“Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”—Colossians 3:17 (NASB)

As many of you know, the past six months, I have been going through a challenging time with my mother and her dementia. The first couple of months, my knitting ministry had taken a back seat. I wasn’t nearly as enthusiastic or motivated as I had been. I felt like I was losing steam.

At the beginning of March, God knew how much I needed some encouragement. After a long day, and a weary soul, I sat down in front of my computer to look at my emails. A woman in Washington, had been inspired by Knit, Pray, Share book. She was going to be starting a new knitting ministry at her church and wanted to know if it was okay to call it, “Knit, Pray, Share.” What?? OF COURSE!!! That has been a dream of mine to see and hear about other church groups sharing the love of Jesus through their handmade items in their community. Thank You, Lord for using Carla to minister to me.

Again, at the end of March and another hard day with my mother, I received a much-needed email from another stranger. She is a crochet designer who shared how God spoke to her through my YouTube channel to show her different ways she can use her crochet skills to bless others. She designed a special Blessing Shawl to give to a stranger to thank her for what she does. Thank You, Lord for using Ann to speak words of life to strengthen my soul.

This week I had another day where I was questioning if what I was doing really mattered. A setback with my mother triggered it. For about 8 weeks things have been much smoother with my her. She has gotten into a routine, been going to activities and even been on a few outings. One morning when I stopped by, I was taken aback by her sudden change in behavior. She was angry at me and wasn’t being very kind.

The prior day, I had gotten a video of her laughing, dancing, and having fun, so I was not expecting this behavior at all. I was feeling defeated. She had been more pleasant toward me and now she was back to resenting me. I needed to edit and upload my YouTube video. I didn’t feel like it, but God gave me the strength to finish it.

I have been journaling this journey with my mom. As I was typing and telling God I wasn’t sure how much longer I could take this, I hear a ding that I received an email. It was from a woman in Houston who found my YouTube channel. She said she and two others were starting their own Knit, Pray, Crochet group at their church and had 20 people signed up! Watching my videos inspired her to “create other crafters.” She also said, they will brainstorm on “how to craft for Christ.” I told her that was going to be a new hashtag for me….#craftingforChrist. I love it!!!! Thank You, Lord for using Denise to be a light in my dark day.

Again, God’s perfect timing. I had almost let the lies of the enemy creep into my head about my taping and writing. Those sisters in Christ had no idea my struggles the days they emailed me. I give our omnipotent God praise they listened to the nudge of the Holy Spirit to reach out to me.

They let me know what I was doing was making a difference around the same time I was questioning having a YouTube channel and writing these weekly posts. God intervened in a mighty way at the exact time I needed it. God was telling me that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing…sharing my faith and encouraging others to do the same.

Now, if these weren’t hugs from God, I don’t what they were. God is so gracious. I did nothing to deserve these sweet gifts from Him. This ministry doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to God. I am humbled He has chosen me to motivate other Christian crafters. Sharing these stories shows how God works through one person at a time when we are obedient to listening to Him.

God’s love can come to us in unexpected ways. A phone call, text, email, a kind word from a stranger, a song on the radio, a scripture that speaks to you…..these are all ways God shows His love throughout our day. Do we see this? How often do I miss God’s hugs to me during my day? I am afraid, probably more often than I would like to admit.

Father God,

Forgive me when I miss You sending hugs my way. Thank You for Your faithfulness during times of stress and uncertainty. I give You praise that You can use a craft such as knitting or crochet to motivate others to share the love of Jesus in their community. I lift those up to You who are feeling discouraged. I pray for them to rebuke the lies of the enemy that what they are doing doesn’t matter. What anyone does in the name of Jesus matters to You. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen

 September Verse

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”—1 Peter 5:6

If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make