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 27 February 2010

Spiritual Sundays


Hello friends~
When I was growing up, church was a very big part of my life. In fact one of my earliest memories is sitting in church beside my beloved Granny when I was three years old and listening to the preacher.
I loved going to Sunday School and learning scripture verses, and I loved singing in the choir.
My father was very involved in church so naturally my brother and I took part in church too.
When I was fifteen, I made a commitment to follow Christ.

By the time I was married and had my first child, my hubby and I were living in a new home and by all appearances, I should have been walking on air; but I wasn't!
Somewhere along the way, I had grown cold towards God and I had accumulated all this unwanted baggage in my life. I felt I had no direction so I wasn't completely happy.

One day a pastor pointed out to me that I needed to get my heart right with God again. I needed to give all my unwanted baggage to Him. The pastor told me that if I did that, God would direct my path from that day on. So I did. I emptied myself and allowed His grace to fill me up again.

But do you know what I discovered? The Lord had brought me to the place where I was; wanting more of Him, wanting to rid my heart of the garbage that had accumulated there! Even though I had allowed the busyness of my life to come between the Lord and me, He was faithful not to leave me. He had kept His hand upon my life and He had been directing my path all along.

Maybe you are looking for direction in life.......Psalm 37:23 says,

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives." {NLT}

Proverbs 3:6 says, "Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." {NLT}

Aren't you glad we serve a loving and faithful God?
I hope you will take some time to visit Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays. You can click on the link http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/ or the SS button on my sidebar.
Thank you for coming my way, and the Lord bless you today.
Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Pink Saturday

Good morning pinkies~ The weeks are just whizzing by and before we know it, Spring will be here! I can't wait!

I have this little teacup with pink blossoms on it which always reminds me of Springtime when I look at it. One of my shower gifts once upon a time.......It has two of my favourite colours on it; pink and aqua. It also has a unique rim. I really like the look of a teacup and pearls, don't you?

A year ago, I shared one of my first ceramic pieces. I thought I would share it again for those of you who haven't seen it.
This is Penelope and she is a sweet little girl all dressed up in her pink frock for Easter with her Easter bonnet in her hand. Her frock is tied with an iridescent ribbon and she wears her favourite locket around her neck.
Her bonnet is adorned with a pink ribbon, shabby pink roses and lots of lace. She has her hair done up in ringlets and she has real satin ribbon in her hair. She was a lot of work and she sure was a challenge at the time!
Thank you all for stopping by today. Please make your way over to see Beverly and her party of pinkies at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/ and have a wonderful pink weekend everyone.
Sharing from my heart~Sandi

Wednesday 24 February 2010

Kathy's Having a Giveaway and Congratulations to Our Olympic Winners!

Good morning bloggy friends! I have been doing some blog hopping this morning and I came across Kathy's beautiful blog, "Sweetup-North Mornings" http://sweetup-northmornings.blogspot.com/ She is having a Giveaway and it is darling; a bird nest towel holder. I hope you will go check it out. Her blog is sure to lift your heart and who knows, maybe you'll be the winner!

And speaking of winners........
I have never been much of a sports enthusiast, I do however enjoy watching the figure skating. After having been to Vancouver in January to visit my son and his family, I have been watching the 2010 Olympics. I enjoy seeing all the beautiful scenery of the place we visited just a month ago.
I have also been routing for our very own Canadian figure skating team from Ontario; Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir!



Well, Monday night, they won the gold after a flawless skate!
I am so excited because they are the first figure skating couple in Canada to win the gold and also the youngest couple in North America to win! We are so proud of them!


Congratulations Tessa and Scott!
Congratulations are also going out to their best friends and training partners from the US, Meryl Davis and Charlie White, who won the silver medal!

Both teams have the same coaches and both teams were amazing on Monday evening! I'm so glad they were happy for another too; shows true comradeship!

Have a beautiful day everyone!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Tuesday 23 February 2010

Tea Time Tuesday


Hello ladies~ Come on in and have a seat. I'm so happy you have dropped by! It's Tuesday and that means it's time for tea here at Rose Chintz Cottage!

When my hubby and I got married, like most young couples, we didn't have very much. Most of the things we owned, we purchased ourselves. Among those things was my first set of dishes called Alicia Rose which was Ironstone and it was made in England.

