Control Issues

Control Issues is a versatile free 6 inch pattern where you can make either center, a steering wheel or closed sunflower type, and either edging either lacey towards the center or towards the outside, and includes a devotion on the control issues in our lives. Use any sort of color combination you choose.

Tested and Edited by Carmen Carpenter, Bekah Doughty, and Kelly Youngblood

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:

Dc3tog—( Yo, insert hook in next st, yo, pull loop through st, yo, pull through 2 loops) 3 times,  yo, pull through all 4 loops on the hook, ch 1 to lock st.

Dc4tog—( Yo, insert hook in next st, yo, pull loop through st, yo, pull through 2 loops) 4 times, yo, pull through all 4 loops on the hook, ch 1 to lock st.

Begin J

Ch 4, sl st as ring or use a magic loop.

Rnd 1- Ch 1, 8 sc in the ring, sl st to beg sc. (8 sc)

For the Steering Wheel Center-

Rnd 2- Ch 3 (as beginning dc), ch 2,* dc in next st, ch 2,* repeat from * to * 6 more times, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (8 dc, 8 ch-2 sps)

Rnd 3- Ch 1, 4 sc in each ch-2 sp around the circle, sl st to beg sc. (32 sc)

For the Solid Sunflower Center-

Rnd 2- Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around circle, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (16 dc)

Rnd 3- Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around circle, sl st to beg sc. (32 sc)

Continue for All Options-

Rnd 4- Ch 2, dc3tog, ch 4, *dc4tog, ch 4,* repeat from * to * 6 more times, sl st to top of the first dc3tog. (8 dc4tog, 8 ch-4 sps)

Rnd 5- Ch 1, 6 sc in each ch-4 sp around the circle, sl st to beg sc. (48 sc)

For the Lace closer to the center-

Rnd 6- Ch 4, *sk st, sc in next st, ch 3,* repeat from * to * around the circle, sl st to first ch of beg ch-4. (24 ch-3 sps)

Rnd 7- Ch 1, 3 sc in each ch-3 sp around the circle, sl st to beg sc. (72 sc)

Rnd 8- Ch 4 (counts as tr), *dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 3 sts, sc in next 5 sts, hdc in next 3 sts, dc in next 2 sts, tr in next st, (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in next st,** tr in next st,* repeat from * to * 3 more times ending at ** the final time, sl st to top of beg ch-4. (24 tr, 4 ch-2 sps, 16 dc, 24 hdc, 20 sc)

For the Lace closer to the outside-

Rnd 6- Ch 4 (counts as tr),* dc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 3 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next st, tr in next st, (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in next st,** tr in next st,* repeat from * to * another 3 times ending at ** the final time, sl st first ch of beg ch-4. (24 tr, 4 ch-2 sps, 8 dc, 16 hdc, 12 sc)

Rnd 7- Ch 1, sc in same st, (ch 3, sk 1 st, sc in next st) 6 times, *ch 3, sc in corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, sc in first st,** (ch 3, sk 1 st, sc in next st) 7 times,* repeat from * to * 2 more times ending at ** the final time, ch 3, sl st to beg sc. (36 ch-3 sps)

Rnd 8- Ch 1, 3 sc in each of the next 7 ch-3 sps, *ch 2, 3 sc in each of the next 9 ch-3 sps,* repeat from * to *2 more times, ch 2, 3 sc in each of the next 2 ch-3 sps, sl st to beg sc. (108 sc, 4 ch-2 sps)

© Copyright July 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.

Control Issues

You feel like you need to be in control of every part of your life- or maybe you can give over MOST of your life to God, but there is still a part that you need to hold on to, need to control.

From the beginning- God was in control of creation.  One of my favorite verses in creation is this.. Genesis 1:14 “And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.”  And it was so.  God made two great lights- the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night.  He also made the stars.  God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness.  And God saw that it was good.  And there was evening, and there was morning- the fourth day." To me- this puts a picture in my head.  He SET the stars- putting them each in their own specific spot.  It makes me think of setting a picture in just the right spot.  How we hang it and then walk a few steps back and look at it, wondering if it is in the best place and then tweaking a corner here or there to make sure that it hangs straight.  It also states that God saw that it was good. How many times do I do something to just finish the task, not caring if it is good or not- just wanting to check it off of my list.  With each and every day of creation, God made sure it was good- He had to make everything last the test of time.  Everything that we make wears out or rots, or is thrown away in our disposable society.  Nothing that He makes is thrown away.  Nothing that He makes is junk- everything is good.

