Wednesday 16 January 2013

Yarn Along :: Simplicity :: The Kindness of Strangers

I've made good progress with the Sunday Sweater, the body part is finished and I'm now working on the sleeves:


 
This pattern is a dream to knit with and I'll definitely be knitting one or two of these for our soon to be grand-daughter.
 
 
 
My reading material is uplifting, thought provoking and challenging.  The book itself was kindly given to me by the author herself.  I follow her blog over here and as the title suggests it truly is a quiet place of pondering.  Pen writes with authenticity and humour and her musings always give me much food for thought. 
 
 
 
 This book has been on my wish list for sometime but in an effort to reduce monetary expenditure I felt awkward about another non budgeted spend, so I left a comment on Pen's blog asking if I could borrow a copy.  Not only was a copy mailed to me but this lovely card contained the following words:
 
 
 
  " No need to return this - keep it or pass it on whichever."
 
 
 
I'm already half way through the book, not bad considering it arrived only yesterday afternoon!  As Pen states this is not a "how - to" book, it is written in a spirit of companionship and encouragement, for dancing to a different drum beat can at times be a lonely walk.  The suggestions on these pages goes beyond the usual clear out your clutter, shop within a budget and buy only what you need.  It challenges the reader to truly embrace and follow Jesus' teachings in particular:
 
 
"To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
 
Micah 6 v 8
 
 
So we think about the purchases we make, are they necessary and ethical?  Are we being a worthy steward of not only Mother Earth but also our finances?  For in each and every purchase we make " is a political choice, an environmental choice and a spiritual choice."  
 
"Christian simplicity affects our management of time, money, possessions, speech, what we do, eat and hear, our relationships, our resources, homes, transport, the way we dress.  It requires discipline especially at the outset.  But as we journey, a wonderful sense of freedom permeates our lives; the light heart that is necessary to walk gracefully in Christ's way."
                                                                                    Penelope Wilcock. 
 
 
Thank you Pen for your words of wisdom, I'll let you know how I get on!
 
 
San x  


5 comments:

devonmama said...

Oh this sounds wonderful San! What a lovely lady Penelope sounds. I've not come across her book yet, but will make an effort to find a copy now, as it sounds wonderful. Love the sweater too, such a beautiful pattern xx

Alisa said...

oh that book sounds great....I'm going to need to check it out, thanks for sharing!! Love the color of your Sunday Sweater....so sweet!!

Hannah said...

I love acts of kindness like that - how lovely! As is your knitting :o)

sustainablemum said...

What a lovely lady, and the book sounds good too. That sweater is looking great.

Bernardeena said...

What a lovely thing for her to do! That book sounds really interesting, and the sweater is looking great.