Since my last post, I’ve encountered a significant array of emotional ups and downs. Navigating the feelings surrounding my ex-husband’s upcoming marriage has proved to be particularly challenging. There are moments when I feel composed and at peace, and then suddenly, without warning, I find myself overwhelmed with sorrow. I often ponder how he could have so easily walked away from our marriage, leaving both our shared history and family behind. Perhaps it wasn’t easy for him to make that decision; perhaps it was. Regardless, the journey of healing and recovery has been a consistent, if often tumultuous, process for me.
Throughout these past few weeks I have leaned heavily on my support system. I’ve spent quality time with friends who uplift me, had heart-to-heart conversations with my daughters, and immersed myself in spiritual devotion and prayer with God. These interactions have been vital in helping me cope. And perhaps make some significant life changes. More to come on that later.
Today, I pulled out a book that holds deep significance for me. It was a gift to my mother from a cherished friend during her battle with ALS. I had the privilege of being deeply involved in my mother’s care during her last months of life, and those moments were filled with profound conversations and prayers that bonded us even more. The book, titled Sparkling Gems from the Greek by Rick Renner, had been a source of solace for both of us, nourishing our souls during a very difficult time, and continues to resonate with me today.
As I flipped through the pages, I came across a devotion I had flagged while my mom was sick, titled “Peace That Passes Understanding,” dated May 10. It starts with a compelling question: “Are you tired of letting the devil get you all stirred up?” The passage emphasizes the invaluable peace that comes from God and encourages readers to guard their hearts and minds against negative influences. It powerfully states, “There is absolutely nothing in the world that can compare with the peace of God.” This is a sentiment my mom shared with me often, reminding me of the strength we can find in faith and our relationship with God.
The devotion goes on to declare, “This is the good news you’ve been waiting for! It means you can refuse to allow the devil to access you, throw you into a state of panic and anxiety, or push any buttons inside you any longer. When the peace of God is standing guard at the entrance of your heart and mind, the devil has lost his access to your thought life and your emotions!” Reading these words filled me with a sense of affirmation and hope.
This message perfectly encapsulates the lessons I’ve been trying to re-grasp over the past few weeks. Through the support of friends and profound moments of personal reflection, God has reminded me that He is my unwavering source of peace. He stands by me, providing strength and comfort through both the joyful and challenging moments life has to offer.
Throughout my life and especially through my divorce recovery, I’ve discovered a profound truth: keeping my mind free from persistent worries and negative thoughts is essential for my well-being. To cultivate a sense of peace, I actively seek creative outlets and activities that fill me with joy. One of the greatest sources of joy in my life is Merri. She is my constant companion, always by my side, and her presence brings me immense comfort and warmth. Whenever I gaze into her eyes, I feel a deep sense of reassurance and tranquility. She was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life.
Currently, one of my favorite creative outlets is crochet. It allows me to express my creativity while also providing a soothing and meditative experience. The rhythmic motion of stitching together yarn helps clear my mind and brings me a sense of accomplishment as I create something beautiful. This combination of companionship, creativity, and tranquility has become essential to my mental and emotional well-being.
I’ve been a passionate knitter for many years—it’s truly been my therapy and a source of joy! However, after being diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis, I’ve had to take a break from knitting because of the pain in my hands, wrists, and lower arms. Now, I only knit on days when I’m feeling good, and even then, I can only manage short sessions. It’s definitely a big change from the good old days when I could knit all day long!
Last June I had the chance to visit my daughter in Kansas, and she introduced me to crochet! I thought it would be a walk in the park to learn since I already knew how to knit. It took me a little while to transition from knitting to crochet, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out how much easier crochet is! It’s way more forgiving if you make a mistake—unlike knitting, which can be a bit of a puzzle to fix!
Plus, I’ve noticed that it’s easier on my hands, though I still need to take breaks. I found some comfy ergonomic hooks made by Furls that have made a huge difference in how it feels! Now that I’ve got the basics down, I absolutely love crocheting. The best part? You only need a few simple supplies that you can toss in a bag and take anywhere with you! For these fun projects, you’ll need a crochet hook, a yarn needle, some scissors, and, of course, yarn.
Lately, I’ve been exploring some simple patterns that are quick to whip up and fun to make. Plus, they are the perfect project with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.
The Heart Trivet is one of my favorites! It’s super easy to make and comes together quickly! I love using bulkier yarn and larger hooks, so I chose a 10 mm crochet hook made by Ommi and some Bernat Mega Bulky yarn in a gorgeous purple shade. I’m thrilled with how it turned out, and I think Merri loves it too!
For the Hearts Garland, I used Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn in the lovely color Springfield Silver, paired with a fun 8 mm hook by Furls. This is another really fun, quick and easy project to whip up! I’ve made many of them in the past few weeks and plan to give them as gifts this Valentine’s Day.
I sincerely hope that this post inspires you to explore your own creative outlets and identify the activities in life that bring you genuine joy. Engaging in creative pursuits has not only provided me with a meaningful escape but also played a crucial role in my recovery from divorce. Finding joy in these activities has helped me heal and rediscover my sense of self during a challenging time. I encourage you to take the time to delve into your passions, as they can be a source of comfort and resilience in difficult moments.
Links:
Furls Crochet Hook, Streamline Swirl Jupiter, Crochet Hooks 7 Inch (M – 8.0mm)
Bernat Blanket Shadow Purple Yarn – 2 Pack of 300g/10.5oz – Polyester – 6 Super Bulky – 220 Yards – Knitting/Crochet
Lion Brand Yarn Hometown Yarn, Bulky Yarn, Yarn for Knitting and Crocheting, 3-Pack, Springfield Silver
Yarn Darning Tapestry Large Sewing Big Eye Weaving Crochet Wool Blunt Needles Needle
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