What do these
crocheted slippers have to do with the Olympics, other than I crocheted them
while watching the games? I’ll tell you at the end of this post. Don’t peek.
I used to meet with a group of
fellow craft ladies, and we made simple gifts for shut-ins and nursing home
residents. Every Christian has a deep need to help others, and if you can have
a gab-fest and do something you enjoy—well, it doesn’t get much better than
that.
As much fun as these gifts were
to make, they were just an instrument to bring those of us who felt a need to
help together with the lonely and sick. The real gift was the time we spent
with those people who graciously received us. Knowing someone cared made them
feel better, but I believe we who visited gained even more.
This rush-rush world we live in
has eaten away at that precious time to visit the sick and to give of ourselves
to the least of these. But the need still exists, as does the desire to give of
ourselves and share something we really enjoy.
Since I’m becoming a serious
writer, I’m constantly looking for an opportunity to encourage reading and
promote books. One way may be to give away used books to retirement and nursing
homes, including audio books for those who can’t read. Most churches have
outreach programs. Why not take a book to sick church members?
That’s what I was thinking about
as I crocheted these slippers and watched figure skating. The pattern is
easy-peasy and the slippers surprisingly warm. If you’d like the pattern, you
can contact me at elainehmanders at gmail dot com.
The slippers not only keep feet
warm, they glide as easily over hardwood floors as skates do on the ice. Yes, I
admit I tried it. If I had the skill, I could do those twirls, loops, triples
and quads. For that reason, I recommend you tack a non-skid strip on the soles
if you give them to the elderly and infirm. But for a child or an adult as
foolish as me, they’re a lot of fun.
How does your organization or
church minister to the sick? Leave a comment with your email address and be entered for a chance to win the prize for this week, Guardian's Promise by Christina Rich.
Your house shoes are lovely. I am in awe of people that can turn yarn or material into something beautiful and useful. The ladies where I attend church meet once a month to make turbans for ladies going through treatment for cancer. The turbans not only help in keeping a head warm, they help make a beautiful lady feel better.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
That's a great way to help those with a devastating disease. Our church has a group who makes cancer pads. I'm going to pass along the turban idea. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteI love your crocheted slippers, Elaine! What a wonderful gift! I have a great-aunt that used to make house shoes for everyone each Christmas. As you said, they do make great skates. :) Our church ladies make turbans for cancer patients and also prepare meals for those who are sick, recovering from surgery, or have just had a baby.
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Bringing in food to people in need is an old tradition, one I hope continues. I can't think of anything that would be more welcome if I was down.
ReplyDeleteWe have a group in my church called Stitches of Love. We knit and crochet booties for the resource center,chemo hats for cancer patients, prayer shawls for anyone and houseshoes like yours. We also sew little girl's dresses to be taken to Haiti on a mission trip and stuff little bears. But it's also a great place to meet and fellowship. Right now, because I'm on deadline, I'm having to forego this months meetings but I'll be back!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your ideas, Patricia. Mention of the bears reminded me of a project my office used to do. Dress and decorate teddy bears to give away at Christmas. We even had prizes for the best dressed. Stitches of Love sounds like a wonderful group.
DeleteThis is a great idea. Makes me want to pick up the knitting needles again. What a blessing, cp.
ReplyDeleteHi Piper,
DeleteKnitting and crocheting can calm your nerves while waiting for word on your submittals. Thanks for stopping by.