How I read my Bible in a Year

Handmade Knits by Tracy

Hello there friends!

Last year I decided to read my Bible in a whole year. Yes one year. You see I had decided to do this many times in the past. I just had not gotten very far when I got behind a day or so. Then months went by and my daily reading the Bible was a thing of the past.  I would just resolve to try again next year.  I easily gave up but I realize now that I was giving up on God. I was giving up on something like spending time in the Word for the World even if I was "behind" according to these expectations I had set up for myself.

God doesn't care about a reading plan! This is a lesson I learned this year while doing this discipline which by the way is what it is. The spiritual discipline of reading our Bible daily.  We have to learn to do things in our Christian faith that doesn't come naturally like reading the Bible.  How else will we know what it says.  For some of us reading is not our favorite thing to do.  I actually enjoy reading when I actually stop doing other things and sit down and read.

So for me to dedicate time to read this year this is what it looked like :

1.  Set a time to read/spend time with God, set an alarm if you need to.  I would write this down in my planner so I would schedule the time and not forget.

2.  Gather your supplies for your reading time such as Bible, journal, planner, notebook and pens and place them where you can easily have them together.

3.  Prayer time before and after reading my Bible. This is so important and should come naturally while reading your Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the time spent in the Word because to be honest we wont understand everything or always know what is going on sometimes while reading. This is the beauty of the Bible. We can live a lifetime and never know everything in the Bible.


The last lesson is that you dont have to read the entire Bible in a year.  I do think we should at some point do it but do it at your own pace.  I also study slowly other books of the Bible if you follow along, you know that we have studied this past year 3 books of the Bible in   KNIT THE GOSPEL INTO YOUR HEART GROUP
Reading through the Bible this year has grown my intimacy with God so much this year.  The more you are with Gods Word the more of a desire He places in you to share Him with others.  I had not had that desire before and this year God has shown me He equips us for the work of ministry even when we doubt and have insecurities.

I will be doing this another year. In 2019 I will be reading through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in the THE DAILY WALK  You can find all kinds of reading plans but I like using a Bible with dates and a guide for me to read as I go.  Last year I read through the Everyday with Jesus Bible
It was a really great one to read through because it read some from the OT, NT, Psalms and Proverbs everyday.

Here is my challenge to YOU!

Just start!

Just begin with me and so many others January 1st reading your Bible. It will change your life.   I wont tell you it will be easy to start something new if you have never done it before but I will tell you that God will show up in your life if you show for Him.

Let me know if you will be joining me again this year and we can encourage each other! I really enjoyed all the encouragement I received this year and I believe you will too once you join the community.  Share pics on social with the tag #bibleinayear so we can cheer each other on in 2019!

Blessings
tracy

Encouragement from Ruth

Hello friends!

These past few weeks as I have been studying the book of Ruth with you guys, I have learned so many nuggets of truth through God's Word.  Isn't it great that as we draw near to God He draws near to us! James 4:8 tells us this.  I am humbled everyday that you can come empty to the throne of God but you wont leave that way. He refuels our life.  I know I have let my tank get low to empty for sure. God will fill us up if we get quite with Him. He gives abundantly more than we can imagine.

So I wanted to share some of these encouraging thoughts I had from studying Ruth.  Kinda what God revealed to me over these past few weeks.

1.  God is our hope in seemingly hopeless situations.  I mean Naomi and Ruth were left widows with no help. They trusted God, turned to Him. They did not turn to the world or other Gods.

2.  Find God in our situations and circumstances instead of searching for a new circumstance, or situation.  We often ask God to give us "what we think we deserve"  like change our job, move us from this situation to another. Although there are situations in life I believe God does move us from and to. I believe God wants us find contentment in Him first.  He is saying, Find ME.
I mean don't you think if you were a widow and left to find a family redeemer, food and provisions you would be praying for change of circumstances too?  I think Naomi and Ruth were content to trust God through the season they were in even though it was hard. We are not promised a easy road to walk in faith that is for sure but God did tell us He would be walking with us and we can find our refuge in Him.  I loved the references to Gods wings being our covering for refuge and hiding place in times of need.  Like Ruth asking Boaz to be her redeemer and cover her. That is what our Redeemer Jesus Christ does for us.

Here are a few scripture references to check out regarding this. See.. Psalm 36:5, Psalm 17:8, and Psalm 91:1 


3. God also tells us that He will not slumber before He takes care of your need. See Psalm 121:3
Like Boaz vowed to Ruth in Chapter 3, God vows to take care of our situations.  We must have faith and trust in the waiting. I know many of us feel as though the waiting is too long and hard to bear but I too am waiting on God to move in a life close to me and it may take a lifetime. God is the only one that bring change in hearts.  That doesn't mean we give up on the situation, others or on God. We keep believing and trusting! God Never gives up on us.

