Philipians 1:24b. To Do Tuesday

Philippians 1:24b
Application con't.  
In my last post, I was sharing how I had set a fleece before God to remain at the school I was teaching.  I began sharing a story about one of my students.  Please read about it here.
It won't take long....I'll wait for you.....

Ok, now here's the rest of the story:

During Parent – Teacher Conferences I shared my concerns with her mother.  She began to weep and shared a horrific event that occurred in their family.  I was numb with shock.  Suddenly everything made sense.

I wept with the mother.  We both knew that over the next few years, their family would be in a battle of their lives.  So, I did the only thing I knew to do:  I shared Jesus with her.  

Within two years, as my student entered 5^th grade, she was in a Special Needs classroom – no inclusion at all in a Regular Education classroom.  My heart was broken.  

Then, as the school year was coming to a close, my student gave me the note asking to see me.  I sought advice from our school counselor who told me, “I know you.  You’ll have no peace until you know what she has to say.  Go see her.”  She was right.  My student would be leaving our school for middle school very soon.  I just had to see what was on her heart.

At precisely 2:20 I found coverage for my classroom and went to see her.  Here is what she wanted to share with me:

“Miss, remember what happened in third grade?  And remember what you told my mom – about Jesus and to pray?  Well, I just wanted you to know that she did!  

And now, she has a prayer group in our home every week.  And she tells all the ladies that ‘If you have a problem, pray, turn to Jesus!  And go see Sra. (Mrs.) ________!  She’ll help you! 

Oh, and Miss, I’m going to be ok.  It’s ok, that I’m in this classroom.  I just wanted you to know, ok?  I’m going to be ok!”

Then the 2:30 bell rang.

I had my answer.

I wanted to leave that school so bad.

But I had my answer.

So I stayed until I left teaching many years later to care for my firstborn grandson.

But God was faithful and showed me where He needed me to be.  

He is always faithful - 
and right on time.

PRAYER

LORD, like Paul, I wanted to leave the situation, but You confirmed Your calling on my life and in that school.  

You know how difficult the following years were for me.  And I know You were there for me.  

Through

the good and the bad,

the beautiful and the ugly,

the joy and the pain,

You were faithful!

As my readers face their own challenges, I know You are with them as well.  Let them feel You, 

hear You,

trust You

as Paul did,

as I learned to do!

Thank you!             

Amen!

To Do Tuesday
Here's my list from last week.  Not much was accomplished.  I've spent quite a bit of time in the Emergancy Room in our local hospital.  Two different friends fell ill and they're needs were naturally more important than my list.  

11/02 – 11/9

Hand Sewing

Done!  Wool jubilee leaf mat 

     X Plan reverse side

     X   Cut out patterns

Quilting: This is my OMG

In progress Quilt Advent tree

This is the entire panel.

The Nativity part was so hard!  

The tree itself wasn't too bad, but I did end up purchasing a quilt stand.  I couldn't seem to manage holding the hoop and stitching at the same time...

I'm not sure if hand quilting such a large project is for me....ha!  And it's just a wall hanging!  :)  

However, I'm planning to hand quilt my Quilty 365.  

I would love to hear your suggestions, stories and about your beginnings in hand quilting !  I'm sure that there are many other readers who are contemplating or, like myself, venturing into hand quilting for the first time!  

Please share your experiences in the comments so that we "newbies" and even the experienced hand quilters can glean from tips, remember and perhaps even smile at stories of humble beginnings and be encouraged.  

Christmas Sewing:

X   Finish flimsy - pinwheel quilt

Regular Sewing

In progress Grey hand warmers (5) X   alter blouses

Crochet 

Done!  Baby M2’s afghan crochet 21 more yellow dots plus started on the green dots

BOM’s & QAL’s 

Done!  Be My Neighbor – cut fabric for block three  I even put it together!

X Dot Quilt – join dots

X Quilty 365 – prep circles for applique

Here is my new list for the coming week. I suspect I won't finish it all, but it really helps me to focus.  

11/09

Hand Sewing

Wool jubilee leave mat

-    Cut out patterns

-    Begin stitching

Quilting

Continue to hand quilt the Advent tree

Christmas Sewing:

Sew blocks together

Buy sashing fabric

Regular Sewing

Grey Hand warmers (5 more ) & alter blouses

Crochet 

Baby M2’s afghan crochet 21 more green dots

BOM’s & QAL’s 

Dot Quilt – join dots

Quilty 365 – prep circles for applique

I'm so grateful to all the linky party hostesses!  Your parties have contributed so much to my WIPs and UFOs becoming finished projects!  Thank you!

