Crochet Tuesday

He Calls YOU Friend/ Crochet Twine Basket

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Mrs Knochel

Psalms 22:1-28:9

“The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant.” Psalm 25:14

The word “friendship” in this verse, can also be translated as “secret counsel”. Now, honestly, there are certain rules about friendship that are just understood and I think secrecy is one of those rules. I mean think back to one of your deepest friendships you’ve ever had and I think you’ll see what I mean. You shared secrets with one another didn’t you? There were (and maybe still are) things that your best friend knows about you that no one else knows about you. Maybe they were even with you when it happened. Or perhaps because you told them later what happened, but either way, there is usually a layer of secrecy covering every deep friendship in your life.

In John 15, Jesus has eaten the Last Supper and is walking through a vineyard with the men who have been with Him through every miracle and every test from the Pharisees. They’ve watched Him calm stormy seas and kiss babies. They’ve heard Him preach to thousands only to then pull these few aside and explain the intimate details of the Kingdom. (Judas the betrayer included.)

This night in the vineyard was no different. They were with Him and He was telling them amazing things that they didn’t already know. But none of them could have expected what came next.

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing: but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15

At this point most of them were probably still reeling from the fact that He, the Lord of the Universe, a short time before had been washing their feet and now He’s calling them FRIEND! The gigantic breech in formal protocol must have really thrown them for a loop! Here is God in the flesh telling THEM secrets about His Kingdom and calling THEM His friends. Nothing like this had ever been done since the beginning of time! From the fall of Adam the message had been “stay away from Me or you will die.” “Stay back, My presence will kill you.” And then Jesus walks onto the scene and says, “COME! Follow Me!”

Jesus changed every image we’d ever been given of God… except one.

God is Love.

God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to take the punishment we fully deserve so that we could COME and follow Him; so that we could COME into the Holy of Holies and share secrets with God, our FRIEND. What kind of God does that? What kind of friend dies for you?

The BEST kind!

He’s the kind of friend who would rather die than to live in eternity without you. But He did more than die for you. He lives for you too. HE LIVES to intercede on your behalf. HE LIVES to pray for you and HE LIVES to be your friend. HE LIVES to be your comfort when you’re low and your companion when you’re high. HE LIVES to give you a life full of richness and depth that is beyond your wildest dreams. He doesn’t want you to just survive your current circumstances; He wants you to obliterate them! You are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus*, you’re His friend! And if He can conquer DEATH itself, then whatever you’re facing is nothing in comparison. And He is willing to help you, because remember, He calls you friend.

*Romans 8:37-39

 

Crochet Tuesday Bonus!

Twine Basket (or Purse!)

Materials:

Jute twine, 3 ply heavy weight: 1 – 200 ft roll (I didn’t use it all)

Black, “I Love This Yarn” from Hobby Lobby: not very much at all.

I hook

Abbreviations:

DC = Double Crochet

SC = Single Crochet

SL = Slip Stitch

CH = Chain

St = stitch

JWSTDT = Join with slip stitch don’t turn

Base:

Round 1: Magic circle (basically it’s just a loop that you stitch into and then pull the end tight when you’ve finished the round), CH 2, DC 12 in circle, pull circle closed and JWSTDT. [13 st total including chain]

Round 2: CH 2, DC 1 in same st as join, DC 2 in each st around, JWSTDT. [26 st]

Round 3: CH 2, DC 1 in same st as join, *DC 1 in next st, DC 2 in next st**, repeat from * to ** around, JWSTDT. [39 st]

Round 4: CH 2, DC 1 in same st as join, *DC 1 in next 2 st, DC 2 in next st**, repeat from * to ** around, JWSTDT. [52 st]

Sides:

Round 5: CH 2, hold the circle with the side that has been facing you down towards the ground, in this row only you will be working in the top loops only, DC 51 around, JWSTDT. [52 st including the chain 2]