4.  "Encourage one another as long as its called Today!"  Hebrews 3:13 
That is exactly what Naomi did for Ruth when they found out they had family redeemer.  She explained to Ruth what to do before she went to Boaz. She also, helped her to go boldly to him.  God will give us confidence and in Hebrews 4:16  He says approach His throne with confidence. I like to refer to it as "Christ Confidence" because He is where any confidence I have in sharing with you the gospel comes from. It is from Jesus Christ.  Ruth had that confidence and boldness. She didn't shy away from diligently working and doing the duties set before her.


I shared more over on my Facebook Live video tonight if you are a follower there.  I hope this encourages you or maybe encourages you to search the scripture in Ruth this week along with us as we continue on to Chapter 4 for our final week of bible study in the
"Knit the Gospel into your Heart" bible study group  
This is a free online private bible study group I created for women to study the Word and find encouragement together. Feel free to join any time!  Our next study will not be until 2019.
Although if you follow me on my Facebook page, my husband, the preacher and I pop on sometimes for what we like to call  "Jesus and Coffee" chats:) See you there!


I hope have a great week and find rest in the Almighty.

blessings,
trAcy

New Bible Study Starts this Month!

Hello friends!

This year I started a Facebook Bible Study Group   It is for us to study God's Word together online.  Several of you asked to do this together and I knew God was calling me to lead it.  It definitely does not take the place of your local church but gives us virtual friends a time together to dig deeper in the Bible together. Sometimes it gives you that extra accountability if you have friends online cheering you one right?

One thing I am passionate about is sharing the gospel of Jesus. We as women need encouragement and to know God's Word for our self not reading second hand knowledge of it through other writings but read and understand the Bible for our self.  It can be intimidating if you have not done it before but God meets with us on the pages and you can do it.  There is no right or wrong way.  I promise. If you are wanting learn more about a book of the Bible then lets do it the book of Ruth.

I am inviting you today to join the group and help encourage other women in studying the Bible as we study Ruth this month!
Ruth is a beautiful story of our 'Kinsman redeemer' God and His lovingkindness to his people.

We will start October 18th in the GROUP  and all you need is your Bible.  A good Study Bible with cross references is great and then go online to  www.biblestudytools.com for more helps.  I also use a good commentary either find one in your local library or online too.

I will be posting in the GROUP  each week and we will have a Live discussion each week in the group as well.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Grace and Peace friends!
tracy

Fall Pattern Giveaway!

Hello there friends!

I am so excited that my first knitting pattern has hit the online shop.  You may have seen the chunky cowls I took pre orders for in September in my shop. Well, I was asked by several of you to write the pattern so you could knit one yourself.  It is a great beginner scarf pattern. The texture pattern makes it look modern and cozy for Fall!

I actually launched the pattern last week but today I wanted to Giveaway some patterns to you guys for signing up on my email list. * Dont worry I dont send a lot of emails:)

I will be randomly choosing 10 people from the sign up list here to win the Chunky Infinity totally FREE!      Sign Up HERE

I am also offering the PATTERN for a 20% OFF  Use Code  "FALLVIBES" until October 7th!

I would love to see everyone knit this infinity scarf pattern and tag me #handmadeknitsbytracy

Dont forget to sign up HERE to be entered into the drawing!

Thanks  everyone:)

Tracy

Is it Fall yet?

Hello there friends!

Yes it still feels like Summer here in Tennessee but man am I dreaming of the cooler temps coming.  Fall and Winter are pretty mild here in Tennessee and I kinda get jealous of the states where you can wear all the snuggly scarves and knit sweaters.  I only get a few weeks in here in the Winter that I am able to wear them because the temps are just too mild.

That doesn't usually stop me from grabbing my hand knits as soon as the temps drop. haha!

My favorite accessory for Fall is my knit cowls so I thought for a limited time I would add some pre orders to the SHOP .  Pre Orders will end after 9/31


I am also offering my first knitting pattern in the SHOP for those of you who want to make your own infinity scarf!
It is a great beginner knitting pattern.

Let me know if you knit one up. Share your pictures me on Instagram or Facebook


Here is a few pictures of the scarf colors available for pre order!

Soft Gray

Winter White 

Talk to you guys soon!
tracy

How do I understand the Bible?

 

Relentless Pursuit Hand Stamped & Hand Knit Bracelet

I don't understand the Bible.

Is that a statement you have said or thought?

 Have you felt like reading the Bible was just frustrating because it was a lot of historical words and what could this possibly mean for me?

Well, reading the Bible is more about finding out who God is rather than about me or you.  I use to feel this same way. Its hard and really not that interesting of a book until God changed that perspective with a challenge to just read the Bible everyday. That's it! Everyday little by little using a reading plan in the EVERY DAY WITH JESUS BIBLE   I was hooked everyday I prayed the Holy Spirit will reveal His Word and bless my time in it.  Since then it has given me a hunger and thirst for more.  There is so much to learn about God which then teaches me how I am to be like.

Here are my tips to Understanding the Bible...

1. Make reading the Bible a habit. Ask the Holy Spirit will give you wisdom to understand as you read more and more. If there is specific scripture you want to dig deeper into then write it down and even meditate on it throughout the day and week.

2. Intentionally plan to read everyday. It doesn't matter to God when you do it as long as you do it. This is harder in  different seasons but still doable. Begin with a plan.