I had saved up my money and went to Eatons department store and purchased a set because I loved the roses on it. It was a six piece place setting for eight which included a dinner plate, salad plate, cereal/soup bowl, fruit nappie, and a teacup and saucer. The set also included its own stemware, flatware, dessert bowls and matching tea plates. I loved it and used it for many years. I also purchased the matching tea pot, sugar/creamer, and salt/pepper shakers. There was also a large platter and vegetable bowl.

Unfortunately, I only have a few pieces left; the platter, the veggie bowl, and teacups along with a few dessert plates. Most of the dishes have some crazing on them but that just adds to their charm, I think. I am still using the flatware too.
Mmmm, what could be better on a cold Winter's day than a hot cup of tea, freshly baked tea biscuits, home made strawberry jam, and a dollop of clotted cream on the side?
Please help yourself; I have plenty!

When I was pondering what story to share with you today, I came across this short story in my little devotional, Tea Time with God. The scripture verse caught my eye and brought a smile to my face because it was one I often posted on the refrigerator when my three boys were growing up.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"- Psalm 133:1

Like most little ones, they had their squabbles, but today they are the best of friends. I have one son living near me but the other two live off Island. The youngest goes to university in Toronto and the other lives in Vancouver with his family. So, when we are able to get together as a family, we really appreciate it and enjoy one another, which leads me to this story.
One of the most interesting of all natural phenomena to witness is the nightly return of the "fairie penguins" to their rooks in the sand dunes off southern Australia. You were right, Beth!

Morgan Freeman does a documentary on these adorable little creatures called "The March of the Penguins."
These penguins, only about a foot in height, swim for days, even weeks, fishing for food. When dusk approaches, one or more groups of fairie penguins return home. As if the waves are spurting ink onto the sand, they spill out of the surf, then together in tight clusters as if gathering the courage to cross the naked sands. They make a bold dash for the dunes, hopping up and over any obstacles they encounter, each penguin hobbling toward its rook on a well-worn, tiny path.

Once at home, each penguin greets his or her "spouse" at the opening of the sandy cave which they share. They peck at each other as if kissing. They usually mate for life, and they take equal responsibility for nurturing their young.

After the initial greeting, both of the mated penguins may move down their path, as if to "greet" their nearest neighbors with a friendly hello. Tiny clusters of four, six, or eight penguins can be seen "chattering" for ten minutes or longer. Before dark, all the penguins have made their way into the safety of their rooks, where they feed their young and spend a quiet night.

The next day, the mate that has returned stays behind to guard the rook while the other mate goes to sea. Like clockwork, the penguins again march to the water, hurl themselves through the crashing waves, and regroup beyond the surf line to form raftlike structures that will "float" the seas in search of food.

What a beautiful image of God's family these creatures provide for us, as they cheerfully live and work together in unity.

I hope you enjoyed your tea today and you will come back next week to join me once again. Those of you who would like to share a piece of your china, be it a tea pot, teacup, or a favourite china mug and a story or scripture verse, please let me know in your comment and I will happily add your link to this post. Have a lovely day everyone.
My lovely participants:

Monday 22 February 2010

Do You Know What These Are?

Hello everyone! Do you know what these cute little fellows are? Come back tomorrow for Tea Time and I'll tell you!

Have a beautiful day everybody!


Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Saturday 20 February 2010

Spiritual Sundays

Hello everyone and welcome to my Spiritual Sundays post! I would like to thank our lovely Charlotte and Ginger for hosting this inspirational get-together every week. Please click on the link to visit them and the other participants. http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

As most of you know, I enjoy reading a little devotional called Our Daily Bread and today's devotion was one I wanted to share with you all.
It is penned by Cindy Hess Harper and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Sometimes I feel 'parked' myself and it's good to know that it's not always a bad thing!
"I waited for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry." ~ Psalm 40:1
PARKED FOR NOW
Parking my car has been a lifelong problem for me. It really wasn't a high priority with my driving instructor, so I never learned to back up into a parking space until many years later. He also skipped the parallel parking lesson, and I still avoid that unless there's enough space for two or three cars.
I've also struggled to understand a statement I heard when I was a young Christian, "God can't steer a parked car." I took that as a challenge to shift my life into motion, and along the way God would guide me in the right direction. It's an interesting thought, but it's not always the way God works. Occasionally, God does want us to"stay parked" for a while.
At times, when Moses was in the wilderness, God kept the Israelites in one place. He led them by a cloud, and when it stayed still for may days, "the children of Israel...did not journey" {Num. 9:19}. Waiting isn't always easy, but sometimes God wants us to stay right where He has put us. The psalmist reminds us, "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart" {27:14}.
You may feel that you're stuck and just spinning your wheels in your service for God. But keep your heart open to God's leading. Then you'll be ready to shift gears when you hear God say, "Let's go this way."
GOD ORDERS OUR STOPS AS WELL AS OUR STEPS.
Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

