What is Ash Wednesday? I grew up in the church and had often heard about the 40 days of Lent in which Christians would give up something for Lent, but I had never heard of Ash Wednesday until my last move when I joined my present church.

The Ash Wednesday service serves as a reminder to the congregation that we came from dust and that we will return to dust. This message is personally delivered to each participant as they kneel at the alter while the pastor or priest places a cross of ashes on his or her forehead with his finger.

The Ash Wednesday service also serves to remind us of our need for repentance of our sins to receive God’s forgiveness. An Ash Wednesday service typically includes communion following the imposition of the ashes.

The Ash Wednesday service takes place on the first day of Lent or 40 days Before Easter. The first day of Lent falls on February 22 in 2012.

I have mixed feelings about this service. I love the message that it brings and feel the need to absorb it fully every year. I am not ashamed to be seen wearing the cross on my forehead following the service; however, I have problems with wearing it as a badge to show how holy I might be (or not). I feel that for me, the place I need to be following an Ash Wednesday service is at home in a period of reflection with my Lord.

I post this article about Ash Wednesday to inform, not to instruct. I don’t believe anyone’s salvation is sealed by whether or not they participate in an Ash Wednesday service. But I especially want parents to know what the ashes represent so if they are with their children and they see people with crosses of ashes on their foreheads they can explain what it is about. This is not a sign of a mysterious cult. Churches of many denominations practice this tradition.

Father God, we thank you for your gift of your Son. May we never take it for granted. Prepare our hearts to know you fully. Help us to be aware of the shameful areas in our lives that still demand repentance and help us to turn away from them so we can serve you wholeheartedly.

To learn more about Ash Wednesday services, read Ashes to Ashes as it appeared in the February 9, 2010 issue of Christianity Today.

Gifts that are easy enough for children to make

Thoughtful handmade gifts made by children are always treasured by those who receive them. Here are several ideas of simple gifts children can make. Perhaps they would make nice Valentines Day gifts for teachers, grandparents, or aunts and uncles.

Tape ends of yarn to end of hook on hanger. Then take one ball of yarn in each hand and tie half-hitch knots around the hanger alternating between the yarn in the right hand and the yarn in the left hand.

One of the earliest crafts I learned to make with yarn was covered hangers. Cut two 6-yard lengths of yarn to cover one hanger. The colors may be the same or two contrasting colors may be chosen. Roll each strand into a separate ball to make it easier to manage. Then tape one end of each strand to the end of the hook on a strong wire hanger as illustrated. Begin tying half-hitch knots around the hanger, one to each side as shown in the illustration. Continue until you have covered the entire hanger. Then tie off the remaining yarn and clip leaving about 3 inches of yarn loose on the hanger. Wrap the remaining yarn around two or three fingers and tie to the neck of the hanger with the loose ends of the yarn. Leave the yarn in loops or trim to make a pompom.

Use this pattern to cut plastic canvas to make a heart-shaped coaster.

Coasters are very easy to make. Cut two squares of needlepoint canvas the same size. Fill in one square with your choice of stitches leaving the outer edge exposed. Here is a link to a YouTube video that teaches how to make the stitches. There are several kinds of stitches to choose from. When the top is filled in, line the baking piece of canvas up evenly with the top and stitch the pieces together. Loose ends are always tied off by running them through the stitches on the back side of the canvas.

Try cutting out different shapes to make unique coasters. Remember to cut two exactly alike for each coaster. It is easier to cut them both before you fill in the stitches if your shape is difficult. Perhaps you might like to make heart-shaped coasters for Valentines Day. Use the picture to guide you as you cut your heart-shaped pieces.

The cross Bible bookmark was simple to cut out and stitch. It could be made larger by cutting the canvas larger. Just keep the same number of spaces for the width of all sections, and make the top three sections the same length. The bottom should be approximately twice as long as the top three sections. I added a tassel to hang over the edge of the Bible.

Back view of picture frame with blue paper inserted to make the picture frame stand easier to see.

The picture frame in the picture at the top of this article was made with plastic needlepoint canvas and two colors of 4-ply yarn that can be found in any craft store. Cut two pieces of canvas so that they are the same number of spaces wider and taller than the picture you wish to frame on all four sides. Cut away the center of one of the pieces to fit the picture. Then fill in the frame with needlepoint stitches leaving the edges uncovered.  When you finish stitching the frame, stitch around the center of the frame to finish it off. You can do a running stitch or a blanket stitch to finish off the edge. Save the outer edge until last. Cut a piece of canvas to attach to the back to hold the picture frame up. Look at the picture to see how it might be shaped. The sticky note was placed behind it to make it easier to see. Stitch the stand vertically from the bottom with a simple running stitch. Again, view the picture for an example. Trim away a strip one space wide across the top of the picture frame. This will be the opening where the picture can slide into the frame. Stitch around the outer edge of the picture frame beginning across the top edge. When you reach the side of the frame, line the back of the frame up with the front along the sides and bottom. Be sure the stand is on the outside and not between the front and back. Continue stitching around the picture and tie off lose ends by running them through the stitches on the back side of the frame.

There are many ways to create nice gifts, and many are easy enough for children to make. One place to look for ideas is on Pinterest.com. Feel free to follow me on Pinterest as I am continually on the lookout for activities children can do.