There’s a tiredness that goes deeper than just needing a nap.
It’s the kind that settles in your chest. It makes your shoulders feel heavy. It leaves you wondering if you’ll ever truly feel rested again. It’s the tiredness of carrying too much for too long—grief, worry, responsibility, regret.
And into that tiredness, Jesus speaks these gentle words:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
What a simple, beautiful invitation.
🌿 The Rest We Really Need
Jesus doesn’t say, “Come to me if you’ve got it all together.” He doesn’t say, “Come to me after you’ve figured it out.”
He says: Come.
Right now. Weary? Come. Burdened? Come. Confused, heartbroken, overwhelmed? Come.
You don’t have to carry it all. You were never meant to.
🛑 What Are You Carrying?
We all carry things that wear us out:
The pressure to do more
The weight of caring for others
The sting of past mistakes
The fear of not being enough
Jesus sees it all. And He offers something the world never can: rest for your soul.
“Take my yoke upon you. Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart. You will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)
🤝 Walking With Jesus, Not Alone
A “yoke” sounds heavy, but in Jesus’ day, it was a symbol of partnership.
To take His yoke is to be linked with Him—to walk side by side. He’s not loading us down with expectations. He’s lifting the weight off our shoulders and carrying it with us.
Life won’t always be easy. But with Jesus, the burden is shared. The pace is kinder. The journey is gentler.
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (v. 30)
💭 An Invitation for You Today
If your soul feels tired… If you’ve been trying to hold everything together… If you’ve been wondering if rest is even possible anymore…
Hear this: Jesus is still inviting you.
Come. Just as you are. Lay down what you don’t need to carry. Let Him teach you how to rest—not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally, deeply.
You don’t have to walk alone. You don’t have to be strong all the time. You are loved. You are invited. You are held.
And there is rest waiting for you in Christ.
🕊 Reflection Questions
What burden do I need to lay down today?
What does rest in Christ look like for me this week?
How can I stay connected to Jesus, even in busy or anxious moments?
Scripture: Luke 15:11–32 Hymn: “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling”
🕊️ Introduction
Today we hear two voices calling us. We hear the voice of Jesus in Scripture. We also hear the voice of Jesus through song.
In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story that has reached hearts for centuries. It is the story of a son who wandered, a father who waited, and a homecoming filled with grace.
And in the hymn “Softly and Tenderly,” we hear that same invitation:
“Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling for you and for me… Come home, come home, Ye who are weary, come home…”
The message is simple and profound: God is calling you home. No matter who you are. No matter where you’ve been. No matter how long it’s been.
Let’s think together on three truths this story reveals about the heart of God.
❤️ 1. Love That Waits
“While he was still far off, his father saw him…” (v.20)
Before the son ever said a word, the father saw him.
He had been watching the road. Day after day, hoping — praying — his child would come back.
That’s the first truth of God’s love: God waits for us. Not with scolding. Not with shame. But with longing.
And Jesus calls us softly and tenderly, not with thunder or guilt. He invites us: “Come home, ye who are weary…”
Maybe you’ve wandered. Maybe it’s been a hard season. Maybe you’ve stayed outwardly close but feel spiritually far.
God’s love is waiting. Watching. Hoping.
🏃♂️ 2. Grace That Runs
“He ran to him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.” (v.20)
In that time, older men didn’t run. It wasn’t dignified. But this father ran — because love doesn’t worry about appearances.
He didn’t wait for an apology or a cleaned-up speech. He didn’t hold back until he heard the whole story. He simply ran — with arms open.
That’s grace.
It’s what Jesus offers to each of us: Not conditional love, but compassion in motion. Not “clean up your act and come,” but “come, and I will make you whole.”
That’s why the hymn says:
“See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching — Watching for you and for me.”
Grace isn’t passive. Grace runs toward us.
🏡 3. Mercy That Welcomes All
“This brother of yours was dead and has come to life…” (v.32)
We often stop the story at the welcome home — but Jesus doesn’t. He includes the older brother, standing outside, angry, hurt, self-righteous.
And what does the father do?
He goes out to him too.
