Philippians 4:2 Part 2. To Do Tuesday. I Like.

Philippians 4:2 Part 2
Part 1
Scripture
Observation
As previously discussed, we know how important it it is to have unity in the church and among believers.  


Application
At the same time, we are human, with human traits.  Like I said before, when I feel so ill equipped to apply, much lest write to others about a verse, I can only go back to the basic question:  What would Jesus do?



As I thought about researching this topic, I found this article by James Jackson.  It's a tough teaching, but well worded.  Basically he's referring us to Matthew 5:23-35 and Matthew 18:15-17.  I thoroughly enjoyed his summary:

Four Steps to Resolving Conflict
1.  Quickly
2.  Face to face
3.  One-on-one
4.  Get help

Pretty clear, but can be difficult to apply and live out.  I plan to go back and read his series on this topic.  

As we resolve conflict, let us remember that forgiveness is NOT saying, "It's OK what you did."  Forgiveness is simply giving up our right to feel indignation and resentment towards that person.  

Finally, I have to post the daily verse my husband sent me this morning:

As always, 

it all ends with our LORD and Savior.  

Prayer
Thank you for guiding me along the way and for James Jackson's sermon notes!  I'm so glad that he posted them!  I know there are those of us who have deep wounds and scars from the past.  Help us to work through them and move onto forgiveness and resolution IN YOUR TIMING.  Thank you again, my LORD, for Your grace and mercy, which is new every day!

To Do Tuesday
Last week's list:

1)  Keep up with Quilty 365  

2) Finish the last $7.50 Drunkard's Path block.  Done!

3) Finish Panel Baby Quilt - As I am hand quilting this project, this was a totally unrealistic goal.

4) Continue working on Patrick's Strength. Done!

5) Crochet a scrubby dischcloths for my daughter's father-in-law.  Done!

This week's To Do Tuesday is going up late, so my list will be short!  My son's dishcloths will have to wait a bit.  

1)  Keep up with Quilty 365  

2) Finish hand quilting two blocks of the Panel Baby Quilt 

4) Continue working on Patrick's Strength. 

I Like Thursdays
I'm a bit late for this link up as my grandson and I were playing.  We decided he would chose his "I Likes"! So here they are!

He loves their playroom!

He loves the bay window 

filled with toys for his little brothers.

 He loves the kids' bookshelf!

 This mural was painted by 

Victoria Culbertson in 1984 

for my daughter's nursery!

Of course,we love Legos!  

We're making this kit today!

Linking up to

Needleand Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation

I Like @ Not Afraid of Color

Saturday's Song. Drunkard's Path

Saturday's Song.
I've decided that my Saturday posts will be featuring a song that has blessed me during the past week!  I'll be calling it Saturday's Song!

This last week has been filled with growing pains for myself and a loved one. Let's remember Romans 8:28: 

And we know that in ALL things 

God works 

for the good 

of those who love him, 

who have been called 

according to his purpose.

Sometimes we have to remember to fight our way out of the darkness into the light!
Here is one song that got me dancing!



Drunkard's Path

Here it is!  

Block 11 of 

my Drunkard's Path $7.50 Club! 

Basically, I got to make a quilt top

for $7.50 

as long as I kept up 

with each month's blocks! 

We received our last block

which I'll be working on soon.

Then I'll put it all together!

These are new link ups for me!

Show Off Saturday

@ SewCanShe

Finish It Up Friday
@Crazy Mom Quilts

Philippians 3:10-11 Part 2/2 Pretzel Twist Progress! A Drunkard's Path

Philippians 3:10-11 Part 2/2
Part 1 is here.
Scripture

Perhaps it's time to apply the lesson I read in Chapter 2 of Bruce Wilkinson's The Prayer of Jabez.  









He writes that for us to imagine that we are on a spiritual retreat to deepen our walk, as are many others. Each participant is matched with a mentor - your's is in his 70's and has been touching people for God for years.  Early in the morning, as you walk past his room, the door is ajar and he is praying out loud.  Curious, you listen only to discover that his prayer begins with a fervent request:

First and foremost,

for the LORD TO BLESS HIM.

Could this "selfish prayer" be the reason this man so effectively works for the LORD?

Food for thought.

So, how do we really know Christ?  And what does the above have to do with all this anyway?  

Well, if we pray this Scripture, as well as Philippians 1:9-11 (as well as other Scriptures)

FOR OURSELVES FIRST

it will happen!  We will know Christ even more deeply!

