul- trust Him to provide. He is enough.
Psalms 16:5 “Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.”
Psalm 107:8-9 “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
Psalm 22:26 “The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the Lord will praise Him- may your hearts live forever!”
1 Timothy 6:6-10 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

1 Timothy 6:17 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. “
Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
Philippians 4:11-12 “ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Here is the link to download the pdf form from Ravelry.