It’s the wee hours of Wednesday, and I’m sitting in a rocking chair in a dimmly lit room across from a two year-old who will not go to sleep for the life of him. Or, I should say, back to sleep. He was asleep for an hour before some inexplicable thing caused him to wake two hours ago. *sigh* Now, he has his proverbial second wind, partly, I’m sure, due to the newness of me. He doesn’t remember, but I took care of him when he was an infant. Anyway, it’s too dim to read or knit, and he refuses to be cuddled or rocked, so I think I shall get some blogging done.

The Hook

I’ve been neglecting my crochet in favor of my various knitting projects. However, Sandra over at Cherry Heart has started a Blanket Along for the month of March, and that is perfect incentive to pick up my hook again and make some progress on my Magnum Opus. If you’re new or just don’t remember (it’s been a while), my Magnum Opus is an afghan I’m trying to make for my bed. It’s going to be between Full and Queen sized. So far, I am only about a quarter of the way finished with the squares. It’ll be interesting to see how big of a bite I can take out of the remainder.

The Book

Well…here’s where I should say that I’m still reading God For Us. I’d love to say that but the truth is that I’ve hardly touched it this week. I keep meaning to do better and actually read my daily readings, but it never seems to happen. In a way, not being able to do this perfectly (and really, who can?) just highlights for me that I really do need the grace and mercy Jesus gives. There is no way to be perfect on my own…and isn’t that the whole reason He came in the first place?

Embracing The Body is a brand new book by a brand new author, my friend Tara. I have mentoned Tara before. She is a Spiritual Director at Anam Cara Ministries, and I did my Advent retreat with her. This book has been eagerly anticipated, and I’ve been privileged to witness its birth over the past year or so. I’ve only just taken a taste, so to speak, and I can tell that this is a book I will have to read slowly and thoughtfully, savoring each bite. I’m only through the introduction, and already pages are dog-eared and lines are underlined, bracketed, and starred. I think the best way to give you all a peek is to quote the back cover:

 “Our bodies teach us about God, and God communicates to us through out bodies. Our bodies are more good than we can possibly imagine them to be. And yet at times we may struggle with feelings of shame and guilt or even pride in regard to our bodies. What is God trying to do through our skin and bones?

In Embracing The Body, spiritual director Tara Owens invites you to listen to your thoughts about your body in a way that draws you closer to God, calling you to explore how your spirituality is intimately tied to your physicality. Using exercises for reflection at the end of each chapter, she guides you to see your body not as an inconvenience but as a place where you can meet the holy in a new way—a place to embrace God’s glorious intention.”

I’m excited. I’m excited to see what God has for me in the pages of this book…and beyond as we journey through it, He and I.

The Needles

I’m making steady progress on Lexie’s bloom. I’m into the second diamond lace section. Her first birthday is at the end of the month, so I’ve got to have it done by then.

And that about covers it. See you at the Yarn Along!

Have a blessed Wednesday!

~Janet

PS: Little Rascal finally conked out again around 2 am!