Round 6: CH 2, lay the black yarn over the next few stitches with the loose end pointing in the direction you’re crocheting so that you can crochet over it locking it into the basket. (I’m so sorry I didn’t get pictures of this for you!) In Rounds 6, 8, & 10 take both the black yarn and the twine and work with them together as one piece of yarn. DC 51 st making sure to go over the tail of the black as you work to cover it up. JWSTDT. Drop black yarn from hook. [52 st]

Round 7: With twine only, CH 2, DC 51 around, JWSTDT. [52 st]

Round 8: Pick up the black yarn leaving a little slack to allow the basket to stretch, but not so much that it hangs out. With both black and twine, CH 2, DC 51, JWSTDT, drop black yarn. [52 st]

Round 9: With twine only, CH 2, SC 51, JWSTDT, pick up black yarn. [52 st]

Round 10: With black and twine, CH 2, SC 51, JWSTDT, drop black yarn. [52 st]

Round 11: With twine only, CH 2, DC 51, JWSTDT, drop twine. [52 st]

Round 12: With black only, CH 2, SC 51 working over a couple inches of the twine so that it doesn’t unravel, then clip the twine with scissors, JWSTDT. [52 st]

Handles:

Round 13: CH 2, DC 13, CH 7 (skip over the next 7 st below the chain), DC 19, CH 7 (skipping over the next 7 st below the chain), DC 6, JWSTDT. [52 st]

Round 14: CH 2, SC 51, finish off.*

*Note: There are two ways that you can do the handles. 1) Insert the hook through the CH st I did this one because I liked the woven look that it gave it. 2) Insert the hook under the entire chain wrapping your yarn around it. This gives it a more linear look like the center of your magic circle.

Categories: 365 Life, Crochet Tuesday, Jesus Loves YOU, Psalms, Writing Through the Bible in a Year | Leave a comment

He Calls YOU Friend

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Mrs Knochel

Psalms 22:1-28:9

“The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant.” Psalm 25:14

The word “friendship” in this verse, can also be translated as “secret counsel”. Now, honestly, there are certain rules about friendship that are just understood and I think secrecy is one of those rules. I mean think back to one of your deepest friendships you’ve ever had and I think you’ll see what I mean. You shared secrets with one another didn’t you? There were (and maybe still are) things that your best friend knows about you that no one else knows about you. Maybe they were even with you when it happened. Or perhaps because you told them later what happened, but either way, there is usually a layer of secrecy covering every deep friendship in your life.

In John 15, Jesus has eaten the Last Supper and is walking through a vineyard with the men who have been with Him through every miracle and every test from the Pharisees. They’ve watched Him calm stormy seas and kiss babies. They’ve heard Him preach to thousands only to then pull these few aside and explain the intimate details of the Kingdom. (Judas the betrayer included.)

This night in the vineyard was no different. They were with Him and He was telling them amazing things that they didn’t already know. But none of them could have expected what came next.

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing: but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15

At this point most of them were probably still reeling from the fact that He, the Lord of the Universe, a short time before had been washing their feet and now He’s calling them FRIEND! The gigantic breech in formal protocol must have really thrown them for a loop! Here is God in the flesh telling THEM secrets about His Kingdom and calling THEM His friends. Nothing like this had ever been done since the beginning of time! From the fall of Adam the message had been “stay away from Me or you will die.” “Stay back, My presence will kill you.” And then Jesus walks onto the scene and says, “COME! Follow Me!”

Jesus changed every image we’d ever been given of God… except one.

God is Love.

God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to take the punishment we fully deserve so that we could COME and follow Him; so that we could COME into the Holy of Holies and share secrets with God, our FRIEND. What kind of God does that? What kind of friend dies for you?

The BEST kind!

He’s the kind of friend who would rather die than to live in eternity without you. But He did more than die for you. He lives for you too. HE LIVES to intercede on your behalf. HE LIVES to pray for you and HE LIVES to be your friend. HE LIVES to be your comfort when you’re low and your companion when you’re high. HE LIVES to give you a life full of richness and depth that is beyond your wildest dreams. He doesn’t want you to just survive your current circumstances; He wants you to obliterate them! You are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus*, you’re His friend! And if He can conquer DEATH itself, then whatever you’re facing is nothing in comparison. And He is willing to help you, because remember, He calls you friend.