I'm linking up to Linky Tuesday at Freemotionby the River, To Do Tuesday at Stitch All Things and Fiber Tuesday at The Quilting room with Mel.  Dear Friends, this is my truth!  
By the way, I apologize for the varying sizes of the text in this post.  It's completely unintentional.  :)

Philippians 1:24a. Advent Tree.

Philippians 1:24a

SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

In verse 24, Paul seems to have made some kind of peace with the fact that he will “remain in the body” – to be of service to Christ. 

He realizes that he is needed in Philippi, here on Earth to serve Christ and minister His Word. 

I wonder how he felt about this realization. 

He obviously wanted to be with our LORD and Savior.  Yet, he had received his calling.  He had to have been tired of the struggle. 

Yet he knew

in his heart

what was best

for everyone involved,

for the furtherance of the Gospel,

for the Philippians,

for Christ.

And he boldly shared it.

He was not afraid to follow his calling

to the glory of God.

He knew God would be with him.

And that’s all he needed.

There is no safer place to be than in the will of God.

Period.

APPLICATION

Once, during my teaching career, I was so frustrated.  It had been a rough patch.  I was questioning my calling to work in the school in which I knew God had called me.

Towards the end of every school year, we were required to sign a sort of letter of intent – giving the administration a heads up if we were hoping to stay at our current position or transfer. 

Early one morning as I wearily walked to enter the building, I put a fleece before God.  You can read more about this practice here. 

I prayed and told God this:

“If it is Your will for me to remain in this school, I really need for You to show me that I’m making a difference for You.  And I need to know this by 2:30, the end of the school day for kids.  (As many of you probably know, teachers work well past 4:00 or 5:00!)  If I don’t hear from You, I know I am to transfer.  If I do get a confirmation from You, I know I’m to remain here.”

Well, the day continued as normal. 

Until about 11:00 am.  

One of my previous students visited my classroom and handed me a note saying she needed to see me.

Now this was now ordinary student.  When she was in my 3^rd grade classroom, she was an exemplary student.  Furthermore, she was well groomed at all times (not often common in my school), had a cheerful disposition and excelled in all areas. 

However, I began to notice a decline in her appearance, demeanor and grades.  

TO AVOID THIS 

TURNING INTO A BOOK,

IT WILL BE 

CONTINUED TOMORROW

The Advent Tree
I have been steadfastly hand quilting the Advent Tree.  Funny, I'm not a fan of the actually quilting of large pieces, but I did decide to quilt this small hanging myself for fear it wouldn't be done in time.  It's only my second venture into hand quilting.....we'll see!  :)

So, I chose to hand quilt versus machine quilt it because of all the twists and turns.  
Here's my progress so far.  

Here's a reminder of 

what the panel looks like.

Here's the Baby Jesus 

and part of the Advent Tree. 

The bottom of the tree partially quilted.

Part of the branches quilted.

When I showed it to my son, he loved it I wasn't sure he'd like it as he isn't big into Christmas decorations.  But he loved this one!  His enthusiasm was so great, I've decided to give it to him.  So naturally, I would love to have it finished by this month!

Dear Friends, this is my truth!

I’m linking up to Monday Making at Love, Laugh, Quilt, Main Crush Mondays.

Philippians 1:23. Block 3 of Be My Neighbor. OMG!

Philippians 1:23

SCRIPTURE:

OBSERVATION:

NOTE:  I am displaying both verses 23 and 24 because they are one sentence and really go together. 

Paul is torn.

He is torn between going to be with his Savior or serving his Savior here on Earth.  His heart’s desire is obvious to me as he states, “…which is better by far…” after the choice of going to be with Christ.

   

Please note, he doesn’t simply say that to be with Christ is better, he states, “is better BY FAR…”.  Interesting wording.

APPLICATION

In the last two weeks, various circumstances have led me to face my feelings on illness, death, my parents’ aging, and the acceptance of both. 

I know with terminal illness I have adopted a friend’s attitude:

As long as there is life,

There is hope!  Can I hear an Amen?!  J

Philippians 1:23 gives me a lot of comfort regarding death.  It is far better to be with Christ! 

This song is one of my favorites!

This verse also comforts me:

I’ve always seen my parents as strong, wise, unbreakable.  But, now, in their mid 80’s and late 70’s, recent events have shown me they are still full of wisdom.  But, the reality is we all grown old and weaker.  It’s so strange though.  

I wonder how you, my readers, deal with this issue?

