She watched patiently as her daughter attempted to hold the needles in the correct manner.

“It doesn’t feel right that way Mom. How about this?”

Her youngest daughter held the needles so they were under her fingers not on top like a pencil, as most knitters do. This would mean she would need to drop the needle to knit the stitch.

She smiled. “Do it the way it feels comfortable to you Darlene.”

Doreen knew it didn’t really matter how, as long as she kept at it. Her daughter would improve with practice.

My mom taught me how to knit, cross-stitch and sew. Even if I didn’t get the hang of it at first, she kept encouraging me not to give up. She had faith in me when I didn’t. I will forever be grateful.

For as long as I can remember, Mom was always making something. Her creative hands never stopped—even up until her brain would no longer function properly. She amazed me.

Today, I carry on the legacy of my mom’s creative hands. I love to tole paint, knit, cross-stitch and sew. I cannot watch TV without doing one of these crafts (just ask Jeff – I’m sure it annoys him when we’re trying to have a romantic evening watching a movie!).

When Mom came to visit, we would often sit side-by-side working on crafts. Most of that time was spent in silence as we created with our hands, but we didn’t care. We were together, doing what we loved.

Thanks Mom for passing your creative abilities on and taking time to teach me. I miss our craft times.

If you’re thinking of giving up on something in your life that isn’t going right, keep on. Pray for guidance. Ask friends to help you. Don’t give up. God will give you the strength to succeed.

Mom watches her daughters and granddaughters as they learn how to quilt. They’re frustrated because they know their stitches are uneven and not perfect, but she doesn’t care. She knows life will be like that. There will be rough patches, but they will get through them. She picks up a needle and shows them again how it’s done. She smiles as she continues to pass on her legacy to future generations.

Joshua 1:8-9 (The Message)

Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”