In the book of Job- he has suffered some severe trials in his life.  His friends and wife are giving him counsel, trying to reason out his sufferings and offer solutions.  I love the Lord’s response- all of chapters 38-41.  Job 38:12-13 “Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn it’s place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it?” God shows His power and His knowledge of His creation because He made it that way. Job 39:13-18 “The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, but they cannot compare with the pinions and feathers of the stork.  She lays her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand, unmindful that a foot may crush them, that some wild animal may trample them.  She treats her young harshly, as if they were not hers; she cares not that her labor was in vain, for God did not endow her with wisdom or give her a share of good sense.  Yet when she spreads her feathers to run, she laughs at horse and rider.” He knows and cares about it all from calling the morning into being to the characteristics of one of the many birds that He created- to the very number of hairs on our heads! Luke 12:7 “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Most of us don’t even have a clue how many hairs are on our heads(there are a few exceptions)- but God knows about each and every one.  He knows us intimately- more intimately than we know ourselves.  In Job 40:9-14 “ Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like His?  Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.  Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low, look at every proud man and humble him, crush the wicked where they stand.  Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave.  Then I Myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you.” We ourselves can do none of those things- in our own power, so how is it that we think that we can save ourselves by trying to control a situation?

In Luke 22:42 Jesus gives control to the Father over His life and purpose, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”  He has given Himself to the purpose the Father had for Him- aren’t you glad that He became an example of giving God control and died for our sins? Jesus knew that He could trust His Father and that He only had His people’s best interests in mind- because of the unity between the Father and Son.

But HOW do we give up control?  I know many times that we think that we give Him control and lay something on the altar- only to pick it back up again.  I think that the answer lays in the word TRUST. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Trust may be hard in the world that we live in, however if anyone is worthy of our trust- it would be the One who fashioned every part of our being. Knowing and remembering that He is worthy of trust- He knows the most intimate details about us and of all His creation- knowing more of any situation than we do ourselves will make it easier to trust in Him.  Continue to pray and give it to Him every time that the situation enters your mind. Seek the Lord about fasting and dig into His Word about trust.

Psalm 107:1 “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Here is the link to download the pdf from Ravelry :)

Birds of the Air- Lilies of the Field

Birds of the Air and Lilies of the Field are free crochet square patterns that can be used either as a 3 inch or 6 inch or combine the two to make a combination square of lilies and birds.  Also included is a devotional about how God cares for every need in our lives.

This pattern was tested and edited by three very special women, Bekah Doughty, Carmen Carpenter, and Kelly Youngblood :)  Many thanks for all that you do.

Bird Motif

Hook: H

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft , 3 colors: Color A, Color B, Color C.

Finished size: One motif=3”; with border = 6”; 4 motifs tog=6”

Abbreviations:

sl st=slip stitch

ch=chain

hdc=half double crochet

dc=double crochet

 tr=treble

beg=beginning

sp=space

sps=spaces

cl=cluster

Bird Motif: (Make one to sew to top of Base Square)

Rnd 1: With Color A, ch 4, sl st to 1^st ch to form ring, 8 sc in ring, join with sl st to 1^st sc. (8sc)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in first st, 2 sc in next four sts, ch 4, sc in second ch from hook, sc in next ch, sc in next st on circle, (hdc, dc) in next st, (dc, 2 tr) in next st, (2 tr, hdc, dc) in next st. Fasten off. Sew to Base Square, and embroider wings, feet & eye.

Base Square for Bird Motif: (Make one & sew Bird Motif on top)

Row 1: With color B, ch 12, sc in 2^nd ch from hook & in each remaining ch. (11 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across. (11 sc)

Row 3-11 or 12: Repeat Row 2 eight or nine times more until your square is 3 inch square. Do not fasten off– leave at this if making a 3 inch square or if making the combo square.