Because the Father’s mercy isn’t just for the prodigal — it’s for both sons.
God’s love reaches the lost and the loyal, the rebels and the rule-keepers. And in this story, we are all invited.
The invitation from the hymn is for everyone:
“Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling — Calling, O sinner, come home!”
✨ Conclusion: Come Home
Today is Trinity Sunday. We give thanks for the mystery of God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — united in love.
And it’s also Father’s Day. We give thanks for the love of earthly fathers and all those who have mentored us along the way. We also appreciate the greater love of God, who waits, runs, and welcomes.
Whether you are wandering, weary, or watching from a distance — Jesus is calling you home.
Softly, tenderly — and always with open arms.
So come home. Come to grace. Come to love. Come to God.
Can I Join Tour de Fleece If I’m Not a Master Spinner? Absolutely—Here’s Why You Should!
Every summer, cyclists pedal their hearts out in the Tour de France. Meanwhile, spinners around the world sit down with their wheels, spindles, and fluff. They join in a different endurance event: the Tour de Fleece. But if you’re new to spinning—or you feel like your yarn still has a few “extra design elements”—you are wondering:
Can I spin in Tour de Fleece if I’m not a master spinner?
Let me answer that loud and clear: YES. YES. A thousand times, YES!
Here’s why Tour de Fleece is especially for you:
1. It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
Tour de Fleece isn’t a competition—it’s a celebration. The goal is simply to spin a little (or a lot) every day the cyclists ride. Whether you’re spinning lumpy art yarn or super-fine lace weight, it all counts. You’re not being judged. You’re showing up, learning, and getting better with every turn of the spindle or treadle.
2. There’s a Welcoming Community for Every Skill Level
There are dozens of teams, hashtags, and social groups where beginners are not only welcome—they’re cheered on. Many experienced spinners enjoy helping newcomers. Your progress can inspire someone to pick up their spindle for the first time.
3. Your “Before and After” Will Amaze You
Tour de Fleece is usually three weeks long. That’s enough time to see a real shift in your spinning. Your hands learn. Your muscle memory builds. Your yarn changes. Even if your first skein is a little wild, your last one will show just how far you’ve come.
4. You Can Set Your Own Challenge
You don’t have to spin every day or meet a high yardage goal. Your personal challenge is:
“Spin for 10 minutes a day”
“Ply for the first time”
“Finish the fiber I started last winter”
“Try supported spindling” You make the rules. You choose your pace.
5. It’s a Great Excuse to Play with Fiber
If you needed permission to indulge in some lovely roving, here it is. Tour de Fleece is the perfect excuse to try new fibers, colors, or prep styles. You do not need a “perfect plan” for the finished yarn.
My First Tour de Fleece?
I had no idea what I was doing—but I loved every minute. I spun on a spindle in my backyard, in the car (as a passenger!), and even while watching the cyclists on TV. I learned how to draft better, how to troubleshoot twist, and how to relax and enjoy the process.
If you’re thinking, “But my yarn isn’t good enough yet,” let me share something with you. Here’s a secret: Tour de Fleece is how it gets good.
So go ahead—dust off your spindle or wheel. Join a team. Set a goal. And spin your heart out.
You’re not just allowed to join Tour de Fleece—you’re meant to. Let’s spin together and see where the fiber takes us!
(Recorded live during worship at LInden Park United Community Church, Hamilton)
Renewal, Unity, Sending
Pentecost has always been one of my favorite days in the church year. It’s often called the birthday of the church — a day of wind, fire, voices, and bold new beginnings. But as I’ve grown older, I see Pentecost as something more profound. It feels like a personal invitation to welcome the Holy Spirit’s work in my life again. This invitation stands regardless of my age, energy level, or stage of life.
This year, as I prepared to lead our worship, three simple words guided me. Renewal. Unity. Sending.
Let me share a few reflections from my study.
1️⃣ The Spirit Renews Our Lives
Acts 2 tells us that the Holy Spirit came like a rushing wind and tongues of fire. In Ezekiel 37, we read of dry bones being brought back to life by God’s Spirit.
