Wow.. considering my parents and sister came an hour early, dinner went surprisingly well :)
I overbaked the meringues I had spent all morning on, but it didn't matter much because everyone was too stuffed from dinner :D I had to double check the tenderloin recipe with Jo, I had the cooking time wrong - 325 for 45 mins, then 400 for 30 minutes to brown the outside and make it look purdy. My sister even asked for the recipe - Jo should be proud :D My Mum suggested splitting the tenderloin down the middle and then hammering it, to make it even thinner so it rolls better.
My parents also brought over my Christmas gifts (I forgot to run out to the Big & Tall store to get a GC for my DH from my parents, so he only got to open the candy my Mum and I picked out last week). I finally get to wear my brown boots and coat :D Mum bought me a cream pashmina - very nice, and oh so soft. She was worried I wouldn't like cream (it was the only thing she picked out by herself).
DH doesn't get my family's tradition of shopping with the giver beforehand. He thinks the gifts should be a complete surprise. Surprises are nice, but surprise clothes rarely fit or are the right style/colour. For the last decade, the bulk of my siblings gifts have been clothes, so surprises just don't work for us. My parents are much more happy to give us what we would really like, rather than something they might have to return because the fit is off. Besides, Mum usually shops so early that we forget what we've picked out. This year, I knew I had found some sweaters with her, but I had completely forgotten which ones, so it was a surprise afterall :)
I'm just so glad I can finally wear my stylish, yet comfortably flat winter boots :)
Friday, December 23, 2005
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup; Johannah's Roasted Garlic & Chèvre Pork Tenderloin; Green Beans & Pine Nuts Sautéed with Butter & Thyme
My parents are coming over for dinner tomorrow (technically, today). I'm making Creamy Butternut Squash Soup, Pork Tenderloin with Goat Cheese, Rosemary and Roasted Garlic, Green Beans with Thyme and Pine nuts, Wild Rice, and Meringue Nests with Strawberries and Vanilla Ice Cream for desert.
Groceries I still need
Butternut Squash
Marjoram
1 pack cream cheese
poultry string
green beans
Vanilla Ice Cream
make sure I have Chicken bouillon
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
1. In large soup pot, sauté 6T onions in 4T butter until tender.
2. Add 6c peeled and cubed butternut squash, 3c water, 5 cubes chicken bouillon, 1/2t marjoram, 1/4t pepper, 1/8t cayenne pepper and 2 cloves of garlic.
3. Bring to boil and cook for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4. Pureé squash mixture with stick blender and add 1 package of cream cheese in batches.
5. Serve warm with heavy/table cream to garnish.
Johannah's Roasted Garlic & Chèvre Pork Tenderloin
2 Pork Tenderloins
3 Bulbs of Garlic
2 pachages of Soft Unripened Goat Cheese
1/3c Olive Oil
2t Ground Rosemary
Sea Salt & Pepper
2T Cold Water
2T Whole Wheat Flour
(Side dish option: handful of new potatoes)
1. Preheat the oven to 325 F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a small pot over medium.
3. Peel the garlic cloves and toss into the olive oil. While the garlic is cooking, prepare the pork tenderloins.
4.. Place the pork tenderloins between two sheets of baking parchment. Use the flat side of a meat mallet (or rolling pin) to beat the pork out thinly and evenly. For very thick cuts, slice the meat lengthwise (but not all the way through), then beat flat. It should be very flexible - at least 1/4 inch thick.
5. Baste the flattened tenderloins with the olive oil, then sprinkle gently with ground pepper and sea salt.
6. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary with the goat cheese. Apply to the tenderloins in a thick layer (save time - just use your fingers).
7. Line the roasted garlic cloves down the tenderloins.
8. Carefully roll the pork lengthwise and secure with cooking string. Tuck the ends in to make sure the stuffing stays put.
9. Place the rolled tenderloins in an overnproof, stovetop safe casserole dish, then baste with the leftover olive oil. (Side dish option: toss in a few new potatoes and dust with rosemary)
10. Bake covered for 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.
11. Uncover, increase to 400 F, and bake for an aditional 30 minutes, or until baked thoroughly. Continue basting every 15 minutes.
12. Remove the tenderloins, cut off the strings, then slice into medallions.
13. Place the casserole dish on the stove and heat the drippings on medium.
14. In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the water, then whisk the mixture into the drippings. Continue whisking until the the gravy thickens.
15. Serve with gravy
Keep your eye out for rosemary-herbed goat cheese - it goes on sale more often than plain does.
Green Beans & Pine Nuts Sautéed with Butter & Thyme
(Decide beforehand how many green beans and pine nuts you want per serving, then multiply by the number of servings. That way you don't have enormous amounts of left overs, or skimpy portions)
Green Beans
Water
Butter (enough to coat green beans)
Thyme (crushed is more decorative than ground, but can be 'woody')
Pine Nuts (optional)
Optional - 1. Bake pine nuts until golden (about 2.5 minutes in a toaster oven. Be very careful not to let them go brown)
2. Rinse and trim green beans
3. Using an appropriate sized saucepan, add an inch of water and green beans, and set over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
4. Let boil for 3 minutes, then strain.
5. If your meal won't be ready in the next 5 minutes, rinse beans under cold water to stop cooking process.
6. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add thyme and green beans. Sautè Beans until heated though and just barely wilting. They should still be fairly crisp.
Optional - 7. Toss in toasted pine nuts to coat with butter & thyme
8. Serve immediately.
Wild Rice
Follow directions on Wild Rice container... cook for 45 minutes or something like that...
Meringue Nests
I'm not feeling so hot. I *really* hope this queasiness is just from the grossness of dealing with a dozen curdled eggs in milk... Time to get some sleep :P
Groceries I still need
Butternut Squash
Marjoram
1 pack cream cheese
poultry string
green beans
Vanilla Ice Cream
make sure I have Chicken bouillon
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
1. In large soup pot, sauté 6T onions in 4T butter until tender.
2. Add 6c peeled and cubed butternut squash, 3c water, 5 cubes chicken bouillon, 1/2t marjoram, 1/4t pepper, 1/8t cayenne pepper and 2 cloves of garlic.
3. Bring to boil and cook for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4. Pureé squash mixture with stick blender and add 1 package of cream cheese in batches.
5. Serve warm with heavy/table cream to garnish.
Johannah's Roasted Garlic & Chèvre Pork Tenderloin
2 Pork Tenderloins
3 Bulbs of Garlic
2 pachages of Soft Unripened Goat Cheese
1/3c Olive Oil
2t Ground Rosemary
Sea Salt & Pepper
2T Cold Water
2T Whole Wheat Flour
(Side dish option: handful of new potatoes)
1. Preheat the oven to 325 F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a small pot over medium.
3. Peel the garlic cloves and toss into the olive oil. While the garlic is cooking, prepare the pork tenderloins.
4.. Place the pork tenderloins between two sheets of baking parchment. Use the flat side of a meat mallet (or rolling pin) to beat the pork out thinly and evenly. For very thick cuts, slice the meat lengthwise (but not all the way through), then beat flat. It should be very flexible - at least 1/4 inch thick.
5. Baste the flattened tenderloins with the olive oil, then sprinkle gently with ground pepper and sea salt.
6. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary with the goat cheese. Apply to the tenderloins in a thick layer (save time - just use your fingers).
7. Line the roasted garlic cloves down the tenderloins.
8. Carefully roll the pork lengthwise and secure with cooking string. Tuck the ends in to make sure the stuffing stays put.
9. Place the rolled tenderloins in an overnproof, stovetop safe casserole dish, then baste with the leftover olive oil. (Side dish option: toss in a few new potatoes and dust with rosemary)
10. Bake covered for 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.
11. Uncover, increase to 400 F, and bake for an aditional 30 minutes, or until baked thoroughly. Continue basting every 15 minutes.