A Fanciful Pink Saturday


Hello pinkies and welcome to my Pink Saturday post!
My pink post will be a bit on the whimsical side today. For those of you who are new to my blog, I am sharing the birdhouse my son gave me for Christmas last year.
This birdhouse is made of tin and has lovely pink roses hand painted on it. It is also decorated with pink crystal beads and it sits in the glow of the pink votive candles. A tweet little birdie drops by to check it out! Front view with the perch.Side view with the Fleurs-de-lis on the roof. One can't tell by the photo but all the flowers, dots and lines are raised in the tin with a bit of gold paint dry-brushed over them, making it very pretty and very unique.Back view.
The little birdie has gone to find her mate and who is this little visitor? A tiny pink fairy with sparkly wings daydreams by the birdhouse. She's dressed in pink and has pink posies in her hair.
I am slowly getting ready for Spring here in my home. A very soft pink springtime hydrangea ring adorns the base of my hurricane lamp with a pink candle burning inside.


Lastly, another little fairy holds notes on the fridge. Shhh, please don't disturb her! She's been up all night guarding over some important documents.


Please flit on over to visit our wonderful hostess Beverly and all her pretty pinkies. Just click on the link http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Thursday 18 February 2010

A Hearty Home Made Soup

Hello friends~ Yesterday we had another snow storm; 15 centimeters or 6 inches of the white stuff fell upon our little Island. Hubby arrived home at noon because he couldn't work in that weather.

It was a good day to stay indoors and cook something hearty for supper. I decided on a tasty home made cream soup, chicken/cheese burgers, and a sticky pudding for dessert. Sparkling cranberry-apple juice in a pretty goblet added a little something special to the meal.

Candles, flowers, and we're all set. Normally I have biscuits with this soup but I felt the burgers would be more filling for a supper meal. I also layered bright placemats on the lace table cloth for a warmer look on a cool night.

When I was in High School Home Economics class, I learned how to make several delicious dishes, one was a Cream of Vegetable Soup. I thought I would share the recipe with you today. My family loves it!



CREAM of VEGETABLE SOUP

2 TBSP butter/margarine
2 TBSP minced onion
1 cup boiling water
1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup celery
1/2 cup carrots
1/2 cup potatoes
1/2 cup frozen peas

2 TBSP flour
1 tsp salt
pepper
2 TBSP butter/margarine
2 cups milk


Wash and cut up onions. Sautee in fat until lightly browned. Add boiling water and salt.
Cut up veggies and cook with onion water till tender, about 20 mins.
Then add peas last. Cook 10 mins. longer.

Make a white sauce with last 5 ingredients. Add veggies and veggie water to the white sauce. Cook over low heat till hot. Garnish with parsley or Parmesan cheese. Yield: 4 servings

{I served mine with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.}


I hope you will try this wonderful soup; I'm sure you will like it! Have a wonderful day everyone.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Tuesday 16 February 2010

REDnesday


Today is Wednesday and I'm joining Sue at It's a Very Cherry World for her REDnesday party. I have been taking a bit of a break from flaunting my red but I'm back today to share with you a very cute Valentine surprise my sweet hubby gifted me with over the weekend.


I have been collecting tea-for-one sets because I find many folks have been wanting their own flavour of tea. This adorable little set is adorned with beautiful red cardinals and I just love it! Thank you Hubby!We don't get Cardinals here on the Island but they sure are beautiful red birds! Those of you who do have them are very fortunate. Isn't this guy a handsome fellow?I am also going to share my red heart-shaped candy dish filled with Hershey's kisses. I apologize to those of you who have already seen it. But since it is red, it makes the REDnesday post today too.

