A lot of very familiar sound bites here, which can easily become dogmatic commands sure to cause failure if not read in context and lived out by the power of the Holy Spirit. This chapter can be overwhelming as Paul admonishes us to imitate Christ in His humility...and put others first....and don't grumble... it's almost a relief when he moves on to talk about Timothy and Epaphroditus - as if just when I can't take any more conviction, he eases the pressure by changing the subject. Here's my takeaway for the week:
Scripture: Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky... (Phil 2:14-15)
Observation: Our attitude is a powerful witness, something that makes us distinct and enables us to bring the light of Christ to the world.
Application: Often, if not only, it is in the home where I am most guilty of grumbling and arguing. I can morph from servant to martyr at the drop of a hat, or at least a wet towel, and things can quickly get ugly. What kind of message is this sending my family? Only by tapping into Christ and following his example of humility - not servant-doormat as this world would have you think, but servant-leader - can I hope to move from being ruled by emotions and expectations to being ruled by the Spirit.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I confess I am powerless to "do everything without grumbling or arguing" without leaning in to you for grace and patience. Cause me to cling to you, remembering the true humility of Jesus, to pray before speaking, and to serve in a manner that glorifies you and shines your light to others. Amen.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
Philippians Chapter/Week 1
One week ago, having reawakened my Twitter account in order to be more engaged with my daughter and her friends, I responded to the tweeted invitation from Amy Gross @momstoolbox.com to spend 4 weeks reading and reflecting on Paul's letter to the Philippians. Her format is near-effortless enough to be manageable, but structured enough to require self-imposed commitment and, in my case, dependency on the Holy Spirit to see it through and reap the rich harvest sure to be waiting for me. Basically we read 1 chapter a week, and post reflections, take-aways, aha moments, etc. on Mondays.
Well, today's Monday, so here goes. I read through Phil 1 three times, I think, with varying degrees of focus. And what sticks in my mind the most is the first part of verse 27:
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
And what makes it stick in my mind is this: What the heck does this mean exactly?
When I posted the verse on Facebook, the first response I got was, "Well, there goes happy hour this Friday." But is this what Paul means? Is this an admonishment to straighten up, fly right, and remove any appearance of questionable behavior or even fun from my life? Surely not, though this is exactly what the Enemy would have us believe. But I realize that in my own mind I twist Paul's words to mean, "Conduct yourself in a manner that appears unimpeachable, as if you have it all together, that follows all the rules, that draws no finger-pointing, that is holier than thou, that is pleases others, nay, that pleases everybody..." and I am forced once again to recognize that even as a believing Christian I still succumb to the ever-present subconscious nagging that it's all about works and appearances.
If I am to respond to Paul's exhortation, I must understand what the "gospel of Christ" is, and what it is not. At the risk of trivializing the dilemma, I feel somewhat like Charlie Brown when he cries out in frustration...
This is what I know about the gospel (literally "Good News") of Christ: it is simple and complicated; it is good, not bad; it is about God's grace, not my control; it is about my heart more so than my behavior; it is about my intimacy with Jesus more so than my going to church; it means I am saved by Jesus' sacrifice, not my own striving; it means I don't have to know all the answers before I can talk about it; it means that the Holy Spirit will guide me into understanding so that I may "conduct [myself] in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ"...
Well, today's Monday, so here goes. I read through Phil 1 three times, I think, with varying degrees of focus. And what sticks in my mind the most is the first part of verse 27:
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
And what makes it stick in my mind is this: What the heck does this mean exactly?
When I posted the verse on Facebook, the first response I got was, "Well, there goes happy hour this Friday." But is this what Paul means? Is this an admonishment to straighten up, fly right, and remove any appearance of questionable behavior or even fun from my life? Surely not, though this is exactly what the Enemy would have us believe. But I realize that in my own mind I twist Paul's words to mean, "Conduct yourself in a manner that appears unimpeachable, as if you have it all together, that follows all the rules, that draws no finger-pointing, that is holier than thou, that is pleases others, nay, that pleases everybody..." and I am forced once again to recognize that even as a believing Christian I still succumb to the ever-present subconscious nagging that it's all about works and appearances.
If I am to respond to Paul's exhortation, I must understand what the "gospel of Christ" is, and what it is not. At the risk of trivializing the dilemma, I feel somewhat like Charlie Brown when he cries out in frustration...
This is what I know about the gospel (literally "Good News") of Christ: it is simple and complicated; it is good, not bad; it is about God's grace, not my control; it is about my heart more so than my behavior; it is about my intimacy with Jesus more so than my going to church; it means I am saved by Jesus' sacrifice, not my own striving; it means I don't have to know all the answers before I can talk about it; it means that the Holy Spirit will guide me into understanding so that I may "conduct [myself] in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ"...
Monday, May 13, 2013
Who knits socks in Florida?