3. Write out your thoughts and prayers during your time. God is a teacher and His character is all through the Bible and soon you will find out that Jesus Christ is the connecting thread throughout the entire Bible. So jot down those characters of God you see and how we should be more like Him.

I am rooting for you friend as we read the Holy Bible!

Sisters in Christ!
tracy

Back to School Season

Happy August friends!

School has already begun here at my house. My son is a freshman in high school this year and my momma heart aches for the days when he was younger and kinda "needed" me more.  I have had two other children grow up and graduate. I felt this way with before when my older children went to high school.  I guess its kinda like childbirth, you forget over time.  Mothering our children never stops I don't think. It looks different every year and in some respects gets easier but in others it is harder emotionally.  You cared for child since birth and we lose part of ourselves in parenting because life kinda revolves around the kids right?  And now I see that I have more "free" time for doing things I once did'nt think I did, like blogging.  I am able to spend time on my business hAndmAde kNits by trAcy which years ago was only a dream.  Now God has given me more than  I ever dreamed. I am able to be at home more with my son and work at home. 

What is it that you are dreaming of doing but right now?  

God brings us into different seasons of life like the seasons of the year. Every season brings new opportunities for action and growing.  I challenged myself this year to read the entire Bible in a year.  It has been  the best challenge I have ever done and I love to check things off my list. LOL!  Besides that, the daily habit of reading my Bible has given me a thirst and hunger for more of His Word.  I am reading and the Holy Spirit is giving me wisdom as I go along. I don't understand everything but I didn't expect to. It is a daily process that takes time to learn and understand. We will understand it all one day when we meet Jesus face to face but until then I will continue to study and grow more and more in love with the Word of God. 

Did you challenge yourself to something this year? I would love to hear about it and encourage you to keep going! 

Bless you guys as we get into a new season and rhythm of school! 

Grace to you mommas!

tracy

What does a follower of Christ look like ?

Hello friends! 

This life as a Christ Follower is more than just speaking words out loud to Him or asking things of Him. It is a constant seeking of Jesus Christ to learn more about Him so I can fear, honor and praise Him more than man. (See Psalm 86:11-12) 

Proverbs 18:15 says “the mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.” I want to know God more everyday. So that my sin never looks desirable again. In Hosea, as I have studied so far, Israel had no knowledge of God so their sin was still okay to them. It’s sad that I have been in a cycle of sin in my past too. You know, I made excuses about how busy mom life was with work, kids, and sports but the truth is I hurt myself and my family because I wasn’t as close to the Lord. I fell right into a pit! That even as a believer our eyes can be blinded by sin if we aren’t armoring ourselves with God’s Word everyday. Thankfully God never stopped pursuing me and He wrangled this messy momma back into His arms 🙌🏻 and He will do the same for you! 😘

 So bless you guys this week and I am praying that if you read this far you #knitthegospelintoyourheart everyday💗 

Your Sister in Christ, 

tracy

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Book of Hosea Summer Bible Study

Hello friends!

I hope your Summer is going well.  Ours here in Tennessee has been very hot and then there are days that we get a break from the heat with Summer rain showers.  But the exciting thing around here is the Summer Bible Study I am hosting in the
                                                                  FB GROUP HERE

We are starting week 3 which is Chapters 7-11 of the Book of Hosea.   We have already discussed Chapters 1-6 so if you would like to join us you can always watch the replays in the group. It is called "Knit the Gospel into your heart" Facebook community.  I would love for you to join and receive encouragement through Bible Study. 

Sometimes reading the Bible can be hard and especially the Old Testament, right?  I chose the book of Hosea because it was in the Old Testament. So we could dig in and learn together.  I have studied more books in the New Testament naturally because they are easier to read through and understand. Although the OT has history, poetry and all of it points to Jesus. The coming Savior we see and read about in the NT.  It is fun to recognize this as your read through the Bible.  This year I am reading through the entire Bible. It has been rewarding and some days I am confused and others I get it all.  God is faithful to give wisdom when we ask and using tools along with your daily reading helps. Here is a very short commentary   I use when I need to figure out more context while reading.

I will end with some encouragement friends. Start the habit of Bible reading! It will change your day and everyday your are in it.

Have a great weekend!

Tracy

Inductive Bible Study Resources and Encouragment

Hello friends!

There are times I have come to God’s Word and read and didn’t think there was anything for me at the time.  I didn’t “feel” changed or I didn’t understand anything I read. It wasn’t until I kept reading everyday then God began revealing to me that His Word does change me, little by little.  I have observed and recognized that to read God’s Word is to be set apart and and to truly get to know Him. That’s it! Not for my selfish desires but to learn God’s desires for me. So not every word spoken in the Bible will be a profound revelation for us every time we read but every word spoken in the Bible will change us everyday we are in it!   Psalm 119:18 says “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”  Isn’t that a great perspective?


So here is a short video with some resources that helped me to get started studying the Bible for myself.  I use to be intimidated to start studying a book of the Bible without some study written by someone else. You know the ones you can find all the Christian book stores.

