knit purl pray...creativity explored...

Weeks ago, I was sent an email from a representative of Worthy Publishing, asking if I would be interested in receiving then reading a copy of Lisa Bogart's book, "knit purl pray," then publish a review in my blog. I replied, "Yes!"  Interestingly, before I received my copy from Worthy Publishing, a friend sent me a copy of Lisa's book as a gift! I immediately started reading it and found an entry "Gifts to Share" that seemed perfect to read to the members of a new daytime knitting/crocheting group I was organizing to stitch blankets for babies who are admitted to a local NICU. This past week during our first meeting I read "Gifts to Share" to our new group, and the ladies agreed that it was a message that was perfect for us.

 As you can see from the subtitle of the book, it contains 52 Devotions for the Creative Soul.  While one could savor a devotion each week, I rapidly read each entry with writing this review in mind...before the end of October, since the book went on sale this month of October.  I am excited to see that after the last devotion there are four interesting knitting patterns to make as well!

Each entry begins with a quote from the Bible, and ends with a simple prayer.  While Lisa writes from her stance as a follower of Christ, her choice of words is not burdensome.  Instead, through timely examples Lisa invites the reader to consider how human creativity is linked to relationship with the loving Three in One,God: the Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Using familiar knitting terms and creative scenarios, Lisa weaves faith through her words which evoked both laughter and tears from me.  In a fresh way I found myself viewing knitting and other creative pursuits as gifts from God that can be used to honor Him and help others.

Happily, I can recommend Lisa's book "knit purl pray" as one that both encourages readers to positively use their creativity while growing in positive relationship with God.

I received a copy of " knit purl pray" from Worthy Publishing this week and would love to offer it as a giveaway from my blog, One Saylor's Log, since my friend sent me a copy of the book, as well.  Just leave a comment saying you would like to have your name included in my drawing.  I will draw a winner on November 7, 2015, and be happy to send it to whoever wins.

Thank you Worthy Publishing for gifting me with a book I enjoyed and am delighted to recommend and share with others; and thank you Lisa for writing 'knit purl pray."

 Another creative pursuit I have followed this past week is ironing a huge leaf a family member brought home from their walk.

 Now we have two huge leaves ironed and stuck to our dinning room window!

 And since I last posted I got to attend a church worship art group and work on learning to form collages...mine are still too ridged and boxy but very fun to make!

And although we are barely into Autumn, I am amazed to see my two red blossomed Christmas cacti creating blooms :)

What creative plans do you have for the coming weekend?

xx
Gracie

Seeing in the New Season

Mr. Robin was peeking into our home the other day to supervise our autumnal activities.

 My oldest granddaughter, Hayley, helped me gather some leaves for me to iron between sheets of waxed paper. The leaves in the photo are what they looked like after I ironed them.  In theory the wax from the waxed paper transferred to the leaves while I was ironing and should help the leaves retain their colors and not dry so rapidly. Then Hayley, Molly and Joy stuck the leaves onto the dining room window so that we can enjoy their pretty Fall colors for the next few months.

To celebrate the new season, I put out my basket full of crocheted pumpkins and a squash, and changed the tablecloth, but I haven't hung up the autumn wreath outside yet...maybe tomorrow.

My blogging friend, Willow, shared a link that gave some ideas how to make a homemade pumpkin spice latte, and I am experimenting with my own version with almond milk.  If you want to know my recipe, I'll share it with you in my next post.  Mmmmm :)

I have been enjoying making more progress crocheting my Ruby Shawl, and hope to finish it this season!

I'm enjoying seeing the  pampas grass in our front yard  waving flags of celebration in honor of Fall.

And looking at this photo I took with my iPhone 6 at the intersection of Highway 26 and Oregon 212 on my way home from swimming at the gym on Monday, I am imagining that Mt. Hood is enjoying overseeing the seasonal changes as well.

Are you enjoying seeing seasonal changes around you?

Gracie xx