Faith Family Friends

Celebrating the Joy of Living & Home Making ~

Baking, Cooking, Decorating, Tea Time, and taking Inspiration from those I love and the world around me...

A sharing of my heart and my home from a Christian perspective

...with a wee bit of whimsy added.

Saturday 30 January 2010

Spiritual Sundays


"WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP." ~ Ephesians 2:10
We see it as we walk along the ocean shore, where steep cliffs meet with the rise and fall of the tides. The splashing of sand-and rock-laden waves have cut away at the towering sea cliffs. Day after day, night after night, the continual lapping of the ocean water silently undercuts the stone walls. Then in one sudden blow the entire structure can shift and fall thundering into the sea. On a daily basis, the wear and tear of water on sea cliffs is imperceptible, yet we know that every wave hitting the rock is washing away some of its hard surface.

Every person subjected to the endless wear and tear of life develops faults and cracks in their life. In God's hands, however, those stresses and changes become His tools for shaping our life for His purpose. As our lives are yielded to and shaped by Him, He creates within us the ability to resonate His presence.

The varied and often difficult experiences of life, given to God, are how He transforms each individual into something beautiful. The Holy Spirit can work wonders on the rough edges of our stubborn wills and hard hearts, conforming them to His own will.

Trust Him to take all that happens to you - both good and bad- and make you stronger and wiser, using you in His great plan. (Excerpts taken from "Tea Time with God."}

Thank you for stopping by today. Please visit Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/ There you will be refreshed in your spirit and meet some very nice folks. Please remember our sister Charlotte as she undergoes surgery on Monday.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Pink Saturday


Hello all my pinkie friends. It's Pink Saturday and I'm here to share a couple of pinks with you. But first let me introduce a new blogger I met this past week on Pink Saturday~
A lady by the name of Bird who lives in France, is very crafty and she showcases her crafts and talents on her blog. I stopped in this past week to visit her and was pleasantly surprised. She made these adorable pinks for a special little one. You can visit her at Bird Crafts http://birdcrafts.blogspot.com/ Hope you will stop by and say "Hello.''

For my pinks today, I got this little pink heart-shaped candy dish at Michaels. Very cute and very pink! These pink foil-wrapped candies didn't last long!

My second pink offering for today is this lovely lady called Shirley. She is made by Royal Dalton and belongs to my mother. Before Christmas I was given Mum's Lavender Rose china and this figurine accompanied the Lavender Rose pattern. Isn't she lovely?
As you can see, the dainty roses which are sprinkled all over her frock are pink. She gracefully stands with a tiny foot peeking out from beneath her frock. She appears to be dancing and she looks so elegant. Thank you Mum!

Well friends those are my pinks for today. Please stop over and visit our hostess Beverly at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/ and visit with her and all the other pink participants. Have a wonderful weekend everybody.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Thursday 28 January 2010

An Update on My Brother and A Fracture!

Good evening everyone~ some of you have inquired as to the well being of my little brother who suffered a heart attack two weeks ago. He had triple bi-pass surgery and then they sent him home on Tuesday. He is doing well I'm told. Dennis lives in Indiana and I'm in Eastern Canada so I can't go see him. Thank you everyone for your prayers for him. I'm sure it has made such a difference.

As for me, seems I have fractured a rib and I've been rather uncomfortable for a couple of weeks! Sneezing really hurts! The doctor says it could take up to twelve weeks to heal so I will be trying to take it easy, although that's not going to be easy! It's very difficult for me to just sit still for very long. Thank goodness I can blog because that seems to take my mind off things.

Hope you're all enjoying a good night.

Sharing from my heart~Sandi

Wednesday 27 January 2010

White Wednesday

Good morning ~ How is everyone today? It is a beautiful sunny day here on Prince Edward Island and I thought I would share some whites this fine day. I am joining our hostess Kathleen and her participants at Faded Charm Cottage http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/ and also Rhondi at Rose Colored Glasses http://rhondisrosecoloredglasses.blogspot.com/ for White Wednesday.
Just a few whites in the bath~

A new light house bird house, a gift from my mother for my birthday.
A sweet footed birdie soap dish....complete with a wonderful bar of soap.And a little cherub sitting among the ivy. Thanks for visiting and I hope you all have a very pleasant day.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Tuesday 26 January 2010

Tea Time Tuesday


Hello all my wonderful bloggy friends. I have been doing some pondering and I thought I would do a little something different on my blog once a week.

Since I began this wonderful blogging adventure, I have met so many lovely people and one thing I know, we all have a story to share. I have participated in several memes and alas, I have run out of a certain colour therefore I don't join in that one any longer.
I have also participated in several blog parties and I participate in Spiritual Sundays on a regular basis.

I also know several ladies who love their tea, their teacups, and teapots. Some get together for a tea party once a month or so.

So I thought that since Tuesday is almost mid-week, I would share a piece of my collection of teacups and tea pots and a short story or testimonial.
I don't know how long I will be able to do this but I'll give it a try and see how it goes.