*Romans 8:37-39

Categories: 365 Life, Crochet Tuesday, Jesus Loves YOU, Psalms, Writing Through the Bible in a Year | Leave a comment

Kaleidoscope/ Finishing Your Granny Square Blanket

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Mrs Knochel

image

Philemon & Philippians
“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

Today is a good day because I today I finished my kaleidoscope!

image

She’s got at least 48hrs in the squares, 24hrs in sewing them together and then about an hour and a half in the edging. She’s heard a multitude of sermons on how much God love us and she speaks that out in each square being a different color. As varied as they each are, together they tell of the different colors of His love for each of us. Sometimes His love looks dark and brooding while other times it’s light and cheery.  But sewn with love and prayer together they make a covering that protects us from the cold harsh world around us. Each square holding tightly to the one next to it they form a thick barrier that warms the heart just as much as the body.
Yes. It’s just a blanket. But at the same time it’s SO much more. It’s a symbol of a love that surpasses all understanding. It’s a gift that never stops being given as long as it continues to be used.
God’s love was never meant to be put on a shelf to be looked at. It’s meant to be received as a gift and used day after day. His love covers over a multitude of sins,; yes even your worst ones.
He began a good work in you and He will continue working it in you until it is finished – and not a moment sooner. He won’t give up on you. I promise.

Sewing the Squares Together:

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The first thing I did was to sort the squares.  As I was making them I had tied them into groups of ten to make counting easier. I knew I wanted the completed blanket to be 4 feet square. So I made a test granny square and measured it at approximately 2.5in square.
Next I figured up the math:
I converted my desired length into inches: 4ft = 48in.
Then I converted my inches into squares: 48in length ÷ 2.5in granny squares = 19 granny squares per side.
Then I multiplied my length in squares by my width in squares to get my total squares needed: 19 squares × 19 squares = 361 squares total needed to make a 4ftx4ft blanket.
I had my work cut out for me.

Once I had double checked that I had the correct amount of squares completed I cut all the bindings loose and mixed them all together in a large paper bag. Aren’t they beautiful!

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I wanted the pattern to be completely random so as I sewed the squares together I would draw the next square out of the bag. My only rule was that two squares of the same color couldn’t be above, below, to the right or the left of each other; but diagonal was ok.
I used a whip stitch* to join them going ONLY through the back loops. I started at the corners where the chain (CH) stich is.

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Join the squares corner to corner with a cross stitch type “X” to secure them so that they don’t migrate down the whip stitch.

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Work ONLY in the back loops of the square so that you get a nice “invisible” joint between the squares.

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In last week’s granny square tutorial I told you to pull the last chain stitch tight which would make a knot. In joining the squares I found it worked best to start with the corner nearest the knot so that I could then whip stitch right over the knot and the tail making sure that the knot faced the back of the blanket.

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By doing this part first when I went to whip stitch the vertical columns of squares it went MUCH faster because then all my squares were facing the same direction so my stitches all lined up neatly AND I didn’t have any tails to worry about anymore.

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With the edging I tried to do a granny stitch style edge but it didn’t look quite right. It made the squares look like they were continuing on rather than stopping at the edging. I had worked so hard at making all their edges look straight and lined up I didn’t want to ruin that with the edging. So I switched to a double crochet (DC) in each stitch around, including the “hole” created by the chain stitch spaces. At the corners I worked (3DC, 2CH, 3DC) into the CH space of the corner square. Joining the final DC with a slip stitch to the first DC. Finish off and weave in the tail. Tada! A finished work, a long time in the making!

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*Note: to make the blanket two sided you could use a slip stitch or even a single crochet, worked in the back loops only, to join the squares. I actually would have done this but didn’t think about it until I was already halfway through whip stitching and at that point I wasn’t going back!