I don’t know about you, but there are times when my spirit feels tired or dry. Life brings seasons of grief, change, and uncertainty. But Pentecost reminds us: God is not finished with us! The Spirit still breathes new life into weary hearts. We can be renewed again — even in our later years.
2️⃣ The Spirit Brings Unity in Diversity
On that first Pentecost, people from many nations heard the Good News in their own language. The Spirit didn’t erase their differences — it brought understanding and unity.
In today’s world, we need this Pentecost Spirit more than ever. The church is called to be a place where all belong — across generations, cultures, and backgrounds. In our seniors’ group, we shared how each person’s gifts and life experience enriches the whole body of Christ.
3️⃣ The Spirit Sends Us to Witness
Pentecost was not just about gathering — it was about sending. Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses.”
Sometimes we think of witnessing as something for the young or the bold. But we realized in our group. Each of us, no matter our age, can share Christ’s love. We can do this through prayer, encouragement, kindness, and presence. The Spirit empowers us to shine His light right where we are.
A Prayer for Pentecost
Spirit of the Living God, breathe new life in us again. Unite us in your love. Send us out — with courage and joy — to be your witnesses in the world. Amen.
Final Thought
Pentecost reminds me that I am never too old to be renewed. I am never too different to belong. I am never too small to be sent.
The month of always feels like a fresh start. Gardens are blooming and days are lighter. There is renewed energy for our fibre work. May seemed to go by very quickly; very cool, lots of rain, but it bloomed in full colour.
Here’s a little peek into what happened in my studio this past month:
🧶 Fibre on My Wheel & Spindle
May was a season of mindful spinning. I’ve been working on:
Spinning naturally fawn and brown fibres for future knitting projects
Continuing my 100 Days of Spindle Spinning challenge — it’s amazing what just 10–15 minutes a day can create!
I encourage you — even a few minutes of spinning can bring such calm and joy.
🧵 On My Needles
Knitting was my quiet companion in the month of May:
A slow fashion shawl, using my handspun yarn
A simple pair of socks for everyday wear (finished May 31st, 2025, merino/nylon blend, hand dyed.
Exploring Knitting on a Budget — creative ways to knit more while spending less
I also shared a heartfelt blog post: “Crafting Calm & Grace.” It explores how fibre work can be a form of prayer and peace.
🌍 100 Mile Life: Local Fibre Focus
One of my passions in the merry month of May was deepening my 100 Mile Life journey:
Building a local fibre stash — supporting nearby farms
Cooking with local spring produce
I’ll be launching a new 100 Mile Life Tutorial Series — with a printable workbook soon in the shop!
Each step reminds me that local living and crafting can truly enrich our lives.
There’s a rhythm to spinning wool that feels like a heartbeat. There’s a stillness in knitting rows that speaks louder than words. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that for me, crafting is more than a hobby—it’s a form of prayer.
In a noisy world full of fast answers, there’s something sacred about sitting quietly with wool in your hands. Anxious scrolling fades away. This allows your thoughts to settle. Your spirit rises as a result.
The Sacred Stillness of Spinning
When I spin on my drop spindle or wheel, I start with raw fleece. Sometimes it still holds the scent of sheep and earth. There’s something humbling about starting from such a basic place. Washing, carding, spinning—it’s a process that requires presence.
As the wool twists into yarn, I whisper simple prayers:
Lord, give me patience in the drafting. Thank you for the hands that raised this sheep. This yarn bring comfort to someone in need.
These aren’t formal prayers, but gentle beating of the heart—offered with each turn of the spindle.
Knitting Peace, One Stitch at a Time
Knitting is where my prayers become visible. Each stitch holds intention. When I’m knitting for someone, I imagine wrapping them in hope. When I’m knitting just for the joy of it, I let my worries fall away with the passing rows.
There are moments when the rhythm lulls me into a quiet place of worship. I don’t need words. I just need the steady clink of needles and the softness of wool. I feel the awareness that I’m held by something greater than myself.