Well, just take the Bible one bite at a time and slowly learn by using these tools without some one else telling you.

I will share with you in the video.  Little by little God will reveal to you His Word is intended for you to read and know Him better everyday. So don't be scared just do it!

Back to Work!

Hello friends!

It was a fast 3 weeks off from the shop. If you haven't heard or gotten the email. My shop has reopened. I was itching to reopen even though I needed to take a break. Isn't  that how we feel when we love what we do?  I am a creative person and I dreamed of all the things I could do while on this short vacay but reality set in and really there are way too many great things to do but only a few that are what I could actually fit into my schedule. So as with life we prioritize our schedules with what we need to get done and let the rest go.

I hope you are having a wonderful Summer as well. It is the first day of Summer today and it is raining in Tennessee. It was beautiful sitting on my front porch while watching it fall. I feel like God is showering me with His manna from heaven and I should breathing in His promises and exhaling the junk in my life. It can be tiring if we try doing everything in our own strength so I am praying for His strength to move me today.

Another bit of news for you too, if you follow along in my Facbook group or my Facebook page you may have heard about the new bible study starting in July. Yes, it is an inductive bible study through the book of Hosea. We will discuss each week through the book and there will be live videos for you to join in! I am praying for God to give wisdom and guidance through this time together. I hope you can join. Drop me a comment below and let me know if you will be joining me!



Talk to you soon friends!

tracy

Vacation TIme!

Hello freinds!

School is out and this year my word is focus. In that word, I want to focus on more Jesus time and hearing from Him for my business and family.  These next few weeks while my son is out for Summer break I want to not take any time for granted. This will really be the first time I have had this kinda time with any of my kids. So believe me, I am very grateful to God to have this time.  I will be praying for this community and what the rest of the year is going to look like!

So with me using this time wisely I am closing the SHOP for a short vacation. I don't have a date to reopen. Thanks for being here and supporting this business and I am grateful for everyone of you in this community.

Again, I hope you follow along to see what the next few weeks hold for me and you enjoy every moment with family as well.


Blessings,

tracy

Encouraging Tools for Brave Moms

Loved Skinny Copper Cuff

Hello friends!

This Sunday we will celebrate Mother's Day and I am not sure how many of you are mothers but you probably have a Mom who raised you right? Moms are brave because they are fighting the battle for our children.
Motherhood for me was something far off and never did I desire to be the mom. It wasnt until I married that I had the desire and maybe it was a combination of emotions at the time but my husband and I began our family very soon after our marriage. It is now that I can say that motherhood was a blessing. For years in the trenches of youngsters I couldnt have given you one bit of encouragement or advice I dont think. It was hard. It is with age comes wisdom in parenting.  Anyway motherhood was a gift from God. I realize not all women will be a mom like they hoped or maybe they have lost the baby they prayed for. We can still mother in so many ways.  If I know anything it is that God provides.
 It is with the strength of my Lord that I have raised my children, two adults and one teenager. I can not say a word with out praising God my Father for providing for us and loving us.  Prayer is the one tool not only moms use but we as believers must use it daily as well.
Our families are battle grounds for satans attacks so be on guard.  I thought I would share some of my favorite tools that maybe you can use to declare truth over your family as a mom.  And maybe you get an idea or two for gifting them :)



-Well Waterd Women 
 This is a company that believes as I do putting the Word before the world can change your day and life. It will be a practice that changes you for your family.  They have great free study resources as well as beautifull tools like my favorite prayer journal

-Find Wonderous Things
This company has my favorite bible tabs I use in my bible as well as beautiful journals and tools.  There are some free resources as well to encourage your heart. I love the declaring truth printable. 

-Risen Motherhood
This company of women is also an excellent resource for encouragemnt in the study of God's Word not only for you but teaching it to your children. If you have small children you will want to check them out! I love that they have free bible study guides HERE  You can use these to learn if your new to studying the bible. They have a podcast as well so you can get in some parenting encouragment during the day.

-Tokyo Blossom Boutique
This company is a fun boutique that creates cute and practical gifts for mom. Julie is the owner and she creates the cutest coffee cozies HERE and tote bags HERE  As a mom I use totes all the time and carrying all the coloring books and essentials to church. Moms need a tote.

Well I hope you found something helpful in some of these places I mentioned.  I would love to hear any resources you would like to share with me in the comments. 
I pray each of you have a blessed week celebrating you mom and family as a Brave Mom!

your sister in Christ,
trACy

Does my life show my faith?

Hello friends!


April was a blast with you guys. We started the study of the letter of James together in our online bible study group.  We are still going through it and we are currently on chapter 4.  When I first began this study with you I told everyone God knows why we are are studying together and has plans for each of us and I am seeing everyday the work He is doing in my life daily. I think some of you can too, right?
I mean "walking by faith" has a whole new meaning for me today than it did yesterday.  As I am growing in maturity with God, I can see the changes God is making in me with my mouth and actions. Am I hiding Christ in my life anymore?  Am I 'snapping" when the kids are not acting the way I think they should? or spill the dressing all over the floor I just mopped?  You see these are just a few of the things I use to do in my life.  I am not saying I am perfect at it but the difference is that as a believer we keep trying to do better the next time.  Even with my husband I am more conscious of the way I speak to him.  Sometimes the ones we love are the very ones we hurt the most. I know God loves me in my worst self so I must love them at their worst and show forgiveness.