Categories: 365 Life, Crochet Tuesday, Jesus Loves YOU, Philemon, Philippians, Writing Through the Bible in a Year | Leave a comment

Ordinary Work/Granny Square Picture Tutorial

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Mrs Knochel


Numbers 28:16-31:54

“You shall do no ordinary work” Numbers 28:18, 25, 26; 29:1, 12 & 35

It started to become fairly obvious to me that God was trying to make a point when I ran across the fourth “you shall do no ordinary work”. Here I am writing about identity and our purpose in life and smack dab in the middle of Numbers in the sections on feast days God starts speaking to me about calling.

Yes. In the context of the reading the work they are speaking of IS regular, ordinary, every day work. And realistically, that’s what I’m talking about too. HOWEVER, that’s not where the reality of life stops. So often we love to draw a line between our God and our world of work. We work in the world and God doesn’t associate with the world right? WRONG! If that statement were true there would have been no Crucifixion!

No, Christ came into the world to save the world by doing something that many others were doing in a way that only He could do it. THAT’S a calling! It’s something that that God created you to do; and to any ordinary onlooker you may look like any other person doing your job. And in that aspect you are just like everyone else. But that’s where the similarities stop. No one can do your job the way YOU do it. NO ONE.

There were all kinds of Rabbi’s when Jesus was teaching and preaching. But there was only ONE Jesus.

Sure, there may be millions of other teachers out there, but there isn’t a single other teacher out there just like YOU! Sure there are millions of other people out there that crochet, but none of them are just like YOU! Yup, there are even millions of moms out there, doing exactly what you’re doing today. But none of them are just like YOU.

So today, while you’re busy at your “ordinary work” think about this; when you’re the one doing the work, it’s anything BUT ordinary!

Granny Square Tutorial:


Abbreviations:

Chain (CH)

Double Crochet (DC)

Slip Stitch (SL)

1 Granny Stitch (GS) = DC 3, CH 1 worked into the CH 1 space from the previous round

Initial CH 3 counts as 1 DC

______________________________

Start with a magic ring

 

 

and chain (CH) 3.

Round 1:

DC 2, CH 1, 

GS 3 more times into the magic ring. 

Pull the magic ring closed, 

It will look like this:

SL to first CH 3. 

CH 3, 

turn.

Notice where the gaps are because this is where you’re going to be working for the rest of the square.

Round 2:

DC 2, CH 1, GS 1 in the first CH 1 space from the previous round. 

GS 2 in each of the rest of the CH 1 spaces from the previous round [there are 3 left],

SL to first CH 3. 

[You can finish off and be done here in this round if you want small Granny squares. Or you can keep going for larger ones.] CH 3, turn [if still going]. Skip down to the end if you’re finishing off.* Now my blanket’s squares don’t have a third round, it’s a baby blanket and I wanted to keep them small. So I don’t have any pictures for this next round. 😦 Sorry. However, if you would like to make your squares larger this is how you would do it.

Round 3-?:

Here is where you have to start paying attention to where the corners are. If you’re working on a side: work 1 GS into the CH space. If it’s a corner: work 2 GS into the CH space. Work around until you reach the beginning, SL to first CH 3. CH 3 & turn if you’re going on; finish off if you’re done.

*To finish off simply CH 1 and pull it TIGHT forming a knot in your work.

Trim your ends, leaving a little bit of a tail at the knot to be able to work it into the square so it won’t unravel on you when you wash them.

Tada! Happy crocheting my friends!

Categories: 365 Life, Crochet Tuesday, Jesus Loves YOU, Numbers | 3 Comments

As Promised, Albeit very late: Crocheted Mermaid Costume Pattern

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Mrs Knochel


Jeremiah 47:1-49:22

“Your branches passed over the sea, reached to the Sea of Jazer:” Jeremiah 48:32

OK, when I had made the decision ahead of time to try something new and post a crochet pattern for a mermaid costume along with the Word of the Day, I was really sweating how I could make it all connect!

LOL! Only my God! I tell ya!

I think there were more mentions of the word “sea” in this reading than any of the others in the entire book of Jeremiah! Sure, it’s a bit of a stretch, but hey, it still fits right? (wink) Ya gotta love me!

