Yarn along- book review

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~ Ginny at Small things

I am sad to say I am posting the same knitting project, socks called Weasley homestead on Ravelry, as last week. I am almost done with the heel part and will start working on the foot, then decrease for the toe. I am pretty nervous because this second sock, Ive been having trouble keeping track of the rows where you alternate knit two together and ssk on the first row and the plain knit row. I am not sure this is coming out right and just stopped and set them aside last night to take a break. "I'll figure it out tomorrow."

I mentioned last week that I had gotten my new book in the mail.
"The heart of the artist" By Rory Noland. I am taking this one slow because it is so full of things to really think about, then allow time to let the knowledge sink down into the heart and soul. That is the place its most beneficial dont you think? I have been trying to take better care of my inner artist, spending time at my drafting table and
really
nurturing
the creative delight
I had lost,
finding it once again.

It reminds me of the plant on my windowsill.
I went to a small ladies retreat and we had a prayer center that focused on nurturing our relationship with God- prayer. Isnt it funny how we neglect prayer when things get busy? Prayer is such an important part of our relationship,
with our creator
and that relationship needs to be nurtured
just like our plants do. (take a look at my gardening and you can see that I wrestle with nurturing my plants as well. wink wink) I have the plant from the retreat sitting in my kitchen window and written on the pot in black sharpie
"Nurture Prayer".
I am pleased to say that it is really happy.
Baby steps.


The second book Ive been reading.
"Life in spite of me" by Kristen Jane Anderson with Tricia Goyer.
What a dramatic, true story about a teenager wrestling with depression.
Kristen decided one cold winter day to end her life.
"things would be better for everyone if I wasnt around."
Kristen has changed her life story into Gods story.
How He can use our broken- pieces-put-together to help others.
Its a proven fact that her living to tell us about God's grace and mercy is nothing short of a miracle.
I am so thankful that she is using this miracle, the new life she has been given, to reach out to others, broken and bleeding. I enjoyed how this book was written, it was fast paced and started with the accident, the beginning of the journey to healing, before telling you how she ended up deciding to end her life. I also liked that with a few chapters Kristen ended with a prayer, as well as resources listed in the back of the book. I could see this book as a valuable tool to many parents and youth group leaders. Many of us can benefit from reading this story so that we can understand the other side of depression/ bipolar disorder, or if we walk that path we can see the signs for ourselves and find the courage to get help.If you struggle with thoughts of suicide and depression please, tell someone. Kristen has started a ministry www.reachingyou.org as well.

*friendly reminder, this book was sent to me,free of charge, by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for review purposes. The receipt of this review copy in no way influenced my review.

If youd like a sneak peek here is a link to the first chapter.
Go read it for yourself!
thank you for letting me join the knit along.
Even tho Im not getting much knitting done its always an encouragement to see other ladies,
lovin' on their little ones,
keeping their homes,
knitting
and
creating.
I remain,
Under His wings,
Anna