Tuesday's To Do List. Philippians 1:11 (Part 1)

Tuesday's To Do List
I'm linking up to Linky Tuesday and To Do Tuesday!  

OMG Pink and Brown Baby Quilt:	Ray’s pjs	Baby M2’s crochet afghan
Finish binding – Done!	Hem Oh Oh!	Design and begin border Oh Oh!

Here is my To Do List for this week.

OMG Pink and Brown Baby Quilt:	Ray’s pjs	Baby M2’s crochet afghan
Embroider and attach label	hem	Design and begin border

Here's pics of my progress or lack thereof! 

Yea!  Got the binding done on the baby quilt!  

I'm really excited about meeting this weekly goal because it's my OMG (One Monthly Goal)!  Now, just the label and I'm done!

The last two goals will continue on for this week.

I also got my Drunkards' Path blocks cut out!

I did make progress on the Baby M2's afghan, but not yet designed the border. But, I'm grateful for the progress I made.

My poor husband's loungers were abandoned again!

They are waiting so patiently......

http://www.maternalinstinct.com/2011/02/07/how-long-is-too-long-4-ways-to-win-the-waiting-game/

Philippians 1:11 (Part 1)

Scripture:

⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰ so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9-11

Observation:

You know, as I reread verse 11, my mind was ready to think, “….filled with the fruit of the Spirit……”.  This got me to thinking,

“What is the fruit of righteousness?”

For that matter,

“What is righteousness?”

According to Webster’s online dictionary it is:

·     : morally good : following religious or moral laws

·     : caused by something that you believe is not morally right or fair

For our purposes, the first definition is appropriate.  As a Christian, I strive to, the best of my ability, to live a morally good lifestyle according to what Jesus teaches in the Bible.  

But what is a “morally good lifestyle”? 

Matthew 5:20 – 48 is a good starting point.  I thought about going over those verses in this post, but goodness!  That would be a whole new study in itself!

Why not take a look at them and come back when you’re finished?  It won’t take but a minute.  I’ll wait for you!

http://weheartit.com/entry/87692034

Ahhh, You’re back!

http://forums.thesims.com/en_us/discussion/655995/im-finally-back

So, we have a snapshot of part of what Jesus taught as living a “morally good lifestyle” – being living fruit of righteousness if you will.

Paul is praying for the Philippians to be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes via Jesus Christ – to the glory of God.

We talked about righteousness, but what is the fruit of righteousness? 

Well, full disclosure, I did a quick internet search on this very topic and no....it didn't help.

That’s why I keep it simple. 

I study the Word in various versions (mostly NIV and Amplified),

I study the meaning of words.
I pray. 

I go with what the LORD has previously taught me. 

This method served me well before there was an internet.

Application

I am but a sinner saved only

the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and

God’s grace and mercy.

I exist in the fruit of righteousness

by trying my best to live according to God’s Word

AS I UNDERSTAND IT AT THE TIME.
Remember?
Be gentle with ourselves.

I fail.

I sin.

I push repeat 

https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vectors/replay-button-vectors

and go back to:

I am but a sinner saved only

the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and

God’s grace and mercy.

Righteousness is so basic.

It’s being morally good.

It’s following spiritual laws/standards.

And, AS FOR ME AND MY FAITH,

it comes through Jesus Christ.

Accepting Him as our LORD and Savior!

It’s as easy as ABC!

Here’s an image to make it so clear. I highly recommend you go to the website to print it out and ponder it while coloring!  

http://www.daycoloring.com/post_abc-of-salvation-coloring-pages_154576/

I'll continue with the rest of Application 
as well as the Prayer next time.  

Be prepared - 
there is a major God Wink! 

Almost brought me to tears.

Really.

It did.

http://evamarieeversonssouthernvoice.blogspot.com/2013/09/reflections-of-southern-life.html
who credited
https://theprojectbyjudy.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/god-wink-2/

Dear Friends, this is my truth.

