Wednesday's Word: Psalm 13. Wednesday's Wrap Up. I Like Thursdays.

 Wednesday's Word: Psalm 13

Isn't life interesting?  There are highs and lows, hills and valleys, joy and pain.

David begins Psalm 13 with feelings of abandonment and defeat, 

but ended with rejoicing and praise.  What changed David's heart and attitude?  How did he go from defeat to victory? 

Stash Report. Sunday Slow Stitching. One Year of Stitches. Saturday Song.

Stash Report

This week was a crafting bust due to pain...but I'm learning to stop and take care of myself.  Funny - pain seems to be my companion more after chemotherapy....I wonder if I will ever have a week - heck - even a day without pain?  I wonder if other survivors who had fibromyalgia pre-chemotherapy also experience increased pain?  

I finished an Abbey Bag which used a bit of yardage.  You'll be seeing it this week.  I also finished Prayer Shawl #7!  Yea! My yarn numbers are starting to go in the right direction!  

Fabric used this week	1.57
Previous total	36.00
To Date used	37.57
Fabric in this week	0
Previous total	38.50
To Date in	38.50
Net in the red (more bought than used!)	-0.93
Yarn used this week	18.10
Previous total	0
To Date used	18.10
Yarn in this week	0
Previous total	166.80
To Date in	166.80
Net in the red (more bought than used!)	-148.70

Sunday Slow Stitching
My hopes for Sunday are to finally complete the Felt Advent Calendar.  All that's needed is the stitch the numbers on and sew the fronts to the backs!  Yea!  

If that gets done, I'll also be pulling stitches from the #1 Year of Stitches (see below).  

Then, if there's time, I'd love to bind this CIL square turned potholder/hot pad.  I squared it too small, so now it has a new life!

One Year of Stitches.
I've been completely unmotivated to stitch on this project and today I realized why:  the red words in the stem stitch.  simply look messy to me.  I prefer the clarity of the back stitch.  So, I'll be redoing them.  

Can you see me smiling?  I love when I can figure out what's bothering me about a project!

Saturday's Song
As you know, this week we will probably be wrapping up our almost two year study of the book of Philippians.  My first post on Philippians was on July 20, 2016!  Wow!  

Lately I've been seeking God for a new direction for this blog.  He is faithful and has clearly led me to begin a study for those of us who have loved ones in our lives who are struggling with alcoholism, addiction and other life issues. It ties in with my Scripture for 2018:  

 My #1 Year of Stitches also began with this verse.  A dear friend and I were talking and I told her how my #1 Year of Stitches calms me as I focus on God's Word.  As the storm swirls about me, I'm learning to sit still and stitch, reminding myself that all I can do is be still and know He is God.  She came up with the title for this new series:

Still Stitching

For now, let's remember 

that He is the God 

of the hills and valleys, 

dear reader.

  

Linking up to

Spiritual Sundays

Sunday Stash @ Quilt, Paint, Create

Sunday Slow Stitching 
@ Kathy’s Quilts

update:  a new link up- 

Sunday Scripture Blessings
@ Peabea's Scribles

You make my day with your comments!  

I love reading and responding to them!

Philippians 4:10. A Ham and a Flange Pillow Finish.

Philippians 4:10
Scripture

Observation
Paul begins with the real reason for his letter, to thank the Philippians for their assistance.  He states that he knows they have always been concerned for him, yet have not always had the opportunity to demonstrate their concern in a tangible manner.  
Application
How many times does this happen?  We are concerned for loved ones, yet "all we can do is pray"?  Beloved child of God, it is not "all we can do" - it is all we can do!  

Yes, sometimes tangible gifts are necessary and encouraging, but prayer?  Many times in my life I have drawn great comfort 
knowing that others are praying for me,
knowing that I can rest behind the shield of faith of others,
knowing that as I struggle, others are praying for God's will in my life!

Prayer is indeed all we can do knowing that God is doing a mighty work in their lives and ours.

If we are the ones struggling, there are times when God separates us unto Himself to grow us.  Meanwhile, our brothers and sisters are praying.  Our pain, growth and struggle is covered with His banner of love (Solomon 2:4) and prayer.  

Prayer
Father, I so appreciate that my loved ones, friends - both online and in person, family and my church family pray for me and my family.  

There are times we cannot "do tangible acts of kindness" for those we are burdened for, but prayer is our mightiest tool against the defeated one!  I praise you for prayer!

I praise You for the faithful prayer warriors around me right now.  I so need and appreciate You and them!  

In fact, as I write this post - You had one of them call me to encourage me!  

I am indeed blessed!
Amen my LORD and Savior, Amen!