A Simple “Spin & Pray” Practice
Here’s a gentle rhythm I’ve started to follow. Maybe it will inspire your own crafting prayer time:
Prepare a quiet space. Light a candle or play calming music.
Choose a simple project. Something repetitive—like spinning, garter stitch, or hand carding.
Set an intention. Pray for someone by name, think about a scripture, or simply sit in gratitude.
Work with your hands. Let the motion of the craft guide your meditation.
Close with thanks. A whispered “Amen,” a stretch, or a note in your journal.
In Every Strand, a Story
When we make with our hands, we make space for peace. We untangle knots in our minds. We remember that slow is holy. We rediscover that prayer can be soft, quiet, and full of wool.
So today, whether you’re spinning, stitching, sewing, or simply resting—know that your hands can be your prayer. And in every fiber, there is grace.
🧶 Want to Try It for Yourself?
👉Gentle Crafting Prayer Guide It includes a simple ritual and a short prayer. 👉 Or join me on YouTube for a quiet moment of spinning and prayer. Watch here.
The rising cost of yarn and supplies can take the fun out of your favorite craft. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to knitting or a seasoned fiber artist. But don’t worry — creativity thrives under constraint. Did you know that you can knit beautiful items without breaking the bank? These Knitting on a Budget Toolkit ideas are here to help you make the most of what you have. It will stretch your dollars. You’ll still knit projects you’ll love.
🧰 1. Yarn Price Tracker
One of the best ways to stay within your fiber budget is to track yarn prices. Keep a simple log of:
Yarn brand and fiber content
Cost per skein or per 100g
Where you purchased it (or if it was a gift)
Project used for
By comparing prices over time, you’ll spot the best deals — and avoid impulse buys that aren’t a good value.
🧺 2. Stash-Busting Project Checklist
You probably have yarn in your stash you’ve forgotten about! Use it up with these go-to stash-busters:
✅ Dishcloths and scrubbies ✅ Striped scarves or hats ✅ Granny square blankets ✅ Color-block shawls ✅ Mismatched socks
Make it a challenge: Try not to buy any yarn for a month. See what you can finish with just your stash. Join me in June for a knit or crochet from our stash challenge.
🌐 3. Free & Fabulous Pattern Sources
You don’t have to pay for patterns to make stunning pieces. Here are my favorite free pattern resources:
Look at thrift stores or your own closet for 100% wool or cotton sweaters that you can unravel. Here’s how:
Choose sweaters with knit seams, not serged.
Wash gently in cold water and dry flat.
Carefully unravel, wind into skeins, and soak to relax the yarn.
This method can yield luxury yarn for pennies.
🛠️ 5. Tools That Do Double Duty
You don’t need a drawer full of gadgets to knit well. Some budget-friendly substitutions:
Use a paperclip as a stitch marker
Recycle cardboard into yarn bobbins
Use a measuring tape app if you’ve lost your real one
Keep a notebook for all your pattern notes — cheaper than printing pages Here’s one I’m using:
If you invest in anything, go for interchangeable needles — one set can do it all.
💬 Let’s Chat!
How do you save money on knitting? Share your favorite tip or stash-busting success story in the comments below. Don’t forget to pin this post for later!
🧶 Ready to Start Knitting Smarter?
Don’t let a tight budget hold back your creativity!
You can start easily with a travelers notebook like this one. Just set it up the way you like and go.
Have you ever been in a boat when the waters turned rough? Maybe on a lake or a river. You start off with a good weather report. The skies are clear. The breeze is calm. Then suddenly the wind picks up. The water grows choppy. Your boat rocks, and fear starts to rise in your chest.
Depending on the size of your boat—or your barge—you feel very small and very vulnerable.
But those who know the water? They don’t panic. They head for a cove, a sheltered place, and they throw out the anchor. And they wait.
Because here’s what they know: every storm runs out of energy. Every storm ends.
Same Storm, Different Boats
During the pandemic, we heard over and over: “We’re all in the same boat.” But let’s be honest—maybe we were all in the same storm, but not in the same boat.
Some had sturdy ships with full crews and plenty of support. Others were clinging to driftwood, barely staying afloat. Some had tools, resources, coping strategies. Others felt overwhelmed and unsure of the outcome.
