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.

Monday 25 September 2017

A Heart to Heart Over Tea

Life is like a teacup to be filled to the brim and enjoyed with friends. ~ unknown


Happy Autumn dear friends! It's a beautiful day and I'm enjoying a cup of Pumpkin Chai tea from David's Tea. Would you like to join me?



I am sitting here in the office with the last scents of summer wafting through the windows and I can't help but think about how blessed I am! 


My teapot is Skye McGhie - Cream Lace

There is tragedy and turmoil in different parts of the world even as I write this and I am blessed to be able to sit here with a new roof over my head, food in the fridge, lovely china in my cupboards, pretty clothes in my closet, and just a few minutes away, the love of my life is working at a job he will soon be retiring from with a pension. 
We have a loving family and good friends. One doesn't have to go too far to find someone who can lend a hand should we need one. 


The teacup is Skye McGhie - Chantilly Lace

But, I have to be honest, 2017 has been one of the most difficult years of my adult life. To say it has been a season of hardships would be an understatement. You all know about my surgeries and cancer scare. What you don't know is that I have other health issues as well. These days I am going to physiotherapy for a torn shoulder. I am seeing a plastic/reconstructive surgeon this week concerning my right hand. {I'm right handed so we'll see how that goes.} I still have ongoing issues with my back and probably always will and I also have Muscular Dystrophy which ninety-nine per cent of you never knew about because I don't talk about it.

I also have a broken rib which I'm waiting on to heal up. My youngest son told me they're going to have to tie me to a chair and have their father spoon feed me Kraft dinner and fried bologna, which is pretty much all my hubby can cook. It's good to laugh, as long as it's not too hard! 
But, more than all of that, are the family matters that have just about worn us all out until just recently. 




There are many of you out there that have much more serious problems going on than I do, so I prefer to talk about other things more pleasant. To be honest, I do not like to talk about my personal problems because I am a somewhat private person. Besides, I am alive, I am able to breathe on my own, I can walk and talk, I can see, hear, taste, touch and smell, so I figure I don't have much to complain about.

God is God. Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to. ~ Elisabeth Elliott


Thanks be to my Heavenly Father, He has blessed me in spite of everything. In spite of all the goings-on in my life, the pain and discomfort, and that of my family, He has put a peace and a joy in my heart that is hard to fathom. In reality, I suppose I should be a bundle of nerves, perhaps even seeing someone for all the stress in my life. But it's not like that for me. 

The joy of the Lord is my strength. ~ Nehemiah 8:10

I can never ever repay the love and compassion He has bestowed upon me and unless you know personally what I'm talking about, it is very hard to explain. Faith is a beautiful thing!

Some folks talk about dwelling on good thoughts and having a peace within yourself because you believe in yourself. But what if your world falls apart? What if YOU fall apart? 
When my world falls apart, I have Someone much bigger than myself to turn to. His shoulders are bigger and stronger than mine and it is human nature to want to have Someone to look up to.

The deepest urge in every human heart is to be in relationship with someone who absolutely delights in us. ~ Larry Crabb - Psychologist

Today, right this moment, I want to thank Him for this day and try to bring a little happiness into someone else's day if possible. Someone once said, "If you want to be happy, get your mind off yourself." I believe that! There are so many other lovely things we can be thinking about. There are so many things we can be doing for others.

Life is a one time offer; use it well. ~ unknown

So, today, I am wondering what are you thankful for? We Canadians are just two weeks away from celebrating Thanksgiving so with that in mind, I know we all have something we can be grateful for. Would you care to share?

God bless you today, my dear friends, and make you a blessing to someone else!




I am joining the following parties as well~

Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Friends Sharing Tea
Share Your Cup Thursday
Home Sweet Home

 Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

29 comments :

  1. Oh Sandi...indeed a beautiful post. I am in total agreement. There is NOTHING I can't handle because of His grace and companionship. My husband says the Parkinson's would be overwhelming without His grace. We do have so much to be grateful for. So easy to lose perspective and focus on the wrong things. A beautiful post about hard things, and being able to still praise and find joy. You continue to be in my prayers. God bless you my dear sister! Oh, and thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  2. A beautiful post. I have a Thankful journal that I keep and every day I put something in it that I am Thankful for that day. The white teapot is so pretty and I must try that pumpkin tea.

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  3. Dear Sandi:
    You are such an inspiration to us all. I think you are an amazing person and I know it is because of your faith and walk with the Lord. You have carried a great load and I will continue to pray for you. I don't want to even try and "one up" here as I have not experienced your physical challenges and suffering. I did however have an accident recently that I have not talked about either as it is not very inspiring. About 3 weeks ago I torn the Hamstring behind my left knee foolishly when pushing the shovel in hard dirt in the flower garden. I then re injured it 3 times (Once catching my foot on the water hose) going ahead and doing things when it was not healed. I lack patience and want things done now which is a very bad characteristic. I am confessing a fault which I have repented to the Lord about more than once. I actually went to church with a cane yesterday and will be using it for a while. In your situation you are facing a lot of "unknown" and that in itself can make one quite tired. And you did nothing foolish like me. I know you are taking one day at a time and from all you will be facing you will be given strength to face each item. I see much "counsel and wisdom" which will manifest itself into journalism here and that always helps others. I hold you in my prayers knowing that the "Joy of the Lord" truly is your strength.

