To Do Tuesday. Lunch. Drunkard's Path. A Song. Suzy Tat.

Hello There!
Today will be a quick post, but it will get your tastbuds going!  

To Do Tuesday
Last week's To Do Tuesday List:
1) Keep and keep up with my Quilty 365 Done!
2) Make my BOM's (Drunkard's Path and RSC), Oh Oh!
3) Charity Sewing - Dolls of Hope, (If you go to the beginning of her feed, there's contact info.)  Oh Oh!

4) Work on my Fabri-Flair project. Done!  

This week's To Do Tuesday List:
1) Keep and keep up with my Quilty 365 
2) Make my BOM's (Drunkard's Path and RSC), 
3) Charity Sewing - Dolls of Hope, (If you go to the beginning of her feed, there's contact info.)  
4) Continue work on my Fabri-Flair project. 

Lunch Today Is Comfort Food

Grape tomatoes, peas, carrots, gluten-free pasta,
tinydash of Consome de pollo, and 1 tspn
(Better Than Bouillien Chicken flavor).

Today is a slower day, perfect for some 

Mason 

Jar 

Soup!

Drunkard's Path Block

Though I didn't get this sewn up, I managed to cut out all the pieces!  I think it will be pretty once it's all sewn up!

A Song

I think I mentioned that my city doesn't have a Cancer Care Support Group for Spanish speakers.  Thankfully, the wonderful lady who hosts ours is willing to mentor me so that I can start one!  

I'm concerned that with these Fibromyalgia flare-ups, I may not be able to be consistent in my attendance.  Yes, there will be a co-host, (hopefully a nurse/social worker)but I want to be there as well.  It may seem arrogant because I'm sure my co-host will be able to take care of things.  But I do want to consistently be there for the participants.  

Then I remembered this song:

Suzy Tat
Last, but not least, is a cool little crocheting and knitting tool that I absolutely love!  
It's called a "Suzy Tat"!  I purchased it at Quillen's Fiber Arts and the owner, Diedre (she's totally cool), told me it's called a "Suzy Tat".  They are made locally by Jim Hurley, so if you support your local businesses this is a 2fer!

I love purchasing yarn from Quillin Fiber Arts, but here you can see that the Suzy Tat also works well with chain store yarns!  I've been using my Suzy Tat while making my Hexagon Afghan.  As you can see, it holds my hexies that are waiting for their beige borders, as well as scissors!

When I take those off, 

I have my yarn and crochet hook 

ready to stitch!  

Then, I simply pull up on my yarn, 

and wala!  

Tangle free crocheting!

Now, if you're using yarn 

that is wound into a cake, 

no problem!  

You just pull from the outside!  

The top part spins 

as you pull your yarn!  

Uninterrupted stitching!

I'm not receiving anything 

for sharing this product, 

except the joy I get from using it!  

If you like it, 

contact Diedre!  

I'm sure she'd work with you 

to mail it out!

I'm linking up to

Fiber Tuesday at

The Quilting Room with Mel

and

Oui Crochet Community

Hookin’ On Hump Day at

Petals to Picot

And

Moogly

To Do Tuesday @ Stitch All Things.

Linky Tuesday @ Freemotion by the River

Philippians 3:2. Quilty 365 + A Fibromyalgia Update

Philippians 3:2.
Scripture



Observation
Before I started this study, I had noticed that Paul was pretty blunt.  In his writings, he freely and boldly shares his faith - as well as his warnings.  Philippians 3:2 is no exception.  According to The Layman's Bible Commentary by Archibold Hunter, "dogs" is refering to the Judaizers - who believed circumcision and following the letter of the Law was required to be a "perfect Christian" versus having the uncomplicated faith in Christ. 



Application

https://coloringpagesbymradron.blogspot.com/
2014/09/abcs-of-gospel-coloring-page-free.html

I usually turn to what is commonly known as the ABC's of salvation.  This is very basic, but so uncomplicated.  The rest of our faith journey is just that - a journey.  

I remember a conversation with my daughter when she was barely 5 years old....we were talking about counting the cost of following Jesus.  She said, "Oh, that's easy, Mom!  It's free - just give Him your heart!"  From the mouths of babes. 