For Fun. The Future

For Fun
Before we had grand babies, our Easter celebration consisted of all grown-ups.  So, I started the tradition of an adult Easter Egg Hunt to liven things up a bit. It was really cute seeing our parents with "aches and pains" suddenly recover to gather their eggs!  :) Now, with three grand babies, it's all the more fun!  A few years ago, I made two Easter baskets for my grand babies.  Here's one of them:

Add caption

I used this tutorial and this one.  So, this year my youngest grandson gets his basket as well!  

Why is it that I always find these "neat ideas for the kids" AND decide to make them four days before the event?
I'm currently making these Easter bunnies for my grandbabies.  Now, I know how to crochet waaaay better than I know how to knit, so I figured this was out of the question, until a friend said, "You could even crochet these! Duh!  So I am!

http://www.studioknitsf.com/2015/03/how-to-knit-a-bunny-from-a-square-for-easter/

I realize that Easter is definitely not just about Easter bunnies and Easter Egg Hunts.  However, these were just too cute to pass up!

The Future
Today, I was thinking about the week I was waiting for the test results to see if the cancer had metastasized.  It was tough.  
During one of my devotional times, I came across 1 Corinthians 13:7.

http://www.christianstatements.com/love-always-protects-1-corinthians-13-vinyl-wall-decal

  Here was my response in my second attempt at Bible Journaling.              
                     
I didn't know the results,
but God did.
I didn't know what I would do if they were positive, 
but God did.
I don't know, but God does.

http://www.godswordimages.com/wallpaper/prosperity/jeremiah-29-11-14/

Dear friends, this is my truth!

It's Like the Last Week of Summer Vacation. Insurance Woes.......

Hello Everybody! 

In anticipation of my trip to Houston this last week my friends and family have given so much of their time and surrounded me with support, love, jokes, laughter, tissues as I cried, hugs...you name it.  Well, guess what ya'll?  You have more time to spoil me!  The appointment has been delayed for a few days!  So, if you thought you were out of town to pamper me - YOU STILL HAVE TIME!  So, all you procrastinators, I'm ready!

Yea, I know, cut the bull.  Today has been a frustrating day of highs and lows.   Elissa at MD Anderson is amazing.  I love her.  Jennifer from my insurance is an angel - a tenacious one who is my cheerleader.  I was ready to give up this afternoon and she kept fighting for me.  So, though we have been delayed, we have not been stopped. 

http://www.firstcovers.com/userquotes/89746/we+are+hard+pressed.html

I'm not a super hero, I'm not disgustingly cheerful all the time, but I do have the joy of the Lord.  The joy of the Lord is my strength.  Yes, I'm drained after dealing with my dear Elissa (will I ever meet you face to face?) and the insurance company. 

 

I am drained. 

But, I am also victorious.  

I am so tired.

But, today, I rested behind Elissa and Jennifer's shield of faith.

So, I carry on, praising God and loving my family.

The alternative is unacceptable to me.   

http://chasinggrace.org/2014/04/02/philippians-46-do-not-be-anxious-about-anything-but-in-everything-by-prayer-and-supplication-with-thanksgiving-let-your-requests-be-made-known-to-god/

So, since last week I've been having fun.  My son-in-law invited me to breakfast on Friday morning.  It was wonderful conversing with him.  I feel like I got to know him on a deeper level.  Awesome conversation and bonding.   On Saturday my daughter and I, along with Baby C. spent the day together at various craft shops in town, to include my beloved Bernina quilt shop, Hobby Lobby and Jo Ann's.  Then we had lunch at Olive Garden - just love their soup and salad! 

 

Sunday Polly and I saw Paddington Bear!  We had too much popcorn and chocolate!  Afterwards we had fish and chips at a local restaurant!  Then we had family dinner at my daughter's home to watch the Super Bowl!  Oh!  The food!  The excitement!  What a wonderful day.  

 

Monday was our wonderful tamalada with Polly, L, and her daughter and my daughter.  It was wonderful!  As L wrote, "There's something magical when we all get together!"  The atmosphere was warm, trusting, fun, and filled with laughter.  We also had a bit of a discussion about breast cancer.  It is indeed a topic that one must face making their own individual choices knowing all the while that they are loved and supported.  It was a very special night indeed! 

