Philippians 2:8. Covered in Love.

SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

Christ humbled himself even more by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross – which was reserved for criminals.

APPLICATION

Doesn’t that make the entire passage even more meaningful?

Somehow these Scriptures put a new perspective on my own petty points of view, my supposed “right” to not take any guff from anyone.  I want to be more of a servant and less of me. 

The phrase “dying to self” comes to mind.  A quick internet search brought me to this page and these verses:

These are difficult lessons.  Again, we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit when serving others, when trying to achieve unity in our work places, churches, families - wherever! 

Even when going about our day to day lives, let’s consider: 

What works for us? 

What is God telling us? 

Are we enabling or supporting? 

Are we becoming less?

PRAYER

Father God,

As I meditate and saturate in these verses and the Holy Spirit’s voice, I find myself becoming slower to speak and respond.  I find myself seeing life from a different perspective.  I hope I am becoming gentler, wiser, kinder to others – and to myself.

Help me to see the lessons here and to incorporate them in to my life.  Help me to know boundaries.  Help to know when help others and when to lovingly detach.

I praise You for these lessons, difficult as they may be!

Amen!

Dear Friend, this is my truth!

Covered In Love

I was able to make some charity blocks last month for Covered In Love!  These were new for me, but Kat's tutorial was awesome!

Here's the blocks I made for January!  

I'm linking up to 

Moving It Forward Monday at Em’s Scrapbag

Philippians 2:7 Part 2. Baby B's Boot Cuff and Scarf Set

Philippians 2:7 Part 2 con't from here

APPLICATION

I am working on boundaries. So, please understand, that’s the view from which I’m interpreting this passage – as well as the earlier verses. 

I apologize if I am in error in interpreting these Scriptures.   As I’ve said before, I am simply a woman of faith sharing God’s Word as it applies to my life. 

Sooooo, here goes!  J

I find it so interesting that in His ministry, Jesus gave His all, BUT remained Jesus…………..

As I look back on my life, I can see times where I’ve given so much – even to my detriment.

I can now recognize my behavior and begin to pull back.  Here’s a few signals that help me:

1)               The Holy Spirit whispers to me to be careful.

2)               I am stressed instead of joyful about helping someone.

3)               I begin to think that I’m am the ONLY person that can save the day.

4)               My husband, who loves me dearly, will begin to show concern and question my actions.   Though I may get irritated, I know I can trust him.  I value his opinions. 

As we’ve discussed

working towards unity (v. 2) & (v.5),

being humble (v. 3-4),

being willing to REALLY listen to others (v. 3-4)

and

having the mindset of Christ (v. 5),

we also need to remember to ask God at least some of these questions:

1)      Am I in Your will? 

2)      Do You want me to act or is this a case of no response is a response?

3)      Do You want me to say something?  If so, help my words improve on the silence!

4)      Am I enabling this person?  Will my “help” prevent them from experiencing natural consequences; perhaps even inhibit Your will in their lives?

a)     Or am I supporting them?  Will my “help” truly help that person?

PRAYER

Father,

My heart if full of what You are speaking to me.  Thank you for giving me courage to

learn about and set boundaries,

apply what I am learning

and

share what You are teaching me.

I ask You for more

courage,

discernment,

and

more of You that I may serve You as You desire.

You are awesome. 

You have gone through so much to

touch my heart and life!

Thank you!

Baby B's Boot Cuff and Scarf Set

I had crocheted this scarf for my granddaughter, but used a thinner yarn.  It came out ok, but I felt it was too thin, so I added a border.  And since I added a cute border, I decided to make matching book cuffs as well!   

My granddaughter loved them!  Here they are!

Here is the new and improved scarf!  

It's so pretty!

Baby B loved it!

Here'a a close up of the butterfly!

Baby B. loved how the boot cuffs went with her boots!  At five she is such a fashionista!  I did adjust the pattern for her calve size by chaining 33.

I used Lion Brand's Mondern Baby Yarn in creme for the scarf border and cuffs and Red Heart's Unforgettable in Winery for the scarf body.  

I'm linking up to

Midweek Makers at Quilt Fabrication 

Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts

Needle and Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation  

OUI CROCHET!

Hooking on Hump Day held at

Petals to Picots

and

Moogly

Philippians 1:30. Day 3, Gift 3 Tortilla Warmers

Philippians 1:30.

SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

Here is the last verse of chapter 1 and what a doosey it is!  Please note verses 29 and 30 are one sentence.  

To me, it’s 

important to read verses in context – at least the entire sentence!

Paul is pointing out that the Philippians are going through the same struggles he went through and continues to go through. 

The word “since” stops me in my tracks.  Let’s see what since means:

Definition of since

1.   1:  at a time in the past after or later than <has held two jobs since he graduated> :  from the time in the past when <ever since I was a child>

2.   2obsolete :  when

3.   3:  in view of the fact that :  because <since it was raining she took an umbrella>

Number three is the one that applies in this scripture.  Do you see the word “because”?  Let’s replace it in the verse and see how it sounds:

Thank God that Paul’s letter continues because Philippians 2:1 is encouraging indeed!

But, v. 30 is tough – you are suffering just as you saw I did – and still am. 

APPLICATION

You know, when I was at MD Anderson in Houston, I felt at home.  In our hotel, I was surrounded by people

who were very sick,

whom I would soon look like.

The same held true at Texas Oncology.  I was surrounded by those who looked like me and were going through the same journey as I – more or less. 

Whereas, when I was home,

I was the only one without

hair,

eyelashes,

eyebrows,

and with the look of sickness in my face.

There was no mistaking how sick I was because I looked different from everyone else.  (Mind you, I’m not complaining – just stating a fact.)

But, I felt more at home with those

who were suffering the same as I was.

What I glean from these verses, 

what I really understand in my heart

about what Paul is saying is this:

“We’ve walked the same journey

of suffering and pain,

we are united by this,

we can beat this,

there’s power in numbers –

we got this.”

And, my dear,

so do you.

Because

whatever you’re going through

someone else is too.

No man is an island.

Whatever you’re going through,

someone else is too. 

Nothing is new under the sun.

Whatever you’re going through,

someone else is too. 

You and God

got this.

Dear friend,

This is my truth.

PRAYER

God, sometimes

we feel so alone.

We mistakenly believe

that no one can possibly

understand

our pain

our sin

our hurt.

So, we isolate ourselves

from friends,

from family,

from You.

But, in You we have victory!

We are not alone!

Regardless of our individual situations,

someone

somewhere

has walked this path before us,

or

is walking this path with us,

or

will walk this path after us.

Either way,

help us remember

WE ARE NOT ALONE!

Amen.

Day 3, Gift 3:  Tortilla Warmers

OK, so I realized I can’t sew every day, so my day three is today!  J  I made these awesome tortilla warmers! 

They are so easy to make using this tutorial!  From what I’ve read, you put a stack (4) tortillas inside, microwave for 15 seconds, check the tortillas, add more time if needed, then enjoy! 

These two are finished and ready to go to their happy new homes!  This fabric was from Hobby Lobby.  I made my own binding tape.  Two more are on the way! 

Honestly, they are so easy to make that I’m making two more!  It took me less than an evening to make two!  I thought of more friends who would love them!  J

I'm linking up to:

Kathleen'sSharing Sundays

Monday Making at Love, Laugh, Quilt, Main Crush Mondays 

and 

Moving It Forward Monday 

at Em’s Scrapbag.

Philippians 1:26. Leader Ender Project.

Philippians 1:26

SCRIPTURE:

OBSERVATION:

Wow…a first glance this verse seems pretty arrogant – the Philippian's boasting in Christ Jesus will abound because Paul is with them?
Right? No, my dear friends, not at all!

What exactly does boasting mean?

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boast?utm_campaign=sd&utm_medium=serp&utm_source=jsonld

Remember, they are praying for the founder of their church –

for his very life. 

So, should they be so blessed to receive him unto their midst,

naturally they will boast and praise God all the more –

because they have reason to do so!

And Paul knows this.

He knows that God

still has work for him

among the Philippians,

so naturally

his return to them would cause

great rejoicing!

APPLICATION

I recall the many times my husband and I were separated during his military service.  After I put the kiddos to bed, the nights were long and lonely.  Many times I would comfort myself by imagining our reunion….

those first few moments as he stepped off the plane…..

the joy,

the tears of gratitude,

the hugs,

praising God for his safe return.

Through him being with me again, my boasting in Christ did indeed abound because of my husband’s return.

And you know what?

