A Lamp Unto My Feet

I can share the front of this quilt with you now.  We gifted it to our friends last night and actually managed to surprise them.  What a fun time to gather lots of families together for the happy occasion of a 25th anniversary.

Each block contains a Bible verse that Connie and Gerry emulate in their lives and their marriage.  We hope they are encouraged to hear that their friends see them living these words.

The verses are written with a Pigma pen.  Also, a few were quilted (just the references) in the borders, along with the names.  I think it's neat that we couldn't contain the verses to the blocks that were planned.

I never was quick to pick up on symbolism in English classes, but it's much easier if I'm the one making them up.  So here's a few meaningful elements in this quilt :
Mariner's Compass - from Psalm 119:35
"Direct me in the path of your commands."

Lanterns in the dark batik fabric - from Psalm 119:105

"Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

Tucked into the lantern batik are a few dragonflies which were drawn to the lights. 

This couple has looked to God's Word for their direction.  It's led them to make wise choices.

The flowers quilted in the light blue area with the star points at the corners - 25 flowers, one for each year.  This was fun to do with free motion.  My high school teen, who loves math, was distressed that I'd attempt to put 25 flowers in 4 even rectangles since this is not an even division.  It hurt that part of her which wants symmetry and balance, but when it was finished, she decided that it was subtle enough to be okay.

The colors are Connie's favorites.  It was fun to pick out batiks in these colors and decide where they should go in this quilt.  Their daughter comes to our house often and has helped me tremendously with her advice as I've worked on this one.  She also contacted family members to help me collect the verses.


Someone who saw a previous peek hoped I would post all the verses.  As you read them, I hope you'll be inspired to put these into practice in your life too.

 The top 4 blocks contain the lyrics to the Greatest Command song.  Gerry leads singing often and this is his favorite song.

Love one another, for love is of God.
He who loves is born of God;
And knows God.
He who does not love, does not know God,
For God is love, God is love, God is love.
1 John 4:7 - 8
- Alto
Love bears all things,
Believes all things,
Love hopes all things,
Endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:7
- Bass
God is love, God is love, God is love.
God is love, God is love, God is love.
God is love, God is love, God is love,
God is love, God is love, God is love.
1 John 4:16
-Tenor
Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
With all thy soul, all thy strength,
All thy mind.
Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
For God is love, God is love, God is love.
Mark 12:30
- Soprano

The rest are from friends and family.  If you sense some diversity in these names, you are right.  We are a group of people who cross racial lines because of who we are in Christ.  It's Jesus's work, not ours and it's something that often surprises and draws people to find out more about God.

because I rescued the poor who cried for help,
    and the fatherless who had none to assist them.
Job 29:12
Maria (their oldest, whom they adopted after she lost her parents)

Do everything without grumbling or arguing
Phillippians2:14
Darius  (their adopted son)
(Not many parents could be described as "Never arguing with each other" by their son)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phillippians 4:6-7
Jasmine  (their daughter and the youngest)



Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:10

Tony & Mary

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. 

Philippians 4:12

Herb & Sue

Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.

Matthew 5:8

Bennie & Dorthea 

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.  We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Winfred & Leslie

"For I know the plans I have for you,"  declares the Lord, "plans to  prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11 - 13
Ralph & Tynesha

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;
I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 7:17
Lee & Chloe

Plans fail for lack of counsel,
    but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 15:22
Louise

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:24
Ed & Sharon

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
Conilia

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2
Byron & Sherri
 
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God. 
Micah 6:8
Hayden

 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
Kristen

 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14 - 16
Nicole
 
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4
John & Tonda
    
 
Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect.
Romans 12:10 CJB
Rondell & Juanita

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Ecclesiates 4:9 - 12 NLT
Rodney & SioBhan 

The greatest among you will become your servant.
Matthew 20:26
Ed & Delois


 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
Jeff & Lisa

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
John & Joyce

Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
James 5:13b
Allen & Julia
 
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Jeremy

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10
Jack & Kay

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:12
Jon & Pat
 
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
Tom & Selwyn 

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
Sandra

... you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:3-4
Linda

We loved you so much we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well because you had become so dear to us.
1 Thessalonians 2:8


this one was from me and my comments to them were:

I selected this verse because I've watched you two sharing every part of your lives with people - your faith, your BBQ and southern hospitality, your singing, your wise counsel, and your time as an overflow of your love.  I was amazed that you spent so much time leading the PTO at middle school, even after your children had moved on.  Then I began to realize what an opportunity to bless the whole community by leading these meetings prayerfully and guiding the organization in a godly way.  Connie, your continual service to the ladies committee, keeping our LT organized, and teaching the elementary children haven't gone unnoticed even though Gerry's more in the spotlight on staff and occasionally preaching.  Your example in marriage is a beautiful testimony of how obediently following God leads to peace and joy.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars