2025-09-07T13:32:43-04:00

In the Beginning, God: 🌿 Finding Everyday Goodness in Creation

September 7, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

When we open the Bible, we encounter its very first words. They are: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1).

Those words are more than history. They are a reminder for our lives today. The creation story isn’t just about what happened long ago—it speaks to the rhythms of life we still experience.

God Brings Order Out of Chaos

Genesis reveals the initial state of the earth as “formless and empty.” God spoke light into the darkness. He shaped the world with care.

Sometimes our own lives feel cluttered and chaotic. Doctor visits pile up, family concerns weigh heavy, and the news feels overwhelming. Just like we tidy a messy kitchen counter to regain peace, God organizes the scattered areas of our hearts.

God Calls Creation Good

After each act of creation, God looked and said: “It is good.”

We can still see that goodness around us every day. It’s in a cup of tea on the porch at sunset. It’s the sound of birds in the morning. It’s also in the taste of fresh bread. These small gifts whisper that God’s goodness is here, now—not just in the past.

We Are Made in God’s Image

God created humanity in His own image. That means we carry His likeness, just as children carry family resemblances.

Even as years pass and our bodies change, His image in us doesn’t fade. We show God in our kindness, in the way we encourage one another, and in our capacity to love.

God Gives the Gift of Rest

After creating the world, God rested—not because He was tired, but because rest is holy.

We often forget that slowing down is part of God’s design. A nap in a favorite chair, a quiet afternoon walk, or simply sitting still with God—these moments aren’t wasted. They are Sabbath moments, sacred reminders that God holds the world even when we stop.

Living in God’s Rhythm

The first chapter of Genesis teaches us a rhythm for life:

God brings order from chaos.
God calls creation good.
God made us in His image.
God blesses us with rest.

When life feels unsettled, we can cling to the promise of those first words: “In the beginning, God.” The same God who created light and life is still at work in us today.

✨ Reflection Question: Where have you seen God’s goodness in your everyday life this week?

🙏 Prayer: Creator God, thank You for Your light, Your goodness, and Your gift of rest. Help me to see Your image in myself and others. Guide me to live each day in the rhythm of Your love. Amen.

Blessings,

Rev. Barbara

🍪“Life Is Like a Fortune Cookie: Finding God’s Surprises”

August 24, 2025August 24, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

At the end of a meal, I sometimes smile when a fortune cookie arrives at the table. It looks ordinary, a folded little cookie, but what makes it fun is the slip of paper inside. You never know quite what it will say. Sometimes it’s silly, sometimes puzzling, and sometimes it’s just the word you needed to hear.

In many ways, life is like a fortune cookie. On the outside, our days can look plain and ordinary—wake up, work, chores, meals, repeat. But tucked inside each day are hidden messages of grace, hope, and wisdom from God.

Matthew 6:25–34

1. Do Not Worry About Daily Needs

Jesus teaches that life is more than food, drink, or clothing. God provides for the birds of the air. He also provides for the flowers of the field. We can trust that He will also care for us. Worry doesn’t add to our lives; instead, it drains us.

2. Trust God’s Provision

The passage emphasizes God’s care and provision. If He clothes the grass of the field with such beauty, He will certainly deliver for His children. This calls us to release anxiety and grow in faith that God knows what we need before we even ask.

3. Seek God’s Kingdom First

The conclusion is the central teaching. It states: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” All these things will be given to you as well. Do not be consumed by tomorrow’s uncertainties. We are called to live faithfully in the present. Prioritize God’s will with confidence. Trust that He will supply what is truly needed.

Let’s look at the fortune cookie. When we seek God first – what fortune is there waiting for us?

1. Ordinary Outside, Extraordinary Inside

A fortune cookie by itself isn’t much. But inside, there’s a message. Life is the same. God takes the ordinary—our routines, our to-do lists, our quiet moments—and hides within them extraordinary reminders of His love. The prophet Jeremiah shares insights. He says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

2. Unexpected Messages

Just like a fortune cookie, life’s messages often surprise us. We never know what the next day will bring—joys, struggles, opportunities, or challenges. But Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 not to worry about tomorrow, because God provides for us today. Even in the unexpected, God’s voice whispers: “Fear not, I am with you.”

3. Sweet Cookie, Honest Message

The cookie is sweet, but the message inside isn’t always easy. Some are comforting; others are challenging. The same is true of God’s Word. We love verses that remind us of God’s care. We also need the ones that challenge us: “Love your enemies. Forgive those who hurt you.” Both the comfort and the challenge are gifts.