12. Remove the tenderloins, cut off the strings, then slice into medallions.
13. Place the casserole dish on the stove and heat the drippings on medium.
14. In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the water, then whisk the mixture into the drippings. Continue whisking until the the gravy thickens.
15. Serve with gravy
Keep your eye out for rosemary-herbed goat cheese - it goes on sale more often than plain does.
Green Beans & Pine Nuts Sautéed with Butter & Thyme
(Decide beforehand how many green beans and pine nuts you want per serving, then multiply by the number of servings. That way you don't have enormous amounts of left overs, or skimpy portions)
Green Beans
Water
Butter (enough to coat green beans)
Thyme (crushed is more decorative than ground, but can be 'woody')
Pine Nuts (optional)
Optional - 1. Bake pine nuts until golden (about 2.5 minutes in a toaster oven. Be very careful not to let them go brown)
2. Rinse and trim green beans
3. Using an appropriate sized saucepan, add an inch of water and green beans, and set over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
4. Let boil for 3 minutes, then strain.
5. If your meal won't be ready in the next 5 minutes, rinse beans under cold water to stop cooking process.
6. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add thyme and green beans. Sautè Beans until heated though and just barely wilting. They should still be fairly crisp.
Optional - 7. Toss in toasted pine nuts to coat with butter & thyme
8. Serve immediately.
Wild Rice
Follow directions on Wild Rice container... cook for 45 minutes or something like that...
Meringue Nests
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- In a large bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt until soft peaks form. Add vanilla, and slowly beat in sugar until very stiff and glossy. Spread mixture into a 9 inch pie plate to form a shell.
- Bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 50 minutes. Turn oven off, and leave meringue in oven for 1 hour. Cool.
I'm not feeling so hot. I *really* hope this queasiness is just from the grossness of dealing with a dozen curdled eggs in milk... Time to get some sleep :P
Thursday, December 22, 2005
I'm lovin' Bamboo
Wow... I'm really enjoying working with the bamboo - it's super soft and slinky, and drapes so well - too well, in fact... the scarf I made for a guy has absolutely no substance... it's more of a fashion scarf, exept the garter stitch is too bulky, and I doubled it over and joined the 2 sides, so it's not long enough, and ARGH! Anyway... I guess I'll be carefully pulling out the seam and possibly keeping the 6"x52" thing for a baby blanket border... but who puts babies in black? unless I did a bumble bee theme, but bamboo? Does it wash well? *sigh*... I really should have thought this through... the bamboo is too lightweight and cool for use as a winter scarf...
On a less annoyed note, I found my old (very old) receipts for Yarn Forward. Back in the day, you could hand in your receipts and get a discout depending on how much you spent. $100 = 7%, $200 = 10%, $300 = 15%. Now, they automatically add the amount of your bill to your card (bright orange, hard to miss). However, they still take the old-style receipts and add them to your total (it's been a few years since I last shopped there). I totalled them up and came to $345.31 before taxes ($391.52 after taxes - I can't remember which total they use). Add that to the $200 I have on the account, and that's 2 15% discounts, so I can space out $300 between 2 purchases :)
On a side note, the discount program doesn't apply to their online store.
I have to run to pick up my Debit and Credit cards from my Mum. I'll pop into their Kanata location after and see if anything tickles my fancy for Christmas projects (yes I know, I'm cutting it *really* close).
On a less annoyed note, I found my old (very old) receipts for Yarn Forward. Back in the day, you could hand in your receipts and get a discout depending on how much you spent. $100 = 7%, $200 = 10%, $300 = 15%. Now, they automatically add the amount of your bill to your card (bright orange, hard to miss). However, they still take the old-style receipts and add them to your total (it's been a few years since I last shopped there). I totalled them up and came to $345.31 before taxes ($391.52 after taxes - I can't remember which total they use). Add that to the $200 I have on the account, and that's 2 15% discounts, so I can space out $300 between 2 purchases :)
On a side note, the discount program doesn't apply to their online store.
I have to run to pick up my Debit and Credit cards from my Mum. I'll pop into their Kanata location after and see if anything tickles my fancy for Christmas projects (yes I know, I'm cutting it *really* close).
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Christmas projects
I wandered into Yarn Forward yesterday with a list of projects I'd like to complete for Christmas. Thankfully, all my ideas are small and easy (scarves). I found a beautiful magenta cotton for a small scarf and couldn't wait to cast on. I've learned my lesson - I must bring my Denises everywhere :)
I cast on 31 sts on size 10 US, knit 1x1 ribbing for about 8 inches, then decreased 1 every row until I had 23 sts, continued for 8 more inches then put half the sts on a stitch holder and worked the other half for 3 inches. I broke the yarn and continued knitting from the stitch holder. I rejoined the two sides after 3 inches and started increasing 1st every row until there were 31 sts. Then I continued knitting for 8 inches and cast off knitwise. It only took one 50g ball, and I think it's the perfect size for a young child :) If I make another, I'll test the lengths on an actual child, instead of guessing. I'll update the pattern after I see how it looks on my favourite little girl in the world.
I started another scarf with the black bamboo I bought as well. I cast on 250 sts on size 8US, and am working all knit, slipping the first stitch of every row so the ends are purdy :) I think it will take 4 balls (instead of just the 2 I bought)to get the desired width, but at least it's guaranteed to be the right length :) I am in love with the bamboo. It is incredibly soft, like a mix between silk and alpaca, and it has a soft shine as well.
Next up on the needles is a small teddy bear made out of simple cotton, and then a couple dishcloths.
I cast on 31 sts on size 10 US, knit 1x1 ribbing for about 8 inches, then decreased 1 every row until I had 23 sts, continued for 8 more inches then put half the sts on a stitch holder and worked the other half for 3 inches. I broke the yarn and continued knitting from the stitch holder. I rejoined the two sides after 3 inches and started increasing 1st every row until there were 31 sts. Then I continued knitting for 8 inches and cast off knitwise. It only took one 50g ball, and I think it's the perfect size for a young child :) If I make another, I'll test the lengths on an actual child, instead of guessing. I'll update the pattern after I see how it looks on my favourite little girl in the world.
I started another scarf with the black bamboo I bought as well. I cast on 250 sts on size 8US, and am working all knit, slipping the first stitch of every row so the ends are purdy :) I think it will take 4 balls (instead of just the 2 I bought)to get the desired width, but at least it's guaranteed to be the right length :) I am in love with the bamboo. It is incredibly soft, like a mix between silk and alpaca, and it has a soft shine as well.
Next up on the needles is a small teddy bear made out of simple cotton, and then a couple dishcloths.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Peaceful Palms Update #5
I'm done! I finished my second mitt! It looks really good and it looks very similar to my first one :)
The Merino & Fur was such a quick knit - even with the rovings every 3 stitches and 4 rows. I think it took me less than 20 hours total, and that's including the time spent figuring out how to adjust the pattern to the thicker yarn ;)
Thank you Nona for your KAL - I don't think I would have ever finished my mitts without it :D
The Merino & Fur was such a quick knit - even with the rovings every 3 stitches and 4 rows. I think it took me less than 20 hours total, and that's including the time spent figuring out how to adjust the pattern to the thicker yarn ;)
Thank you Nona for your KAL - I don't think I would have ever finished my mitts without it :D
Finding Spinning Wheel plans
I went shopping with my MIL today, and picked up a couple books on spinnning and knitting from the Alta Vista branch. The Self Sufficient Living book gives detailed information on creating your own spinning wheel out of a bike. I think I might actually understand how a double treadle works with a flyer... I think I'll have to see it in action to really understand the whole "slipping" thing.
