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!

Philippians 2:26. Slow Stitching

Philippians 2:26
Scripture
Observation
Paul is referring to Epaphroditus in this verse.  In this post, we learned that Epaphroditus was invaluable to Paul.  Here is more proof of Epaphorditus' kind servant's heart:  he was distressed because his people, the Philippians, had heard he was ill.  He obviously did not want to cause worry to anyone.

Application
To be "distressed" because someone hears we are ill seems to be an overstatement. But, I get it now, for two reasons.

1) Epaphroditus had no way to quickly reassure the Philippians, perhaps even his family, that he was now fine.  He probably was anxious to let them know he was healthy again.  

2) I hated - hated - telling my husband I had a tumor in my breast.  I HATED that. And then I had to tell my 83 year-old dad. He looked like I had slapped him, even though I told him as gently as I could. My step-mother (I call her Mama - but I didn't want to cause confusion here!) was so calm and strong for the entire two years of treatment and recovery.  I just found out recently that she had insomnia and cried all the time. Oh goodness! Telling my children was so painful.

BUT (Remember this post on the word "but"?) the distress and undeserving guilt slowly dissipated as I realized 
I did not choose this journey, 
I did not chose to hurt them, 
I did not chose this pain.

I share this because this is a common experience.  And guess what?

Prayer
LORD, again, my heart overflows with humbleness and appreciation for You!  You have led me, healed me in so many areas and given me a journey that has allowed me to grow closer to You!  You have surrounded me with people who love me and whom I love dearly!  Thank You!  I praise You!

Slow Stitching Sunday.
I'm so happy to report that my Quilty 365 is still up to date!  How awesome is that?
Here are all of March's squares!

And here's last week's blocks!

I have a loose system of color selection.  Yellow is for happy days!  There were a lot of happy days last week!  

Did you see the owl fabric?

On that day I had my two oldest grandbabies.  We went to a friend's house.  They played with the chickens, roosters, rabbits, dogs, cats, a pig and goats!  Her roosters and chickens are quite tame.  My "city" grandson overcame his trepidation and carried the roosters - at point he carried one in each arm!  The pig licked my granddaughter - who promptly ran to me so I could clean it off!

It was a wonderful day filled with 

friends, laughter, 

good food and grandbabies!

I don't have chicken/rooster fabric, 

so the owl won for the day!

I'm linking up to

SharingSundays at The Creative Side

Monday Making at Love, Laugh, Quilt

Main Crush Mondays

At Cooking Up Quilts

Moving It Forward Monday 

at Em’s Scrapbag

Philippians 2:11. Origami Bento Bag

Philippians 2:11

Scripture

Observation
Because of Jesus' obedience to the Father, even unto death, eventually EVERY tongue will acknowledge him as LORD!

Furthermore, this acknowledgement is to the glory of God, our Father!

Application
Woohoo! Hallelujah! 
I just love to praise my Jesus!  I do - even if sometimes it's through tears!  I remember when the nursing home called to tell me my mother had passed away.  Now, mind you, she and I were not close at all.  However, for the last year and a half I took care of her.  Just the same, when I got the call, I held Baby B. in my arms and sang a quietly sang praise song as I wept.



The other day, Baby M., who is now seven, asked me, "Ama, why are you so loud?"

I am.
I truly am. 
Not obnoxiously loud in social situation, but when a favorite song comes out on KLOVE I sing - loudly!

Here's how I responded:

"You know, I know your mama is quiet and you really love that quietness don't you?"

"Yes I do!"

"Well, sometimes the joy of the LORD so fills my own heart that it bubbles right out of my mouth and I have to sing and dance!"

"Hmmm."

I must admit, I have a terrible singing voice, but thank God that the Word says He loves our praise - and doesn't mention that a requirement is to have a lovely singing voice!

Prayer
LORD, You are amazing!  Thank you for the gift of praising You!  I just love to praise you - even with my voice!  :)

You are good, all the time,
all the time, You are good!
Amen!
Dear Friend, 
Turn up the speakers on your electronic device and dance your heart out as you listen to this song!  
Come on!
I dare you!
Double dog dare you!
You'll feel so much better!  :)


Dear Friend, this is my truth!

Origami Bento Bag

A friend of mine crochets.  

She loves yarn. 

We both buy too much yarn.

It's partially my fault.

Another friend and I

taught her how to crochet!

She loves crocheting scarves 

for her loved ones.  

Her cat ate one that was almost finished!

I said, "Bad cat!"

She said, "Playful cat!  :)"

I loved my friend's attitude.

I made her this bag from Very Shannon! 

I highly recommend this tutorial.  

Don't worry about 

the folding part of the tutorial - 

just follow the pictures!  :)

  

If slouchy bags are not your style, 

add a bit of interfacing and line it.  

Or 

use a heavier fabric, like duck or denim. 

But give this bag a try!  

I did add a snap to it 

so that naughty cat can't get into it without exerting more effort!

Oh, by the way, 

I gave my friend 

 a new skein of nice yarn as well!  :)



I'm linking up to

Finishedor Not Friday at Busy Hands Quilts

Main Crush Mondays

Monday Making at Love, Laugh, Quilt

MovingIt Forward Monday at Em’s Scrapbag

Kathleen's Sharing Sundays

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

Slow Stitching Projects for 2017. A Song.

Hello There!
How were your holidays?  Are you getting back into the groove of normal life - or at least as normal as possible?  Have you set some 2017 crafting goals?  I'd love to hear all of these events!

I was revisiting UFOs, WIPs and patterns I started/purchased before and during my battle with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. 

These poor projects sit hopefully waiting to make it to the "finished" category as they are so eager to begin their intended purpose in life.

And you know what?  They take up too much storage in my studio and mind!  

So, 2017 is my year to clear out the cobwebs beginning with these three Slow Stitching projects!

Slow Stitching.
Today will be a crochet/hand sewing slow stitching day.  I've realized that if I work on one crochet project at a time, so much more gets out of much coveted storage and into a warm, cuddly finish!

So, here is my crocheted Slow Stitching project!

This was inspired by Ruth at Camellia Rose.  I'm using the oh so soft Lion Brand Heartland Yarn in Acadia (beige), Crater Lake (blue), Sequoia(brown) and Yellowstone (gold).  I'v tossed the labels for the marroon and green, so I don't have those exact colors.  Nor could I find them online.....that's how old this project is.  :0

I'm also back to my Grandmother's Flower Garden!  I'm eager to get this one off my design board in 2017!

And of course, now that the felt lunch is complete, it's time for anther felt project for my grandbabies!









I'm hoping to finish this Nativity Themed Advent Calendar by Nancy at Do Small Things With Love.  

I'm linking up to 

Kathleen's Sharing Sundays

Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching

Can I Get a Whoop! Whoop!

at Confessions of a Fabric Addict 

 Finished or Not Friday 

at Busy Hands Quilts.

A Song.
Sadly, over the holidays, a friend of ours was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and passed away.  Several other friends are dealing with a terminal metastasis, occurrence or are newly diagnosed.  This song has brought me great comfort.  I hope it encourages you as well if you are missing someone.

Dear Friend, this is my truth.

I've Missed You! Philippians 2:1a (Part 1). Day 4, Gift 4 Chips Anyone?

I've Missed You!

Philippians 2:1a (Part 1).

SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

After verse 1:29, this verse is comforting.  

Looking at it in context, Paul again refers to unity three times in one sentence.  This same stress was placed on unity in verse 1:27.  (As we know, there was conflict in the Philippine church.  Philippians 4:2-3)

But, I digress.  Let's focus on Philippians 2:1a.  

Being united with Christ, accepting Him as LORD and Savior of our lives, means we can be encouraged. 

But we have to be willing to receive. 

Note the word “if”: 

“If

 you have any encouragement from being united with Christ.”

APPLICATION

Receiving encouragement from Christ is a choice.  Our hearts have to be open to this! 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, when we open our hearts to Christ and accept His salvation, we receive. 

But, there is so much more He has to offer! 

Are our hearts open to receiving?

Verse 1:29 states that there is suffering. 

There were definitely times in my life after I accepted Christ as my LORD and Savior that I wasn’t open to His encouragement, comfort, love, tenderness or compassion.

I was just plain

angry

or

hurt

or

scared.

I was too emotional to remember

to pray,

to listen,

to trust.

It happens, dear Reader.

But, I can also remember during deeply painful events when I did turn to Him and I was able to thrive with His strength and grace.  

To avoid writing a book instead of a post, this will be continued next time.  Until then,

be blessed!

Dear Reader, this is my truth!

Day 4, Gift 4 Chips Anyone?

The bags for the chips are finished!  Yay!  Remember, I used this fabulous tutorial!

I'm linking up to

Can I Get a Whoop! Whoop!

atConfessions of a Fabric Addict 

Finished or Not Friday at Busy Hands Quilts

Kathleen's Sharing Sundays

Kathy'sSlow Sunday Stitching