I’ve heard it said that God’s love is like an ocean in that it’s farther than we could ever swim and deeper than we could ever dive. Well, if that’s true, then turn me into a mermaid baby ’cause I’m livin’ there! (By the way, at this point, We’ve been traveling, I’ve been working on this pattern ALL DAY LONG, and it’s after 1 am and I’m quite punchy. J

So without further ado I bring you my very first published crochet pattern!

Ariel Costume

Girls sizes 6-7

Materials:

Hooks: I, N, & P

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Pale Green, worsted weight 4, Caron Simply Soft Blue Mint worsted weight 4, Red Heart Super Saver Lilac Worsted Weight 4, & small amounts of bright red worsted weight 4, white worsted weight 4 & dark purple worsted weight 4.

Abbreviations:

sl st = Slip Stitch

sc = single crochet stitch

hdc = half double crochet stitch

dc = double crochet stitch

tc = triple crochet stitch

qc = quadruple crochet stitch

ch = chain

dcf = double crochet foundation stitch

scf = single crochet foundation stitch

yo = yarn over (wrap your yarn over your hook from back to front)

Notes: Throughout the pattern, the last chain (ch) 2 space counts as a Double Crochet (DC)

At the end of each row the pattern calls for you to “turn” the material. You don’t have to do this, I actually didn’t. Instead I crocheted “in the round”, which means to just continue going in the original direction. You can do this with pieces that are crocheted in a circle like most of this one. Turn, no turn, I leave the decision completely up to you.

Tail:

Row 1: With the N hook and Pale Green yarn you’re going to dcf (50), join with a sl st to create a circle, ch 2 & turn.

[To do a dcf:

ch 4

Yo and insert your hook into your first ch.

Yo, but pinch the yarn between your left thumb and forefinger in order to keep it loose. (this will be IMPORTANT later.

Pull the yo through the first loop only. It should look like this:I’m still pinching that same spot for reference.

Yo and pull through the first TWO loops on the hook, then it should like this:

Yo and pull through the last two loops on the hook, then it should look like this:

* Ok, here’s where that part you’ve been pinching comes in. yo and insert the hook into the pinched loop, your hook should look like this:

** Yo and pull through that pinched loop on the hook. When you yo again, pinch the slack as you pull through the next two (this is your new “pinched loop”), yo and pull through the last two on the hook.


Continue this step (from * to **) until you’ve reached the desired length of dcf. J]

Rows 2-14-: dc in each dc around, sl st in the original ch to close up the circle. Then Ch 2 & turn. (50 total stitches)

Row 15:
[creating the skirt split] dc in each of the next 25 dc. Then ch 2 & turn.

Row 16: Skip first dc and dc in the second dc from the previous row. (This creates a decrease of one stitch.) Then dc across however do not dc in the final chain stitch as this also creates a decrease of one stitch leaving you with a total of (48) stitches.

Rows 17-23: Repeat Row 16 continuing to decrease by 2 dc each row until you get down to 4 dc in Row 23. Finish off by ch 1, pull the yarn tight, trim yarn from ball and pull through the knot creating a tail.

Creating the second side of the skirt split:

Return to Row 15: Pull a loop up through dc #26 (right where you left off on Row 15 previously). Dc in each remaining dc across, working any tails between the previous rows and your new work. Then ch 2 & turn.

Repeat the same process from Rows 16-23.

Frill on the tail split:

Row 1: Using the N hook and the Blue Mint yarn, start at the point of one of the skirt splits and pull up a loop. Sc all the way around the rim of the skirt “hem”. (Sc over the tails of the yarn as you go.) Then ch 3 & turn.

Row 2: Using the P hook work 3 tc in each sc around. Join with a sl st. Finish off and weave in the tails.

Frill at waist:

Row 1: With the N hook again use the Blue mint yarn to draw up a loop in the ch stitch of the dcf row. Sc in each stitch across (50 total). Then ch 1 & turn.

Row 2: Work 3 sc in the first sc.

3 hdc in each of the next 2 sc.

3 dc in each of the next 2 sc.

3 tc in each of the next 3 sc.

