On A Wintry Monday Morning

It's a cold, snow-y winter day here. My 5-year-old grandson, Mr. G., was supposed to arrive this morning to spend three days with us while his mommy and daddy attended an out-of-town conference. Following several phone calls this morning our son, Mr. J., called to say that they were not going to travel over the hazardous, snow-packed mountain passes - they cancelled their plans. A few minutes later a tear-y Mr. G. called to talk to me (I think maybe he was hoping I could talk his mom and dad into changing their mind!). We both said we were disappointed but, after a promise that I would talk to Grandpa and see when we could pick him up and bring him here to stay after the weather settles down, he seemed to feel a teeny, tiny bit better. So, my plans have changed for the next few days and I will accomplish some much-needed tasks that would have been put off until another time.


So, today I decided to share a recent gift from a dear friend of mine. She and her hubby were in Victoria, British Columbia recently. While staying at The Empress Hotel she bought a special gift to bring back to me. It is a treasure! The gift bag is wonderful.
In the bag was this beautiful box.

A look inside the box revealed this gorgeous gift.

A wonderful surprise from a very dear friend. I think it's time for a cup of tea. What a treat on a winter day.

I've been tagged to share 4 Things About Me by Katherine at Yellow Rose Arbor . Here is what I'm supposed to share:

FOUR MOVIES WATCHED OVER AND OVER:
1. Sound of Music
2. Sleepless in Seattle
3. The American President
4. You've Got Mail
FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED:
1. Everett, Washington
2. Bend, Oregon
3. San Francisco, California
4. Astoria, Oregon
FOUR SHOWS I WATCH:
1. Martha Stewart
2. Home Decorating/Improvement
3. Quick Fix Meals With Robin Miller
4. Semi-Homemade Cooking With Sandra Lee
FOUR PLACES I HAVE BEEN:
1. Mexico
2. Canada
3. Williamsburg, Virginia
4. St. Simons Island, Georgia
FOUR PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME:
1. Beth (my dear friend from college days)
2. Betty (my former boss and now kindred-spirit friend)
3. My sweet daughter
4. My wonderful son
FOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO EAT:
1. Chocolate
2. Ice cream
3. French toast
4. Beef (pot roast)
FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE:
1. Someplace warm
2. Baja, Mexico (Orphanage/school/clinic)
3. Oaxaca, Mexico (Orphanage/ministry outreach to villages)
4. Any place with my sweetheart, my children and their families
FOUR THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO THIS YEAR:
1. Spending time with my grandchildren
2. Meeting new friends
3. Getting my home organized
4. Labor Day Weekend camping with sweetheart's siblings/spouses
FOUR PEOPLE TO TAG:
1. Kathy
2. Mary
3. Paula
4. Mimi

Now you know a few more things about me that you didn't know before. A chance to get better acquainted.

Granny Goes To Tea

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.

If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,

I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Revelation 3:20

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging . . .

The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Psalm 46:1-3

Years ago every neighborhood had at least one woman who could be depended on in time of trouble. She was always available to “sit up” with the sick, and minister to the needs of her neighbors. She seemed to know where she was needed, quietly serving and expecting nothing in return. Such is the granny of this story.

The pastor met Granny on the street one morning and asked, “Where are you off to today, Granny?” “I’m going to see poor widow Wilson,” replied Granny. “She is sort of poorly and I may be able to help. While I’m there, I’ll just stay for a cup of tea to cheer her a little.”

The pastor knew the circumstances in the Wilson home. “I’m glad you are calling on Mrs. Wilson,” he smiled, “and I’m sure you can be of help, but it’s very little tea I think you will be getting there.”

Granny’s eyes twinkled as she reached into her pocket and took out a tea bag. From the other pocket she fetched a few well-wrapped cookies. The pastor thought to himself, “Now isn’t that just like Granny?”

And it is just like our Lord. In Revelation 3:20 Jesus invites us to come and dine, and we can be assured that He will bring the food! Some may say, “I have nothing to offer Him.” But any time we come to Him in prayer or in His word, we can be guaranteed of a feast.

A little snail was climbing a cherry tree in the early spring when the tree was in full bloom. A friendly rabbit hopped by and told the snail, “I don’t know why you are climbing that big cherry tree; there’s no fruit up there.” The snail replied, “There will be when I get there.”

You may not see how the Lord can answer your problems or bring you peace of mind, but be assured that if you go to Him, the help will be there by the time you get there. You may be slow in coming to Him, but be of good cheer – help is waiting there for you.

