Christmas in August

Last Saturday, you would have thought that it was Christmas at my house. No, I didn't have any Christmas decorations up or played any Christmas music, or wrapped any Christmas presents. But, there I was busy opening presents that someone wonderful sent me and it wasn't even my birthday either!

In fact, a few weeks ago, I won a give-away. Yes, me! And it was a very special give-away from Sheila at one of my absolute favorite blogs, The Quintessential Magpie. I didn't know what Sheila was giving away because she actually was going to buy something special for me based on the things that I like. She did some snooping around my blog and when she had bought the presents, she emailed me to be sure I was in town before shipping them to me.

I knew that the presents were on their way so last Saturday afternoon, when I saw the mailman park his truck in front of my house and then walk up to my front door holding a couple of boxes, I admit I became all excited!

I brought the presents inside and put down the two boxes. I opened up the first one....

And as I removed some of the packing peanuts, I saw that there was another smaller box inside. I gasped with delight because this is what the box looked like...

An Alice in Wonderland tea-for-one set! I had wanted one for a very long time and I was so thrilled that she knew that this was the perfect thing to get me. :)

I took it out of the box, gently washed it and took it to its new home in my tearoom. Each time I use it, I will think of you Sheila!

Doesn't it look right at home already? A cup of tea in a whimsical teapot and cup like these can't help but brighten up any day! :)

But wait, there's more!

There was a second box, remember?

Right on top was a sweet note that Sheila wrote me. And in the box were two more presents. One looked like this....

Hmmm, what could it be?

A cd of beautiful hymns! I have already played it a few times and love it. It soothes me after a busy day and brings me closer to God. Many of those hymns are actually new to me because I didn't grow up in church so I am mostly familiar with contemporary Christian music, but I truly enjoy them all. I can already picture myself trimming the Christmas tree in a few months while playing this cd. It's just perfect!

You'd think I had been spoiled enough already but there was yet another shiny present to unwrap.

By the way, this was a great job of wrapping and packing. UPS has nothing on Mrs. Magpie!!!


Aaaaah, beautiful plaque, isn't it? The colors are so pretty and the verse always a wonderful reminder of the mighty Savior that we have in Jesus Christ.


Sheila, if you stop by, please know how much I appreciate you blessing me this way with your generosity, thoughfulness and kindness. I have a note in the snail mail on its way to you and even though I've already told you that all your lovely presents made it to my home safe and sound, I wanted to show you just how much you indeed made my day... and week!

{hugs} and sweet blessings!

The gift of friendship

It has been a little while since I've had a chance to put up a post and visit you. Let's just say that once in a while, life happens. It shows up with its peaks and valleys and it makes it clear that an unplanned period of time away from the computer is the right thing to do. I've always tried to prioritize my life appropriately and this little break was much needed.

Having said that, if any of you are still around, I'm glad that you've stopped by for a visit!

Over the past several weeks, I've had a chance to get together with some of my girlfriends for morning coffees, lunches, walks, chats and most importantly for time spent in prayer. It really has made me treasure the blessed gift of a close friendship.

Friendships are to me one of life's sweetest blessings. And what a wonderful thing it is to bring a smile to a friend's face? Or to receive one. Why just the other day, as I went to the mailbox....



...no, there wasn't a puppy in it, but I simply had to post that picture because, well, it's just so cute!

Back to the mailbox. I went to get our mail, and in doing so, I received a smile in the form of a beautiful card that one of my girlfriends had sent me. It was just to let me know she was thinking of me and to remind me that God is always by my side.

I was amazed that such a simple gesture of friendship and thoughtfulness could have just about the same impact as though I had received a hug!

"Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God's best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one's self, and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another."

- Thomas Hughes

When I read this quote, I was reminded of the power of friendship and my heart was even more thankful than before for all of my friends. How wonderful it is to be the recipient of someone's thoughtfulness and kindness! And what a sweet blessing it is to reciprocate and let our friends know how much we love and care for them too. :)

Thank you for stopping by and may your heart be filled with love and friendship, today and always!

{hugs}