4. We Don’t Write the Message

We don’t write our own fortunes—someone else does. And we don’t write the ultimate story of our lives—God does. That can be humbling, but it’s also freeing. Even when we don’t understand what’s unfolding, we can trust that God’s message is good. “All things work together for good for those who love God.”

5. Messages Are Meant to Be Shared

When someone opens a fortune cookie, the first thing they usually do is share it around the table. That’s our call, too. God’s message of love isn’t meant to be folded up and kept inside. It’s meant to be shared—in words, in actions, in how we live each day.

The Sweetest Message of All

So yes, life is like a fortune cookie. It’s ordinary on the outside and surprising on the inside. Sometimes it’s sweet, sometimes it’s challenging, but it is always filled with meaning. Here is the sweetest message: God loves you. God is with you. God has a plan for your life.

Crack open your day, look for the hidden message, and share it with someone else. You might just find it’s exactly what they needed, too.

“What I Did on My Summer Holidays (and Where I Found God)”

August 3, 2025August 3, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

By Rev. Barbara Creelman

Linden Park United Worship Video – scroll to bottom

What did you do on your summer holidays?

It’s the classic back-to-school question. And this week, as I prepared for Sunday and reflected on the past month, I found myself answering it. I answered not as a student, but as a soul that needed rest.

Here’s what I did:

I rested.
I played games.
I worked on a jigsaw puzzle.
I walked.
I beached.
I picked blueberries.
I swam.
I visited with family.
I ate ice cream.
I went to a museum.

Nothing groundbreaking. No exotic travel plans. No massive achievements.
But in every one of those simple things… I met God.

🌿 Jesus Said, “Come Away and Rest”

One of the verses I’ve been holding onto lately is from Mark 6:31, where Jesus says to his disciples:

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

That invitation comes after the disciples had been out in the world doing ministry, helping others, and working hard. Jesus didn’t say, “Well done—now do more.” He said, come away. Rest. Be still.

And that’s what this summer gave me: stillness. Not always silence—but soul-quiet.
I wasn’t lazy. I was living gently.

The jigsaw puzzle helped me slow my thoughts.
The walk brought fresh air to tired bones.
The beach invited me to float, breathe, release.
The blueberries—well, they reminded me that the earth still gives.

🌞 There Is a Season for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that:

“There is a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance…
That everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction in their work—this is the gift of God.”

I’ve read that many times, but this year it felt personal.
This summer, there was laughter around family tables.
There was dancing—of the everyday kind: in the kitchen, on the trail, through conversation.
There was joy in each small moment.
And yes—there was satisfaction in the gift of doing nothing urgent.

🧩 Life, Like a Puzzle

One of the images that has stayed with me is the puzzle I worked on.

Thousands of tiny pieces, all jumbled and confusing.
Sometimes I’d sit for an hour and not find a match.
Other times, it would come together effortlessly.

Isn’t that life?

There are days when the pieces don’t fit.
Seasons when things go missing.
But slowly, steadily, God is putting something beautiful together—even if I can’t yet see the whole picture.

🍦 Grace Tastes Like Ice Cream

And then there are moments of pure, holy joy.

A scoop of chocolate chip mint shared with someone you love.
A lake that welcomes you like a baptism.
A museum exhibit that makes you gasp with wonder.
The sound of family laughing over a silly board game.

These aren’t distractions from the spiritual life.
They are the spiritual life.

God isn’t only found in pews and prayer books.
God is also in sunshine and conversation and dessert and discovery.

✨ A Summer Blessing

So, what did I do on my summer holidays?

I lived. I laughed. I rested. I remembered who I am.
And I remembered Whose I am.

And now I’m carrying that rest into the season ahead.

Let me leave you with this blessing. Maybe it’s for you too:

May the God of rest restore your soul.
May the God of play awaken your joy.
May the God of beauty open your eyes to wonder.
And may your summer story become a chapter of gratitude.

The Hand of Grace:

June 29, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

✋ A Five-Finger Prayer for a Faithful Life

(shared during worship at Linden Park Community United Church)

Have you ever looked at your own hand and seen a prayer?

I recently started praying with my fingers. No fancy words—just five simple requests that come from the heart. Each one is anchored in scripture and rooted in my deep longing to walk closer with God. I call it the Five-Finger Prayer, and it’s become a daily rhythm, a spiritual check-in, and a beautiful reminder of how God shapes us, one step (or finger) at a time.

Let me walk you through it.

👍 Take Me

Romans 12:1 – “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

It all begins here: surrender. I offer myself to God. All of me—my plans, my fears, my gifts, and even my broken pieces. I hold nothing back. This isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about saying, “Here I am, Lord. Take me.”

☝️ Love Me

Jeremiah 31:3 – “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

After surrender comes the hard part: receiving. Sometimes it’s easier to believe that God loves others than to believe He truly loves me. But He does—with a love that never lets go. Every day, I pray, “Love me, Lord.” Not because I doubt Him—but because I need to be reminded.

🖕 Wash Me

Psalm 51:2 – “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

This is the tallest finger. For me, it represents my need for God’s grace. We all carry things we wish we didn’t. Guilt. Shame. Regret. But the good news? God doesn’t just cover over our sin—He cleanses it. “Wash me, Lord,” I pray. “Make me new again.”

💍 Fill Me

Ephesians 5:18 – “Be filled with the Spirit.”

The ring finger symbolizes union, covenant, and connection. It reminds me that I can’t do this alone. I need the Spirit to fill me—again and again. I ask for strength, wisdom, peace, and joy. “Fill me, Lord. Pour into me what I can’t find on my own.”

🤏 Use Me

Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”

This is the pinky. It is the smallest finger, but it reminds me God can use even the smallest act. Even the simplest “yes.” I don’t need to be famous, perfect, or powerful. I just need to be willing. “Use me, Lord,” I whisper. “Wherever. However. I’m yours.”

👐 A Daily Practice

Sometimes when I don’t know what to pray, I just hold out my hand and go finger by finger:

Take me
Love me
Wash me
Fill me
Use me

Simple. Honest. Transformative.

🙏 Want to try it?

Take a moment. Look at your hand. And pray this with me:

“Take me, Lord. I surrender all that I am.
Love me. Let me receive the fullness of Your grace.
Wash me clean of anything that holds me back.
Fill me with Your Spirit and Your strength.
Use me to bring hope, peace, and love to the world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Let this prayer shape your day. Let your hand remind you that you’re held, loved, and sent.

📌 If this blessed you, you are welcome to print the Five-Finger Prayer Card. You can also share it with someone who might need it.

Thank you for reading, commenting, and subscribing to receive my blog updates.

Come to Me:

June 22, 2025June 22, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

💛 Receiving Rest in Christ

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?

Sunday Message: “Come Home”

June 15, 2025June 15, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

✝️

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.

Amen.

Why Does Jesus Love Me?

June 1, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

It’s a question that lingers in many hearts—especially in quiet moments when we’re honest with ourselves:

Why would Jesus love someone like me?

It’s not always easy to accept. Life has left its marks. We’ve made mistakes. We’ve doubted, fallen short, and wondered if we’re still worthy of love.

But Scripture answers this question, not with a list of qualifications, but with the cross.

“But God proves His love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

Let’s break that open gently and see what it tells us.

1. Jesus Loves Me Because It’s Who He Is

Love isn’t something Jesus does.
Love is who He is.

“God is love.” – 1 John 4:8

Just like the sun doesn’t need a reason to shine, Jesus doesn’t need a reason to love you. He does it because it’s His very nature. It’s not about what you’ve done or failed to do. It’s about who He is—and whose you are.

2. Jesus Loves Me Because I Am Known and Created by Him

You are not an accident.
You were made by the hands of the Savior who now holds them out to you in love.

“I have called you by name. You are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1

Jesus doesn’t just love the idea of you. He loves the real you—your scars, your story, your soul.

3. Jesus Loves Me Enough to Redeem Me

The cross wasn’t a symbol. It was a sacrifice.
Not for a world in general—but for you in particular.

He didn’t wait for you to clean up your act.

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

He came into your mess, your grief, your shame—and He stayed.

So, What Can I Do Today to Draw Nearer to Christ?

Read a few verses. Let His Word speak to you.
Talk to Him honestly. Prayer doesn’t need polish—just presence.
Be still for a few minutes. Let your heart quiet down.
Love someone quietly. A kind word or gesture in His name is holy.
Thank Him. Gratitude draws your soul closer.
Whisper His name. Even a small, sincere “Jesus, help me,” is a sacred step.