The wisdom and teachings in the letter of James has opened my eyes to how much I use to seek outside wisdom before ever seeking God first. I am sad that this was true of me and it took several devastating life trials for me to turn back to Him.  I would just pull God out of a box whenever its was my last resort for help.  Prayer is the key that unlocks the power of the Spirit to help us and if we ask with a right heart God answers and gives generously wisdom and help to those that ask.  (James 1:5, James 4:7-8)
What is spurring you on this month? Are you studying with me too?



On to SHOP NEWS:

I have a few new bracelets and several colors in the shop that I want to share. The last few weeks I have been busy knitting up new colors and stamping. I love these Spring colors that hit the shop recently.
Who needs Mother's Day gift ideas?  These are beautiful reminders for Christian Women.

Pray Bracelet

Word Before World Bracelet

Grace Wins Bracelet

These are a few of the newest in the SHOP so check out them before they are gone! The cuffs are all knit with hand dyed yarns so when they are gone they are gone forever. That is just another special quality about these cuffs I love.  

FYI if you have one of my bracelets and want to share your pictures with me please email them and I will share your testimony wearing your bracelet. I believe we can share seeds of faith wearing these cuffs when someone asks you about your words on them. Go ahead share what they mean to you! 

You guys rock supporting what I am doing here at hAndmade knits by trAcy and from the bottom of my heart thank you! 

your sister in Christ,

tracy

  

Am I Trusting God?

Hello friends!

Today was to start of the study of book James for me. I began the study in  Knit the Gospel into Your Heart Group this morning. This is a group just for those who want to grow in God's Word and study together. I would love for you to join too!
Take a look at the video if interested in the group this month? Of course there is incentives because I am a knitter who creates Custom Bracelets





I am amazed at the work God is doing. He has "knit" almost 50 women together from all over the United States and Jamaica to study the Word of God together.  It is certainly not me it is All God's work.  I am just excited that I am walking beside Him and following His lead in this study of James this month.


As I have been studying James the word of God has stirred up in me a desire to better understand this question, "Do I trust God?" I have been tested and recently we as a family have been hit with some sad news about a family members diagnosis of cancer. It was unexpected but really when are you expecting a test from God?

The verse that I have been praying this week is and drawing comfort from is ...

"Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God." Philippians 4:6-7

I hope that through the testing and trials you may face right now or in the next few weeks you claim the promise of God's grace and love during the time.  He is always asking us "Do you trust me?" Will we lean into Him or run away from God.  (HERE is a post about running if interested)

I will leave you with this my friends!

"Man doesn't not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God"
  Matthew 4:4


In Christ,
trAcy

How and Why we Study the Bible?

Everyday with Jesus Bible 

Hello friends!

I did a VIDEO HERE talking about this topic but I want to share here on the blog too.
Have you ever asked yourself these questions, as a new believer or maybe you aren't a new believer just someone who hasn't ever read consistently read the bible to dig deeper in your relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ. 
How do I read the bible? Where do I start? What am I doing?

Well, these are questions I had too. When I began trusting God, I wanted to know Him more and the Bible is where we can do that.  My best advise is to just start kinda like just do it!  The bible has alot in there so starting one bite at a time is how I like to do it. You learn while you go and it will bless your life in the doing.

So here are a few truths to start with-

1.  The first truth is that the Holy Bible is God breathed and spoken through the writers who penned it so it is true and without error.  It is God breathed.

 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

We should read it as a lens of who God is. Gospel glasses is fun way to remember how we should read the bible.  We want to know God more and it will teach us how we should be in life.  Christ changes everything!

2. "Eat the Word of God until you are full" or read until you are finished. Meditate on the scriptures you read or journal things that stick out such as promises of God, teaching moments, or words that spoke to you. God's Word should never be a chore but a time of refreshment for our soul.

3.  Learn the context of what your reading. As you start reading and taking notes. Ask questions. Who wrote this book of the bible? Why? all these questions will start to reveal layers of God's Word you might not have known and tell you more about it.  Just start little by little it will amaze you.

4.  Interpretation is finding out what scripture is saying when you might not get it at first. We never want to make scripture mean something it never meant. Scripture is the best interpreter of scripture. We can use cross references in a good study bible (HERE) to help us.

These tips are all to get you started and I hope you find them helpful.  Remember God blesses the time spent with him. We will start to see the Big picture of the Bible and who God is for us. Our time should never be about us but about Jesus and how he changes us.

Storing up God's Word in our hearts will be something we can bank on because there will be times when we will need to draw from His truths to get through life's ups and downs my friend.

Let me know if this helps you and I pray it encourages you to get started studying God's Word.

Bless you friend

tracy

New Bible Study in April

Custom Design Bracelet in the Shop!