 

Tuesday Polly, "I.", and I went to a neighboring town to see Paddington Bear again!  Well, "I." hadn't seen it yet, so we went.  Wow, this theater had a café!  We bought our tickets, ordered fancy coffees, and an entrée!  They were delivered right to our assigned seats in the theater on trays!  Wow!  I felt like royalty.  Then we just had to go to Michael's and check out their yarn and clearance items.  Eeeesh!  The three of us are dangerous!  I  Someone made a silly rule that one the merchandise was in the basket, it was going home with us!  BAD rule! 

 

Tuesday night  I got to babysit Baby I.  It was great having one on one time with her.  M. came over with gifts and concern for me.  Our visit was cut short as Baby I. had to get home to bed. 

 

Wednesday J., my parents and I went to see my surgeon, whom I love.  His office staff is amazing!  Another lunch at Olive Garden and back home for a nap.  My hubby and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Cattle Baron.   Love that salad bar! 

 

These wonderful days prepared me for the hectic day that today became.  I'll know tomorrow if the doctor from MD Anderson is approved.  But, for now, I'm off to my meeting and my quilting bee to enjoy the companionship of dear friends!   

http://lorraineortner-blake.com/postcard.html

Thank you for reading this little blog of mine!  I enjoy the comments and texts from you!  Take good care!

 

And for today, that's my truth!

update:  I'm not sure why the font is appearing in differnent sizes!  I'm sorry!

 

 

 

   

Delays, Frustration and Remembering Laughter

I really look forward to the weekends because that means I'm off the roller coaster of emotional upheavals, anticipation of test results and awaiting various authorizations.  Today I was supposed to get the BRAC analysis results, along with chest CAT Scan and Bone Scan results.   But the doctor didn't have the BRAC results, so I postponed the appointment until next Thursday.  

I FINALLY got authorization for the BRAC, but the doctor drew the blood for the BRAC before we had authorization from the insurance company, So, the lab won't run the analysis on that blood.  They need a new draw.  Another 7 - 10 days of waiting AFTER the second draw.   Oh, but first I need a doctor's order for the new draw.  

I should have the authorization for MD Anderson tomorrow.  One day at a time.  

I am exhausted of dealing with doctors, delays due to the holidays and insurance companies.  Note to self:  don't get diagnosed with cancer during the holidays and make sure I always ask insurance questions first, then focus on fighting to live.  

Do you feel my frustration?   I'm clinging to the scriptures Pastor quoted when he prayed for us:  when  you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. Isaiah 43;2a

I have to be honest, this afternoon I felt like I was drowning in frustration. My hand is reaching through the waves to God.  My flame isn't burning as brightly as usual, but it's still burning. And I still praise him through my confusion, my frustration, my doubts about the decisions I'm making and my insomnia. He still sits on the throne. As I write these words my flicker of light is slowly growing.

Pastor also said that after going through the fire, I would come out as gold.  So, for tonight, probably even tomorrow I will rest in the prayers of you, my friends and family who are on this journey with me.  

Now, to remember laughter. 

The other evening two  friends came over to visit. They brought pan de rosca.  It's a large, tasty sweet bread with the figure of the Baby Jesus hidden within it's dough.  Whoever gets Baby Jesus in their serving buys or makes the tamales for the Tamalada - a party held on February 2nd where tamales are the main dish. 

My friend, whom I love dearly, is an atheist.  As she was serving herself, she nearly decapitated the baby figurine!  Later on, we couldn't believe it when she got her second piece of cake and nearly choked on a second  baby figurine!  How we laughed that night!   

As we were sitting in my living room filled with the warm glow of lamp light, I looked around at husband and friends rocking in laughter and realized how blessed I truly am. It was beautiful.  

Today was tough, but ending it with gratitude makes the victory mine - and God's.  

And, for today, that's my truth.