Creativity is contagious. Recently, my friend Robyn, who is a creativity fanatic came to visit me and left me inspired to further develop my knitting talent. She explained to me that she finds a lot of inspiration for her sewing through blog entries. We have discovered a whole world of inspiring people. I love to read about how other knitters are exploring their creativity. I learn about different expressions of the craft that I didn't even know existed. Take a little time to find some people at the top of your hobby online. eBay is a great way to find people who sell their products and they almost always have a link to their website. Then from the website you can usually find the blog which is where all the thoughts behind the projects are.

I still feel a bit overwhelmed because I see the skills I lack. I start one project and find a glitch in my stitches. It is easy to quit for the night, but it is a rewarded discipline to figure out what went wrong and I move ahead. I recently read this article that encouraged me to take on the challenges... Mindful Knitting by Tara Jon Manning

I think I'm making my way out of a creative standstill and I am full of joy!

Labels: creativity, hobby, Knitting

Have you ever contemplated this question?

Can I really change? Can I really find fullness in life?

Lately I have put a lot of thought into this question. Can the things that seem immutable be turned around? Can I change a bad habit or improve my character? Should I try?

In so many words I am beginning to believe it is possible. Perhaps my ability to change hinges on my ability to believe. However, what do I believe? Who do I believe in? Why would I believe in someone else (i.e. self-help books, friends, counselors, even Christ) when I can't even trust myself most days?

Have you ever had a best friend or a mentor that you were able to be yourself around? Someone who helped you believe that you were smart, beautiful, influential and significant? I believe that our ability to experience the full depth of life comes through deep relationships.

God's desire is that we would know what it is to have a deep relationship with Him. In fact, He sends us the Way to himself. (In the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the Way, the Truth and the Life.) In fact, our universe is a community of boundless and totally competent love. Imagine a world where everyone is loved, everyone is well-fed and everyone is full of joy. What would it be like to experience even one day of feeling completely loved and whole?

What has gone wrong? Why do we experience depression, addiction, fear and failure? Why does life feel so horrible and broken sometimes?

How does Christ answer this question? How can there be a savior for humanity when the world is filled with such tragedy? Christ continuously leaves his far-reaching mark on history because of what he brings to ordinary human beings, living their ordinary lives and coping daily with their surroundings. He promises wholeness for our current lives in the midst of our brokenness. He he gives us strength and imparts through his companionship a life that harmonizes with eternity. (Willard, 1997)

A new kind of life can emerge in the midst of the place we are today. Our jobs, friends, homes and bills are not a hindrance to the deep kind of life we long for. It is in these challenging circumstances that a relationship with our Creator is formed and it is in these days that we can begin to understand true life.


Rely on Him.

Trust Him.

Wait and see.

Joy comes!