I thought I would call it, "Tea Time and Testimonials." Some of you may want to join in. I would welcome each and every one of you! Just share a piece of your teacup/tea pot collection and a scripture verse, poem, short story or testimonial.

My contribution for today will be short and sweet just to get it going~

I'm not sure who this quote is from but I like it!

"Make every day a Masterpiece! Don't think about the things you have to do. Think about the things you get to do."

This was important to me in particular when I first was diagnosed with a chronic illness. In the beginning, when I was house bound and couldn't get out, I was able to be thankful for many things; especially my family and friends. Even though the future looked bleak at the time, the Lord gave me a thankful heart and helped me to keep a positive attitude. Today, almost twenty years later, I am enjoying my life and I am able to do many things that twenty years ago I had to set aside for a time.

"This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalm 118:24

Thanks for stopping by today. Please come again soon as I really do enjoy your company!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Saturday 23 January 2010

Spiritual Sundays

Hello friends! Welcome to my Spiritual Sundays post. I have been away visiting my son and his family for a number of weeks and I'm happy to be back to participate in what I consider one of my favourites. Today I would like to share with you a wonderful devotional from "Our Daily Bread," written by David McCasland.

REDIRECTED

At the age of 16, pianist Leon Fleisher made his formal debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic. He went on to win prestigious international competitions and played in the world's finest concert halls. But at the age of 37, Fleisher was struck with dystonia, a neurological condition that crippled his right hand. After a period of despondency and withdrawal, he turned to teaching and conducting, because, as he said, he loved music more than the piano.

When our dreams are shattered, how do we react? After Joseph, the favoured son of Jacob, was sold as a slave by his brothers {Gen. 37:12-36}, he could have given in to self-pity and self-indulgence. Instead, Joseph remained true to the Lord. Four times in Genesis 39, we read that "the Lord was with" Joseph {vv.2-3, 21, 23}, and his actions revealed his own faithfulness to God. By his exemplary life, those he served in Egypt recognized God's presence with him.

Do we love God more than our own dreams? Although Joseph must have grieved the loss of his past and what his life could have been, the Lord led him to a calling he had never imagined. Today, the Lord longs to lead us. Are we willing to be redirected by Him?
A MAN'S HEART PLANS HIS WAY, BUT THE LORD DIRECTS HIS STEPS. - Proverbs 16:9

Thank you to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays each week. Please click on the link http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/ to visit these lovely ladies and all those participating today. The Lord bless you.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE IN HAITI
Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Pink Saturday


PINK SATURDAY

Good morning my sweet pinkie friends. I am home from my trip out west and I'm eager to share some pink with you!
The day we left for Vancouver, it was my birthday so I received some gifts before we left. I shared some in an earlier post this past week, but this one's about all the pink!
Just before Hubby and I left on our trip, this parcel arrived in the mail....full of pinkness. Pink tissue paper, and lots of pink, white, and silver crimped paper.

Let's take a peek inside shall we ?
*Squeals of delight* I have been wanting a fairy door ever since I saw one on a designer's blog a year ago. A Fairy Door made just especially for me! Hubby had ordered the door from Caren at kdotties http://kdottiedesigns.typepad.com/ before Christmas and it arrived just in time for my birthday.

It arrived all done up and tied with pretty pink and green satin ribbons. It has its own bag of fairy dust too. Do you believe in fairies? Accompanying the fairy door was a card from Caren wishing me a Happy Birthday and another which in essence says,

"FAIRY- a tiny being in human form, depicted as playful, clever, mischievous, and possessing magical powers.
A door is a symbol, welcoming a guest into your home. Please place this FAIRY DOOR in a very special place so the fairies can visit you."

My little grandchilden are going to find this very interesting! I wish they'd had these out when I was a little girl! I loved fairies; still do!
A pink door, trimmed with green and white. Tiny rosebud paper adorns the window and the door comes with its very own door knob and a key hole beneath! Just look at the detail. Isn't it adorable? Even the back is finished; thank you Caren and thank you sweet Hubby!This is where I put my fairy door; in a little space beside the plant stand in the living room where I wanted to add just a wee bit of whimsy. It is sure to spark some conversation and imagination! I so enjoy the element of surprise, don't you?
I also received some lovely birthday cards including these two; one from my hubby; it's pink with a soft pink gauzy ribbon and hearts inside and out. And another pink one with sparklies on it from my youngest son. My son always chooses the most touching cards! They always make me cry!

Would you like to know what the card says?

"FROM YOUR SON"

Mother is the smile
you can count on,
the good night kiss
you couldn't sleep without,
the look that meant "don't even think about it."
Mother is the hand that cooled your forehead,
the arm around your shoulders when you needed consoling,
and the encouraging nod that said, "I believe in you!"

Mother is the voice on the phone that still
makes you feel better when nothing else can,
the hug that welcomes you home,
the proud smile that lets you know
that you are loved, so very loved.

No son is luckier than I am-
because I have
the greatest mother in the world.

Happy Birthday Mom!
I love you very much!