We are not being selfish in putting ourselves first in prayer, 
we are being wise. 

Prayer

LORD, I realize that, in spite of my terrible memory, this part of Mr. Wilkinson's book has stayed with me....now I see why.  I rarely, if ever, pray for myself - except on this blog.  (Perhaps that's one reason You have me writing?)

One thing I've learned in life, we are never alone in our experiences.  LORD, someone reading this is relating.  

So, I pray, first and foremost, that You will bless ME. Fill me daily with your Holy Spirit, let me know You more deeply and strengthen me to move for you!

Then, my Abba, bless those reading this - especially the ones who relate.  Help them to pray for themselves FIRST, that they, too, may be filled with Your Holy Spirit, know You more deeply and be strengthened to move for You.  

Thank you for this revelation!  Abba, I bet You know what book I'll be re-reading!  :)
Amen.

Pretzel Twist Progress!
The Pretzel Twist requires 96 Unit 1 pieces and a ton of  Unit 2 pieces.  Each of those pieces require 2 seams each.  But they're short, straight seams.  I finished all of Unit 1 last night.  

I'm hoping to finish Unit 2 today!  

A Drunkard's Path
We only have two more squares to make for our $7.50 Club Drunkard's Path BOM!  I just had to lay out my blocks thus far!  

I'm getting so excited about finishing this project!  There are definitely some compensating borders in my future, but that's fine!  I randomly cut my pieces for the first two blocks.  After that, I started fussy cutting them.  The ladies at Bernina were right, as long as I separate them, it's barely noticeable!  

This month's color is a dark tourquoise/teal.  I wonder what next month's color will be?

I'm linking up to

Needle and Thread Thursday 

@ My Quilt Infatuation

Heart Encouragement Thursday @ Chrystal Storms

Philippians 2:21. $7.50 Club - Drunkard's Path

Philippians 2:21
Scripture

Observation

Verse 20 demonstrates how Paul absolutely trusts Timothy. 

We see a marked change of tone in verse 21. I wonder why?  The Layman's Bible Commentary by Archibald Hunter suggests 
1) that perhaps Paul didn't want to send Timothy, but everyone else refused to go, 

2) perhaps verse 21 is a note of bitterness of other's lack of commitment to Christ

3) which would be understandable in light of Paul's total commitment.

Application

 I would not presume to judge Paul's frustration or lack thereof.  I can apply this to my life though.

There are certainly times when our commitment to Christ is judged or called into question.  To be honest, I recall my mother-in-law's words, 

"Cada persona es un mundo." 

(Each person is a world). 

  

It sounds better in Spanish.  :)  Basically, she was saying no one understands what someone is going through or why they do what they do.  Only that person and God know.  

I so agree.  We should not judge another person's spirituality, faith or relationship with God.  We need to refrain from shooting our wounded, per say.  

Assume the best of a person.  

Pray for them.

Give them the benefit of the doubt.

In the last few years, I am learning that most - and I stress most -  people are going through life doing the best they can. 

This verse has really helped me in this endeavor.  I posted it about it in three parts here, here and here.  

Prayer

Again, LORD, I come to You grateful for what You are teaching me.  Sometimes I feel like I am learning lessons in a round about way, but I am stretching and growing!  Thank You!  LORD, I pray that those who read this are blessed as well!  I pray that this growth continues!  Amen!

7.50 Club - Drunkard's Path

Last week I was so happy just to get this block cut out.  Because I'm fussy cutting the skull fabric, it takes more time - as I'm sure most of you know!  This week the block is all sewn up and ready to join it's friends!  

This summer the BOM will wrap up and then I'll be making all these blocks into a quilt!  

This fabric will be my sashing 

and this one will be the accent border! 

I'm using this one for the backing!

I'm linking up to

Needle and Thread Thursday
@ My Quilt Infatuation

Can I Get A Whoop Whoop 
@ Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Drunkard's Path Block. You Are An Overcomer

Drunkard's Path Block
This week has been filled with activity.  I was looking forward to Monday because I had a whole day to sew....then I got sick. But, I had a whole day to recover!  

God is good, all the time, 

all the time God is good!

I did manage to cut out this block for my $7.50 BOM!  It's time consuming because I'm fussy cutting the skulls.  