I bet you my family boasted and praised God for me,

for beating cancer,

for living,

for being with them today.

So, yes, boast loved ones,

boast in the LORD  and

shower Him with your praise!

PRAYER

LORD, there are so many words that we have felt are “wrong” or “prideful”.  But to boast in You in correct.  

Help us to offer sincere praise and boast of 

Your wondrous works in our lives, 

for the presence of our loved ones,

in fact,

for everything in our lives,

good, bad or ugly.

Because it is Your will that will

come of all things.

I love you, LORD.

Thank you, for……You!

Amen!

DOTS!
Today I had a whole day to myself and it was great!  I've made great progress on a few projects - one of which is joining the dots on my "Dot Your I's" quilt inspired by Amanda Jean at Crazy Mom Quilts!

I couldn't believe that the last time I finished some dots was back in September!  Wow!

I also made some progress on my Leader/Ender project!  I'm not sure if it's going to be a quilt or a table runner or...who knows?  :)

These leader/ender pics are pretty much unedited, but they came out ok, right?  I wonder if any of you are working on any leader/ender projects?

And there you have it!  

I'm linking up to Moving it Forward Monday at Em's Scrapbag, Midweek Makers at Quilt Fabrication and Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts!

Dear Friends, this  is my truth!  

Update on UFO's. A New Project! Philippians 1:2

Update on UFO's.  

I finished my 750 quilt top!  Yea!  I took it to Stephanie at Bernina Sewing and Design for quilting and wow!  What an experience it was to plan.  I was overwhelmed with everyone's positive response!  The ladies there are amazingly sweet and supportive.  Their knowledge and eye for color is so helpful!

It will be a custom quilt job with feathers in the setting corners, a floral design in the blocks and leaves in the sashing!  Wow!  

I'm calling this one done until I get it back from Stephanie.  :)

Another finish, but can you believe I forgot to take a picture of it completely finished with binding and all?!  This is my niece's wedding quilt.  

I wanted to make it when she first got marries, but at the time was too sick, so my daughter generously offered to pieced it.  She used the Take Five pattern on point.  I made the backing and sewed on the binding.  It was signed, sealed and delivered!  

So my completion percentage has jumped from the original 4% to a whopping 15%!  Yea!  

http://www.probono.net/celebrateprobono/

A New Project!
Well, my niece has been married about two years now.  Yup, the quilt was a bit late, but still sent with love and affection. 

She has had a her beautiful baby girl and I have yet to make her a baby quilt.   She's seven months so a quilt is also overdue!   So, I was thinking why not make her baby quilt from the fabric from her mama's wedding quilt?  Isn't that a great idea?

So, here is the beginnings of Baby P's baby quilt.  

I'm using that beautiful minky for backing. I used Allison's tutorial from Cluck Cluck Sew.  My plan is to add borders - probably from dark to light. 
UPDATE:  I forgot to mention that I'm linking up to Love Laugh Quilt's Monday Makings!  

Philippians 1:2
My grandbabies last week of freedom was last week, hence my lack of posts.  I enjoyed spending time with them, but whew!  Was I exhausted!  :)

Today's verse from Philippians is a true blessing to me.  
As I read it, 
my mouth dropped open as 
I realized 
that God's timing 
is always perfect.  
Yup.
It is.

I've been really blue, as I shared here. Today has been tough.  I admit I'm sad. Frustated.  And never more than today do I wish that 

https://imgflip.com/meme/Blank-Yellow-Sign?sort=latest&page=2

And then I read Philippians 1:2.  

God, my Father, 

and 

my big brother, 

the Lord Jesus Christ 

send me grace and peace.  

I don't have it on my own.  

My heart remains in pieces.  

I just need to accept the 

grace and peace offered.

I will.

In time.

In His time.

For now, 

I will mourn.

I will grieve.

I will move past.

Because there is life after cancer.

However, 

I WILL NOT FORGET
the ones who've gone before me,
the ones who are just beginning their own terrible journey,
the ones who are still fighting,
the ones who are trying to build a life after cancer,
the ones who've danced their last dance.

Again, I know this post is not the cheerful uplifting post one is accustomed to reading.  
It's real life.
It's real.
As is my Lord and Savior.
And, together, we will have the victory.  

In honor of my friends - both online and in person - here is "I Can Only Imagine".  

Dear Friends, this is my truth.