Philippians 4:23. Still Stitching. A Finished Baby Quilt.

Philippians 4:23
Scripture

Observation
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Application
Adding in those words - with your spirit - to me means to embody, envelope our very being with Jesus' grace.
Grace as defined by Webster's:

a : unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification

b : a virtue coming from God

c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance

I hope and trust that you have been blessed with this study of Philippians.  

Thank you for your support, comments and acceptance.  

It's been just me, Jesus, you - my precious readers as well as my patient family and friends who listen to me brainstorm and offer their perspectives.  Please accept my heartfelt gratitude and thanks.  

Prayer
Father, I pray, that as we conclude this study of Philippians that every being, every precious reader may accept and receive Your unmerited divine assistance  , the virtue of grace and knowledge that they are loved and forgiven as they accept Your gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, as their Savior.  Furthermore, I thank You for Your graceful guidance as I wrote this study.  

You have grown my faith beyond measure.
You have lead me through the valley of the shadow of death.
You have proved Yourself faithful, even when I have failed You.
You have used this study to bless others.
My gratitude overwhelms me.
May You accept my praise and thankfulness as a sweet, sweet sound to Your ear.
Amen and amen.

Looking Forward:
Still Stitching
As we go forward with the new Bible study, Still Stitching, I ask for your prayers.  We will be addressing the issue of having loved ones with life controlling issues such as alcoholism, addiction and other life issues.  

As I discussed this new direction with a friend, she said, "Oh, Still Stitching!"  As you can see here, it is the perfect title.  Thank you, Friend -  you know who you are.


A Finished Baby Quilt
This quilt is done!  Ok.  Maybe not.  It needs a label.   But other than that - it's done!  I followed Allison's tutorial on her blog, Woodberry Way, and wala!  Easy peasy!  She called it a 1-Hour Quilt Top (Using the "Scrappy Trip Piecing Method) and I loved it!  
It was so easy - even for me!

This was my inspiration fabric.

These were the fabrics I chose.

 I put them order by taking various black and white photos 

which clearly show value.  

This was the last quilt that Sammy, 

may he rest in peace,

gave his approval.

 Here is the finished product!

 My daughter quilted it for me.

Soon it will be 

wrapped around 

the sweet baby 

it was made for. 

 I hope you check out these fun link ups!  

Crystal Twaddell’s

Fresh Market Friday

Can I Get a Whoop! Whoop!

@Confessions of a Fabric Addict 

Finished or Not Friday

@ Busy Hands Quilts

Finish It Up Friday

@ Crazy Mom Quilts

Philippians 4:22. I Like! Abbey Bag Finish!

Philippians 4:22
Scripture


Observation
I love how this sentence opens:  "All God's people".  We, too, are God's people!

According to my main reference for this study, The Layman's Bible Commentary, those belonging to Caesar's household servants - both slave and freemen.  Again, can you imagine their joy upon hearing those words as they circled around the one reading the letter?

Application

 I am deeply humbled by the words, "All of God's people", especially as I realize I am one of God's people.  I am His.  

His child.

His child.

His child.

So are you, dear reader.

And 

whatever we have gone through,

whatever mistakes we have made,

whatever traumas we have been through,

We. Are.  God's. Child.

Period.

Prayer

LORD, thank you for adopting me as Your child, for sending Your love for me.   Regardless of ANY AND ALL circumstances, I know I have a Father who loves me - and my readers.

Abba, please make this knowledge real to them as well!

I Like!
Truly stop and visit LeeAnn at Not Afraid of Color to see the most interesting pictures and meet some amazing people!  
This first picture is from an "I Like" post I started last year!  Glad I found it!

I don't often name my pictures, but I'm calling this one "Potential".  I just love the potential these grape tomato flowers are offering.  It could be a metaphor for life - we are all beautiful creations of God bursting with potential!

I love taking walks with my grandchildren.  One is 8 and the other is 7.  I told them about LeeAnn's "I Like" Thursdays, and they wanted to participate!  Here are their likes!

Autumn leaves 

hanging around till now.

 A tree encircled by rocks.

A cactus waiting 

for water and Spring time!

A kind neighbor 

puts out fresh water 

for all the doggies 

who are walking their humans.

  Mia usually takes a long drink
 when we pass by her house.

The ramp on this house caught

my grandson's attention.

I've noticed that he 

immediately notices 

unique features in homes.  

Now, my three-year-old

 grandson wanted in 

on the action as well.  

He wanted you to see 

his motorcycle

 and the flower 

that he picked for me!

Here's a like of my own!

I made this cute little Abbey Bag at my sewing group on Saturday!  It's a great little pincushion, scrap bag and mini tool holder all in one!  The pattern is from Abbey Lane Quilts.  

 Now I have one on my sewing table and one on my cutting table.  

Won't you join me at these linkups?