Hello friends!

I am excited that so many have wanted to join me in doing a bible study together. I created private FB group  called, "knit the gospel into our hearts" group just so we can talk in a private group and get to know one another better and have prayer requests in one place. 
This month we will study book of James starting April 9th. I posted the picture of Grace Upon Grace Study of James by The Daily Grace Co.
You do not need to buy this study but this company has some really cute devo's.
If you would like to join the group go ahead and request. You only Need a bible, journal, and access to online commentaries and dictionaries. You are set!

Inductive bible study is reading and rereading the scriptures over and over and then reading each verse asking the questions who, what, when, and how?
This is something we will be able to journal and talk about as we go along this month. If you have questions about joining the group, please ask.  I am keeping it simple and the group is for fans and followers of handmade knits by tracy 
So come on over and join!

Blessings-
trAcy

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Hello friends!

I have something fun to share with you guys. Recently I gave away over on my Facebook page  the James Grace Upon Grace bible study from The Daily Grace Co.  I have several of their studies and I really like them.  They give you a short commentary of the section of reading and let you study for yourself. We must be observing the text ourselves to learn what God is saying for ourselves. We dont want to just consume someone else's thoughts.
Now, you know I am still reading through the entire bible this year but I still want to study a little more in a few shorter books of the bible.  Some of you have told me you would be interested in doing a study of James with me if we had a group page to share on. So I have been brainstorming and think this might be a great idea for us!
I have wanted to do a study together for awhile and this would be a private group where we can also share in prayer together each week as well as study the Word. I can do a weekly video there and discuss our reading together. This will be fun!

I also have a few more ideas for the group participation which might include coupon codes for members and I have wanted to host a Brand Rep Search for awhile and what better place to find people who like wearing my faith based bracelets at?   I love sharing you photos so this would be great way for you to share your stories with the group.  You can let me know if this something you would be interested in because with out your feedback I am just guessing. LOL

April is already starting to sound fun. I will be creating the group and posting all details of the study there. So dont delay and go follow  Handmade knits by tracy and you will know when you can join the group!
NO worries if you arent interested in the group or the study. I would still love for you to join me!

Talk soon guys!
trAcy

Knitting the Gospel into Our Hearts

Encouraging Knit Cuff Bracelets

Hello friends!

This is has been crazy for me to imagine that I would still be writing on this blog consistently these past few weeks. I never dreamed it or thought I could do it. Now mind you I started this blog "handmade knits by tracy" out of just wanting to keep you up to date on what I was knitting and shop news but now I feel God telling me its more than that. Knitting has so much more meaning to me now. God has shown me that with each stitch I knit, He is showing me how to "knit the gospel into your hearts and mine". Its what He is called me to do.

I can see through my life that Jesus has a plan and order for my life even when I didn't see it or couldn't see it then.  Even through all the terrible choices I have made I didn't mess up God's plan.  I see that now.  My story of redemption and the strongholds He has broken in my life, all of that wasn't just because He wanted me to be ashamed or live in fear. God was preparing me and making me stronger to tell you His story through me.

He has released me of the performance to others and approval of others. I never use to understand the freedom we have in Christ until I let go of the striving, the shame and accepted His grace and the promises He has for me.  It is then we can truly know that this life is about making Jesus famous!


Another lesson learned is that when we will be attacked we must be strong enough to hold onto the promises what God has given us. Every promise and truth He gives and we receive can be destroyed by the enemy if we aren't meditating on God's Word. The spoken word out loud kills the enemy. He doesn't want us telling him Truth. These are tactics I try to use any time I feel attacked. That is why God tells a mighty soldier Joshua in the Old Testament that even had fears to be strong and courageous, God would be with Him and in Ephesians we are like soldiers. We are to equip ourselves with the armor of God to fight the battles everyday.
So I don't know what your struggle is or circumstances are right now. God's Word says Ephesians 6:10 "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." It is not of ourselves we can withstand anything my friend. It is through the power of Jesus Christ in us!

Today I was reading in Colossians 2 and here is a great reminder in verse 6-7 to walk in Christ, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith... How do we do this? We keep feeding our minds and heart with what we know is true. God's Word.

Love you guys and thanks for taking time to read my ramblings on the blog! I always pray it encourages you and points you to Jesus for answers.

Have a great week!

trAcy






Join me in the conversation here and Find out about a fun giveaway too!

My Journey with Anxiety

Encourage yourself in the Lord!
Custom Scripture Bracelets 

Hello friends!