Loopy Ruffle Rnd (Bird) if continuing on to make border for 6 inch square: (necessary to continue to Border for 6”) Ch 3, turn square 90 degrees so you are working along the sides, sl st in next row on the side, (ch 3, sl st in next row) around, making sure you have only 8 loops/side(8=counting one side plus one corner loop; place a stitchmarker in the corner sps to aid in counting-you may have to sk a row/st on each side in order to only make 8 loops; see photo below), join with sl st in same st as beg ch-3. (32 ch-3 sps)

Pic with Loopy Ruffle Rnd-corners can be slightly off, Border will correct.

               

You may leave this as a 3” square or proceed to the Border instructions to continue making a 6” square.

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Lily Motif

Hook: H

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft , 3 colors: Color A, Color B, Color C.

Finished size: One motif=3”; with border = 6”; 4 motifs tog=6”

Abbreviations:

sl st=slip stitch

ch=chain

hdc=half double crochet

dc=double crochet

 tr=treble

beg=beginning

sp=space

sps=spaces

cl=cluster

Lily Motif: (use as a stand alone 3” square or use the border to make into a 6” square or combine with another lily and two birds for a combo square)

Rnd 1-With color A: In a magic loop  *ch 6,  sl st in 2^nd ch from hook, sc in next ch,  hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in last ch,  sl st to beg ch,* Repeat from *to * 3 more times (4 petals of color A).  Fasten off color A. Do not pull loop tight yet.

 Round 2 – the strand in back of petal between hdc and dc

Rnd 2- With color B: turn over the petal, and spread the petal until you see a strand of yarn that runs between the hdc and the dc of the petal, *sl st into this strand in the back of the petal (so you can’t see from front), ch 3, sl st into the magic loop between the petal you are working on and the next one, ch 3,* Repeat from * to * in all 4 petals, sl st to beginning sl st. (8 ch-3 sps) Pull magic loop tight.

Rnd 3- Ch 1, sl st into ch-3 sp, ch 3 (counts as beg dc), 2 dc in same sp, *3 dc in next ch-3 sp, (ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp,* Repeat from * to * three times,  3 dc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, sl st to top of beg ch-3.  (24 dc, 4 ch-3 sps)

If leaving as either a 3 inch square, or making a combo square- Rnd 4- Ch 1, *sc in next 6 sts, (2 sc, sc inserting your hook from front to back under the top loop of the petal that is closest to that corner, 2 sc) in corner ch-3 sp.  This will tack the petals down.* Repeat 3 more times and sl st to beg sc. Now either leave this as a 3 inch square or whipstitch it to 3 others to make a combo square J

If continuing on to Border directions- Rnd 4-*(Ch 3, sl st in next st) Repeat until corner ch-3 sp, ch 3, insert hook through top of petal from Rnd 1 (there is a loop from where you turned) and also insert hook into corner space, sl st, ch 3, insert hook back into same tip of petal and into the corner sp, sl st (there will be 2 sl sts in each corner),* repeat from * to * 3 more times, ending with ch 3, sl st to beg sl st. (5 ch-3 sps/side plus 3 ch-3 sps/corner-32 ch-3 sps) Fasten off color B.

A close up of the corner during Round 4

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© Copyright June 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.

Border: (by Carmen Carpenter): additional instructions to turn either 3” square (bird or lily) into a 6” square).

Hook: H

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in 3 colors

Abbreviations:

sl st=slip stitch

ch=chain

hdc=half double crochet

dc=double crochet

 tr=treble (or trc=treble crochet)

beg=beginning

sp=space

sps=spaces

cl=cluster

Begin with 3” square (bird or lily) that has 32 ch-3 sps around it.