I think the Mainses own a spinning wheel. The next time we visit her, I might ask Nicki or Jennifer to show me how to spin :)
I think the Mainses own a spinning wheel. The next time we visit her, I might ask Nicki or Jennifer to show me how to spin :)
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Oooh - spinning wheels
DH had the day off from work, and it was Super Saturday at Sears (store opened at 7 AM), so his Mum picked us up at 6:45 and off we went to Carlingwood. I wandered around a bit, but didn't see anything I couldn't live without. You know you're a fibre addict when you look at sweaters and think you could make it better :P I ended up getting a free makeup from the Clinique counter. Note to self: never get makeup done by a winter - especially one with really dark eyeshadow on. She did a great job, aside from the fact that the silver lid base stood out far too much. She gave me blue eyeshadow to match my shirt... why do they do that? Neutrals would have been a much better choice, but makeup ladies keep trying to match my makeup to my clothes. Like the time a girl gave me deep red lipstick to match my shirt... I don't want my face to colour coordinate exactly with my outfit - I want it to blend...
When I met up with my Hubby, he asked "What happened to your face?"... not a good sign. Anyway, he asked me to go to the 3rd floor and check out some curtains and stay there until he came to get me. He had seen some things he wanted to get for me, but didn't want to chance me finding him with an armful of goodies. He's such a cutie :) He's really big on the whole Surprise aspect of Christmas. I'm more of the Requested & Handcrafted sort. Which reminds me - his sister asked for a pair of mitts - I'll have to run out to YF again - such a chore ;)
After Sears, we dropped off his Mum and ran off with the van to the Carelton Place Used Book Store (half an hour away). We stumbled across a Community Living Used Book Depot with extremely cheap books (donated). I found an early print of Colour Me Beautiful (I still can't figure out what season I am :P ), DH found over a dozen Tom Clancy and sci fi novels. We dropped off some books at the CP book store, then ran off to find a yarn shop I had heard about somewhere in Carleton Place. After a few wrong turns, we arrived at the Mississipi Mills Black Sheep yarn store - the only store around that carries spinning wheels.
The lady who owned the shop was absolutely charming. If you live in the Ottawa area and love fibres, you simply must visit this store. She took the time to explain to my overwhelmed DH why one would ever want to take the time to spin yarn instead of just buying it from the store. She said that spinning roving was at least half the price of store bought yarn, and if you buy a fleece and clean/card it yourself, it's even cheaper. She made a great case for my desire to buy a spinning wheel. However, the $500CDN price tag on the Louet S17 was way out of our price range. Maybe if I had've expressed interest well ahead of Christmas (before our trip to Sears), I might have been able to convince DH to give me only the spinning wheel. Unfortunately, my inability to stick with one project for more than a couple months would hamper any argument for such an expensive piece of equipment...
We got back into Ottawa just in time for DH to drop me off at the Millar's with CheeseWedge's 3rd birthday. I was finally able to give her the deep purple and floral dress that's been hanging in our closet for a year - DH was very happy about that :)
When I got home, I spent the evening looking for spinning wheel patterns. The Louet might be out of my price range, but I was certain I could make a decent wheel for less than $100. After 4 hours of searching for a plan and trying to figure out exactly how a flyer works, I've decided to go to the library on Monday and pick up a book on designing a spinning wheel from an old bike. I don't have an old bike on hand, but I figure it will be me the dimensions for the flyer. I still don't get how it works in combination with a double treadle...
When I met up with my Hubby, he asked "What happened to your face?"... not a good sign. Anyway, he asked me to go to the 3rd floor and check out some curtains and stay there until he came to get me. He had seen some things he wanted to get for me, but didn't want to chance me finding him with an armful of goodies. He's such a cutie :) He's really big on the whole Surprise aspect of Christmas. I'm more of the Requested & Handcrafted sort. Which reminds me - his sister asked for a pair of mitts - I'll have to run out to YF again - such a chore ;)
After Sears, we dropped off his Mum and ran off with the van to the Carelton Place Used Book Store (half an hour away). We stumbled across a Community Living Used Book Depot with extremely cheap books (donated). I found an early print of Colour Me Beautiful (I still can't figure out what season I am :P ), DH found over a dozen Tom Clancy and sci fi novels. We dropped off some books at the CP book store, then ran off to find a yarn shop I had heard about somewhere in Carleton Place. After a few wrong turns, we arrived at the Mississipi Mills Black Sheep yarn store - the only store around that carries spinning wheels.
The lady who owned the shop was absolutely charming. If you live in the Ottawa area and love fibres, you simply must visit this store. She took the time to explain to my overwhelmed DH why one would ever want to take the time to spin yarn instead of just buying it from the store. She said that spinning roving was at least half the price of store bought yarn, and if you buy a fleece and clean/card it yourself, it's even cheaper. She made a great case for my desire to buy a spinning wheel. However, the $500CDN price tag on the Louet S17 was way out of our price range. Maybe if I had've expressed interest well ahead of Christmas (before our trip to Sears), I might have been able to convince DH to give me only the spinning wheel. Unfortunately, my inability to stick with one project for more than a couple months would hamper any argument for such an expensive piece of equipment...
We got back into Ottawa just in time for DH to drop me off at the Millar's with CheeseWedge's 3rd birthday. I was finally able to give her the deep purple and floral dress that's been hanging in our closet for a year - DH was very happy about that :)
When I got home, I spent the evening looking for spinning wheel patterns. The Louet might be out of my price range, but I was certain I could make a decent wheel for less than $100. After 4 hours of searching for a plan and trying to figure out exactly how a flyer works, I've decided to go to the library on Monday and pick up a book on designing a spinning wheel from an old bike. I don't have an old bike on hand, but I figure it will be me the dimensions for the flyer. I still don't get how it works in combination with a double treadle...
Friday, December 16, 2005
Peaceful Palms #4
I've started and finished a mitten!
I decided to go with a thrummed mitten from Yarn Forward found here, although my guage was way off, and I was doing it on 2 circs instead of 2 regular.
I used the "Merino & Fur" I got on sale a couple weeks ago, along with hank of roving from Fleece Artist in matching shades, and a small trim of dark green sock mohair. I'll get a picture up soon, I promise.
I started yesterday at Jo's while waiting for our ganache to cool so we could shape it into truffles. I had to play around with the number of stitches, before finally settling on 30. The cuff is a little wide, but body is nice and snug with all the thums. If I have extra yarn, I'll probably add onto the cuff to make it longer and tighter. I'm not crazy about the feeling of the mohair against my skin. I think I've decided to never use mohair again. it's just too scratchy (unless someone can recommend a softer variety).
I continued knitting well into the early morning, woke up around 11am (exams are finished), and kept on knitting. I had knit the mitten too long because I forgot how many rows the finishing process would require. I frogged about 12 rows then started the decreases. I think I may have gone too far back, as my finger tips touch the end. Hopefully I'll be able to stretch out the mitt a touch when I block it.
For a first go at both mitts and thumming, I'm quite pleased. They're pretty fuzzy though - it that normal? or did I not twist the thrums enough? Once I wash them, the yarn will bloom as well, so they'll be fuzzaliscious ;)
I'm looking forward to casting on the final mitt. At this rate, I might even be able to get a hat doen in time for Christmas. This set will look great with the brown peacoat and boots I picked out with my Mum :)
I decided to go with a thrummed mitten from Yarn Forward found here, although my guage was way off, and I was doing it on 2 circs instead of 2 regular.
I used the "Merino & Fur" I got on sale a couple weeks ago, along with hank of roving from Fleece Artist in matching shades, and a small trim of dark green sock mohair. I'll get a picture up soon, I promise.
I started yesterday at Jo's while waiting for our ganache to cool so we could shape it into truffles. I had to play around with the number of stitches, before finally settling on 30. The cuff is a little wide, but body is nice and snug with all the thums. If I have extra yarn, I'll probably add onto the cuff to make it longer and tighter. I'm not crazy about the feeling of the mohair against my skin. I think I've decided to never use mohair again. it's just too scratchy (unless someone can recommend a softer variety).
I continued knitting well into the early morning, woke up around 11am (exams are finished), and kept on knitting. I had knit the mitten too long because I forgot how many rows the finishing process would require. I frogged about 12 rows then started the decreases. I think I may have gone too far back, as my finger tips touch the end. Hopefully I'll be able to stretch out the mitt a touch when I block it.