Paul is saying that those who added other prerequisites to having faith in Christ were "evildoers" and "mutilators of the flesh".  Strong words.  

As I write these words, this song comes to mind:

Prayer
LORD, thank You for this holy time tonight!  I pray that I have not perverted Your message, but have simplified it that all may know 
You are alive, 
You are faithful,
You are trustworthy.

LORD, what ever I may lose, please just give me Jesus!

When our faith seems 
too complicated, 
too hard, 
too confusing, 
help us to remember that all we need is 
Jesus.

Amen.

Quilty 365
I met a Tuesday To Do goal and caught up with my Quilty 365!  

 Here's a close up!

The month of April has several black circles scattered throughout.  These signify days of pain and fatigue. I believe May will be better!  :)

It took more time to take the pictures 

than to sew the squares together!  :)

A Fibromyalgia Update
I have started to feel better,  
to experience more days with pain levels from a 1-3.  The fatigue can be overwhelming.

Lessons learned?
Listen to my body  - and to God's leading.

When they tell me to rest, I rest.
When they tell me to sleep, I sleep.
When they tell me to do, I do.
When they tell me to eat, I eat.
When they tell me to ask for help, I ask.
When they tell me to reschedule, I do so.

This is hard, but really helpful.

I'm linking up to

Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt

Moving It Forward Monday 

@ Em’s Scrapbag

Thank You, Jannette, For Your Comment! Slow Sunday Stitching

Hello Everybody!
I hope you're all enjoying today's beautiful weather, the LORD's day and some Slow Stitching!

Don't you just love reading the comments left on your blog?  Sometimes a comment just sticks out and makes me really think.. Such was the case with this comment left on this post.  

I started responding to Jannette's comment and realized it was turning into a follow up post, so I contacted her and asked her if I could share her comment and the following response.  She gave me her blessing.  

I learned so much from her comment!  I hope you do as well!

Thank You, Jannette, For Your Comment!

JannetteMay 4, 2017 at 10:11 AM

I struggled with those words from Paul too - good to see the "amplification" of that verse! I need to work to see the best in everyone, especially when it's someone that has wronged me many times in the past....

LOVE your cardigan! The longer back is great too - I often find that sweaters "ride up" on me, leaving my back exposed. You won't have that problem!

Jannette, my dear, your words pricked my heart.  I discussed them with a friend and she helped me to see that assuming the best requires trust.  Furthermore, assuming the best of others varies based on the situation - especially when that person repeatedly hurts us!  Hence the trust issue.

I recall what another of my children's  youth pastor said, 

Sometimes, to me, assuming the best simply means accepting the fact that the person who has hurt repeatedly hurt me is simply a hurting person. 
They have no peace.  
They will hurt others before others can hurt them.  
So, to me and in this type of situation,  
"assuming the best" 
is realizing that 
hurting people hurt people.  

With this realization, I can begin to develop compassion.
This can be so very difficult!
Honestly, in some circumstances, 
it takes me years and 
I'm learning that that's ok.
It's a process.
The result at the end is simply that forgiveness is easier.

Forgiveness, to me, is certainly not saying, 
"What you did to me is ok."
Nor am I required to trust that person again.
As defined by Webster, forgiveness is 

"to cease to feel resentment against (an offender)"

So, for me, forgiveness is freeing because I am ceasing to feel resentment towards the one who hurt me - I am free!

via GIPHY
Consequently, I am able to assume the best of those who repeatedly hurt me by 
assuming they are 
simply hurting people who will hurt others, they are lost or bitter - 
and I'm in their line of fire.  

The point is, 
I can only take care of 
my side of the sidewalk 
by forgiving them and 
trying to assume the best - 
to the best of my ability.  

I don't say these words lightly.
I have know great pain - 
emotionally, physically, you name it - 
at the hands of others.

I can finally say that after many years of tears, anger, bitterness, pity parties, hard work and prayer, I have forgiven them  and assume the best of them.  It has been a long, difficult road, but it's worth it.  God has shown me the other side of the coin via therapists, good friends and His Word and I am finally free!