Rnd 1: Attach color C (or your choice of color) with sl st in any corner ch-3 sp,

Step 1: insert hook into same ch-3 sp, skip next ch-3 sp by pulling it slightly forward, and insert hook from back to front in next ch-3 sp,

Step 2:  Yo & pull through both sps,

Step3: Yo & pull through 2 loops (you have now single crocheted 2 loops tog with a bump in between created by skipping the middle ch-sp), ch 3 (easy to overlook this ch 3, make sure you do it!),

Step 4: *(insert hook into same ch-3 sp left of the bump (sharing sp with your 1^st sc), skip next ch-3 sp, and insert hook from back to front in next ch-3 sp, yo & pull through both sps, yo & pull through 2 loops (you have now single crocheted 2 loops tog (sc2loopstog) with a bump in between created by skipping the middle ch-sp), ch 3,*

Repeat from * to * around, until last 2 loops, (sc2loopstog) in the same manner as before using the same sp as your beg st, (ch 1, hdc) in beg sc2loopstog to form last ch-3 sp. (4 ch-3 sps/side = 16 ch-3 sps, 4 bumps/side = 16 bumps)

  Front & back at end of Rnd 2

Special Stiches used in Rnd 2:

Beg cl: ch 2, (yo, pull up a loop, yo & pull through 2 loops) twice, yo & pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Cluster (cl)- *yo, insert hook in next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull though two loops, repeat from * twice, yo, and pull through all 4 loops on hook. (Condensed-you are making a 3-dc cluster-leave the last two loops of each dc on the hook & pull through all 4 loops-no locking chain is needed.)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sl st into ch-sp, (beg cl, ch 2, dc) in same ch-3 sp, *cl in next sp, (dc, ch 2, cl, ch 2, dc) in next sp, cl in next sp,** corner as (dc, ch2, cl, ch 2, tr, ch 2, cl, ch 2, dc) in corner ch-2 sp,* Repeat from * to * 3 more times ending at ** on final rep, (dc, ch 2, cl, ch 2, tr, ch 2) in same sp as beg, sl st to top of beg cl. Finish off color C (or color A). (5 cl/side=20 cl, 4 tr, 4 dc/side=16 dc, 6 ch-2 sps/side=24 ch-2 sps)

Rnd 3: With color B attach with sc in any corner tr, *2 sc in next ch-2  sp, sk cl, sc in next ch-2 sp, sc in next 3 sts, sc in next ch-2 sp, sc in cluster, sc in next ch-2 sp, sc in next 3 sts, sc in next sp, sk cl, 2 sc in next sp,** 3 sc in corner tr,* Repeat from * to * 3 more times ending at ** on final rep, 2 sc in same st as beg sc, sl st to beg sc. Fasten off Color B. (18 sc/side including one corner=72 sc)

Rnd 4: With Color A, (sc in each st, with 3 sc in each corner) around. (80 sc) Fasten off, weave in ends.

© Copyright June 2012 by Carmen Carpenter, 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 Carmen Carpenter. Projects made from this pattern may be gifted, swapped or sold. If you use this pattern to sell items on the internet, please credit Carmen Carpenter as the designer.

Worry L

Matthew 6:25-34 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes?  See how the lilies of the field grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?”  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Worry- it does us in, it affects our health- physically, mentally, and spiritually.  There is hardly a day that goes by where we don’t worry.  We worry that our kids aren’t getting enough nutrients in their meals, whether we have said the right thing, about a loved one’s illness, about the grey hair that is starting to spread on our heads, whether we are still attractive, how we are going to pay that bill, what we are going to wear for Easter, and the list gets longer and longer.  I used to worry if I didn’t have things to worry about.  Most of my worrying was about whether people liked me or not.  I am a people pleaser who is in recoveryJ.

 I used to worry myself sick- where I couldn’t sleep at night, could either hardly eat or couldn’t stop eating (neither is good!), and in turn would be cross with all of my loved ones around me.  I also liked to worry about bills. I used to also avoid praying, going to church, or reading the Bible- as I worried that the devil would come against our family in retaliation.  I since have recovered from all of that worry by keeping in the Word, keeping active in church with other Christians to lift me up when I fall- to encourage me when I am down, and I keep an open line of prayer with the Lord, but most of all trusting that the Lord always has my best interests in mind. 