3 qc in each of the next 6 sc.

3 tc in each of the next 3 sc.

3 dc in each of the next 2 sc.

3 hdc in each of the next 2 sc.

3 sc in each of the next 2 sc.

Sl st in the next 1 sc.

3 sc in each of the next 2 sc.

3 hdc in each of the next 2 sc.

3 dc in each of the next 2 sc.

3 tc in each of the next 3 sc.

3 qc in each of the next 6 sc.

3 tc in each of the next 3 sc.

2 dc in each of the next 2 sc.

3 hdc in each of the next 2 sc.

Join with sl st and finish off weaving in the tails. Then wipe the sweat from your brow!!! Woo! (If you find that my numbers are off on this, I wouldn’t be surprised! Just let me know so that I can fix them!)

Belt:

Ch a length of about 3 feet long. Finish off. And weave between the bars of the dcf row of the tail leaving the ends INSIDE so that the adjustable waist band is hidden.


Top #1:

Row 1: Using the N hook and the Lilac yarn, dcf 57 stitches and finish off.

Row 2: Draw a loop up and dc in the 20th dc of Row 1. 1 dc in each dc across to the 37th dc of Row 1. Then ch 2 & turn. (17 total dc centered on top of your 57 dcf.)

Row 3: 1 dc in each dc across. Then ch 2 & turn. (17 stitches)

Row 4: Skip 1st dc. 1 dc in 2nd dc from chain. 1 dc in each dc across. Skip last ch stitch. (Just like in the tail decrease.) Then ch 2 & turn. (15 stitches)

Row 5: Repeat Row 4, omitting the (ch 2 & turn). Finish off.

Flip piece over and repeat Rows 2-5 on the other side. Working in the underside of the dcf row make sure to put your hook under two strings each time.

Switching to the dark purple accent yarn, sl st between the bars all the way across the 2nd, 4th & 7th rows (Listed from top to bottom when looking at the piece as a whole.). Finish off after each row.

Then sl st around the entire outside edge of the piece covering over any tails as you go. I skipped the “strings” of the bikini but you don’t have to if you don’t want to. Finish off and weave in the tail.

Take a small length of lilac yarn (~6 in) and weave it from top to bottom through the center of the piece starting between the 7th & 8th dc on the top row and down through the rest of the piece. Fold the piece like you would a paper fan creasing each row individually and use the string to tie it up. Leave moderately loose for adjustment.

Bikini middle:

Using the I hook and the dark purple accent yarn scf a piece ~4 in long. Finish off. Tie around the middle of the Bikini top, covering the lilac yarn you wove through previously.

[A scf is worked exactly like a dcf except in the beginning you only chain 3, not 4. And you don’t yo before you insert your hook through the pinched loop.]

Top #2 (Pictured on model): Because my daughter refused to wear Top #1. I was a lot glad {Hallelujah for modesty!} … and a little mad, I HAD just spent about two hours making it.

Row 1: Using the N hook and the lilac yarn dcf 45 stitches. Join with a sl st into a circle. Then ch 2 & turn.

Rows 2-5: dc across, join with a sl st, ch 2 & turn. In Row 5, omit ch 2 & turn, and finish off instead.

Headband:

Row 1: Using the I hook and the bright red yarn dcf 40 stitches. Join with a sl st into a circle. Then ch 2 & turn.

Rows 2-4: dc in each dc across. Join with a sl st. Then ch 2 & turn. In Row 4, omit ch 2 & turn, and finish off instead, weaving in the tail.

For the flower I’m sending you to someone else’s flower because I just don’t like mine. Anna was happy with it, but I wasn’t! If you REALLY like mine and want the directions, let me know and I’ll be more than happy to send them to you. J

Attach the flower to the headband and voila! You’ve made an Ariel costume!!! And some little girl will be very very happy you did!

* Thank you ever so much to Lucy from Attic 24 for the use of your wonderful flower tutorial! J

Categories: 365 Life, Crochet Tuesday, Jeremiah, Jesus Loves YOU, Writing Through the Bible in a Year | Tags: | Leave a comment

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