“God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1

From "Hope For Heaven & Help For Here and Now" -

Published by The Sonshine Society, Lynnwood, WA

Art Print "Tea and Iris" by T. Chiu

From Art.com

A Spoon Full

Thank you to each of you who offered suggestions about my dining room hutch that is filled with yellow depression glass. I am looking and checking out the possibilities. I'll show you what I find.

In the box of treasures recently found in my attic were a few old spoons. I love old silver pieces, especially silverware. I love the detail and the beauty that was crafted into it. You can imagine how happy I was to find them. They were tarnished and needed care but the pictures taken before they were polished showed the detail best.

Spoons. I love old spoons. I love the front. . . And the back.They are all wonderful spoons but one is my favorite. My great-great-grandmother Sarah's spoon. You can see her name gracefully engraved on the handle.Sarah's daughter was my mother's grandmother who we lovingly called Nanny. She lived next door to my grandma and I spent many hours in Nanny's house when I was a little girl - especially in her kitchen. I loved to sit at her kitchen table and talk to her as she worked. As long as I can remember Nanny had a 'spooner' on her table, full of teaspoons. Somehow - I don't remember how - it became mine. I have treasured it and guarded it carefully through the years. So it was only right that I put these lovely old spoons in Nanny's spooner. Especially Sarah's spoon.With the old spoons I added two very special little spoons that were in the attic treasure box. Spoons that bring back so many precious memories. Memories of my babies. Now grown. Gifts from special friends to our dear new babies. Perhaps someday they will be precious treasures to my great-great-granddaughter!There is room for more spoons in the old spooner. A reason to find more beautiful old pieces. I will find them. Here and there. One or two at a time. And when I find them they will join the other spoons in my spooner full of memories.

Praises

Adding a second post today to share the wonderful news! Mr. R.'s white cells are on the rise. A few days ago they began to show a slight increase and yesterday they took a leap! He is beginning to rebuild immunity. That's what we prayed for. That's what's happening. He contracted an infection in his blood from bacteria in an IV line but his antibiotics - and now his body - are fighting it. He is having a good day. We pray for more ahead of him. Thank you to each of you who have been praying. Continued prayers are needed until he is back in full health again. But we see God's hand at work in him. To God be the glory - great things He hath done!

Color Splash

There have been such wonderful comments about my new dishes and my yellow glass collection. Rhondi at Rose Colored Glasses suggested that I paint the back of the hutch to better showcase my yellow glass and the pieces of new china I will add there.I've thought about that for a long time and I haven't been sure what color would be right. It would be easy to overpower the gentleness of the yellow glass but just the right color would make it 'pop'. I've thought of wallpaper or fabric on the back but I haven't been able to visualize anything that takes my fancy. I've thought of glazing or antiquing the hutch a bit. If I do I will follow Tracey's directions. I love what she does.What do you think? I'd love to hear your ideas and suggestions. Should I add some 'doo-dads' or other things? Or, should I just keep it simple - yellow glass and new yellow rose dishes?I decorate with blues, yellows and whites. The wall to the left of the hutch is soft yellow. That is the back wall of the dining room that goes into the kitchen. Most of the wall in the dining room is filled with the sliding glass doors. Not much of the yellow shows in there. The wall to the right becomes the fireplace wall in the living room. The color of this wall and the living room is Martha Stewart's 'Tortilla', a gentle and soft taupe. I'm open to adding a new color, if it's the right one. You know what this means, don't you? Work. More work. I don't mind. I know I'll love it!

Coming Soon!

I've had several requests to show a place setting of my new dishes. I plan to do that soon. As soon as I have some new linens to show you. For quite a few years I've had just one set of dishes - plain white - and my table linens have focused most on blues. . .Combinations of blue and yellow. . .And either side of the wonderful bright placemats that were a recent gift from a dear friend.

Or -

While they might be OK - I could make do - they just aren't right. My new treasures need something different. So, I'm off to find just the right background for these special pieces. I'll show you. Soon. I promise.

How Can I Keep From Singing?

There is an endless song

Echoes in my soul

I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come

I am holding on

To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise

How can I ever say enough

How amazing is Your love

How can I keep from shouting Your name

I know I am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes

In the darkest night

For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You

Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give

How can I keep from singing Your praise

How can I ever say enough

How amazing is Your love

How can I keep from shouting Your name

I know I am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

I can sing in the troubled times

Sing when I win

I can sing when I lose my step

And fall down again

I can sing 'cause You pick me up

Sing 'cause You're there

I can sing 'cause You hear me Lord

When I call to You in prayer

I can sing with my last breath

Sing for I know

That I'll sing with the angels

And the saints around the throne

How can I keep from singing Your praise

How can I ever say enough

How amazing is Your love

How can I keep from shouting Your name

I know I am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

Song: "How Can I Keep From Singing Your Praise"

by Chris Tomlin