Pillow Finish and a Ham
Carla, from my local quilt shop, Bernina Sewing and Design, has started teaching a series on various pillows.  What I love is that she is teaching a different skill with each pillow class.  We walk away with a nearly finished project and a new skill!  

http://www.nancysnotions.com/
product/seam+roll.do?
sortby=ourPicks&refType=1

During the Flanged Pillow class, I learned all about the importance of pressing well and pressing with a ham - and I'm not talking pork!  The actual ham was too heavy for my hands, so I opted for a seam roll.  

I would always get so frustrated when I would top-stitch two different fabrics together and the fabrics would show up on the other side like when I made these chili tasting bibs.  





See where the darker fabric peeps out?
Well, pressing with a ham effectively takes care of that issue!

Here's my flanged pillow!  It's in the play/guest room.  

The quilt and shams are from Wal-Mart - a much better choice than a "real" quilt as my grandbabies play in there as well!

Future classes will include pillows with piping and invisible zippers!  I'm eager to pick up these skills!  


Linking up to

Spiritual Sundays

Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt

Moving It Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag

Show and Tell Mondays with Bambi

You make my day with your comments!  

I love reading and responding to them!

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.    

Philippians 2:16. RSC 2017 - Teal/Aqua. Tip For Quilty 365.

Philippians 2:16.
Scripture




Observation
This verse certainly needs to be read in context.  










I posted about verse 14 here, here, and here.  If you like, check out verse 15's post! 


So, how can we do everything without grumbling or arguing?  By holing firmly to the Word of Life - God's love letter to us - the Bible.  Spending time in His Word.  

Application
I'm finding that as I'm feeling healthier, I am busier, more active.  This definitely leads to making it easy to make God second in my life.  I must improve in this area because...

His Word 
changes me,
strengthens me,
speaks to me.

So, I encourage all of you to make time for His Word.

Here's some ideas I had.
Instead of sewing in the doctor's office, read the Bible on my phone.

Listen to a chapter or two as I go for a walk or hand sew because it's during these activities I can really listen to Him.

Listen for His voice as He gently calls me to spend time with Him. 

Gently share what I'm learning.  As we know, when we teach others, the lessons go deeper into our own hearts and minds.
(By the way, this works in the classroom, too!)

Prayer
LORD, You know what kind of day today has been, but wow!  What a wonderful ending!  Thank You!  You are amazing, wonderful, gentle and so tender with me! Help me  to incorporate what You are wanting me to learn into my daily life! Help me not to let You down.  You are the best, LORD!  Thank You for all that You're doing in my life!
Amen.


RSC 2017 - Teal/Aqua
I finished February's RSC 2017 squares! Here they are!

 Have you noticed my blocks 

don't look very scrappy?

 I've always like string quilts.  

In fact, I decided that 2017 

would be the year 

I'd participate in 

the RSC Challenge & make a string quilt.  

So, I went through my stash and cut up a variety of strips in preparation for my first real string quilt.  

And I'm having so much fun!


Tip For Quilty 365
As of March 1, 2017 I've picked up my Quilty 365 again!  Part of this process means I have to figure out how many squares I need to make up. Counting days on a calendar is not appealing at all!

Here is a great website to help me figure out how many blocks I need to make! All I have to do is enter the last date I made a square - November 9, 2016 and February 28, 2017! 

And find out I have 117 squares to make up!  


                     

Yup, I can.  To prepare, I made this box of squares.  

After reading how others are making their quilts, I realized 
1) this will be more than one quilt, 
2) I will be learning a lot about quilting,
and
3) I need to be gentle with myself during this process.  

I truly believe that God is trying to teach me something via Quilty 365.  

I'm ready to learn.

I'm linking up to

Main Crush Mondays at Cooking Up Quilts

Monday Making at Love, Laugh, Quilt

Moving It Forward Monday 

at Em’s Scrapbag 

Scrap Happy Saturday at So Scrappy

The Blessing of a Quilt.

Philippians
My husband is sick right now, so my time has been devoted to him.  I'll continue this study as he improves.  It's not serious, praise God!  He just needs some TLC.  😊


Perhaps you are so tired of seeing this quilt, but I have one more story to share and it will be illustrated with the various blocks of my Victory Quilt.  

Grab of cup of coffee, relax, and enjoy!

By the way, if you just found me, you can read the entire story about this special quilt here and here.  

The Blessing of a Quilt
I have always felt in my heart that when I give an afghan/quilt to someone, I'm blessing them because I've prayed for them as I create. Not the entire time I'm creating, but I do pray for them.  




