The Giver

The theme of this poem has been brewing for a while. The tune Kremser (We Gather Together) provided the inspiration to finish it.

The Giver

There’s no one who loves like my Father in heaven,

Who so loved the world that He gave us His Son,

And nobody gives like my Father has given,

Whose many great promises can’t be outdone.

So why would we seek on the earth to find treasure,

When He who has given all things is above,

And pours on His people in infinite measure

The proof of His goodness and wealth of his love?

In Christ all the riches of grace we inherit;

We’re chosen in Him to be children and heirs.

The least of His gifts we’re unworthy to merit,

Yet all of the wealth of His kingdom He shares.

Why covet the world’s empty praise and vain pleasures?

Its riches and honour are transient at best.

But God gives eternal and unfading treasures,

And in the Lord Jesus we’re perfectly blessed.

Despise not the riches of goodness He shows us,

Abide not in darkness, but walk in the light.

That we should be holy before Him He chose us

And gives in Christ Jesus the strength to do right.

Nita Brainard

April 26, 2012

Simply Soft and a One-Sleeved Baby Sweater

   I like my wool. I would be a fiber snob if I could afford it. Despite notorious penny pinching tendencies, I have always avoided using cheap acrylic yarns. Poverty has its humbling effects, however, and having been given a box of scrap yarn, I find myself piecing together the colors to make interesting and unique baby sweaters.
   A friend makes beautiful afghans out of Caron Simply Soft, and I decided I wanted to try it. When I saw a skein and a half of their Rose Garden ombre at a thrift shop, I snatched it up. The color reminded me of my daughter, and I thought it just enough yarn to make a little sweater for her baby. I chose a pattern that doesn't require a lot of yarn: Spring Baby Cardi To my surprise, I had enough left over to make a hat to go with it: Baby Sun Hat I modified the hat just a bit to match the sweater, and I was delighted ~ until I had finished the hat and went to sew up the sweater. Lo, and behold!

   I had put only one sleeve on the sweater! The hat is too cute to rip up, so I am about to order my first brand new skein of Simply Soft, hoping the dye lot won't be too far off. I do admit the yarn has a nice feel, and I'm seriously considering ordering enough of some other colors to make an afghan.