Jannette, I apologize for this "book".  You really sparked a precious light in my own walk with God and I will always love you and be grateful to you for that - even though we've never met.  You are indeed my sister!  You will be in my prayers!  I praise God you stopped by and commented!  

Take good care!

My Dear Readers, 
I pray you were as blessed as I was by the thoughts sparked by Jannette's comment. Happy Sunday!

via GIPHY

 Slow Sunday Stitching
In keeping with my Tuesday To Do List posted at To Do Tuesday @ Stitch All Things, I'm working on my Fabri Flair Bio-Sphere gifted to me by Marsha Cowan, co-owner of my LQS, Bernina Sewing and Design.   

It's quite different from traditional EPP.  The template is thicker and stays in the project to maintain it's form. 

While the sides are easy to attach to the bottom of the bowl, I find sewing the sides together challenging. But, once I find my groove, it goes really quickly!  It's fun to learn a new twist on EPP!  

I'm eager to begin the second Fabri Flair project I was given - the Large Radiant Star!  

I'm linking up to 

Sunday Slow Stitching 

@ Kathy’s Quilts

Sharing Sundays 

@The Creative Side

Finished or Not Friday 

@ Busy Hands Quilts

Can I Get a Whoop! Whoop!

@Confessions of a Fabric Addict 

Philippians 3:1. Scrapbooking Challenged? Part 1. Layer Cake Quilt.

Philippians 3:1
Scripture


Observation
I'll list a few quick observations. 
1) The use of "brothers and sisters" is a reminder:  We are family!  

2) We're reminded to rejoice in the LORD! 3) Reminders can be good.




Application

1) When I first heard a member of my church call me "Sister", I was confused.  Up until this time, I had only heard "sister" used in church to refer to nuns!  When my trusted friend explained the concept of family of Christ to me, I was surprised.  Over the years, I have come to count on and love my brothers and sisters in the LORD very deeply.  What a true blessing this has been!
2) Remeber this chorus from Philippians 4:4?

As a young believer, this confused me.  A Youth Pastor said something like this:

"Of course we don't praise God

for our broken arm!  

But we can praise Him

for the

strength and grace to get through it,

lessons we will learn from it and

the caregivers He provides."

We can and should try to rejoice in the LORD always because His joy is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10)!  

This can be challenging and it can certainly be a long process, but it can be done.  We may need additional help to get there such as therapy, support groups or medication, but it is possible to rejoice in the LORD always - even if we rejoice through tears. I know this because I have lived it.  

Let's remember to be loving and gentle with our brothers and sisters who are working on this process.  Add to their joy, love them, pray for them, hug them.  After all, they're family!  :)

The last part of this verse is a reminder and Paul reassures the Philippians that he doesn't mind reminding them about lessons taught earlier.  He also states that this a safeguard for them.  Yes, I see you there, rolling your eyes!  I am, too!  :)

Between "fibro fog" and "chemo brain", you can be sure I get plenty of loving reminders from my family!  

Prayer

Oh, Abba Father, yesterday's post seemed so rambling to me, but I know You wrote it!  Thank you for reteaching it to me this morning!  

I have to remember to assume the best of others - mainly because that keep me from "stinkin' thinkin'" and the best is usually correct!

Today's verse really helps me to smile at the growth You've caused in my life!  You've given me another family, have been teaching me how to rejoice always - even while weeping and to appreciate those reminders!  
You are amazing!  Thank You for giving me this blog, growing me and being oh so patient with me!  In Your precious name, Amen.

Scrapbooking
I so admire those of you who take some bits of paper, stickers, journal cards, a few pictures and, most of all, your heart and create such lovely scrapbooks!  

I don't usually make the "normal" scrapbooks I see online.  My are my therapy during challenging times.  

During one such time, I wanted to express my journey via scrapbooking, but everything out there was cheerful and happy - the complete opposite of what I felt.

And then I found these books!

Imperfect Lives by Tara Govemo and
Scrapbooking Your Faith by Courtney Walsh.   I love the "realness" of them!