Midweek Makers @Quilt Fabrication

Needle and Thread Thursday 

@ My Quilt Infatuation

I Like @ Not Afraid of Color

Faith on Fire @

Fuel For A Wildfire Faith

Thank you for visiting & commenting!

I so love reading and responding 

to them!  

In fact, 

I find myself smiling 

as I read them and write responses!

Philipppians 4:21. To Do Tuesday on a Friday!

Philippians 4:21
Scripture

Observation
To greet all of God's people...so loving to let them know Paul is thinking of them.  Also, can you imagine the brothers and sisters who are with Paul, perhaps even listening as he may have dictated his letter?

I wonder if many of these had family who heard the greetings?  Greetings filled with love sent via the pages of a letter.  Beautiful.

Application
In this age of technology, we seem to be losing the art of letter writing.  Perhaps I need to pick it up again....

Also, I've noticed that whenever I'm on the phone with loved ones, especially my parents, we end our conversations sending greetings to everyone in our two homes - as well as saying, "I love you."  In fact, during my daily calls to Dad, "I love you," are the last words we say to each other.  Greetings filled with love.

Prayer
Father God, thank you for the word "greetings"!  I love envisioning Paul sending his greetings as well of those of the brothers and sisters who are with him.  I'm so grateful that I can still share greetings of love with my parents.  Thank you, Abba, for that gift.  Amen.

To Do Tuesday
Last Week's List 

1) Even though I'm working more this week, I think I'll be able to finish the second Tumbling Blocks prototype. This one is going much better!  Done!

2) Finish crocheting five blue and yellow flowers of the Maria's Blue Crayon Spring Granny Afghan Crochet ! I wonder if adding starting to join them is too much for my hands?  We'll see......  Done!

3) Use up the rest of the strings for the CIL blocks. Done!

4) Make progress on Prayer Shawl #7. This week our Cancer Care Group meets, so I'll be able to work on this one.  I usually reserve this project for this meeting night.  Done!

5) Pray my prayer and memorize Genesis 50:20a  A friend at church recommended using Post-It notes all around the house to memorize Scripture.  I'm going to try that.  LORD knows I have enough of them! Done!

This Week's List
Being that my last To Do Tuesday was 2 1/2 weeks ago - of course it got finished - thankfully!
Here's my new list which will be short because Tuesday is just around the corner!

1) Do a fabric pull for the new Y-seams Tumbling Blocks prototype with my new Accuquilt Die. 

2)  Finish joining Row 2 of the Maria's Blue Crayon Spring Granny Afghan Crochet.


3) Do a fabric pull for the new CIL block drive.  

4) Finish the Felt Nativity Calendar.

  I only need 3 more ornaments!

 I hope you check out these fun link ups!  

To Do Tuesday 

@ Stitch All Things

Can I Get a Whoop! Whoop!

@Confessions of a 

Fabric Addict 

Finished or Not Friday 

@ Busy Hands Quilts

Finish It Up Friday 

@ Crazy Mom Quilts

Crystal Twaddell’s

Fresh Market Friday 

Philippians 4:20 Part 2. Updates on Charity Sewing. Book Date.

Philippians 4:20 Part 2
Part 1
Scripture
Observation
Praising God - Paul is praising Him right after he writes, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 NIV.  

And then comes verse 20:  
To our God and Father, be glory for ever. Amen.
Application
He praises God for meeting his needs. period. and Amen. period.

Our children don't know what they need - they don't see the big picture.

In the same way, we don't know what we need - we don't see the big picture.

But God does on both counts.
We can trust Him.
And praise Him.
Period.
And Amen.

His will.
Not mine.
Hard stuff.

Really hard.  I write this not because I have a cheerful, happy-go-lucky-life.  
I don't.
Believe me.
I don't.

BUT
I try to live a joy filled life (The joy of the LORD is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10).  

I'm learning that
1) His will, not mine, is always best and that
2) it's far easier to praise Him through my tears than fight Him through my pain.

He's trustable.
Prayer
Oh my LORD, how I've been challenged to grow up and put on my "big girl panties" lately.  Just when I thought I'd made it faith wise, You stretch me just a bit more.  

I thank You for being with me strengthening me with Your joy, the knowledge that the battle is already won and that Your will is always best for me.  

Thank You for helping me to learn to lean on You instead of fighting You.  It's so much easier and less stressful.  

I love You, My LORD.
Amen.

Charity Sewing Update
JP Drainage Bags
Last week I wrote about Christy's (@ckscarves) JP Drainage Bag covers.  My cancer care group loved them, but suggested I use a wider ribbon.  Someone else sent me some contacts who may be able to distribute them!  I'll be following up this week.  

CIL Squares 
I've made 25 blocks so far - and feel so blessed to be able to do this!

