Light to grow in; reflections by Genevieve Howard

Five years ago I was not a public Christian. I did not talk about my faith. My friends might have been hard-pressed to even call me Christian. They probably would have called me spiritual but not religious. Few people knew that I read the bible and devotionals every day.

Five years ago I had no interest in yarn. I didn’t buy it. I didn’t know what to do with it. I was only vaguely aware that knitting and crochet were two different things. I had no stash of skeins. I had no passion for books of knit and crochet stitches. A pattern for a sweater with “sl st *dc ch 1 dc” might as well have been a technical manual in Arabic.

Five years ago I was almost 40 years old. I had no idea transformative times were coming. I would lose two horses and a cat. My mother would die of lung cancer. My brother would die of suicide. I would spend many hours with my son in the hospital.

During these last five years, Christ healed my heart. I became a public Christian. Now I sit with people in their struggles. I know what it is to struggle. I don’t shy away from pain. The Word strengthens me. I pray and wear a cross. I talk about faith.

During these last five years, I bought my first skein of yarn. I became a proud knitter and crocheter, crafting gifts for my family and friends. I crochet in public. Peace through creativity has become very real for me.

These last five years have given me new eyes, new love and new adventures. What will the next five years bring? At least one book!

As a celebration of my love for creativity, craft and our Creator, I’m starting a blog-to-book project. The book is called Creative Women’s Devotional. I will build the book blog post by blog post, with a goal to have it as a finished book September 2015. Will you join me on this adventure? I hope so! Subscribe by email: creativewomensdevotional.com

Blessing

Lord, you have the power
to transform my loneliness into community.
You have the power
to transform my grief into joy.
You have the power
to transform my prison of fearful thoughts
into freedom to follow you;

You, the source of peace and
unconditional love,
the ultimate power.

Lord, remind us to follow
only you
and seek not power on earth
but your power:

Your transformative power,
your healing power,
your eternal love.

Tell me your thoughts!

How was your life different five years ago? Where would you like to be in five years?