Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Philippians 2:30. More Dishcloths. TADA! A Finish!

Philippians 2:30
Scripture


Observation
This verse needs to be seen in context - at least to include v. 29.  Paul is asking the Philippians to receive Epaphorditus  back with great joy, to honor those like him and reminding them that he almost died on the missionary trip.  

He also points out that Epaphroditus ministered to him in lieu of the Philippians.

Application

I used to think that v. 30 was a bit harsh - until I read it in the Amplified Version:

Philippians 2:30Amplified Bible (AMP)



30 because he came close to death 
for the work of Christ, 
risking his life 
to complete what was lacking 
in your service to me 
[which distance prevented you 
from rendering personally].

In fact, for literally years I cringed as I imagined the Philippians reading that sentence.  Until I took the time to study The Amplified Version gives the reason for the Philippians' in ability to assist.  

Which reteaches me one very important lesson:
Always assume the best of a person.
I cannot tell you how many times this has saved me.  Failure to do so has robbed me far too many times of my joy - many times unnecessarily.  Such as in this case.

In previous chapters, Paul's love for the Philippians is so obvious.  Of course, v. 30 was written in love!  It may be difficult to see the details in the "best" of some situations, but, my dear reader, we can walk in faith trusting that the words and actions of others - especially those who love us - are their "best".

When we are confused about a situation, prompt and gentle communication will usually clear up the situation.  

How could the man who wrote this in a mere few verses before, 

Philippians 2New International Version (NIV)

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.


then be harsh in his words in v. 30? No way!  :)

Prayer
Oh Father God!  Help me to learn to see the big picture in Your Word!  Help me to continue to follow Your leading in assuming the best.  

You are amazing in how You are using this study to grow me spiritually and emotionally! 

I love You so much, Abba Father!  Thank you!
Amen.

More Dishcloths.

Here are the rest of the dishcloths I made for my daughter!  She loved them!  I used this pattern from Dedri at Look What I Made for the dishcloth below.

One can't go wrong with 
a simple granny square!


TADA!  A Finish!  
I finished my Granny Square Cardigan!  I made it a bit bigger than suggested so now I can puff it up around my neck. 

I am a "voluptuous" woman (nice for full-figured) and it fit me fine.  My daughter, who has four babies, has maintained her tiny frame.  This looked nice on her as well!  Here it is!


 The front!


The back
On my bed :)


Here's another close up of the yarn:  I used Yarn Bee's Diva Sequin in Deanli and an "H" hook. I used Nadia Faud's pattern from her blog at YARNutopia.


I'm linking up to:

Fiber Tuesday at
and

Hookin’ On Hump Day at
And


5 comments:

  1. Very pretty! Looks like it's a one-size-fits-all garment. Thanks for sharing

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and commenting! Yes, it appears to be a one-size-fits all! I can think of one or two friends who may enjoy one for Christmas! :)

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  2. I struggled with those words from Paul too - good to see the "amplification" of that verse! I need to work to see the best in everyone, especially when it's someone that has wronged me many times in the past....
    LOVE your cardigan! The longer back is great too - I often find that sweaters "ride up" on me, leaving my back exposed. You won't have that problem!

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  3. LOVE that Cardigan! Found it at the Hookin' on Hump Day Party! I have been wanting to work up something like that.
    I am running a year long Granny-Spiration Challenge, and would love if you came and linked up with us :) There’s also a crochet pattern giveaway going on right now. It can be found here: http://eyeloveknots.blogspot.com/2017/05/two-grannies-headband-free-crochet.html
    Alexandra of EyeLoveKnots

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    Replies
    1. I would love to join your challenge! Thank you for the invite! I'm sorry, I don't have a Facebook account - for many reasons - but I did visit the pages! The jars on the Austrian page were so cute! I love the vintage picture I saw of little girls crocheting in school...I wonder if they learned to crochet in school? :)

      I wanted to comment on Atelier Marie-Lucienne page to say, "We can never ever have enough shawls!)

      Thank you for the chance to get to know you better, to join your challenge and to win prizes - who doesn't love that? :)

      Seriously, thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments!

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