Recently, I had a desire to do some cross-stitching; nothing too taxing but something achievable. I remembered that the Fat Quarter Shop have free cross-stitch patterns on their website which seemed a good place to start.
After a quick look I found a Christmas design called Jolly Tree Farm. It had been a mystery stitch-along a couple of months ago, released in five parts but is still available to download. It is worked on 14ct Aida, and the finished size is 4 ¼” x 5”.
It was just what I was looking for.
The original pattern was worked in five sections and I’m planning to do it that way as well – to give myself goals to aim for.
I completed the first section without too much trouble
And then the second section.
As always, I’m finding the cross-stitching very relaxing (bit like knitting), and I’m enjoying working on this design.
I’m not sure what I will do with the finished piece; perhaps use it for a Christmas project bag? Will give it some thought while I work on it.
Stand Tall …
When the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, they would be yoked together like cattle/oxen to pull heavy loads. As a result, they would walk with their heads down. But, when God brought them out of Egypt, He set them free; they were no longer yoked in slavery but were able to stand tall with their heads held high.
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk tall with your head held high.” (Lev 26:13)
That’s what Jesus did for me. He took away my shame, sin, and guilt, and set me free so that now I can stand tall.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:1)
However, when I keep looking back and feel that shame and guilt again and start to wallow in it, I’m taking up that yoke.
I need to remind myself that when sin is forgiven, there is nothing left to feel guilty about. Jesus died to set me free and rose again to give me a new life in Him.
It’s time to: “…press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Phi 3:12)
Until next time
Lyn
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