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  4. Dear Sandi,

    I may not be in blogdom as much as I should like to be - but there are sweet and wonderful friends - such as yourself- whom have been an inspiration in Faith and kindness and loveliness to so many.

    I am sending up prayers for you and yours that good health and peace are with you soon. Your faith will get you through anything. Take care, and God's blessings to you always.

    Beautiful teacup and incredible post, thank you for sharing of yourself. Hugs. ♥

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  5. Beautiful post...Thanks for sharing...God bless you.

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  6. One of the most beautiful posts I have ever read. God bless you Sandi, and bring healing to your body for His honor and glory!

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  7. So many wonderful women in blogdom... we all are inspired by so many.. but you, Sandi, and Rose Chintz Cottage have always held a special place in our hearts. Your posts are full of faith, grace, and hope, and now knowing the totality of your trials and the manner in which your beautiful spirit shines through it all, I and everyone can truly say what a blessing you are to this world of blogland, and the many lives you have touched along the way. May the good Lord bless you with healing, and freedom from pain. May His precious Spirit comfort you and surround you with His peace. ... and may you share your beauty through giving to us through your writing and sharing for a long, long time to come...
    God bless you, Schotzyva

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  8. Awwww sweet Sandi, what a beautifully written and inspirational posts. You are so positive and the Faith in Our Lord shines through in your lovely heart. We all do have sufferings in our lives, but it is best not to dwell on them. I have been keeping a journal and writing down something that brings me joy or which I am grateful for each day. Maybe one day, my children will read it and see that I was blessed with everyday, simple things. You, my dear one, will continue to be in my prayers.
    p.s. Thank you for the beautiful quotes that you shared to day. Love and blessings to you.

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  9. Your faith is shining out for all to see Sandi! Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
    I'm thankful for the Lord's goodness to me, and for all the friends I have made, like you, through blogging!

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  10. Your faith and resiliency are inspiring, Sandi. Like Kitty, I keep a gratitude journal where I keep a daily record of things for which I'm thankful...like the return of Designated Survivor on Wednesday!

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  11. Dear Sandi, thank you for sharing your heart in this post. It's not easy to do. I'm thankful for God who is with me in all the situations in my life, the good and the bad. His presence is constant.
    Beyond that, I'm thankful for my family, for the gifts of housing, food, clothing, and more. I only hope that I can use them to help and bless others.
    Hugs,
    Lorrie

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  12. Dear Sandi ~ Thank you so much for sharing from your heart about yourself and your faith in God. You are an inspiration.

    I am thankful that my dear husband is with Jesus, no longer in pain or having to deal with life's issues, I'm thankful for my little Plum Cottage, for family and friends, for flowers, butterflies and birds. I'm truly thankful for the love of Jesus and His tender care for me at this time in my life. He is my strength and joy. Each day is a gift and I pray to rejoice and be glad in each one, sharing with others what He has blessed me with. He has not promised that life would be easy, He has promised that He will never leave us. He has a plan for each of us for our good and His honor and glory.

    Love, hugs & prayers & God's continued blessings, healing and peace for you,
    FlowerLady

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  13. God bless you, Sandi! Yes, God is so good and far more merciful than we deserve. When I start to complain, I think of what our Lord Jesus bore at the Cross! Why should I complain when He went through more than I could endure! It helps to share for we need the prayers and support of other believers. My prayers are for God's healing hand on your body. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  14. Sandi, what a beautiful and transparent post to read this morning as I sip my coffee. Prayers for you dear lady. Sandi, I know how you feel about being a little private. For me, I am so quick to let others know that I will pray for them and they can always share with me their requests. But, I am so SLOW to share my own. So many times I look around and think, "So many hurting people a lot worse than me", how can I even share what ails me or bothers me! But, I also know that for me, more times than I would like to admit, it's been that old ugly word PRIDE! The Lord has been working on me about that too. I can even remember a time in my life when I was even particular about what I carried before the Lord, thinking that somehow my needs and wants would not be important. Years ago I taught an indepth Bible study about the tabernacle. As I began to see how God had so much detail put into the tabernacle, length, width, height, materials used, placement, and colors...oh my at the beautiful colors He used....I learned quickly that if the Lord cared that much about the details of the tabernacle, then everything going on in my life, every single detail, was important to Him. Oh dearest Sandi, every single detail of your life is important to our Lord and He loves you so. Yes, let's praise Him for His goodness, mercy and His grace. He is worthy to be praised. Praying for you. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  15. Dear Mrs. Sandi,

    Without God, where would we be? I don't even want to comprehend it. It's marvelous knowing He is in control. He is in this moment with us. We need never fear or doubt. He is for us. One thing I am truly thankful for right now is my youngest daughter, Bethany, came to me yesterday asking to be baptized! I am overwhelmed with Joy! This morning, I am thankful for the 89* high we are supposed to have in Western NY today!! I'll take it as long as I can get it. :) <3

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  16. Sandi, such a beautiful post this morning! Sweet friend, I do hope that you feel better soon. I am so sorry that you are having so many health problems. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care!

