A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Proverbs 25:11

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Lesson from a Afghan

Do you see that yellow lap afghan.
It was a gift from someone I don't know.
At my brother's memorial
there were several of them made for us.
This lady in my sisters church does these for people.
Do you know how much comfort just receiving this afghan brought?
It means this lady, who does not even know me,
prays as she makes these and then gives of her heart.
She included words of comfort and also a little stuffed animal.
I was shamed
WE ALL HAVE THINGS WE CAN DO
with my stitcheries, I have been selfish
thinking "oh they won't appreciate the work put in to it"
or...they wouldn't like it.
So my new goal is to
examine my abilities and bless others with them
NOT to be selective
to pray as I work on such and such.
You don't have to have great talents,
it can be ANYTHING
ANYTHING sent with love and prayers
will be a blessing.
Truthfully, my husband has claimed this yellow one.
IT is his favorite color.
BUT I am the one that is learning the lesson on giving from the heart.
That is priceless.
~deby
Matthew 7:12
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,
do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Deby, What a kind expression of sympathy from a sister in Christ. My mom's life-long friend crocheted her a pink afghan that mother used all summer. Each time I look at it, I think of the love that went into each stitch and how much comfort the afghan gave and STILL GIVES! I know your husband will enjoy this yellow one all Winter long. Thank you for sharing.

Debbie said...

Dear Deb, I've all but quit doing any handwork and now I see your point about the joy it can bring to others and the joy you get by doing just that. It glorifies HIM.
Thank you for a valuable lesson early this morning! Where's that sewing box........
Have a great day in CHRIST!
Debbie

Becky K. said...

That is a wonderful lesson for all of us...

Humble wife said...

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing this, as it is so so important!
Jennifer

Connie said...

Deby, that's a lovely thought from a truly Christian-minded woman. You are truly blessed, sweet cherub. I wish we were all like that lady.....

You have a memorable season and smooches, chickee,
Connie

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post, dear Deby! I have determined to improve my sewing skills, and perhaps take up crochet, this next year so that most of my gifts can be home-made, from the heart. I pray a great deal when I'm working away quietly in my sewing room, and it would give me such pleasure to make things for others while praying for them! "She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy." (Pro. 31:18-20). I think the Proverbs 31 woman stretched out her hands to those who were in need not only materially (the poor) but also those who were in need emotionally (those who were grieving) or spiritually. Your post gives me so much food for thought! You are such a beautiful person.

Aliene said...

Deby, Such an expression of Christian love in action! I know you will always cherish the yellow afghan,.

Tracy said...

What a sweet gesture! And good for you for allowing your hubby to claim it!

Cathy said...

A very sweet post, Deby ~

Anonymous said...

A very good lesson, indeed!

Abounding Treasures said...

Deby,

Thanks for sharing your own heart in this post ... that woman has blessed you and your husband and also every one of your blog visitors and we don't know her and she doesn't realize how FAR her ministry and prayer have spread :o)

Blessings to you and yours!

Anonymous said...

Your words really touched me, as did the expression of love and comfort coming through the afghan made by the lady in your sister's church.

Have you heard of the prayer shawl ministry? Women get together, or work on their own, to knit or crochet shawls to comfort and encourage others. They pray for the recipient as they work. A blessed thing.

Anonymous said...

I don't make quilts because I don't know where to put them all and now I know what I can do with them, pray while making them and then give them away. I received some home-made note cards from a friend who said she was embarassed because it was all she could afford. I cried when I opened the gift because the paintings on the cards were done by my friend. She is a wonderful artist. I told her they were the best gift I had gotten and that is the truth. Gifts from the heart are the best.

Anonymous said...

Dear Deby,

What a sweet thing for this lady to do! Thanks for sharing this ~ it is a great encouragement to me for this New Year coming up!

Blessings to you,
Sharon

Marie said...

As a thought, you might include one of the beautiful tea towels in the previous post in a dinner for a new mom or anyone else you might bring a dinner to.

Just an idea.

Anonymous said...

That afghan is so precious. Just remember sweetie it is not how well we do a thing that matters but that we care enough to give something from our own hands.,

DonnaB said...

I love to do this for people, weddings and baby showers and gifts. It doesn't matter whether they appreciate it (99% do) but I know God sees it and He is the only one we need to please. I'm glad that you were a recipient of this kind lady's benevolence.

Susan B said...

That is a very good lesson. Thank you for sharing it. The afghan is so pretty, what a wonderful thing that lady does.

Sharon said...

Deby,
Do you remember me? :D Lol!
I'm finally getting a few minutes to start visiting blogs again.

I think your embroidered towels are VERY lovely!!! I still haven't got brave enough to try that yet.

The love and prayers behind that afghan is precious! What a wonderful thing for this lady to do.

HOPE said...

A wonderful, touching post Deby.

I just recently started to crochet myself once again,rough around the edges...so with practise...I guess I'll surprise someone ...one day.

A beautiful gesture of kindness from this woman...

She hath done what she could! amen

Happiest of New Years!
HOPE