Do you have anxiety?  Have you ever suffered from a fast heart beat, the pain in your chest that seems to not stop or the shortness of breath?  What about the unbearable fear rolling around in your head that comes with it?
I have suffered from these symptoms of anxiety.  I thought I would share my heart and my experience with you. By no means is anxiety exactly how I experience it. I am a mother of 3, wife and friend so this is my story but please feel free to share your story with me in the comments! By sharing I hope to encourage someone else who may feel alone.
My anxiety came upon me as Mom.  I had never had this happen to me before until the pressures of parenting, work and marriage became an overwhelming weight on me. I didn't know how to cope or handle the stress sometimes. I would crumble to the the stress or feelings because I didn't know what it was.  I had heard women talk about anxiety and panic attacks but never thought it would happen to me. Well, we aren't immune to anything right?   Of course we all look to "google" for our first medical inquiries. LOL  It was exactly what I suffered from.  The anxiety we have has triggers and I don't know what yours is but mine was and still is fear. Fear of  probably everything. I would say I dont know why but I think I do know part of the why.  It could be an inherited trait from my mom, she is a worrier and can have a negative view.  I love my mother dearly and I dont blame her for anything. At the same time, I believe we can pass our points of view whether negative or postive to our children.  Of course, I never realized it until I had children and now going through these things I can say that. The wisdom of aging huh?

The anxiety attacks didn't happen all the time but if stress hit me hard or if people and things were all coming at me at once it would overwhelm me and cause symptoms of anxiety.  I would get overcome easily and that feeling of out of control would happen. You see the people pleaser in me makes it easy for the enemy to throw things my way to make me "feel" like I have dissapointed people and or hurt them if I didn't say yes. Or the unexpected not planned for happened. The voices I would hear would be, "you cant", "there is no way this will work", always negative. Sometimes it just made it hard to be around people.
You see the thing is I realized it was my mind that controlled these "feelings" or "voices" I would get before anxiety would take over.  Then it was too late.
 I was given a xanx once by a friend to help but it totally knocked me out. So yes, it made me forget in that moment until the next time. I couldn't function at work or do anything taking that stuff. Of course, I only tried it once but knew I didn't like the way I felt with that medicine.  Honestly I felt like with rest and removing myself from situations and people I could handle it.
I suffered for years before I finally gave this to God. I had previously never asked the Lord to take it away or sought His guidance for help.  I mean I thought it was something I could control.  My anxiety wasnt keeping me from my daily living so I ignored it.  It wasnt until last year I had picked a word of the year for myself and it was fearless. Yep, I knew I had a problem with it and I realized God could help me with it.  It was time to be released from this stronghold.
The bible actually has a lot to say about fear. It is mentioned 365 times! No coincidence there because God never intended for us to live in fear or be preoccupied with fear. As a Christ follower do we believe this? Was I believing this? I certainly wasnt living like it until I started reading and reading more of scripture and learning who God says I am in Him.

So began my journey to overcome what I was letting be a stronghold in my life.  I learned to start my days with scripture filling my mind before the enemy can fill it with anything else. God tells us His Truth sanctifies us.

Romans 12:1-2
" I appeal to you therefore, brothers by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.


You see the mind is where it starts.  Our minds must be renewed daily. This is something that has helped me, I write His truths on papers that I stick anywhere I can see them. I have carried them with me and taken them to work.  The best way and only way I have experienced getting rid of any fear was to let God take control, not me. Letting go of control and surrendering it are steps I have taken to let the stronghold go. The battle is real and daily. I am not saying I never have had anxiety come back but giving it to God means I don't have to do the worrying. He has me and me just writing this is proof.  I never dreamed of writing or sharing this but here we are.

Alternative medicines such as essential oils or music lifts the soul from worries for me.  I like to listen to upbeat music loud if I need a crazy mood boost! Sometimes if I am in my car it might be very loud! (or so my kids say ha!)   Essential oils are very popular right now. I started using them because of the nice smells but quickly learned that they have healing and cleansing properties.  I love wild orange and lavender and if you come visit I might have them diffusing for you. And of course exercise can be a outlet for us to shake off any doubts that we can overcome! Long walks are my favorite. Nature can remind you of God's goodness and that He holds each of us in His hands.

Find me on Pinterest!

My friend I hope this has encouraged you and shed light on my journey with anxiety and what has helped me to get through it.  Again, if you need to seek a professional counselor please do so.

My prayer is that we encourage one another and place no condemnation on those that go through different struggles. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ then God created us in His image. We were given a spirit of power, love and good judgment NOT fear. (1 Tim 1:7)



Grace to you,
trAcy

To be Strong and Courageous

Strong and Courageous Bracelet

Hello Friends!

These words, Strong & Courageous, remind me today that to be truly strong is to fully rely on Jesus Christ.  To stand up physically and spiritually with a supernatural strength when you get the worst news possible. Courageous only with Jesus standing with you leading you because the road ahead looks pretty scary alone.  It is something we don't like to think about, the bad news. You see we could stand all day when things in life are going great. I wish I could say that it will be that way forever but we all know that life doesn't work that way.  Personally I haven't been through some of the devastating losses that a few of my friends have went through such as losing a baby or a child. I haven't been through cancer personally.  I can tell you what I have seen though, I have seen death happen and been the family or friend to support to support them and been there to help loved ones when they fall to their knees in despair when it does and ask the question, Why God? 

