Should I or Shouldn't I?

I said yesterday that I would have pictures today of the baby blanket that I'm working on.  So, here it is:

This is called 'Cables and Lace Baby Blanket', and is one of my very favorite patterns.  Each row in a section is different, so I don't easily become complacent and not pay attention resulting in my making a mistake. 

Yes, this is the very same pattern that I used for Lydia's first blanket--the blanket she carries with her from place to place.

I'm still contemplating whether or not to open a 'shop'...either on Etsy or Artfire....

I've been thinking about this for some time....going back and forth in my mind....which site, should I do this or not, the extra income would be wonderful, is it worth my time and effort.....

I do know this....knitting and the many other handcrafts I do are very relaxing to me.  I love the feel of the yarn in my hands....I love watching a ball of yarn turning into something beautiful.....I love that God has given me this talent....

So, what do you think?  Should I or shouldn't I open a shop?  Any feedback on either sites would be wonderful!!



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Up-Down

I have to tell you that I am a little frustrated...

I tried yesterday afternoon and again this morning to leave a few comments here and there....and I keep getting directed back to the sign in page when I am already signed in!!  So, I have not been able to visit any one, and this is a little frustrating...

Today, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite pictures:

This is my youngest daughter, Lindsay; my granddaughter, Lydia; and in the upper corner--there is what is commonly referred to as my "granddog", Nika.

Lindsay and Lydia were playing "Up-Down"...a simple game....where Lindsay and Lydia say "Down" and then stoop to the floor...then "Up", and they jump up.  This goes on and on and on until they are both laughing hysterically.  This picture is taken after exhaustion had set in--Lindsay kissing Lydia, Nika kissing Lindsay...and they are laying on Lindsay's kitchen floor. 

All of this attention focused on one small child from a young girl who before Lydia was born said, "I really don't like babies."  Shows how feelings can change.

At one time, there were 4 adults and Lydia playing "Up-Down" in my living room.  It's amazing to watch...Lydia will just walk up to one person and say "down" and stoop down, and then she will wait...in that stooped down position...until someone gets up to play.  She doesn't whine, she doesn't cry....she only does this once.

It's hard not to resist a child who just wants your attention and love.  And before I knew it, there were four adults and Lydia going up and down in the living room....something simple...yet so much fun and laughter....and it doesn't cost a dime.

And isn't this the way it is with our God?  He waits so patiently on us.  He wants us to communicate with Him.  He wants us to walk with Him, talk with Him, laugh with Him, cry with Him. 

He knows each and every thought we think, each word we utter...yet, sometimes, He is waiting for us to cry out to Him....to tell Him what is bothering us....what we in such a tizzy about....just what is on our minds that is distracting us from Him. 

Just like Lydia--in her stooped position, saying "down", humbly stooping before a person she wants to play with....shouldn't we stoop down, be humble before our Lord, and just cry out to Him exactly what the problem is? 

We are His children, His lambs that He tends and cares for.  Shouldn't we be paying more attention to Our Father who knows what is best for us?  Shouldn't it be hard for us to resist His attention--just as it is hard to resist Lydia seeking attention?  And yes, it doesn't cost us a dime--but it cost Him a great deal--the sacrifice of His Only Son--our Savior, Jesus--who died for each of us. 

Today, I pray that I am more aware of the Holy Spirit's leadings--for this day--moment by moment--as I go through my usual routine--and I pray that I am able to pay attention and obey.

Beth

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