I'm linking up to

Let's Bee Social at

Sew Fresh Quilts    

Midweek Makers at Quilt Fabrication    

Needle and Thread Thursday 

at My Quilt Infatuation

You Are An Overcomer
Hi there!
Today was an interesting day.  
A lot happened.
As I was catching up on emails and comments, I found an email from a friend of mine, Amy from Amy's Scrapspot.

She suggested I listen to this song.
She said she thought I would be glad if I did.
She was right.
I cried.
I realized how far God has brought me.
I smiled with joy and love for my Father.

If you know someone facing cancer, 
you might want to send them this song.
You might be glad you did.  :)

Philippians 2:16 Part 2. Hexagon Afghan Trick & To Do Tuesday.

Philippians 2:17
Scripture

Observation

Paul's eyes are on the bigger goal - the bigger purpose of his life - bringing people to Christ.  He realizes that his life on Earth is temporary, but his eternal life is exactly that --- eternal.  He doesn't want to arrive to the party without a "hostess gift":  The ones who came to Christ via God working in him.  


Plus, I see he needs a bit of a need for encouragement (or perhaps reassurance?).  He wants to be sure that all his labors, his work for Christ, his suffering has not been in vain - for naught.


Application
Honestly, I was prepared to move onto verse 17 today, but my good LORD stopped me in my tracks.  He gave me a peek into Paul's heart.  

I've always seen Paul as strong and confident.  However, as strong or confident we may seem, we all have our vulnerabilities.  

Maybe, just maybe, this sentence tucked away in verse 16 is showing a bit of his own vulnerability......

Today, my "take away" from verse 17 today is simple:  
1) Paul is most definitely an exhorter.  
2) Paul has needs and desires - one of which is to be sure his life, suffering, work has not been in vain.

Here's the big take away:
Our pastors are the same.  They need to be encouraged as well - and not just on Pastor Appreciation Sundays!

Was there a sermon that touched you?
Or even just a sentence they spoke?
Send him/her a note and let them know.

Is there a characteristic you love about your pastor?
Send him/her a note and let them know.

WE NEED TO ENCOURAGE 

OUR SPIRITUAL LEADERS!

Be it our pastors, deacons, or even our husbands/fathers.  

In my opinion, there's nothing like a note that they can read over and over again when they are discouraged.  

Gotta go.

I have a note to write.

Prayer

LORD, You have never failed to surprise me during this study.....and I thank You for that!  You are amazing!

Please encourage our pastors - and our spiritual leaders whenever they need it. Work through us to be Your instruments of encouragement by giving us discernment, wisdom and commitment to encourage them.  Amen!

Hexagon Afghan Trick

&

To Do Tuesday.

My work continues on my Hexagon Afghan!  Here's the progress I made this week!

 I almost met my To Do Tuesday goal 

of adding 30 more individual hexagons!  

I got to 27!  

I finding that if I crochet these hexagons

and then add them to the afghan,

it goes so much faster - 

at least mentally!

I'm loving this method!

Another To Do Tuesday Goal

was to cut out my $7.50 blocks.

I'm halfway there!

I did meet my goal of 

completing my Teal Blocks for RSC!

This week's To Do Tuesday Goals are simple:

1) Finish my BOMs - 

the $7.50 and Drunkard's Path

2) 30 more individual hexies added to the Hexagon Afghan.

I'm linking up to

Hookin’ On Hump Day at

Petals to Picot

And

Moogly

Oui Crochet Community  

Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River  

To Do Tuesday at Stitch All Things.    

Surgery. $7.50 Club. Thank You

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/86061042855804248/

Surgery
Well, I had the cataract surgery this afternoon.  I wasn't as freaked out as I thought I'd be!  Yea!


                                                                                             
I found this on Pinterest....I realize it's not a source to be cited, but I couldn't find the original author.  Either way, it made me smile!



$7.50 Club
Here is this month's $7.50 Club Block! 

pieces cut out

finished block

Yes, my finished block could be pressed better - and it was.  Somehow the contents of my purse attacked it!  

http://www.dumpaday.com/funny-pictures/huge-funny-picture-dump-of-the-day-95-pics/

Next month's color is YELLOW!  

I LOVE YELLOW!

Thank You!

Isn't the quilting community awesome? Thank you for your input on my crazy quilt blocks.  

I still have some time to ponder....while I finish my Leader/Ender......

You all are amazing!  

http://www.myluxefinds.com/2015/03/style-guide-bando-fun-girly-accessories.html

I will leave you with a cheerful song!