Whether it is something tragic, cancer or if we are blessed to live to ripe old age and our bodies wear out, we will come to that day to say goodbye.  Our hearts will ache for them but standing up wont be easy. God gives us friends and support but the only true comfort you can possibly find is resting in Jesus Christ for a peace that surpasses all understanding.  Because understanding is not easy.  It is something we may never find here on earth. Why did God take our child or husband so soon and suddenly.  But trusting a Savior in all things is how we can be strong and courageous because He is strong and courageous.  God knows and sees you.   
Look to the creator for all things and according to God's Word  all things will be made new and we will dwell in heaven with God one day.  So my comfort as a child of God is that one day we will be with Jesus in heaven.  This life is not the end for us.  Many times in the bible Jesus tells us "don't be afraid" He is with us. Take courageous my friends and draw on the power of Jesus Christ for everything until that day comes.  We will fly on eagles wings to our new home.  

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

Bless you
trAcy

Every Day with Jesus this Year

Encouraging Custom Bracelets

Hello friends!

This year I am reading through my entire Bible in this year.  I purchased the Everyday With Jesus Bible last year and I am trying to use some hashtags like #wordbeforeworld started by one of my fav companies, Well Watered Women as an encouragement and resolve read it everyday.
This will be the first time for me and I am excited for this year and what God will do through this.

Its already three months into 2018 and I can say that God's Word has been what I crave now. I am in a season of less right now.  Two of my children are grown and I have one teenager son at home but the demand for me is way less than before. As a Mom there is less dishes and clothes to wash, less kids demanding my time and overall less going on in my house. I have more time for reading, writing and creating which I do everyday.  I suppose the season of less is really even more of Jesus.
I crave the knowledge and more understanding of His Word. I want to keep learning what it means to "delight in Him" and being "rooted in Christ".  The very presence of God is with us as believers but I can tell you I have never acknowledged Him in gratitude like this year. These past few months have already taught me to slow down with each word I read and to take it in slowly.  I am grateful for time to do this like never before.  Take courageous if your season is different, because He teaches each of us different things in each season of life. I use to long for days to do this but it wasn't my season yet. God teaches us patience and following Him requires us to wait sometimes. His timing is always better. 

I have had some of you guys ask for help finding a daily bible reading plan. I will highlight a few here so if you are curious or want to join me please do!
I would love for you to join  along and use some hashtags too!

Here are some of the ones I use  #wordbeforeworld or #bibleinayear  and of course I have one for my shop I use #handmadeknitsbytracy (you can tag your bible time and bracelets! I love to repost your pics!)

*These are free resources below.  My suggestions only, feel free to use your own.

Bible Reading Plans for 2018 

1. She Reads Truth

2. She Works His Way

3. Bible Gateway Reading Plan


Go ahead and comment if you have joined in reading through the bible in a year too! Or if you want to because we All need encouragement to keep going when life gets busy and if you have gotten behind no worries! Pick it back up and keep going!

Bless you guys!
trAcy

Eat God's Word Everyday

Are you eating with Lord?

Hello Friends!


Are you hungry?   I mean hungry for something that lasts forever and can never be taken away. The love, joy, peace  and forgiveness that can only found in Jesus Christ. We all have sinful desires and each of us can easily seek the things of this world to fill us up, to give us temporary satisfaction but it will disappoint or even send us down a path of destruction.  This hunger can only be filled with Jesus.  We were created to want something more.  We were meant to be His image bearers. This is why we as Christ followers need the Word of God to drink and eat of His Word.  How can we reflect Him if we aren't looking in the mirror of the Bible. 

So our provider of everything is waiting to feed His children not only physically but spiritually.   
God has equipped us with His Word so that our "eyes would be opened to recognize Him" daily.  I am praying that we would not be "slow of heart to believe" but keep His Word close so our "eyes will be opened". 

I am reading through the bible in a year. I don't know if you are taking this challenge this year or not but just this one act of obedience has changed my life. You see I use to never be confident about what God's Word said because I didn't know what it said. I was not reading it to really dig in and learn. Sometimes I read the Bible out of obligation or because I needed something and on Sundays it would be like a crash course from sermon notes.  Then I realized if I wanted more confidence in Christ and have true growth in my walk with Christ I needed to learn what God's Word said for my self. So I started reading and writing scripture daily. The writing really helped my mind see the words and then reading them helped me memorize them. I have even written scripture on my hands to give myself truth to focus on during my day.  Try it for yourself and see God change your day and open the eyes of  your heart throughout your day to see His abundance and recognize His work all around us. 

I want to challenge you to read scripture everyday too.  I think we can all relate to being lead by emotions and our own strength. It is through God's Word that we can distinguish  between lies of this world and truth. This is were we will grow roots so we can stand firm in our walk with the Lord and truly be Spirit lead through our days. 

I am rooting for you this year to get started reading through God's Word for the first time or continue on in the faith my friend. 
I shared more here on this  Facebook Live Video  about being lead by the Spirit if your interested.  I hope to keep encouraging  you guys so go ahead and leave me a comment whether you are joining me or if there is something you would like to hear more discussion on.  Walking this Christian life isnt easy and we must rely on Christ to do it. 


"But you beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit." Jude 20



Grace to you! 

trAcy