CROCHETED PRAYER SHAWL

We have all been waiting and anticipating the time to share this wonderful shawl made by Sister Linda Long. It is constructed of a yarn from Hobby Lobby called I Love This Yarn! It is wonderfully soft and easy to use. Notice the "sparkle" in the yarn.


You will need:

4 skeins of I Love This Yarn in the color of your choice

Crochet Hook Size

Chain the desired length. This one is approximately 96 inches in length. Turn; skip the first chain and single stitch in each remaining chain.

Row 2: Turn, chain one, skip the first chain (the chain one serves as the first single stitch) single stitch in the remaining chains.

Repeat Row 2 until desired width is achieved. This shawl is approximately 48 rows wide. Add fringe.

Thank you Sister Linda!

Ezekiel 3:11

And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord God;  whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.

Psalms 66:16

Come and hear all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Enjoyment of the long days of winter and crafting projects often turns into long days of loneliness once you become a shut-in. Everyone enjoys a friendly visit and words of encouragement on occasion. A basket with tea for two (coffee or cocoa), combined with snacks have the making of a special day. Call ahead and deliver some good cheer during the cold days of winter. Take an extra copy of the Good Tidings or Evening Light. It only takes a few minutes to make a difference in the life of another. Allow compassion to motivate you to action.


And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. (Mark 6:34)

And of some have compassion, making a difference: (Jude 1:22)

Plain Knitted Shawl

Construction of this shawl utilizes the basic knit stitch (garter stitch) only. Simply cast on the number of desired stitches to create the desired width of your shawl and knit until it is as long as you desire. Finish off by adding fringe to the width on both sides. The finish product is rectangular. Make several using different yarn weights and you will find a variety of uses. The light yarns make a nice shawl for evenings and the heavier yarns work great to add a layer of warmth over a jacket or even coat.


Luke has begun a shawl of regular acrylic yarn in a navy blue using this pattern. I have one with no fringe in an oatmeal color using homespun yarn by lion brand. It is extra long and everyone loves to wrap up in it. This one is constructed using Holiday Green Homespun Yarn by Lion Brand and has fringe added.

Local Prayer Chain Active

The Bald Knob, Arkansas, WMB Prayer Chain is now active. It began in December 2009 and with a few minor adjustments has been functioning with greater effectiveness. We anticipate a time when the prayer chain works like a fine tuned instrument ready for use and producing the desired sound. This week the prayer chain has been most active. The needs of people are great and urgent. We are pleased and honored that we have the opportunity to serve our Lord in this capacity and that others have confidence in the prayers of the saints in The Church of God at Bald Knob.


If you have a special need, you may e-mail it to pickingupthestitches@gmail.com or wantulok@sbcglobal.net and we will pass that request along to the women of the prayer chain.

If you have an urgent request and would like to activate the prayer chain call: 501-279-3797 or 870-679-9125 and leave your request. It is comforting to know that within minutes prayers of the saints are increasing on behalf of your personal need.

We want to thank all the "Prayer Warriors" of The Church of God for their faithful service. You make a difference.

QUARTERS!

Tell everyone you know that we are collecting quarters for missions.  Do not let a quarter pass through your hands that you do not pray for the mission fields. Let us sweep the house, go through the cushions, and vacum the cars in search of those lost quarters.  Let us not stop there but let us be found restoring to fellowship souls which are lost.  Bring your offering to the local church Clerk, Sister Angela Pierce and let us REJOICE together.

January WMB 2010

Ezra 1

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 2Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. 4And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem. 5Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem. 6And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.

The next few chapters list out who went with Zerubbabel. The foundation was restored and the altar set upright once again.

Ezra 4

4Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,

Ezra 6

21And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat, 22And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

We know the how the story goes; the work did not find a place of completion. Zerubbabel, then Ezra and now Nehemiah stepped in with a burden to finish the work.

Nehemiah 8

8So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. 9And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. 10Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

The Lord stirred their hearts and they strengthened their hands. It is recorded that the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6. The people were not afraid everyone did their part as they were separated along the wall. The enemy tried to dishearten but they were prepared and did not allow themselves to be discouraged. They were zealous for the work and the wall was completed in 52 days. Nehemiah 6:15.

Read: Isaiah 35; Isaiah 12:2-6; and Psalms 149.