And then, joy of joys!  I found Project Life Scrapbooking pages!  They look like the pages to hold baseball cards!  And journal cards are decorated!  Yea!  And they were all on sale!  Double Yea with a Dance of Joy!

via GIPHY

Now that I could handle!  I'll be sharing pages as I go along!  I hope you enjoy the journey with me!  By the way, are any of you scrapbookers?  Or are you scrapbooking challenged like I am?

Layer Cake Quilt.



It all started with a trip to Lancaster, Pennsyvania and a purchase of this fabric.  

I loved it so much I purchased a couple more charm packs.  Then I made the Simple Scrappy Sampler by Clover and Violet!  

https://faithtrustandbreastcancer.blogspot.com/2017/04/philippians-228-part-1-simple-scrappy.html

There was enough fabric left to make this baby quilt!

https://faithtrustandbreastcancer.blogspot.com/2017/04/slowing-down-to-do-tuesday-another.html

I'm happily surprised to report that I still had enough random layer cake squares to make this lap quilt!

After this one is finished, so is my Happy Tones fabric - except for a very few stray scraps!  

via GIPHY

I'm linking up to:

Needle and Thread Thursday 

@ My Quilt Infatuation

Wow! WIPs On Wednesdays 

@ Esther's Blog

Heart Encouragement Thursday @ Chrystal Storms

Philippians 2:30. More Dishcloths. TADA! A Finish!

Philippians 2:30
Scripture


Observation
This verse needs to be seen in context - at least to include v. 29.  Paul is asking the Philippians to receive Epaphorditus  back with great joy, to honor those like him and reminding them that he almost died on the missionary trip.  

He also points out that Epaphroditus ministered to him in lieu of the Philippians.

Application
I used to think that v. 30 was a bit harsh - until I read it in the Amplified Version:

Philippians 2:30Amplified Bible (AMP)

30 because he came close to death 

for the work of Christ, 

risking his life 

to complete what was lacking 

in your service to me 

[which distance prevented you 

from rendering personally].

In fact, for literally years I cringed as I imagined the Philippians reading that sentence.  Until I took the time to study The Amplified Version gives the reason for the Philippians' in ability to assist.  

Which reteaches me one very important lesson:

Always assume the best of a person.

I cannot tell you how many times this has saved me.  Failure to do so has robbed me far too many times of my joy - many times unnecessarily.  Such as in this case.

In previous chapters, Paul's love for the Philippians is so obvious.  Of course, v. 30 was written in love!  It may be difficult to see the details in the "best" of some situations, but, my dear reader, we can walk in faith trusting that the words and actions of others - especially those who love us - are their "best".

When we are confused about a situation, prompt and gentle communication will usually clear up the situation.  

How could the man who wrote this in a mere few verses before, 

Philippians 2New International Version (NIV)

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

then be harsh in his words in v. 30? No way!  :)

Prayer

Oh Father God!  Help me to learn to see the big picture in Your Word!  Help me to continue to follow Your leading in assuming the best.  

You are amazing in how You are using this study to grow me spiritually and emotionally! 

I love You so much, Abba Father!  Thank you!

Amen.

More Dishcloths.
Here are the rest of the dishcloths I made for my daughter!  She loved them!  I used this pattern from Dedri at Look What I Made for the dishcloth below.

One can't go wrong with 

a simple granny square!

TADA!  A Finish!  
I finished my Granny Square Cardigan!  I made it a bit bigger than suggested so now I can puff it up around my neck. 

I am a "voluptuous" woman (nice for full-figured) and it fit me fine.  My daughter, who has four babies, has maintained her tiny frame.  This looked nice on her as well!  Here it is!

 The front!

The back

On my bed :)

Here's another close up of the yarn:  I used Yarn Bee's Diva Sequin in Deanli and an "H" hook. I used Nadia Faud's pattern from her blog at YARNutopia.

I'm linking up to:

Fiber Tuesday at

The Quilting Room with Mel

and

Oui Crochet Community

Hookin’ On Hump Day at

Petals to Picot

And

Moogly

Midweek Makers @ Quilt Fabrication

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