Hello ,

I absolutely LOVE receiving handmade gifts from people who care about me. During the holidays, my eldest daughter handed me a package and said, "Open it daddy." Inside, were the handmade knitted socks that I've attached a picture of in this email. 

They're perfect!  They fit me well, they're warm and toasty, and nothing says "I love you," like a handmade item that took someone weeks to create. 

The "back-story" of the creation of these socks made them even more.  My daughter is a bit of a perfectionist, and one of these socks didn't look quite right.  She proceeded to unravel all of her hard work, and re-create another sock that looked more suitable to give to her father. 

To say that my heart was touched would be an understatement! I got a bit choked up to think that someone would go through all this trouble to create something especially for me. 

I cherish these! 

For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.  Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)

These handmade socks remind me of a passage in the scriptures about another pair of loving hands that (not only) created me, but continues to RE - create me each and every day. 

I'm still an unfinished work, but God (who is the ultimate artisan), patiently strives to make me into something beautiful and useful. 

How about you?  Do you have something that was handmade, that has been very special to you?  

Drop me a line and tell me about it; and, if you have any prayer requests please send those to me as well.  I'll be happy to pause what I'm doing and lift those requests up to our Heavenly Father. 

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word