What Scripture Reminds Us
In Hebrews 6, we’re encouraged to press on—“to move beyond just the basic teachings of the Anointed One.” In other words: don’t stay stuck in the past. We’re not meant to row backward. The captain of a ship doesn’t look behind to navigate. They look ahead—toward the open sea, toward hope, trusting that the anchor will hold.
We’re called to do the same. Yes, we learn from our past, but we live in the now—and we look ahead, with certain hope.
Has the Church Drifted?
Let’s speak truth: the Church today—especially the wider Church—feels like it’s run aground. We’re being battered by many rocks:
Fatigue – So many of us are burned out.
Bewilderment – How did we end up here?
Financial pressure – Too much going out, not enough coming in.
Indifference – “It doesn’t really matter to me.”
But Scripture speaks into this storm, too.
Paul urges us to pray without ceasing—with thanksgiving. Jesus didn’t just tell us how to pray—He showed us how to live through the storms.
He showed us how to love—not based on how others live, or worship, or even believe—but simply to love.
Four Anchors in the Storm
Let’s not over complicate this. When the storm rages and the Church feels adrift, here are four anchors to steady us:
Pray.
Turn to the Word—turn to Jesus.
Look ahead, not back.
And pray again.
When we shift our eyes from ourselves to Jesus, the next steps become clearer. When we shift from inward focus to outward mission, we become more than just a building on the corner. We transform into the hands and feet of Christ.
A Covenant to Move Ahead
So let’s make a pact with one another.
Let’s stand together in the light of the living Christ, as we pass through the storm toward calm waters.
Because here’s a truth we need to remember: No ship anchored at shore can fulfill its mission. It can’t deliver goods, it can’t ferry people, it can’t grow or explore.
Comfort is easy—but faith is not about ease. Faith is about action. Movement. Participation.
Maybe we don’t row like we used to. Maybe we can’t run marathons or even drive across town. But our smiles still matter. A kind word. A phone call. A simple “thank you.” Our hearts can still grow in Christ.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Remember when Jesus called Peter out of the boat? Peter stepped out onto the water—but the moment he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink.
We must keep our eyes on Christ. Because we do have an anchor—an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roll.
Let’s look to the horizon, to the One who loves us. Let’s move ahead—together. Amen.
Using crafting to slow down is a beautiful, intentional practice. It invites you to be present, mindful, and rooted in the moment. Here’s how to do it:
Let’s slow down our crafting. Which of these steps will you try?
1. Set the Intention
Before you start, take a breath and tell yourself, “This is time to slow down.”
Light a candle, say a short prayer, or play calming music—create a ritual that marks this as sacred, restful time.
2. Choose Slow Crafts
Pick crafts that can’t be rushed: hand stitching, spindle spinning, hand knitting, embroidery, or weaving.
These crafts naturally need a rhythm and patience, helping shift your body and mind to a slower pace.
3. Craft Without Pressure
Let go of productivity goals. Don’t worry about deadlines or finished objects.
Focus on the feel of the yarn, the movement of your hands, or the rhythm of the stitches.
4. Be Fully Present
Notice the textures, colours, sounds, and even the little imperfections.
If your mind wanders, gently return to your hands—what they’re touching, creating, and shaping.
5. Connect Spiritually
Use crafting as a form of prayer, meditation, or gratitude. Say a prayer with each stitch or dedicate your work to someone.
Consider on scriptures or quiet thoughts as you work.
6. Limit Distractions
Craft in a quiet space or with minimal digital interruptions.
Leave your phone out of reach, or set it to “Do Not Disturb.”
7. Craft Outdoors or Near Nature
Take your knitting to the porch, or embroider by a window. Let the natural world support your slowing down.
Journal Prompt: Slowing Down Through Crafting
Take a deep breath. Let your hands rest on your project. Consider on the next:
1. What drew me to pick up this craft today?
2. How does the rhythm of this work affect my body, mind, or spirit right now?
End with this question. What is one small way I can carry the spirit of this slow moment into the rest of my day?