During chemotherapy treatment and even before, I so wanted to sew for charity, but didn't think I had time.  I prayed and wala!  God has given me so many opportunities!

Comfort Dolls
Caroline at Sew Can She wrote about these Comfort Dolls that are given to the brave women in domestic violence shelters.  This project was started by Pat Winters.  I contacted her and received permission to make them for cancer patients.  How I would have loved to have a little softie to cling to as I went through various tests, treatments, effects of chemotherapy and the year after treatment.  I'm hoping to make some this week between appointments.  

Book Date

https://www.amazon.com/
More-Than-Hobby-Americas-
Superstore/dp/1595559833

I finished More Than A Hobby by David Green with Dean Merrill!  It was a good read and I will be writing down some of the wisdom Mr. Greene shared in my reading journal.  

https://www.amazon.com/
NIV-Story-Audio-CD-Continuing/
dp/0310421772

I'm so enjoying this book!  It's as though God is speaking directly to me and showing me His deep love and patience.  As I mentioned last week, my church, Heart for the World,  provides the study outlines that make this a wonderful devotional time!  

https://www.amazon.com/
Quilters-Homecoming-
Creek-Quilts-Book/
dp/0743260236

The Quilter's Homecoming by Jennifer Chiaverini  is an awesome read!  As I travel from school to school, I can drive up to 1.5 hours a day!  This audio book keeps me company!  

https://www.goodreads.com/book/
show/835448.Why_the_Sky_Is_Blue

I just started Why the Sky is Blue by Susan Meissner and am already finding it hard to put down!  Many of the books I'm reading are on my wish list at Paperbackswap.com or I learn about them from Kathryn's link up Book Date!  


Check out these fun link ups!

Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt

Show and Tell Mondays with Bambi

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? @ Book Date

MovingIt Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag

Main Crush Mondays

@Cooking Up Quilts

You make my day with your comments!  

I love reading and responding to them!

Philippians 4:20 Part 1. JP Drainage Bag Covers. Book Date.

Philippians 4:20
Scripture

Observation
"our God and Father".
Imagine, God is our father, our daddy, our Abba.  Yes!  To Him be the glory for ever and ever!
Application
When I first read this verse, I thought, what more can I add?  It's all there....but then it hit me, God is our Father who supplies our needs.  

Looking at it from a parent's perspective:  Do we supply all of our children's' wants? 

Of course not.  If we supplied all their wants...well, there might not be room in our homes - or their hearts - for anything - much less God. 

Some of their wants are plain impractical...
as are some of ours.

Human parents see the big picture, our God truly sees the bigger picture.  He knows what we want may not necessarily be what's best for us.  He knows what's best for us and all of His children.

So, we trust Him to supply our needs.  As I wrote below, my prayer life is becoming more simplified.  Instead of praying for specific outcomes, I'm learning to say, "Not my will, but Thy will."  

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus' short prayer was specific:  for the cup (Crucifixion) to be removed - and then He prayed for God's will, not His.  Interesting.

Here is a natural stopping point.  I'll continue with Part 2 - my testimony - in the next post.  Blessings to everyone!

JP Drainage Bags
On Instagram I saw a post here written by Christy @ckscarves about covers for the drainage bags used by breast cancer patients  after their lumpectomies or mastectomies. I've learned that these drainage bags are not used only by breast cancer patients, but other surgical patients as well.   

She sent me the link for her tutorial - and it was easy peasy!

Here's the fabric cut and stacked.

Yes, I'm a strip sewist!

All done!

I was able to make 6 tonight in about 1 1/2 hours - from cutting to finished!  I'll be passing them out at my next Cancer Care Group!  It is my second book for my 2018 Library Love Challenge.  

Book Date

https://www.amazon.com/
More-Than-Hobby-Americas-
Superstore/dp/1595559833

More Than A Hobby by David Green with Dean Merrill is filled with nuggets of golden life lessons that can be applied to almost any facet of life!  I'm truly enjoying reading it slowly so as to capture these nuggets more fully!

https://www.amazon.com/
NIV-Story-Audio-CD-Continuing/
dp/0310421772

I'm so glad we are reading this book!  I still find myself going back to the Bible for reference, but this is an easy and enjoyable read in which God is speaking to me on an entirely different level!  In case you're interested, my church, Heart for the World,  provides the study outlines that make this a wonderful devotional time!  

https://www.amazon.com/
Quilters-Homecoming-
Creek-Quilts-Book/
dp/0743260236

I received The Quilter's Homecoming by Jennifer Chiaverini from my local library!  It will be book 2 in my 2018 Library Love Challenge!  I'm looking forward to listening to it during my commute to work!  

Check out these fun link ups!

Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt

Main Crush Mondays @ Cooking Up Quilts

Moving It Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag

Show and Tell Mondays with Bambi

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? @ Book Date

You make my day with your comments!  

I love reading and responding to them!