I’ve decided to appreciate every moment I can have with them.  It’s a gift – and I realize it always has been a gift.  I’ve realized that they are not disabled or weak, just a bit more tired.  

This is not my parents,
but it sure reminds me of them!

Now that I'm stronger again, I'm so glad we live only  about 1 1/4 hours from each other so that I can visit them weekly again!  And I'm so glad we love each other so much!  Yes, love....it's wonderful!  

I'll share a song my dad often refers to when he's teaching me to live life to the fullest!  

 

Many times, as we would sit with my husband’s grandmother, she would state that she was ready to go.  She was tired.  She had fought the good fight.

But, here, Paul longs to be with Christ, yet he knows he still has work to do!  People to reach, teach and disciple!  And so, while we have the strength, let us be encouraged to do the same!

PRAYER

LORD, I surely don’t know what direction these studies will take.  Sometimes I feel so awkward and without direction, yet You faithfully guide my fingers as they type.  Thank You!  

I’m sure there are many hurting people reading this little devotion today/tonight.  I ask You to comfort and guide them through their difficulties.

Also, my LORD, encourage, confirm and guide those who are trying to live their lives as a godly example.  Let them know somehow that their efforts are making a difference!  

Thank You for helping me to make peace with illness, death and my parent’s aging.  Thank You for Your guidance, tools and loving reminders to grapple with these issues.  I pray they bless someone else as well.  Amen!

Block 3 of Be My Neighbor

Part of my To Do List was to cut the fabric for Block 3 of Moda's Be My Neighbor QAL. Well, I'm really hoping to get it sewn up as well, but we'll see. 

Here's my fabric pull!

Here is the Advent Tree I'm hoping to finish this month. It's my OMG goal!

Here it is with all the decorations placed on it!

I'm linking up to Needle and ThreadThursday at My Quilt Infatuation.  I'm linky up my OMG - One Monthly Goal over at Elm Street Quilts - it's new home for the rest of 2016 and into 2017!

Thank you so much for visiting!

Dear Friend, this is my truth!  

Take good care!

Here it is with all the decorations
placed on it!

Short and Sweet. To Do List Tuesday. A Song.

Short and Sweet
This post will be short and sweet! This week was filled with some sewing and a ton of time with family and friends! Saturday we got to play with our two oldest grandbabies all afternoon!  So much fun!

Tuesday To Do List
Last week's list:

10/25-11/01

Hand Sewing

DONE!  Wool jubilee leave week one

I finished the top of this mat.  

But, I'm finishing it a bit differently

than the Sew Along!

Pop in next week to see this cool idea!

Quilting

DONE!  Sew buttons on Advent tree

The totally cool benefit of 

completing this task 

was I learned to use 

my Bernina #18 foot 

that sews on buttons!  

It is fabulous!  

Yea! 

Here a link to the tutorial video I used.  

Christmas Sewing:

DONE!  Decide on layout for quilt

I did decided on a layout for this quilt. Secret Sewing until Christmas!

Regular Sewing

DONE!  Grey Hand warmers (5) 

I made the five sets 

plus 

cut up more fabric 

to make the rest of them. 

UPDATED 11/4/16:  By the way,

I filled these with white rice.

Here is a link with more details!

X alter blouses

Crochet  

DONE!  Baby M2’s afghan crochet 21 yellow dots

BOM’s & QAL’s  

X Be My Neighbor – cut fabric for block three

X Dot Quilt – join dots

X Quilty 365 – prep circles for applique

These projects will be on next week's list.  

Yea!  I got most of my To Do List finished! This week I spent a lot of time with friends, grandbabies and my husband.  It's been wonderful!

Here's this coming week's To Do List:

11/09

Hand Sewing

Wool jubilee leave mat

-    Stitch on holly and leaves

-    Add interfacing

-    Stitch two sides together

Quilting

Finish hand quilting Advent tree

Christmas Sewing:

Finish flimsy - quilt

Regular Sewing

Grey Blanket

Crochet  

Baby M2’s afghan crochet 21 more yellow dots

BOM’s & QAL’s  

Be My Neighbor – cut fabric for block three

Dot Quilt – join dots

Quilty 365 – prep circles for applique

I'm linking up to Linky Tuesday at Freemotionby the River and To Do Tuesday at Stitch All Things.  

UPDATED 11/4/16:  I'm linking up to a new party:  Fiber Tuesday at Quilting Room with Mel.  

These are such fun parties that many talented people link up to!  I encourage you to check them out!

A Song!
Take a listen!  You'll be smiling by the end!  

Dear Friend,
This is my truth!