When I first started recovering from my anxious thoughts that had turned destructive- I used what is called the distraction method, and would sing praise songs.  Usually, your mind can’t sing and worry at the same time.  I would sing during the day, and if I was awakened in the night (I would sing in my head in the night).  I did this constantly for weeks, and then my worrying tapered off until now it is very rare that I need the distraction method.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

How easy it is to worry when it is something unknown or something that we don’t have any control over- but “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:27.   We don’t see the whole picture as the Lord does, we only see but a glimpse of His plan if any.  Have faith in Him, that He has control over you and your life.  “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28  

We are to “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” Matthew 6:33- Dig into the Word and see what the Lord has to say about whatever situation you are in, let Him convince you that He is in control of the situation.

 “The Lord reigns, He is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and is armed with strength.  The world is firmly established long ago; You are from all eternity.” Psalm 93:1-2

“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:2

 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NASB)

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:13-14

My carefree daughter, Raechel in the field behind our house. She is not a worrier like her mother J



Here is the link for the pdf from Ravelry :)

Sticks and Stones- Relationships Hurt

Sticks and Stones is a free 6 inch crochet square pattern and devotional.

Tested and edited by three super special ladies J Carmen Carpenter, Bekah Doughty, and Kelly Youngblood

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (or any other light worsted or sport wt yarn)

Hook: G

Abbreviations:

beg- beginning

ch-chain

dc-double crochet

hk-hook

lp or lps-loop or loops

sc-single crochet

sl st- slip stitch

sp or sps- space or spaces

st or sts- stitch or stitches

yo- yarn over

Special stitches: 

FPDC- yo, insert hook behind post of stitch (from front to back), yo, pull through, bring up even with last stitch completed, yo, pull through 2 loops, (2 loops on hook), yo, pull through rem 2 lps to complete stitch.

Bobble- yo, insert hook in specified st, yo, pull through,  yo, pull through two loops (2 loops left on hook), (yo, insert hook in same st, yo, pull through, yo, pull through two loops) four times, yo, and pull through all 6 loops on hook, ch 1 to lock. (You are actually doing the (yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops) a total of 5 times-all in the same st)

Begin ♥

Ch 4, sl st to beg ch.

Rnd 1- Ch 1, 8 sc in ring, place markers on stitch #6 and #8, sl st to beg sc. (8 sc)

Rnd 2- Ch 1, *2 sc in each of the first two sts, FPDC around marker #8 (across the center), 2 sc in next 2 sts (starting with the st behind the FPDC just made), FPDC around marker #6 (across center-see photo),

 (after FPDCs in #8-blue-bead-marker & in #6-cross marker)

2 sc in next 2 sts (using the st behind the FPDC just made, and the top of the sc with a FPDC around it), FPDC around the first FPDC that you made (the one around #8), 2 sc in next 2 sts sts (using the st behind the FPDC just made, and the top of the sc with a FPDC around it), FPDC around the second FPDC that you made (the one around #6), sl st to beg sc.  (16 sc, 4 FPDC)

 (end of Rnd 2)

Note: From now on when instructed to “sc in first # of sts”-always use the beg st as your 1^st st.

Rnd 3- Ch 1, *sc in first 4 sts, (FPDC, ch 2, FPDC) around next FPDC from Rnd 2, sk top of FPDC,* Repeat from * to * 3 more times, sl st to beg sc.  (16 sc, 8 FPDC, 4 ch-2 sps)

(end of Rnd 3)

Rnd 4- Ch 1, *sc in first st, FPDC around FPDC from last rnd that is behind, sc in next 2 sts (using st behind the FPDC just made), sk st, FPDC around next FPDC, sc back into skipped st (behind FPDC), sk the top of FPDC from round before,  (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner, sk top of FPDC,* Repeat from * to * 3 more times, sl st to beg sc. (24 sc, 8 FPDC, 4 ch-2 sps)

 (end of Rnd 4)

Rnd 5- Ch 1, *sc in first st, sk top of FPDC, sc in next st, FPDC around last FPDC, sk st, FPDC around next FPDC, sc in skipped st (behind FPDC), sk the top of FPDC, sc in next 2 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner, sc in next st,* Repeat from * to * 3 more times, sl st to beg sc. (32 sc, 8 FPDC, 4 ch-2 sps)

  (end of Rnd 5-should be about 3” x 3”)