The enemy would have us to stay in mourning, oppression, and frustration by pointing out what we do not possess or have not acquired. Let us prepare ourselves, strengthen our hands, and be zealous for both the Word and the work of the Lord. Our job is not completed!

We know from our studies in James that we are not saved by works however, faith without works is dead. Let us be ALIVE! We are not dead yet! There is strength left in us - our JOY is FULL! No more will we hang our harps on the willows! Let us march out in the front of the battle with rejoicing and praises before our Lord. The battle belongs to HIM. II Chronicles 20. God is the God of everything or He is not God at all.

The JOY of the LORD is our STRENGTH!

I was asked about REVIVAL!

The year has started right in the local church at Bald Knob, Arkansas. The last Wednesday evening in 2009 was BTI Service and Sister Betty Bell had a very special service on God's Grace. The following evening began revival services, as scheduled, with Stephen Wantulok substituting for Bishop D. Smith. Brother Smith was unable to be in service with us due to loss of a loved one. Brother Stephen only recently accepted his call to preach. Over 30 people attended services that evening which included a revival type service, a break for refreshments and fellowship, and then a return to services. We wish to thank Brother Joe and Sister Cheryl for providing pizza and for everyone who brought snacks. The later portion of the Watch Night Service included mini messages and boost from Brother Bret Difani, Sister Cindi Dixon, and Brother Tyler Pierce. They each shared wonderful thoughts. Singing, Praising God and Prayer for lost souls continued until just before midnight and after. Singing and worship continued until sometime after midnight. Even after services concluded, young folks continued to play and sing (JAM). Even after we got those staying with us and they continued to fellowship and play music until almost 5 AM.
Everyone was ready for revival on Friday night. Brother Stephen Wantulok brought the message again and one was restored in the altar that evening. Praise the Lord!

Saturday night Brother Dewayne Terry shared the message and as always was very encouraging. We certainly appreciate Brother Terry and his testimony for Christ.

Sunday morning Sunday School and Worship continued. There were some unable to attend due to weather conditions but we still had a wonderful time in the Lord. There is nothing like receiving from the Word of God.

Sunday night a special treat had been saved for the local church. The revival services were continuing and Brother Sean Wantulok shared the message that evening. Sean received his call to preach just before his stay with the O'Neal's in Missouri. This was his first message at the local church, which included a special surprise. Brother Sean admitted that sometimes he is... WRONG! WOW! He shared thoughts from Proverbs 12:1 and testified of his experiences in Dexter, MO. Everyone left encouraged and feeling good.

The tradition is to eat the right thing on New Year's Day so that you experience a good year. Well, spiritually, let us not neglect to eat the right things so that we may experience the blessings and favor of the Lord throughout the year but not just on New Year's Day. I really enjoyed taking care of this portion for our Pastor. Everyone was very cooperative and helpful. Some people together just to waste time with foolishness and partying but there is nothing more rewarding than coming together to worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. Brother Willard and I have always enjoyed Watch Night Services. Over the years, we have conducted Watch Night Services in local churches and even in our home. They have proven to be a blessing to our family and those who attend. If we must have a tradition, let it be a tradition that will benefit the spiritual man.

A knitted shawl pattern

We hope to offer a variety of patterns and projects throughout the year.  What is that in thine hand?  If it is knitting needles you will love this fast, easy pattern.

You will need: 
2 skeins of Homespun Lion Brand Yarn in your favorite color. 
Size 17 knitting needles.

Cast on 5 stitches.  Row 1:  k2, yo1,k, yo1,k2.  Row 2: k2, yp1, knit until 2 stitches remain, yp1, k2. Continue working Row 2 until you have 151 stitches (or desired size).  Last row: k all stitches.  Bind off. 

This project does not look complete or hang properly without fringe.  Cut fringe 10" in length.  (Be careful not to fray ends.)  Begin at Row 1 and insert crochet hook into each end, fold 2 strands in half, and attach fringe.  Insert fringe in every other stitch down each side.  Trim fringe.  Carefully tie a knot in the end of each strand of fringe.  Be sure to tie off and work in ends to finish. 

Add a gift box, tissue paper, cotton handkerchief, a card, and a bow will compliment this gift for any occassion.

Have fun!