For a first go at both mitts and thumming, I'm quite pleased. They're pretty fuzzy though - it that normal? or did I not twist the thrums enough? Once I wash them, the yarn will bloom as well, so they'll be fuzzaliscious ;)
I'm looking forward to casting on the final mitt. At this rate, I might even be able to get a hat doen in time for Christmas. This set will look great with the brown peacoat and boots I picked out with my Mum :)
Friday, December 09, 2005
1 Corinthians 11 & Strong's Concordance
I started wearing a headcovering to worship service a year after becoming a Christian. My Mother-In-Law and her Mother both wore hats (as did a number of women at the time), which made the practice 'normal' to me. However, my decision to begin wearing a covering was determined by the research I did into 1 Corinthians 11. Major influences for me included a sermon by Pastor Rich as he worked through Corinthians (before I joined the church, no longer online) as well as several essays I found online (linked at the bottom).
There are several arguments used against a straight interpretation of 1Cor 11. First, that it was cultural command which we can ignore, second, that the covering is simply hair, and third, that the passage actually refers to having hair 'pinned up' not 'covered'. I will go through each of the arguments.
The first argument given is that the whole head-covering instruction was cultural (something about the prostitutes having shaved heads), and it no longer applies to us. The problem with this argument is that Paul's reasoning was timeless -- he discusses Headship, Glory, Creation, Angels, Nature, and then rounds it off by saying "But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God." (1Cor 11:16) This issue wasn't cultural, it was eternal, and modern men and women must have a clear understanding of what this passage is commanding us.
The simplest argument against cloth headcoverings reasons that verse 15 ("...For her hair is given to her for a covering.") indicates that the covering discussed in the preceding verses is a woman's hair. The problem lies in verses 5 & 6
One argument I read stated that the first word Paul used for "cover" was properly translated as "long hair pinned up", and that the actual word properly translated as "cover" isn't used until v15. The same argument contends that the word often translated "as" or "for" in that same verse is properly translated as "instead of", so that the actual verse reads "For her hair is given to her instead of a (cloth) covering".
This sounded like the most convincing argument I had heard against head coverings, if in fact the translations were incorrect. Therefore, I decided to delve into Strong's Concordance, Thayer's Lexicon, and the Septuagint to get at the root of the words. Now, more than ever, I am convinced that the way a woman is to cover her head during prayer and prophesy is with a cloth veil which hides her hair. Following is the process I took to reach my conclusion. Keep in mind that although I have no expertise in languages (I can't even learn French), if you treat words like code, you can get a pretty decent understanding of their appropriate use.
Following is the passage with Strong's word numbers next to each word. The words pertinent to this discussion are in bold. I would encourage you to take out your favourite translation (no paraphrases, please), and write down Strong's word number next to the bold selections. This might help you connect the definitions to the appropriate words.
Praying [4336] proseuchomai pros-yoo'-khom-ahee from 4314 and 2172; to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship:--pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer.
Prophesying [4395] propheteuo prof-ate-yoo'-o from 4396; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office:--prophesy.
Chapter 11 is often prefaced with the title "Directions for Public Worship", however, the instructions for the covering/uncovering of one's head do not specify whether the praying or prohesying are on the Lord's Day, in public worship. In the preceeding chapter, Paul discusses the Lord's Supper, and then broadens the topic to the eating of sacrificed meat (outside of public worship). Paul then thanks the church for holding fast to the traditions as he delivered them, and goes on to address head coverings, before veering back to the Lord's Supper. At the very least, one may conclude that head coverings apply to Lord's Day assembly (the "traditions"), however, an argument could easily be made that the instructions apply to all praying and prophesying, regardless of time or location.
Second, let's see who we are dealing with.
2) to let go, let loose, ignore, let alone
a) (Qal)
1) to let go, let loose
2) to let alone, avoid, neglect
3) to loosen
b) (Niphal) to be let loose, be loosened of restraint
c) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to refrain
2) to show lack of restraint
3) to let loose restraints
[473] anti an-tee' a primary particle; opposite, i.e. instead or because of (rarely in addition to):--for, in the room of. Often used in composition to denote contrast, requital, substitution, correspondence, etc.
1) over against, opposite to, before
2) for, instead of, in place of (something)
a) instead of
b) for
c) for that, because
d) wherefore, for this cause
Although "anti [471]" can be translated as "instead of", most translations use "for" or "as".
Finally, let's examine the implications of saying the covering is "long hair pinned up". If you are using this intepretation of the text to avoid wearing a cloth head covering, do you wear your hair long and pinned up? If not, then the text says you should shave your head, for doing so is disgraceful. However, since it is a disgrace to have a shaved head, you should wear a cloth veil to cover your shame.
If you are preaching this interpretation, then you must also be teaching women to a) wear their hair long; and b) pin their hair up; otherwise, c) they must cover their short or long, unpinned hair with a cloth veil.
It is interesting to note that of all the depictions of female believers throughout the ages, not one is shown with "long hair pinned up", but rather they are shown wearing a cloth head covering. It appears that even Paul's first audience took his words as instructions to wear a cloth veil.
To recap, at the very least, you should be covering your hair with a cloth veil or scarf if you are a believing married woman praying/prophesying in public worship on the Lord's Day. I would encourage believing married women to keep the cover on during the entire service (otherwise it becomes an unnecessary distraction). I believe it would be highly beneficial to wear the same head covering during group bible studies and prayer meetings, as well as private study and prayer. I believe Paul's argument for wearing a head covering applies to prayer and prophesy every day, not just on Sunday. Also, there is nothing wrong or sinful with wearing a head covering at all times. I believe this practice blesses sporadic, spontaneous prayer. It could also be beneficial to women struggling in areas of Godly submission towards their Husbands and God.
As I mentioned earlier, there are several eteranl reasons Pauls gives for headcoverings: Headship, Glory, Creation, Angels, Nature, and then rounds it off by saying "But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God." (1Cor 11:16). I believe the simplest reason he gives has to do with Glory, so let's work through that chain: The glory of God is man (v7), the glory of man is woman (v7), and the glory of woman is her hair (v15). When we're worshiping God, who's glory are we exalting? God's or our own? Since we are exalting God, we should be uncovering the glory of God and covering the glory of man and woman. Since God's glory is man, he should be uncovered. Since man's glory is woman, she should be covered. Since woman's glory is her hair, it should be covered. Therefore, we have two reason here to cover our heads and our hair -- to cover man's glory as well as our own. You may disagree with the idea that nature teaches that long hair on men and short hair on women is shameful, and you might not comprehend what angels have to do with signs of authority, but the notion of uncovering God's glory and covering man's should be easily understood. Afterall, isn't that what worship is all about?
As important as the headcovering may be, please keep in mind that souls are far more important than any garment a person may or may not be wearing. Before taking a woman to task for not wearing a proper covering, or a man for wearing an improper covering, it is essential that you determine that they are indeed a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. God sees beyond the external, into the heart. A woman can wear a headcovering at all times, but if her sins were not paid for on the Cross, then she is little more than a white-washed tomb. This principle should be applied to all areas of life. There is no sense in dealing with anyone's sins unless they are in a saving relationship with Jesus.
Additional Resources
Headcovering in Public Worship (Pastor Brian Schwertley, sermon)
Headcoverings II (Pastor Brian Schwertley, sermon)
Sermons on Headcoverings (all sides)
There are several arguments used against a straight interpretation of 1Cor 11. First, that it was cultural command which we can ignore, second, that the covering is simply hair, and third, that the passage actually refers to having hair 'pinned up' not 'covered'. I will go through each of the arguments.
The first argument given is that the whole head-covering instruction was cultural (something about the prostitutes having shaved heads), and it no longer applies to us. The problem with this argument is that Paul's reasoning was timeless -- he discusses Headship, Glory, Creation, Angels, Nature, and then rounds it off by saying "But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God." (1Cor 11:16) This issue wasn't cultural, it was eternal, and modern men and women must have a clear understanding of what this passage is commanding us.