Isn't that beautiful? My youngest son goes to the University of Toronto so I only get to see him at Christmastime. I have three very special sons and they all treat me like a queen!
Once we got out to Vancouver, my middle son took me out for a fancy dinner; just the two of us. There was candlelight and delicious food; a very enjoyable evening he and I spent. I feel very blessed! Thank you Lord for sons.

And Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you enjoyed my pinks and you will all visit our sweet hostess Beverly at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/ and all her pink participants. Have a wonderful Pink Saturday everyone!
~PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL THOSE IN HAITI~

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Friday 22 January 2010

A Prayer Request for My Brother

Dear friends~ When I returned home from my trip visiting my son, my mother called to let me know that my brother Dennis had suffered a heart attack last week. He just had triple bi-pass surgery this week and he is in much discomfort. I would like to ask you all to remember him in your prayers. Dennis lives in Indiana with his wife and so I won't be able to see him. Distance makes it difficult when a loved one is not well. So, please pray for him. Thank you all and God bless you!


Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Thursday 21 January 2010

My Trip To Vancouver, British Columbia


Good morning bloggy friends~ New Years Day we were winging our way from one coast of Canada to the other to visit our son and his family. Today I thought I would share some photos from my trip to Vancouver. Clouds beneath the plane.

Most of these photos were taken by me except for the odd one.

When we arrived at my son's home, they still had their Christmas tree up and the fire burning so we could enjoy them for one more day.Their doggy Skye, part pit bull, is curled up in her chair which is in front of the bay window so she can keep an eye on things. And she does!!Baby Zachary in his box. At sixteen months, he has his own drawer in the kitchen where he keeps some of his toys and the odd kitchen utensil, like this potato masher. He pretty much runs the place; he and Skye. Nanny taught him several things while visiting; he can say 'clock' and knows to point to it; among other things.
For now, we'll leave the homestead so I can take you on our tour of this great City.

As the whole world knows, 2010 is the year that Vancouver hosts the Olympics. Not that I'm much of a sports enthusiast, but for those of you who are interested, I have some photos concerning that too. Just before we left to fly back home, the city was closing many roads to accommodate the Olympics which makes it rather inconvenient for those who live there year round.

My DIL is taking some time off nursing to supervise the servers to the Olympian families, so she will have an up close and personal encounter with many participants there. She is pretty excited about it, whereas my son is pretty envious!

Now, on to my photos! This is the TELUSphere.
The Olympic rings below turn colour when night falls.A picture of the harbor with the rings; a bird's eye view from Stanley Park which is to the left. The Olympic rings at night, from a distance.This is Burnaby, not far from Vancouver. I love the majestic look of the mountains towering above the city. It's quite a sight to those of us who reside on little old Prince Edward Island where there are no mountains at all.
This is spectacular Mount Baker! It sits in the state of Washington which is just across from White Rock, an exclusive seaside area which we drove through after filling our tummies at Ihop.

This sweet little chalet sat across the road from the entrance to the Suspension Bridge. I thought it was so quaint that I had to get a picture.The entrance to the Suspension Bridge.The Bridge crosses over the Capilano River which we didn't cross because there were too many of us, and at $30 a head, it was rather expensive. I don't think Zachary would have appreciated it very much. Besides, I wasn't going to cross it anyway! I like my feet on the ground, thank you very much!
So, instead of going across the Bridge, we went up Cypress Mountain. It was fantastic!
This is the view from Cypress Park and that is some of North Vancouver spread out below to the left.




 Some family photos.A picture of my son and me. As you can see by his hat, he is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan! Hubby accidently cut the head off our grandson in this one, but other than that, I thought it was a pretty good shot of them.Everyone is dressed lightly except for me. I like my parka and gloves this time of year. Even Vancouver I found cool and damp.Uh-oh, someone's starting to get fussy! Ok, enough pictures, already!

After leaving the Park, we ventured further up the mountain and saw the ski slopes. We were more than 2600 feet above sea level when I took this picture. The ski slopes are quite a sight from the air. They were all lit up and almost resembled clusters of stars. Cypress Falls. All along the mountain side there were little water falls. This one is much bigger.

Among the many things we enjoyed were: took the sky train to the Metrotown Mall which was vast in size with several floors. From the sky train, I saw so many tall buildings and mountains; a sight for these eyes.

We drove down to White Rock, a very exclusive neighborhood where we saw Mount Baker and Washington state just across the water. I have pictures, I just can't seem to locate them at the moment. We also ate at several wonderful restaurants.
My hubby and our son went to the Imax theatre to see a movie. Hubby also saw his first NHL hockey game. We drove through Stanley Park and also walked through a very interesting park just steps from my son's home. It had enormous trees. My son has those pictures.

The best time of course was just spending time with my loved ones!

Story time before bedtime. Zachary loves hearing stories from his collection of books.
All for today. Thank you for stopping by for a visit. My son is sending me his pictures later so I may have more for you in a week or so. Have a beautiful day everyone.
Sharing from my heart~ Sandi