Granted, here in Florida we wear flip flops all year long. Granted, one can succumb to the allure of hand-dyed fingering weight merino without venturing into the realm of dpns or magic loop - work it up into a shawl perhaps. Granted, back when I read Debbie Macomber's A Good Yarn I scratched my head and thought, "Who knits socks?" But as I re-entered the knitting world several years ago and quickly rose to the ranks of the obsessed (and employed, mind you - not all obsessions are dangerous) I became aware of the pervading buzz about sock knitting, and I figured there must be sound reason behind it.
In May 2011 I cast on my first pair
the first of which I finished (on a different beach) 3 months later.
Its mate was a long time coming, the victim not only of second sock syndrome but of a pattern so boring it was difficult to work up much enthusiasm for it. Conquering both of these major obstacles, however, I had a complete pair by August 2012.
Though this was my first pair started, it was not my first pair finished. In the lengthy interim I participated in a KAL which introduced me not only to Plymouth Happy Feet (my very first purchase at The [Itty Bitty] Knitty Gritty) and Irish Girlie Knits, but also to Honey Badger, the hilarious-but-perhaps-too-vulgar-for-some You Tube video. (Not going to link it here, go look it up yourself. Honey Badger don't care.)
I also learned that not all US 1 needles are the same size - Honey Badger may not care about that, but you and I do, trust me! This pair came much faster - just over one month start to finish.
With a bold sense of now-I-know-how-to-knit-socks and a hunger to learn different techniques, I volunteered for a test knit soon after. Wheat Rib by Lindo Jo Park was my first try at toe-up on 2 circulars, which has become my preferred sock method.
More have followed: Skew by Lana Holden for a Will Work For Yarn Swap Group project,
Apres Ski by Kate Atherley for a beginner's sock class,
Field of Flowers by Sheryl Giles for an excuse to use Malabrigo.
Still very much in progress are my Irish Coffee socks by Nicola W, featuring a "whipped cream" cuff and belly-warming leg.
The mis-crossed cable early on in the cuff is not what has caused my delay, but it did prompt me to change the project name to "Amish Coffee."
So who knits socks in Florida? I do. And I'm itching to share techniques, tips, pitfalls, experiences with fellow enthusiasts and with those who, like I once was, are simply confounded by the whole idea. Join me at The Knitty Gritty for a free-of-charge, twice-monthly get-together. Bring your own socks-in-progress, or cast-on the socks-of-the-month project (this month it's yoga socks). Learn a new technique, or get help for a sock-gone-awry. Fondle my sock yarn, I'll fondle yours. This month we'll meet Monday, May 20 from 6-8 pm, and/or Tuesday, May 21 from 11am-1pm. In ensuing months we'll stagger the meetings every other week or thereabouts. Become a regular, or pop in now and then. I'll be there to knit, chat, teach, help, laugh. Hope to see you there!
In May 2011 I cast on my first pair
Though this was my first pair started, it was not my first pair finished. In the lengthy interim I participated in a KAL which introduced me not only to Plymouth Happy Feet (my very first purchase at The [Itty Bitty] Knitty Gritty) and Irish Girlie Knits, but also to Honey Badger, the hilarious-but-perhaps-too-vulgar-for-some You Tube video. (Not going to link it here, go look it up yourself. Honey Badger don't care.)
With a bold sense of now-I-know-how-to-knit-socks and a hunger to learn different techniques, I volunteered for a test knit soon after. Wheat Rib by Lindo Jo Park was my first try at toe-up on 2 circulars, which has become my preferred sock method.
So who knits socks in Florida? I do. And I'm itching to share techniques, tips, pitfalls, experiences with fellow enthusiasts and with those who, like I once was, are simply confounded by the whole idea. Join me at The Knitty Gritty for a free-of-charge, twice-monthly get-together. Bring your own socks-in-progress, or cast-on the socks-of-the-month project (this month it's yoga socks). Learn a new technique, or get help for a sock-gone-awry. Fondle my sock yarn, I'll fondle yours. This month we'll meet Monday, May 20 from 6-8 pm, and/or Tuesday, May 21 from 11am-1pm. In ensuing months we'll stagger the meetings every other week or thereabouts. Become a regular, or pop in now and then. I'll be there to knit, chat, teach, help, laugh. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Like a freight train....
Here comes March. How did that happen? I'm feeling a little overwhelmed, a problem I realize will not be solved by sitting here blogging instead of working and lesson planning, but here I sit anyway. Though my March calendar is probably no more bulging than usual at this time of year, it does herald some new, fun, stressful-in-a-good-way events, while feeding my top three addictions.
First off, I'll be starting to work at my LYS, The Knitty Gritty. Can't tell you how excited I am about this - it's a dream come true (not the big Broadway/sports arena one, but a dream nonetheless), and I'm elated that Anna invited me to join the staff. And what a time to start, with the Orange Blossom Yarn Crawl going on from March 1 to 10. Grab your passport and come on out!
Not only will I be helping out in the shop here and there, but I'm also slated to teach two classes. The first, next Wednesday, March 6, is a two-hour session teaching ipad users how to take advantage of KnitCompanion, the most ingenious app in the world IMHO. A single class will really only scratch the surface of KC's seemingly infinite capabilities, but will enable the students to download, set up and follow patterns using this revolutionary technology.