The simplest argument against cloth headcoverings reasons that verse 15 ("...For her hair is given to her for a covering.") indicates that the covering discussed in the preceding verses is a woman's hair. The problem lies in verses 5 & 6
But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head. 1Cor 11:5-6You see, if the covering is really just long hair, then being "uncovered" would mean having short hair. Yet, how can she cut off her hair if it's already short? These verses simply cannot be reconciled with the interpretation that a woman's hair is her only covering. Aslo, the whole passage seems far too complicated if all Paul meant was women should have long hair, and men should have short hair. The passage is either saying what it means to say (that women should wear a cloth head covering and men should not), or it is mistranslated.
One argument I read stated that the first word Paul used for "cover" was properly translated as "long hair pinned up", and that the actual word properly translated as "cover" isn't used until v15. The same argument contends that the word often translated "as" or "for" in that same verse is properly translated as "instead of", so that the actual verse reads "For her hair is given to her instead of a (cloth) covering".
This sounded like the most convincing argument I had heard against head coverings, if in fact the translations were incorrect. Therefore, I decided to delve into Strong's Concordance, Thayer's Lexicon, and the Septuagint to get at the root of the words. Now, more than ever, I am convinced that the way a woman is to cover her head during prayer and prophesy is with a cloth veil which hides her hair. Following is the process I took to reach my conclusion. Keep in mind that although I have no expertise in languages (I can't even learn French), if you treat words like code, you can get a pretty decent understanding of their appropriate use.
Following is the passage with Strong's word numbers next to each word. The words pertinent to this discussion are in bold. I would encourage you to take out your favourite translation (no paraphrases, please), and write down Strong's word number next to the bold selections. This might help you connect the definitions to the appropriate words.
1Cr 11:3 But [1161] I would have [2309] (5719) you [5209] know [1492] (5760), that [3754] the head [2776] of every [3956] man [435] is [2076] (5748) Christ [5547]; and [1161] the head [2776] of the woman [1135] [is] the man [435]; and [1161] the head [2776] of Christ [5547] [is] God [2316].First, let's take a look at when this directive is in place.1Cr 11:4 Every [3956] man [435] praying [4336] (5740) or [2228] prophesying [4395] (5723), having [2192] (5723) [his] head [2776] covered [2596], dishonoureth [2617] (5719) his [846] head [2776].
1Cr 11:5 But [1161] every [3956] woman [1135] that prayeth [4336] (5740) or [2228] prophesieth [4395] (5723) with [her] head [2776] uncovered [177] dishonoureth [2617] (5719) her [1438] head [2776]: for [1063] that is [2076] (5748) even [2532] all one [1520] as if [846] she were shaven [3587] (5772).
1Cr 11:6 For [1063] if [1487] the woman [1135] be [2619] [0] not [3756] covered [2619] (5743), let her [2751] [0] also [2532] be shorn [2751] (5669): but [1161] if [1487] it be a shame [149] for a woman [1135] to be shorn [2751] (5670) or [2228] shaven [3587] (5745), let her be covered [2619] (5744).
1Cr 11:7 For [1063] a man [435] indeed [3303] ought [3784] (5719) not [3756] to cover [2619] (5745) [his] head [2776], forasmuch as he is [5225] (5723) the image [1504] and [2532] glory [1391] of God [2316]: but [1161] the woman [1135] is [2076] (5748) the glory [1391] of the man [435].
1Cr 11:8 For [1063] the man [435] is [2076] (5748) not [3756] of [1537] the woman [1135]; but [235] the woman [1135] of [1537] the man [435].
1Cr 11:9 [1063] [2532] Neither [3756] was [2936] [0] the man [435] created [2936] (5681) for [1223] the woman [1135]; but [235] the woman [1135] for [1223] the man [435].
1Cr 11:10 For this [5124] cause [1223] ought [3784] (5719) the woman [1135] to have [2192] (5721) power [1849] on [1909] [her] head [2776] because [1223] of the angels [32].
1Cr 11:11 Nevertheless [4133] neither [3777] is the man [435] without [5565] the woman [1135], neither [3777] the woman [1135] without [5565] the man [435], in [1722] the Lord [2962].
1Cr 11:12 For [1063] as [5618] the woman [1135] [is] of [1537] the man [435], even so [3779] [is] the man [435] also [2532] by [1223] the woman [1135]; but [1161] all things [3956] of [1537] God [2316].
1Cr 11:13 Judge [2919] (5657) in [1722] yourselves [5213] [846]: is it [2076] (5748) comely [4241] (5723) that a woman [1135] pray [4336] (5738) unto God [2316] uncovered [177]?
1Cr 11:14 Doth [2228] not even [3761] nature [5449] itself [846] teach [1321] (5719) you [5209], that [3754], if [1437] [3303] a man [435] have long hair [2863] (5725), it is [2076] (5748) a shame [819] unto him [846]?
1Cr 11:15 But [1161] if [1437] a woman [1135] have long hair [2863] (5725), it is [2076] (5748) a glory [1391] to her [846]: for [3754] [her] hair [2864] is given [1325] (5769) her [846] for [473] a covering [4018].
1Cr 11:16 But [1161] if any man [1536] seem [1380] (5719) to be [1511] (5750) contentious [5380], we [2249] have [2192] (5719) no [3756] such [5108] custom [4914], neither [3761] the churches [1577] of God [2316].
Praying [4336] proseuchomai pros-yoo'-khom-ahee from 4314 and 2172; to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship:--pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer.
Prophesying [4395] propheteuo prof-ate-yoo'-o from 4396; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office:--prophesy.
Chapter 11 is often prefaced with the title "Directions for Public Worship", however, the instructions for the covering/uncovering of one's head do not specify whether the praying or prohesying are on the Lord's Day, in public worship. In the preceeding chapter, Paul discusses the Lord's Supper, and then broadens the topic to the eating of sacrificed meat (outside of public worship). Paul then thanks the church for holding fast to the traditions as he delivered them, and goes on to address head coverings, before veering back to the Lord's Supper. At the very least, one may conclude that head coverings apply to Lord's Day assembly (the "traditions"), however, an argument could easily be made that the instructions apply to all praying and prophesying, regardless of time or location.
Second, let's see who we are dealing with.
Man [435] aner an'-ayr a primary word (compare 444); a man (properly as an individual male):--fellow, husband, man, sir.
Woman [1135] gune goo-nay' probably from the base of 1096; a woman; specially, a wife:--wife, woman.
"Gune [1135]", according to Thayer's Lexicon, can mean "1. a woman of any age, whether a virgin, or married, or a widow", or specifically, "2. a wife, or a betrothed woman". Therefore, at the very least, Paul is referring to married or betrothed women. This interpretation makes sense in light of Paul's argument concerning headship. Not every man is the head of every woman, but rather a Husband is the head of his own Wife.
Third, let's look at the various words used for "cover" and "uncover". The first word "kata [2596]" is only used by itself in v4 in relation to men. Afterwards, it is used in combination with "kalupto [2572] to form "katakalupto [2619]" and "akatakaluptos [177]". Notice that when hair is referred to as a "covering", a completely different word (peribolaion[4018]) is used. I believe this means that although hair is given as a type of covering, it is not the covering required while praying or prohesying. For reference, I have included the definitions for "shaved" and "shorn", as well as "hair" and "long hair".
[2596] kata kat-ah' a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), ... by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
1) down from, through out
2) according to, toward, along
[2572] kalupto kal-oop'-to akin to 2813 and 2928; to cover up (literally or figuratively):--cover, hide.
1) to hide, veil
a) to hinder the knowledge of a thing
[2619] (5743) katakalupto kat-ak-al-oop'-to from 2596 and 2572; to cover wholly, i.e. veil:--cover, hide.
1) to cover up
2) to veil or cover one's self
[177] akatakaluptos ak-at-ak-al'-oop-tos from 1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of a compound of 2596 and 2572; unveiled:--uncovered.
1) not covered, unveiled
[4018] peribolaion per-ib-ol'-ah-yon neuter of a presumed derivative of 4016; something thrown around one, i.e. a mantle, veil:--covering, vesture.
1) a covering thrown around, a wrapper
a) a mantle
b) a veil
[3587] xurao xoo-rah'-o from a derivative of the same as 3586 (meaning a razor); to shave or "shear" the hair:--shave.
1) to shear, shave
2) to get one's self shaved
[2751] keiro ki'-ro a primary verb; to shear:--shear(-er).
1) to sheer: a sheep
2) to get or let be shorn
3) of shearing or cutting short the hair of the head
[2863] komao kom-ah'-o from 2864; to wear tresses of hair:--have long hair.
1) to let the hair grow, have long hair
[2864] kome kom'-ay apparently from the same as 2865; the hair of the head (locks, as ornamental, and thus differing from 2359; which properly denotes merely the scalp):--hair.
1) hair, head of hair
The following definitions are taken from Numbers 5:18. The Septuagint uses "apokalupto [601]" (a derivitive of "kalupto [2572]") to translate "para [06544]". Some arguments against head coverings use this verse to prove that "katakalupto [2619]" means "long hair pinned up", and therefore "akatakalupto [177]" means "long hair let down", or something to that effect. However, by examining the use of the Hebrew "para [06544]" one understands that is not the case. Although "para [06544]" does mean "to let loose", it appears to have the connotations of uncovering and nakedness, rather than of disheveled hair.
[601] apokalupto ap-ok-al-oop'-to from 575 and 2572; to take off the cover, i.e. disclose:--reveal.
[06544] para paw-rah' a primitive root; to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin:--avenge, avoid, bare, go back, let, (make) naked, set at nought, perish, refuse, uncover.
2) to let go, let loose, ignore, let alone
a) (Qal)
1) to let go, let loose
2) to let alone, avoid, neglect
3) to loosen
b) (Niphal) to be let loose, be loosened of restraint
c) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to refrain
2) to show lack of restraint
3) to let loose restraints
Fourth, let's look at the definition of "anti [473]" in v16.
[473] anti an-tee' a primary particle; opposite, i.e. instead or because of (rarely in addition to):--for, in the room of. Often used in composition to denote contrast, requital, substitution, correspondence, etc.
1) over against, opposite to, before
2) for, instead of, in place of (something)
a) instead of
b) for
c) for that, because
d) wherefore, for this cause
Although "anti [471]" can be translated as "instead of", most translations use "for" or "as".
Finally, let's examine the implications of saying the covering is "long hair pinned up". If you are using this intepretation of the text to avoid wearing a cloth head covering, do you wear your hair long and pinned up? If not, then the text says you should shave your head, for doing so is disgraceful. However, since it is a disgrace to have a shaved head, you should wear a cloth veil to cover your shame.
If you are preaching this interpretation, then you must also be teaching women to a) wear their hair long; and b) pin their hair up; otherwise, c) they must cover their short or long, unpinned hair with a cloth veil.
It is interesting to note that of all the depictions of female believers throughout the ages, not one is shown with "long hair pinned up", but rather they are shown wearing a cloth head covering. It appears that even Paul's first audience took his words as instructions to wear a cloth veil.
To recap, at the very least, you should be covering your hair with a cloth veil or scarf if you are a believing married woman praying/prophesying in public worship on the Lord's Day. I would encourage believing married women to keep the cover on during the entire service (otherwise it becomes an unnecessary distraction). I believe it would be highly beneficial to wear the same head covering during group bible studies and prayer meetings, as well as private study and prayer. I believe Paul's argument for wearing a head covering applies to prayer and prophesy every day, not just on Sunday. Also, there is nothing wrong or sinful with wearing a head covering at all times. I believe this practice blesses sporadic, spontaneous prayer. It could also be beneficial to women struggling in areas of Godly submission towards their Husbands and God.
As I mentioned earlier, there are several eteranl reasons Pauls gives for headcoverings: Headship, Glory, Creation, Angels, Nature, and then rounds it off by saying "But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God." (1Cor 11:16). I believe the simplest reason he gives has to do with Glory, so let's work through that chain: The glory of God is man (v7), the glory of man is woman (v7), and the glory of woman is her hair (v15). When we're worshiping God, who's glory are we exalting? God's or our own? Since we are exalting God, we should be uncovering the glory of God and covering the glory of man and woman. Since God's glory is man, he should be uncovered. Since man's glory is woman, she should be covered. Since woman's glory is her hair, it should be covered. Therefore, we have two reason here to cover our heads and our hair -- to cover man's glory as well as our own. You may disagree with the idea that nature teaches that long hair on men and short hair on women is shameful, and you might not comprehend what angels have to do with signs of authority, but the notion of uncovering God's glory and covering man's should be easily understood. Afterall, isn't that what worship is all about?
As important as the headcovering may be, please keep in mind that souls are far more important than any garment a person may or may not be wearing. Before taking a woman to task for not wearing a proper covering, or a man for wearing an improper covering, it is essential that you determine that they are indeed a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. God sees beyond the external, into the heart. A woman can wear a headcovering at all times, but if her sins were not paid for on the Cross, then she is little more than a white-washed tomb. This principle should be applied to all areas of life. There is no sense in dealing with anyone's sins unless they are in a saving relationship with Jesus.
Additional Resources
Headcovering in Public Worship (Pastor Brian Schwertley, sermon)
Headcoverings II (Pastor Brian Schwertley, sermon)
Sermons on Headcoverings (all sides)
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Head covering
So I've been doing more research on the whole headcovering issue. I've concluded the following things.
1. Head coverings are definitely fabric veils which conceal hair. Although hair is given to the woman as a covering, it is not her only covering. Paul's argument to shave uncovered hair would make no sense if hair was a woman's only covering.
2. Head coverings are definitely worn in Sabbath Worship during Prayer and Prophecy. However, since women are not to speak/teach during Public Worship, it is likely that head coverings should be worn during all prayer, prophecy and teaching, otherwise, Paul would not have mentioned Prophesy. Although it is slightly controversial, I would highly recommend wearing head coverings during all prayer and teaching. What harm is there in honouring a Sabbath practice throughout the week?
3. Head coverings are definitely to be worn by married women. However, there is great good in young girls and unmarried women wearing a head covering as well, since one of the chief purposes of the covering is to hide her glory.
4. Although Head coverings are highly recommended as regular attire, they are not necessary at all times, just as it is not necessary for men to keep their heads uncovered at all times. 1Tim2:9 & 1Pet3:3 both discuss improper attire, including braided hair, rather than uncovered hair. Therefore, a covering would be considered more modest, however, it is completely voluntary when not praying, or prophesying/teaching.
5. Head coverings serve as a symbol of a submissive heart before our Lord Jesus Christ. They are a great tool for teaching a willful heart, and can help remind ourselves of the proper attitude towards God, and our Husbands or Fathers. However, there is little benefit in forcing an unbelieving woman to wear a veil. It is far more important to deal with the inner, spiritual matter of the heart first, before attempting to address the outer, physical symbol.
My Husband and I have been married for just over a year now. In that short time, it has become apparent that I do not possess a willing, submissive heart towards my Husband and, therefore, God. I think that wearing a head covering during the day will help me keep my mind focused on my duty towards God and my Husband (which is probably why God hasn't let me brush aside the issue of head coverings this past week). It is something I am choosing to do for a time (as yet undetermined), in order to ascertain if it is of benefit to my soul. If wearing a veil improves my attitude, then I will determine to constantly wear it. There is no harm in practicing a level of modesty not commonly found in modern society.