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  17. Dear Sandi,
    I am so sorry that you have had such a difficult year, even more so than any of us has realized. You have so much courage and strength, to continue to focus on your blessings and to be thankful to our Lord for them. There is always so much to be thankful for, and while I think we should share our burdens and prayer requests with others so that they can have the privilege of lifting us up in prayer and in doing kind deeds, it is so good to focus our eyes on Him and all that He blesses us with. I love the example of David in the Psalms who pours out His complaints to the Lord (he is honest and real about it), but then re-affirms his trust and faith in the Lord.
    Thank you for your gentle witness to us all.
    Love, Deborah

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  18. Oh Sandi. I haven’t been around so I had no idea about your health issues. God is good and I can tell how much you believe in Him and He will always be with you. I will include you in my prayers tonight. BTW, I love your tea pot. You take care!....Christine

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  19. What a great post! I too, suffer daily with terrible pain and often cry out to the Lord for help. But in spite of it all, we ARE blessed. It could always be so much worse. I may be weaker now, but I'm still moving, and my older kids help me and I am VERY grateful for their help! When you look at the grand scheme of things, it's not so bad. I'm happy to meet you and will pray for you. :)

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  20. What a testimony you are to all of us! I am sorry to hear about your ongoing problems. Sending hugs to you today!

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  21. Wonderful heart felt post Sandi! Although there are so many people suffering it's still ok to feel frustrated or discouraged when times get tough. Chronic pain is difficult. Your attitude is amazing and your faith will get you through! I'm sorry to hear about your physical problems and hope you find some relief soon!!!
    Sending positive energy your way!
    Rebeca (from Lincluden Cottage)

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  22. Your blog is a blessing. I often think about things that have happened in my life, I am a three time cancer survivor, and I said to a friend of mine in Sunday School when he questioned me about how I keep on going...this is what I think, and me response to him, "why not me?" I have the peace that passes all understanding and Jesus is the rock upon which I stand. Be steadfast my friend Sandi!

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  23. Thank you for your "heart to heart" chat with us today. It is always good to know how our friends are truly feeling...we often don't get to see the real picture of what is going on behind the scenes...I know I don't often share the more personal issues...but it is good for us to all realize that we each have our family and personal issues...and we each have things that challenge us day by day. So thankful that you have testified to the power of Jesus Christ in your life...for we know that is where our true strength comes from. He is the One Who is able to keep us from falling...to give us life and joy and peace when our world may be crashing in upon us...without Him we would all utterly fall down. Thank you for opening up and sharing this with us today. Praying for you and thanking you for your open honesty. You are a blessing to all of us. God bless you and keep you strong.

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  24. What a beautiful post Sandi. It's been wonderful to read how you have been dealing with your health issues through prayer and love and gratitude. You have received such wonderful responses from everyone. I try to remember to be thankful all through the day, every time something good happens, no matter how small, I try to remember to offer up a small prayer of thanks. God bless you Sandi,
    Wendy xox

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  25. So many people enjoy your posts! This particular one is so important because it reveals what a special and strong person you are. I hope the rest of the year is more positive for you and your family! Your faith is a blessing and helps us by sharing your wisdom! Thanks for all you give!
    Pam

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  26. Sandi,
    What a beautiful heart felt post! I so admire your trust in your faith. What an insoiration you are to all of us, my friend. Since you and I have "talked" privately, I know how much of a trying year this has been for you. Trust me, this too shall pass. I have been there ( you already know that) and things did get better.You know I deal with chronic health issues also and over time, I have learned to "Give it up to God". Sending you prayers and well wsihes , my friend!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  27. Dear Sandi, I haven't visited in ages and read your more recent post referring to this one so I scrolled up and read all your news. I sure appreciate you sharing your health issues and also your faith in God for that is what gets me through the minor things I have on a daily basis. I am very grateful for the good health and all the blessings of family and friends that I do have and reading such encouraging words from you reminds me to count my blessings every day. I pray for healing for your cracked rib, the carpel tunnel syndrome in your hand and the other health issues you deal with daily. Thank you for sharing! May God bless you richly. Hugs, Pam

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  28. God bless you Sandi! I knew that you had had a bad year, but didn't realize everything you had going on. You are so strong and positive! I admire that about you. Life can change quickly. I went from being so healthy to dealing with Cancer. I know in my heart that I will get through with God's help. I hope this coming year will bring you more joy and happiness! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  29. Sandi, may the Lord bless you for sharing your testimony with us all. What wonderful faith you have to continue to give your concerns to the Lord and praise Him for everything good and bad. This is so true and exactly how we should respond. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post at Home Sweet Home!

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I am delighted to have you visit me and I read every comment. Please forgive me for not being able to visit you all as there are so many of you lovely bloggy friends now. I will visit as much as possible. I wish you a day filled with JOY!

Also, due to the amount of spam I've been getting, I have had to set Comment Moderation. ~ Sandi

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