Rnd 6- Ch 1, *sc in first st, sk st & top of 1^st FPDC, FPDC around 2^nd FPDC, sc in skipped st, sk top of both FPDC, sc in next st, FPDC back around 1^st FPDC, sc in the next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner, sc in next 2 sts,* Repeat  from * to * 3 more times, sl st to beg sc. (40 sc, 8 FPDC, 4 ch-2 sps)

Rnd 7- Ch 1, *sc in first (on reps-sc in skipped st) st, sk top of FPDC, sc in next 2 sts, sk top of FPDC, sc in next st, FPDC around FPDC behind, sc in next 3 sts, (ch 2, bobble, ch 2) in corner, sc in next 3 sts, sk st, FPDC around FPDC, * Repeat from * to * 3 more times, sl st to beg sc. (40 sc, 8 FPDC, 8 ch-2 sps, 4 bobbles)

Rnd 8- Ch 1, *sc in first 4 sts, sk top of FPDC, sc in next st, FPDC around FPDC behind, sc in next 2 sts, sc in ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 2, sc) in top of bobble, sc in ch-2 sp, sc in next two sts, sk st, FPDC around FPDC, sc in skipped st, sk top of FPDC, * Repeat from * to *3 more times, sl st to beg sc. (56 sc, 8 FPDC, 4 ch-2 sps)

Rnd 9- Ch 1, *sc in first 5 sts, sk top of FPDC, sc in next st, FPDC around FPDC behind, sc in next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner, sc in next 3 sts, sk st, FPDC around FPDC, sc in skipped st, sk top of FPDC, sc in next st,* Repeat from * to * 3 times, sl st to beg sc. (64sc, 8FPDC, 4 ch-2 sp)

Rnd 10-Ch 1, *bobble in first st, sc in next 2 sts, bobble in next st, sc in next 2 sts, sk top of FPDC, sc in next st, FPDC around FPDC behind, sc in next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner, sc in next 3 sts, sk st, FPDC around FPDC, sc in skipped st, sk top of FPDC, sc in next 2 sts,* Repeat from * to * 3 more times, sl st to beg bobble. (64 sc, 8 FPDC, 4 ch-2 sps, 8 bobbles)

Rnd 11- Ch 1, *sc in the first 7 sts (counting each bobble as only one st-skip the locking ch), sk top of FPDC, sc in next st, FPDC around FPDC behind, sc in next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner, sc in next 3 sts, sk st, FPDC around FPDC, sc in skipped st, sk top of FPDC, sc in next 3 sts,* Repeat from * to *3 more times, sl st to beg sc. (80 sc, 8 FPDC, 4 ch-2 sps)

Rnd 12-* Ch 1, *sc in first stitch, (ch 3, sk 2 sts, sc in next st)2 times, ch 3, (sk st, sk top of FPDC, sk st), sc in next st, ch 3, sk 2 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner, ch 3, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, ch 3, (sk st, sk top of FPDC, sk st), sc in next st, ch 3,* Repeat from * to *3 more times, sl st to beg sc. (32 sc, 28 ch-3 sps, 4 ch-2 sps)

Rnd 13- Ch 1, (3 sc in each ch-3 sp and in each corner ch-2 sp) around, sl st to beg sc. (96 sc)

If you have any questions or need any help- please don't hestitate to post a question :)

© Copyright June 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.

Sticks and Stones- Relationships Hurt

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. We have been hurt in life.  We have had real pain. People have not always been kind, and the names/words or acts of others cut deep. It may be a stranger or someone very close to us. Sometimes it becomes like a negative mental tape that keeps playing over and over again in our minds.  We begin to believe the tapes and believe that of ourselves.  Besides the obvious horrible feelings that we get, we are not able to carry out what the Lord would have for us when we listen to these constant mental tapes.  We don’t believe that we are able to please anyone, let alone do something for God’s Kingdom.