While my husband and I were in the Emergency Room yesterday, God was raising up prayer warriors.  One of them was Rebekkah Guider (heaven_on_art). Other than liking and commenting on posts, we really don't even know each other!   Do me a favor and check her out - she's amazing!

She gave me permission to share our conversation, so I go forward with joy and confidence.  


She gave me a new

perspective on quilt the quilt I made my husband:

"He (my husband) was and is your covering...but, 

the intricate quilt you made him

is from Jesus.  

It represents that you cover him as well.

That you hold his heart

and care for him...

that you cover him with prayers."

-Rebekkah Guider 3/2017

I needed those words for a few reasons.

I tend to see how others give to me, but I don't always see how I give to others.

My dear reader, 

be encouraged!

Know that whatever 

quilt, afghan, even a charity quilt block 

you give 

is a covering of your love and 

blessing on the recipient.  

It doesn't matter if 

they truly appreciate your gift 

because they are already covered by love.

Quilters, 

crocheters, 

knitters, 

weavers, 

creators of coverings,

our gifts are 

covering the world

with love.

By the way,

all you bloggers out there

who so generously share your tutorials,

are contributing to this!

Thank you!

Thank you, LORD, 

for this revelation

and encouragement.

I pray I never doubt and 

always remain humble

by the opportunities You give me

to cover Your children with love - 

Your love and mine.

Amen!

Dear Friend, this is my truth!

I hope you have enjoyed

reading this installment 

about my 

Victory Quilt!

I'm linking up to

Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts

Midweek Makers at Quilt Fabrication

Needle and Thread Thursday at 

My QuiltInfatuation

Philippians 2:14 Part 2 2015 $7.50 Victory Quilt Finished!

Philippians 2:14

Scripture

Continued from here.  

I

never

grumbled 

about

having 

triple

negative

breast

cancer.

Instead 

I prayed 

for 

strength,

courage,

grace,

wisdom,

discernment

to

minister

to the medical staff,

my family,

loved ones,

and myself.  

Something to ponder.

Something to really ponder.

Are we only 

aware of our reactions

in times of great stress?

How about in the little things?

Can God trust me to

live without grumbling?

What would happen if, 
instead of grumbling,

we prayed

for

strength,

courage,

grace,

wisdom,

discernment

to

minister?

Prayer

LORD, how I love You 

and trust You as my loving Father!  

You are so generous to give me 
this time in my life 
when I can 

study, ponder, and apply 

Your Word to my life.  

But, to be honest, 

this morning, 

I feel like 

I've been run over by a God Truck!

Joyfully and with growing awareness,

I'm seeing a behavior 

that needs to be changed.

As You well know, 

I'm pretty talented at grumbling!

So, LORD, help me to begin 

this new "grumbling-free" journey.

Please help me to

pray instead of grumble, 

to lean on You, instead of myself, 
to encourage rather discourage,

to eagerly watch You work things out,

instead of doing it myself.

To trust You even more.

Abba Father,

I love You!

And I know You're 

sitting right next to me grinning.

I'm grinning with You.

Kinda.

I Love You. :)

Amen.

2015 $7.50 Quilt Finished!

In my hometown, we are blessed to have a local, brick and mortar quilt shop: 

Bernina Sewing and Design. 

It’s a non-alcoholic version of the TV series, “Cheers”.

Everybody knows your name.

They will drop everything to

hug you,

pray with you,

laugh with you,

or

cry with you. 

I love them. 

I really do.

And they love me.

They really do.

In 2015 I joined their $7.50Club .One can literally make a quilt top for $7.50!  

2015 was also the year of the fight for my life.  Completing a block every month was difficult. Tears, late nights, phone calls to friends for help, chemo side effects and fatigue were certainly involved.

But so was God, determination, courage and love.

I presented this quilt to my dear husband

as a thank you/36th anniversary/Valentine's gift.  I told him how much I appreciated him taking care of me.

I remember him 

waking up for work at least 45 minutes early to feed me at least a quarter of a thin bagel with an egg on top,

gently bathing me,

tenderly holding me as we both cried,

ferociously battling the insurance company,

tirelessly driving an extra 1.5 hours a day for six weeks to stay with me in our hotel during daily radiation treatments, 

and not one grumble.  

I am so very blessed!

My husband and son holding up the quilt on a cold, windy afternoon.
My Sammy is supporting their efforts!

He shed a tear or two when I gave it to him.  So did I.  

The backing is made from my favorite fabric used in the quilt.

I'm linking up to

A Quilter’s Reading Garden

Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Finished or Not Friday 
at Busy Hands Quilts

Main Crush Mondays

Monday Making at Love, Laugh, Quilt

MovingIt Forward Monday at Em’s Scrapbag