I made a covering today based on this design, using a lightweight cotton fabric and cording I bought on Monday. I've been wearing it since early afternoon, and have found it difficult to ignore my household chores like I usually do. I even did laundry... I know - it might not sound like much, but I've been putting it off for quite some time. I'd rather not say just how long :P
When my DH came home, he didn't say a word about the veil. I'm pretty sure he had seen some of my earlier interest in head coverings, and took it as a natural extension of my research. Immediately following dinner, we retreated to the bedroom where he suggested we read scripture. He prayed for God to give us wisdom for our future, and I continued reading in John where we had left off some time ago. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I think seeing me wear a symbol of Godly submission encouraged DH to practice Godly leadership.
Please pray for my Husband and me as I explore modesty in dress and actions.
1. Head coverings are definitely fabric veils which conceal hair. Although hair is given to the woman as a covering, it is not her only covering. Paul's argument to shave uncovered hair would make no sense if hair was a woman's only covering.
2. Head coverings are definitely worn in Sabbath Worship during Prayer and Prophecy. However, since women are not to speak/teach during Public Worship, it is likely that head coverings should be worn during all prayer, prophecy and teaching, otherwise, Paul would not have mentioned Prophesy. Although it is slightly controversial, I would highly recommend wearing head coverings during all prayer and teaching. What harm is there in honouring a Sabbath practice throughout the week?
3. Head coverings are definitely to be worn by married women. However, there is great good in young girls and unmarried women wearing a head covering as well, since one of the chief purposes of the covering is to hide her glory.
4. Although Head coverings are highly recommended as regular attire, they are not necessary at all times, just as it is not necessary for men to keep their heads uncovered at all times. 1Tim2:9 & 1Pet3:3 both discuss improper attire, including braided hair, rather than uncovered hair. Therefore, a covering would be considered more modest, however, it is completely voluntary when not praying, or prophesying/teaching.
5. Head coverings serve as a symbol of a submissive heart before our Lord Jesus Christ. They are a great tool for teaching a willful heart, and can help remind ourselves of the proper attitude towards God, and our Husbands or Fathers. However, there is little benefit in forcing an unbelieving woman to wear a veil. It is far more important to deal with the inner, spiritual matter of the heart first, before attempting to address the outer, physical symbol.
My Husband and I have been married for just over a year now. In that short time, it has become apparent that I do not possess a willing, submissive heart towards my Husband and, therefore, God. I think that wearing a head covering during the day will help me keep my mind focused on my duty towards God and my Husband (which is probably why God hasn't let me brush aside the issue of head coverings this past week). It is something I am choosing to do for a time (as yet undetermined), in order to ascertain if it is of benefit to my soul. If wearing a veil improves my attitude, then I will determine to constantly wear it. There is no harm in practicing a level of modesty not commonly found in modern society.
I made a covering today based on this design, using a lightweight cotton fabric and cording I bought on Monday. I've been wearing it since early afternoon, and have found it difficult to ignore my household chores like I usually do. I even did laundry... I know - it might not sound like much, but I've been putting it off for quite some time. I'd rather not say just how long :P
When my DH came home, he didn't say a word about the veil. I'm pretty sure he had seen some of my earlier interest in head coverings, and took it as a natural extension of my research. Immediately following dinner, we retreated to the bedroom where he suggested we read scripture. He prayed for God to give us wisdom for our future, and I continued reading in John where we had left off some time ago. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I think seeing me wear a symbol of Godly submission encouraged DH to practice Godly leadership.
Please pray for my Husband and me as I explore modesty in dress and actions.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Getting Convicted
For some reason I chose to stay up late and research long hair and head coverings.
When I first met my Husband, I had shorter hair than he did (and his hair was short). He said he was attracted to me partly because I had short, spunky hair. However, as our relationship progressed, he indicated his desire for me to grow out my hair. I was tired of my uber short hair, so I agreed. I remember my annoyance at the "in-between" stages =/ But I also remember how excited he was as my hair finally reached viable ponytail length :) Every so often I'd threaten to chop it all off again, just to see if my DH desired my short hair again. The threats usually come after prodding him to roll over, off my hair *sigh*... I haven't had hair this long since I was 7. My Mum made me chop it off because I couldn't take care of it. To be fair, it was so long I could sit on it, and I was seven. Now, it's getting caught under my arm, and becoming a real nuisance when I sleep. But each time the thought of lobbing it all off enters my mind, it is immediately chased out by my own desire to have long hair. I keep coming back to the passage that equates short hair with shame. I want to have long long hair because God says it is my glory, which He gave to me.
I've worn a head covering to church since I started taking the Lord's Supper (usually a large, square scarf folded diagonally). At that time, a number of our Pastor's sermons were online, and so I downloaded one discussing 1Cor 11, where Paul discusses why women should cover their hair when praying and prophesying. I agreed with Rich's assessment of the passage, and began covering my head as a sign of God's authority, my submission to Him (I wasn't yet married), and to veil my glory (my hair) so that everyone around me could concentrate on Him (as if my shaggy mass of hair could have distracted anyone).
The last few months, however, I've felt drawn towards Muslim's head coverings. This evening, I spent 4 hours researching 1Cor11, as well as other verses dealing with the covering of women's heads, as well as modesty. I'm feeling convicted that I should be covering my hair all the time, not just in public Worship. I mean, Paul didn't say cover your head when you are praying in Church. He said to cover your head when you pray and prophesy. Period. That means every time you pray. If you're in constant dialogue with God, talking with Him about your day, your hopes, your plans, His plans for you, then you should constantly be covering your head.
So now I have an urge to buy a sqare of some lightweight cotton fabric, a length of cord, and make an everyday headcovering for myself. I'll have to include hidden loops for a hair comb to secure it (the scarves I wear to church are so slippery they don't last long without clips), and figure out if I want a snood to capture all my hair, or a longer veil-type thing to cover it all.
Shoot. Which all this modesty related convicting going on, I'm going to have to start wearing more skirts now too (Deut. says women shouldn't wear the accoutrements of men). That means I'm going to have to find a pair of winter boots that look nice with skirts. I don't think I have any stockings either...
Well, that was an interesting night.
When I first met my Husband, I had shorter hair than he did (and his hair was short). He said he was attracted to me partly because I had short, spunky hair. However, as our relationship progressed, he indicated his desire for me to grow out my hair. I was tired of my uber short hair, so I agreed. I remember my annoyance at the "in-between" stages =/ But I also remember how excited he was as my hair finally reached viable ponytail length :) Every so often I'd threaten to chop it all off again, just to see if my DH desired my short hair again. The threats usually come after prodding him to roll over, off my hair *sigh*... I haven't had hair this long since I was 7. My Mum made me chop it off because I couldn't take care of it. To be fair, it was so long I could sit on it, and I was seven. Now, it's getting caught under my arm, and becoming a real nuisance when I sleep. But each time the thought of lobbing it all off enters my mind, it is immediately chased out by my own desire to have long hair. I keep coming back to the passage that equates short hair with shame. I want to have long long hair because God says it is my glory, which He gave to me.
I've worn a head covering to church since I started taking the Lord's Supper (usually a large, square scarf folded diagonally). At that time, a number of our Pastor's sermons were online, and so I downloaded one discussing 1Cor 11, where Paul discusses why women should cover their hair when praying and prophesying. I agreed with Rich's assessment of the passage, and began covering my head as a sign of God's authority, my submission to Him (I wasn't yet married), and to veil my glory (my hair) so that everyone around me could concentrate on Him (as if my shaggy mass of hair could have distracted anyone).
The last few months, however, I've felt drawn towards Muslim's head coverings. This evening, I spent 4 hours researching 1Cor11, as well as other verses dealing with the covering of women's heads, as well as modesty. I'm feeling convicted that I should be covering my hair all the time, not just in public Worship. I mean, Paul didn't say cover your head when you are praying in Church. He said to cover your head when you pray and prophesy. Period. That means every time you pray. If you're in constant dialogue with God, talking with Him about your day, your hopes, your plans, His plans for you, then you should constantly be covering your head.
