Cross Stich Ornaments

I made these our first Christmas together. I believe I started them before we got married and had them ready for our first Christmas tree. Does anyone cross stich anymore? I got to thinking about that when I was looking at them this year. There was a time that this was a very popular craft. If you have ever cross stiched before, you know how much detail goes into something even as simple as this ornament. First you must have all the colors of thread. There is a special code for each color. You have to find that exact color at the store and arrange all the colors before you even begin. There can be multitudes of colors in even the smallest cross stich pattern. Then comes the map. The map tells you exactly where to start and how many rows of each color goes on the cross stich fabric.

I got to thinking about our lives as Christians. We are always being prepared by God aren't we? We are complicated in that God has many plans for us and never uses us just as we are. He brings people and experiences into our lives to help us be prepared for what He has for us. Just like the multitudes of colors in the cross stich, these people and experience make us a masterpiece in the end. It isn't always easy to see the outcome in the beginning stages. It usually doesn't make sense, but God sure knows what will be the big picture because He is the one holding the map.

Cross stich projects are never quickly done! I think that might be the reason they aren't as popular as they used to be. Have you ever seen a Cross Stich for Dummies book? I haven't! There isn't any shortcuts to this craft. It is a craft of patience and painstaking detail. We desire the quick and easy with full results. God doesn't get the glory in that. It is the masterpiece woven with many colors that brings God the glory.