As if that weren't enough for me to prepare for, Theatre-Go-Round is opening our newest show on Sunday, March 24, which means rehearsing with increased frequency and urgency. "New York, New York" continues for the next two weekends (with only a couple seats available, if that), then we'll begin a 10 week-run of "Those Fabulous 50's". We continue to enjoy performing at 14th Avenue Steakhouse and working with the fine folks there.
Yarn? Check. Performing? Check. Thankfully there will still be time to indulge my beach obsession as well. My bff Big Genny will make her annual pilgrimage to Vero (along with her two girls to keep Little Genny happy), and this is one of those rare years where our respective spring breaks coincide. Our week of R&R (romp and relaxation) will culminate at the Caribe Royale in Orlando (hospitality industry connections are veeeerrrry nice!).
Then, once I put our guests on a plane back to Philly, we'll head to the annual Easter Bunny Bash in Cocoa and watch Eddie kick some skimboarding butt.
Beach? Check.
First off, I'll be starting to work at my LYS, The Knitty Gritty. Can't tell you how excited I am about this - it's a dream come true (not the big Broadway/sports arena one, but a dream nonetheless), and I'm elated that Anna invited me to join the staff. And what a time to start, with the Orange Blossom Yarn Crawl going on from March 1 to 10. Grab your passport and come on out!
Not only will I be helping out in the shop here and there, but I'm also slated to teach two classes. The first, next Wednesday, March 6, is a two-hour session teaching ipad users how to take advantage of KnitCompanion, the most ingenious app in the world IMHO. A single class will really only scratch the surface of KC's seemingly infinite capabilities, but will enable the students to download, set up and follow patterns using this revolutionary technology.
The following Monday, March 11, we'll begin a four-week adventure learning how to knit socks, toe up, on two circular needles (one-at-a-time - let's not get ahead of ourselves!). Beginners can work in worsted weight to learn the basics on larger needles; more experienced knitters can use fingering weight....and reading glasses!
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| Publicity shot for Fab 50's |
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| Couple years ago at the Caribe...before Vinny chewed up this suit. |
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| LBI Summer 2012 |
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Happiness is...
...finding over $125 worth of swag in your mailbox!
The other day I was checking in with a few of my favorite blogs, and on a recent post over at YarnontheHouse I noticed my name and "Congratulations!" on the same line. Sent Veronika my mailing address and a speedy two days later I'm playing with this:
and this:
with which I might make this:
but it's hard to decide because I also got a couple patterns from Alana Dakos, like Cosette:
which I'm partial to because I'm a Les Mis freak, but there's also this:
which is adorable, but oh, then there are the patterns from Kate Oates of When I Grow Up:
but, yikes, I think I grew up a little too much for that one, so maybe this one would be better:
or maybe just a hat:
but then again there are some babies on the way who might need something from this:
For now I guess I better get back to working on my test knitting assignment, which is just the perfect size for my wonderful new project bag from Little Lippy Ewe:
Thank you to all these wonderful vendors, and especially Ve at YOTH for sharing the love!
The other day I was checking in with a few of my favorite blogs, and on a recent post over at YarnontheHouse I noticed my name and "Congratulations!" on the same line. Sent Veronika my mailing address and a speedy two days later I'm playing with this:
and this:
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| Honeycomb Kerchief - Bijou Basin Ranch |
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| Cosette Wrap - Never Not Knitting |
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| Wee Wildflower - Coastal Kids |
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| Lilly Tunic |
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| Johanna Jacket |
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| Dindy Beret |
For now I guess I better get back to working on my test knitting assignment, which is just the perfect size for my wonderful new project bag from Little Lippy Ewe:
Thank you to all these wonderful vendors, and especially Ve at YOTH for sharing the love!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Bank of Royal Copenhagen
Yesterday I went hog wild and spent $22 on myself. While grocery shopping at Publix, the Winter 2012 issue of Interweave Knits jumped into my cart.
and while DD was spending some quality time in Plato's Closet, I enjoyed a manicure next door.
These are the kinds of treats, no matter how seemingly small, that I sometimes agonize over, but no more. Last year I began paying myself for completing certain tasks that I could and would easily avoid. Things like flossing, exercising in any intensity (including little or practically none) for 15 minutes, and going to bed without leaving any clothes on the floor. There are a few others which I am loath to disclose, but in any event I'm now motivated to do these things, if not by their intrinsic necessity or benefit, then by the fact that for each one checked off I put $1 in my favorite vase.
Win/win: things that need doing get done, and I have a modest fund of fun money to spend on little extras that make me smile. And I still have $19 left. Mad Tosh?
Posted with BlogsyFriday, January 11, 2013
FO Friday
Wednesday came and went this week, and my WIPs pretty much look the same as last week....except there are more of them. Not to worry - I have 51 more opportunities this year to get those projects off the Wednesday post and onto the Friday post.
However, it is with suitable glee that I present my first finished object of 2013.
[Insert drum roll here.]
However, it is with suitable glee that I present my first finished object of 2013.
[Insert drum roll here.]
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