When we, as people who sin, commune with other people who sin, we get hurt; and sadly we all sin. Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” At some time, almost every relationship that we have will hurt either intentionally or unintentionally.  Loved ones have a duty to let us know when we are straying or doing something wrong to help us to grow in the maturity of Christ-and many times we don’t see that they have our best interests in mind. Proverbs 27:6 “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

 Unfortunately we cannot hide ourselves away from other people and live a life separate from those who hurt us.  We were made to be around others- to commune with them as we commune with God.  Genesis 2:18 “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him.’”

With these sticks and stones and stones that are thrown at us- we can either choose to throw them back, let them lay where they fall and become bitter, or use them as building material- drawing us closer to our Lord.

Option A- Throwing them back

Of course throwing the sticks and stones back is the easiest option, however we were made to love others. When asked what the greatest commandment in the Law was- Matthew 22:37-40 “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it; Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’”  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments- loving God and loving people (that includes ALL people, even the ones you are having trouble with).

Our small group is working through a wonderful book called Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, and my favorite quote from the chapter we read this past week was “On one level, it’s easy to love God, because God doesn’t smell.  God doesn’t have bad breath.  God doesn’t reward kindness with evil.  God doesn’t make berating comments.  Loving God is easy, in this sense.  But Jesus really let us have it when He attached our love for God with our love for other people.”  He knew the work that it would take to actually love the unlovable and to be hurt by others, yet He asked us to do it anyway! In fact, He ties the love we have for Him with the love we have for others- 1 John 4:7-21 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  This is how God showed His love among us; He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.  This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.  We know that we live in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.  If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God.  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.  In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like Him.  There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  We love because He first loved us.  If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar.  For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”  Yes, He has asked perhaps the hardest thing of us- to love everyone, no matter how they have hurt us.  The good thing is that He also left instructions how to love them. Luke 6:27-36 “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.  If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.  Do to others as you would have them do to you.  If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?  Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.  And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you?  Even ‘sinners’ do that.  And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you?  Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners’, expecting to be repaid in full.  But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.  Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.  Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Option B- Letting them lay and become bitter

This is also another easy option- however it can be very destructive to us and everyone around us- bitterness rots the soul, growing like a cancer and killing every joy.  It is a consuming, ever growing and dangerous sin. Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”

In order to be free from bitterness- you must forgive. Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” The hurt may be so deep that it is hard to forgive- but “in Christ” we can do anything. Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Luke 1:37 “For nothing is impossible with God.” And yes, we may have to forgive those that have hurt us more than once- in fact several times (think about how many times you have asked the Lord for forgiveness) Matthew 18:21-22  “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Option C- Using the sticks and stones as building material

Hard labor- not the easy option- but the best.  Use each and every stick and stone that has ever been thrown at you as building material to model yourselves to be more like Christ. Rick Warren has a quote that I love, “God changes caterpillars into butterflies, sand into pearls, and coal into diamonds using time and pressure. He’s working on you too!”  God is making something beautiful out of our pain.

Ask the Lord to help you look at each criticism and to use it for His glory. With each and every pain and trial, the Lord is pruning us into His beautiful and fruitful masterpiece. John 14:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its word so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”

No matter what name the world has called you- know that the Lord has His own name for you- and you are precious to Him. Revelation 2:17b “To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna.  I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” Isaiah 49:16 “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; you walls are ever before Me.” Proverbs 3:3-4 “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Here is a verse from a song from Vineyard’s I Will Change Your Name.

I will change Your name,

You shall no longer be called
Wounded, outcast,
Lonely or afraid.

I will change Your name,
Your new name shall be
Confidence, joyfulness,
Overcoming one,
Faithfulness, friend of God,
One who seeks My face.

Be patient with others and realize that they are sinners as you are.  James 1:19 “My dear brothers, take note of this; Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”

And lastly a really good piece of advice that I was given on relationships was when I was hurting and bitter a few years ago.  I called Focus on the Family and a counselor there told me “Not to throw my pearls before swine- but to invest in profitable relationships.”  Yes, be kind and loving to all- but make sure to spend the bulk of your time with those that build you up for God’s glory and limit your time around those that tear you down.  And please- if you are in an abusive relationship- please seek help from a counselor.

Here are a few more wonderful Scriptures on relationships;

Galatians 5:25 “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.”

John 3:30 “He must become greater; I must become less.”

Hebrews 12:14 “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”


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