Linking up to

Finished or Not Friday at Busy Hands Quilts

Main Crush Mondays

Monday Making at Love, Laugh, Quilt

Philippians 2:12 Part 1. $7.50 Club. I'm Hooked On This - YUM!

Philippians 2:12.
Scripture
Observation

Isn't it awesome that Paul knows he can count on the Philippians to obey God's Word - whether their founder is there or not?  We have just read of skirmishes in the church, but Paul seems to feel that, for the most part, the Philippians obey God's Word.

Application
How many times have we heard this saying?  

But, apparently this is not the case with the Philippine church. 

In fact, Paul says, "...but now much more in my absence...".  

Wow.

I can only hope that we can continue to maintain that kind of discipline -

to be true to whatever authorities God has placed over us (pastors, bosses, parents, ect.) in their absence.

Many times it can feel like God isn't always there - in our presence.

How do we act then?

Prayer
God, sometimes when I don't feel You,
I lose faith and fear moves in.
But Your Word says:


WHEREVER we go.
You are with us.
There's 
no qualification - 
no exceptions - 
no reason to fear.
Though we do fear at times, 
You are with us!





God, sometimes when I don't feel You,
I sin and condemnation moves in.  
But Your Word says:
                       

And my all time favorite, 
especially during 2015,

IN ALL THINGS
even cancer,
even fear,
ALL THINGS.
PERIOD.
Thank You for these verses!
Thank You for Your presence.
Thank You.
Amen.
Dear Friend,
this is my truth.

$7.50 Club.

Our challenge for our last $7.50 Drunkards Path block was to make a flower using our green Grunge fabric, our background fabric and perhaps even introduce a third fabric.

It was fun!

Here's mine! 

I'm Hooked On This!
Mason Jar Salads
UPDATE:  Several readers had great questions about this process.  I answered them in my typical fashion - in the Comments section as well as emailing each reader.  Please take a moment or so to read the comments.  They had awesome questions!  Plus I'll be continuing to post about this process.  I've added a "Mason Jar Meals" label to my sidebar.  If  you click on that label, it should bring up all posts about this fun new way of eating healthier!  

I admit I'm a bit late to the game - 

but have your heard of 

Mason Jar Salads?  

Mason Jar Breakfast?

Mason Jar Soups?

I thought it was weird when my daughter told me about it.  But, then again, she's a pretty smart cookie.

I do buy a lot of produce with every intention of eating it, 

but sadly, 

I don't.

So, last Friday, I bought my weekly produce and spent an extra $10 on 12 pint sized mason jars.  (It's recommended to use quart size jars, but the pint size worked great for me.)

Then, on Monday, my daughter and I got together to make our meals.  

Here's how we did made ours.  I'll be putting a list of links I used at the end of this post.  This is by NO WAY my original idea!  :)

Step 1:

Gather all your your favorite fresh veggies, toppings and salad dressings together with your clean dry jars.

We used from left to right (I think...always confuse that.)
craisins, shredded carrots, lettuce, mustard greens, almonds, blue berries, celery, bell peppers, sunflower seeds, broccoli and grape tomatoes.

Not pictured are cubed cheese and feta cheese.

The order you put your ingredients in is extremely important!  
1) salad dressing (commercial/homemade)
2) hearty veggies - tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, broccoli, celery, peppers
3) beans, sprouts, avocado, snap peas
4) cooked pasta or grains
5) protein:  cheeses, eggs, meats
6) lettuce, nuts, seeds

Cover them up.  I labeled them with the date using washi tape on the lid.

You now have a weeks worth of salads!  

I then made my breakfast jars by stirring
6 oz of Greek yogurt,
about 4 tblspns non-fat milk,
raw oatmeal,
in a jar.
I added 
frozen berries and mangos,
and almonds.

My daughter made a dairy free version using coconut milk.  

The next morning she texted me saying:
"Cold oatmeal, where have you been all my life?"

Yup.  That about sums up the yumminess.  
Last were the fruit salads made of
frozen berries
grapes
and Mandarin oranges.  
Delicious!

It took us about an hour to make these from cutting up veggies to staring at their loveliness.  And that time includes taking care of Baby M2 (6 months) and Baby C. (1 1/2 years).  

By the way, all you husbands out there,
my husband took a breakfast one to work and loved it!  

Here's my Pinterest board with the websites I used as research!  

I'm linking up to

Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River 

Needle and ThreadThursday at My Quilt Infatuation

A Quilter's Reading Garden
Amy's Scrapspot