Thank you for stopping by today. Please take a few moments to visit Sue and her party of reds. Just click the link http://suelovescherries.blogspot.com/

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Monday 15 February 2010

Tea Time Tuesday


Hello everyone and welcome to my fourth Tea Time Tuesday!
I have been having some computer problems the past couple of days and I was concerned I wouldn't be able to get my post on in time.

I made a favourite dessert while waiting for my hubby to come home from work. He was able to get the computer running again because it was a problem with the new mouse. He just switched the new mouse with the old one.....So far, so good!

Those of you who would like to join in Tea Time, just share a favourite teacup, tea pot, or china mug, along with a short story, scripture verse, or testimonial. Please leave me a comment letting me know and I'll add your link to my post. Hopefully, I won't run into any problems between now and then. If I do, I will get your link on as soon as I am able.


Today I am sharing the lovely tulips that my sweet hubby gave me for Valentines Day. He really spoiled me this year! The tulips were just one of his gifts to me. I also got treated to dinner out. I'll share a little something else later in the week.

My Lavender Rose tea set, which used to belong to my mother, is also going to make an appearance today. The Lavender Rose pattern is made by Royal Albert in England. The tea is ready so please make yourself comfortable.Tea and dessert.... What could be better on a cool winter's day?
"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy." Psalm 126:2

A smile is a great encourager! An unknown author said it well:

''A smile costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that they can get along without it, and none is so poor but that they can be made rich by it....Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as one who has no more to give.''

Did you know it takes more muscles in your face to frown than to smile?

Have you been grumpy today? Ask God for a double dose of His joy and then put a smile on your face. Let people know you refuse to take on the negativism or cynicism of the world. You can be cheerful and pass that cheer on to others with a simple smile.

A SMILE IS THE BEST FACELIFT!

Thanks for visiting today. I hope you will come again soon as I so enjoy your company!
My lovely participants:

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Saturday 13 February 2010

Spiritual Sundays

Hello friends~ Sunday is Valentine's Day, a day for sweethearts, and most of us are planning a special meal, or gift to give to our loved one to celebrate the occasion.

I have the most wonderful hubby in the world and he and I are best friends. I love him and my family very much and I am so very thankful for them. But as much as I love my hubby and my family, my heart belongs to Jesus first because I am a Christian and I am His child. I want to acknowledge Him on this special day as well.

I thought for my post today I would share the words to this song which most of us are familiar with.
I LOVE YOU LORD

I love You Lord
And I lift my voice
To worship You
Oh, my soul rejoice!
Take joy my King
In what You hear
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear.




"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16


He gave Himself for us. So, what can we give Him to repay Him for all He has done for us? Nothing! There is nothing we can do to earn so great a gift. All we can do is accept His gift, thank Him for it, and live our lives in such a way as to bring glory to His wonderful name!

This photo has been altered of course, but I believe the heart of God is there for all of us to see, if we would only open our spiritual eyes to see it!

Thank you Charlotte and Ginger for once again hosting Spiritual Sundays. Please click on the link to visit these ladies and the other participants. http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

Happy Valentine's Day! The Lord bless you today and make you a blessing!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

My Pink Saturday~ Valentine's Day Post

Happy Pink Saturday everyone and Happy Valentine's Day too~
Our wonderful hostess Beverly has asked us to create our Pink Saturday around Valentine's Day this weekend so that is what I have done.
The sweet little girl below greets you all with a basket of posies. I have this sweet heart shaped box embellished with pretty roses and fruit. And inside are soaps; pink roses, hearts, and cherubs.

Would you like to try a white chocolate-dipped strawberry from my little pink heart-shaped candy dish?Or perhaps you would prefer a chocolate kiss from my red heart-shaped dish!
Please make yourself comfortable in one of my pink chairs ........and I'll pour you some tea from my pink Rose Chintz tea set.
There are muffins and truffles....
....and Valentine cookies.The Valentine tree is surrounded by gumdrops and Hershey's kisses. Normally, I would have decorated the little tree in pinks but I have it in the family room this year which is decorated in reds, burgundy, and blue.
I love all my blogging friends and this little Valentine bear tells you so!I'm so glad you were able to come by. I have this pink rose and valentine for you as you make your way over to Beverly's and her party of pinkies.
Just click on the link http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Hope you all have a beautiful Pink Saturday~Valentine's Day weekend!
See you on Tuesday for Tea Time Tuesday! Sharing from my heart~ Sandi