Final Thought:

If you’re wondering why Jesus loves you, the answer is already written in nail-scarred hands.

You are His. That is enough.

The Call to Unity and Christlike Humility

May 25, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

🔹 Philippians 2:2–16

“Make my joy whole by being like-minded. Have the same love and be one in spirit and of one mind. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

Meaning for the Church Today:

Pursue Deep Unity
- Unity is more than agreement—it’s shared purpose rooted in Christ’s love.
- In a divided world, the church is called to model mutual care and shared mission.
Practice Humility
- We’re to “consider others better than ourselves,” which counters the culture of pride, self-promotion, and individualism.
- Church members should serve each other rather than compete for position or recognition.
Imitate Christ’s Mindset
- Jesus humbled Himself—so should we. His example is our pattern.
- The church thrives when it reflects the servant-hearted love of Jesus.

🔹 Philippians 2:12–16 – Working Out Salvation and Shining as Lights

“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. You hold firmly to the word of life.”

Meaning for the Church Today:

Live Out Salvation Daily
- Paul isn’t saying we earn salvation, but that we live it out with seriousness.
- The church must be a community that actively reflects the grace it has received.
Cultivate Obedient Hearts
- Paul reminds the Philippians to obey not just when he’s here, but always.
- Faithfulness is not dependent on leadership watching—it flows from inward transformation.
Avoid Grumbling and Division
- Churches today often fall into cycles of complaint or internal strife.
- Paul says such behavior dims our witness. Joyful, united communities shine brightest.
Shine in a Dark World
- The church is called to be a beacon of light. This is not achieved through power or control. Instead, it relies on holding fast to the Word and embodying hope.
- In an anxious, fractured world, a loving, united church offers powerful testimony.

✨ Summary Takeaway for Today’s Church:

The church is at its best when it is unified in love.

It thrives when it is humble in spirit.

The church is obedient to Christ and radiant with hope.

We are not called to blend in with the world. We are called to stand out. We do this not through judgment or noise. We do this by living as a Christ-shaped community that shines like stars in the sky.

“Gracious Lord, thank You for showing us how to love and live like Jesus. Help us to be humble, united, and full of joy as we follow You. Let our lives show Your light, and others will be drawn to You through our witness. Amen.”

Anchored in the Storm:

May 18, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Holding Fast to Hope

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.

🧶 Spin & Pray With Me: Finding Calm in the Craft

May 7, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

There’s something sacred about the rhythm of spinning.
The gentle pull of fiber through your fingers.
The quiet whir of the spindle or wheel.
The way time slows just enough for your heart to catch up with your breath.

This week, I wanted to share a simple practice that’s become part of my spiritual rhythm: spinning as prayer.

✨ Why Spin & Pray?

We often think of prayer as words. Spoken. Whispered. Written down.
But there’s another kind — the quiet prayer of presence.
The kind that happens when your hands are busy and your spirit is open.

Spinning wool offers that invitation.
It lets us settle into stillness while our bodies stay gently in motion.
It becomes a space to:

Offer our worries and hopes
Sit with grief, joy, or longing
Hold names of loved ones in our hearts
Simply rest in God’s presence

📖 A Scripture for the Spinner’s Heart

“In quietness and trust is your strength.” – Isaiah 30:15

This verse has anchored me more times than I can count.
In the stillness of crafting — especially spinning — I have found a quiet. This quiet not only calms the mind but also nourishes the soul.

🙏 How to Try It

Want to spin and pray with me? Here’s how you can try it:

Set a gentle mood
Light a candle. Play soft music. Sit somewhere peaceful.
Gather your fiber and spindle or wheel
Nothing fancy is needed — just what feels right in your hands.
Start with a deep breath
Let go of your to-do list. Let your shoulders drop. You’re here now.
Spin and listen
You don’t need words. Just the rhythm. Just the wool. Just the moment.
If a prayer rises up, say it
If not, let the spinning be the prayer.

🧘 A Space for Everyone

You don’t need to be “religious” to find meaning in this practice.
Spin & Pray is for anyone seeking a little more peace, presence, and purpose in their craft.

You can sit with me during one of these moments. I’ve shared a new video on YouTube. In it, we spin and pray together. You’re warmly invited.

👉 Watch now: Spin & Pray With Me

💜 Until next time — spin gently, pray deeply, and stay grounded in grace.
— Barbara @ Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core