So now I have an urge to buy a sqare of some lightweight cotton fabric, a length of cord, and make an everyday headcovering for myself. I'll have to include hidden loops for a hair comb to secure it (the scarves I wear to church are so slippery they don't last long without clips), and figure out if I want a snood to capture all my hair, or a longer veil-type thing to cover it all.
Shoot. Which all this modesty related convicting going on, I'm going to have to start wearing more skirts now too (Deut. says women shouldn't wear the accoutrements of men). That means I'm going to have to find a pair of winter boots that look nice with skirts. I don't think I have any stockings either...
Well, that was an interesting night.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Merino & Fur
Naturally's "Merino & Fur" is officially my new favourite yarn. My new scarf is knitting up really quickly. Unfortunately, it's going to eat up 3 skeins, which only leaves me 2 skeins to make a hat and mittens. I have a feeling I'll only be able to do one or the other :(
If anyone knows where I can get a super amazing deal on more Merino and Fur, give me a shout. I simply can't afford the regular price...
If anyone knows where I can get a super amazing deal on more Merino and Fur, give me a shout. I simply can't afford the regular price...
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Wool 'N Things
As I was browsing the archives over at Knitty.com, I came across this article reviewing a lovely creation called the Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needles. I had seen the Boye Needlemaster set at Michael's for an outrageous price (well, it *was* Michael's), but I was rather intrigued by these needles. Made by the creators of the Boye set and building upon user recommendations, the Denise needles are a boon to lovers of circular needles on I-cord budgets (shoestring, I-cord, get it? Bah, nevermind...).
I checked out their site and discovered that only two local stores carried this marvelous contraption. The first was in the west-end with limited bus access, and the second was in the distant, but more accessible east-end. Thankfully, the east-end store - Wool 'N Things - was also the more affordable of the two ($54 CDN) :)
I called my Mum and asked her if she would like to buy me the set for Christmas (she had long ago given up surprising us). She agreed, as long as I picked up the set myself (it's a rather long drive for her). So today, I embarked on a Grand Expedition to find my needles. Well, it wasn't overly grand - OC Transpo's Travel Planner made it rather simple :)
The store was small, but jam packed with beautiful yarns. What I loved most was the different varieties from my LYS, Yarn Forward. They shared a few yarns, but for the most part Wool 'N Things had new and exciting brands just waiting to be examined (re: petted). Debbi Bliss, Noro, a wall of Rowan... What caught my eye was Naturally's Merino & Fur in hand-painted variegated colours. Actually, it was the sign above them that caught my eye - Half Price.
If you've ever felt "Merino & Fur" in the skein, you'd know that it isn't particularly soft. I might liken it to Alafoss Lopi Lite, or Noro's Silk Garden. It's actually a bit rough. Considering the regular price, one would expect a softer hand. I might have been able to pass by the small basket (the colours weren't really my type), had the sly owner not included a sample of each of the 3 colours knit up and -- here's the kicker -- washed. The yarn positively blooms when washed. It has the look of a slightly felted garment, or kid mohair, but the halo of softness hasn't the slightest hint of wiry harshness, or pilling. It is the very definition of soft.
So I bought out the least offensive colour - muted shades of orange and green. I figured even if the colours didn't look good on me, at least I'd feel nice :) I should have asked if there were any more in the back - I took all 5 skeins of the orange/green.
I had planned on starting a loosely ribbed scarf during the Bible Study that evening (mindless repetitive busywork like knitting helps me stay focused on the conversation - yeah, my mind works in weird ways), but when I arrived at Jo's, sat down and pulled out a skein, a recent event flashed in front of my eyes. I vaguely recalled a woman at Yarn Forward discussing a customer who had come in with a skein of Fleece-Artist's handpainted wool tangled up in a mass of knots. She hadn't been told to re-wind the yarn into a proper ball... Needless to say, I spent the Bible Study (Hebrews 11, an in depth look into what faith is, and what we accept on faith, including creation, as well as what many OT believers accepted on faith) preparing my yarn, rather than creating my masterpiece. Thankfully, I had learned how to create Butterfly wrappy things off the internet :)
I finished just after the closing prayers, and as the women drifted into the kitchen to chat, as per usual, I finally cast onto my brand new Denise needles, size 15 US (recommended = 6-8 US). I started off knitting in the round with 60 sts, but realized I would quickly use up all 5 skeins (I'm hoping to get a scarf, hat and mitten set out of them - wishful thinking, I know), so I switched to 30 sts in the round, before settling on 31 sts in a 1x1 rib, regular knitting. I prefer knitting in the round, and dislike switching from knit to purl, so this is rather annoying, but it's producing the desired effect, so I'm dealing with it.
I love my new Denise Interchangeable Needles. Every knitter (casual as well as serious) should own at least one set (more depending on how many WIPs you normally have).
Thank you Knitty :)
I checked out their site and discovered that only two local stores carried this marvelous contraption. The first was in the west-end with limited bus access, and the second was in the distant, but more accessible east-end. Thankfully, the east-end store - Wool 'N Things - was also the more affordable of the two ($54 CDN) :)
I called my Mum and asked her if she would like to buy me the set for Christmas (she had long ago given up surprising us). She agreed, as long as I picked up the set myself (it's a rather long drive for her). So today, I embarked on a Grand Expedition to find my needles. Well, it wasn't overly grand - OC Transpo's Travel Planner made it rather simple :)
The store was small, but jam packed with beautiful yarns. What I loved most was the different varieties from my LYS, Yarn Forward. They shared a few yarns, but for the most part Wool 'N Things had new and exciting brands just waiting to be examined (re: petted). Debbi Bliss, Noro, a wall of Rowan... What caught my eye was Naturally's Merino & Fur in hand-painted variegated colours. Actually, it was the sign above them that caught my eye - Half Price.
If you've ever felt "Merino & Fur" in the skein, you'd know that it isn't particularly soft. I might liken it to Alafoss Lopi Lite, or Noro's Silk Garden. It's actually a bit rough. Considering the regular price, one would expect a softer hand. I might have been able to pass by the small basket (the colours weren't really my type), had the sly owner not included a sample of each of the 3 colours knit up and -- here's the kicker -- washed. The yarn positively blooms when washed. It has the look of a slightly felted garment, or kid mohair, but the halo of softness hasn't the slightest hint of wiry harshness, or pilling. It is the very definition of soft.
So I bought out the least offensive colour - muted shades of orange and green. I figured even if the colours didn't look good on me, at least I'd feel nice :) I should have asked if there were any more in the back - I took all 5 skeins of the orange/green.
I had planned on starting a loosely ribbed scarf during the Bible Study that evening (mindless repetitive busywork like knitting helps me stay focused on the conversation - yeah, my mind works in weird ways), but when I arrived at Jo's, sat down and pulled out a skein, a recent event flashed in front of my eyes. I vaguely recalled a woman at Yarn Forward discussing a customer who had come in with a skein of Fleece-Artist's handpainted wool tangled up in a mass of knots. She hadn't been told to re-wind the yarn into a proper ball... Needless to say, I spent the Bible Study (Hebrews 11, an in depth look into what faith is, and what we accept on faith, including creation, as well as what many OT believers accepted on faith) preparing my yarn, rather than creating my masterpiece. Thankfully, I had learned how to create Butterfly wrappy things off the internet :)
I finished just after the closing prayers, and as the women drifted into the kitchen to chat, as per usual, I finally cast onto my brand new Denise needles, size 15 US (recommended = 6-8 US). I started off knitting in the round with 60 sts, but realized I would quickly use up all 5 skeins (I'm hoping to get a scarf, hat and mitten set out of them - wishful thinking, I know), so I switched to 30 sts in the round, before settling on 31 sts in a 1x1 rib, regular knitting. I prefer knitting in the round, and dislike switching from knit to purl, so this is rather annoying, but it's producing the desired effect, so I'm dealing with it.
I love my new Denise Interchangeable Needles. Every knitter (casual as well as serious) should own at least one set (more depending on how many WIPs you normally have).
Thank you Knitty :)
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