Spiritual Sundays

" But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." ~ Job 23:10

Tea time is a wonderful time to regroup, rethink, and refresh. It comes at the end of the day when we are a bit frayed from the day's activities, but the activities are not yet at an end. Unfortunately, not all of us can stop for a real tea break, but without this break, the remaining tasks may threaten to take us "under."

As the shadows of the day grow longer, our tempers can grow short. Drawing on the refreshing power of the Holy Spirit, however, will get us to the end of a stressful day. We can gain renewed patience, a fresh sense of humor, and a new surge of creativity and insight by enlisting the aid of the Spirit's ministry within us. Frequently it's during those late afternoon hours when we most need His extra help.

Jewelers claim one of the surest tests for diamonds is the underwater test. "An imitation diamond is never so brilliant as a genuine stone. If your eye is not experienced to detect the difference, a simple test is to place the stone under water. The imitation diamond is practically extinguished, while a genuine diamond sparkles even under water and is distinctly visible. If a genuine stone is placed beside an imitation one under water, the contrast will be apparent to the least experienced eye."

That is how it should be with the Christian when his head is "under water" at the end of the day. The power of the Holy Spirit can so sparkle within him, refreshing and renewing him in spite of the day's harassments, that it is easy for the average person to tell there is something genuinely different about his life.

Ask the Holy Spirit to impart His power and presence to you today, in this very hour. Pray for Him to help you in the ways you need Him most- to shine like a diamond under water! ~ Excerpt from "Tea Time with God"

Please join Charlotte and Ginger - http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

and all their participants for an uplifting and inspirational post this weekend. The Lord bless you and may we all become diamonds for His glory!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Pink Saturday

Hi everyone and welcome to Pink Saturday! I hope you all enjoyed your week. I have had a very busy week so I don't have a lot of pink to share with you today.

I will begin my post with some pink votive holders which I don't think I shared with you before. I thought they would look festive in the middle of the wreath which I'm working on. I have had these for quite a long time and I bring them out every once in a while when I'm feeling 'in the pink!'

Last week I showed you a little Christmas tree {you can see it in the post below} and I mentioned that I was working on a wreath to match. I always keep wreaths and Christmas decorations because I often change them up from year to year. I removed all the previous decorations and started with a clean wreath. This wreath has some nice snowy tips.

Pink and gold wired ribbon, a paddle of wire, sparkly pink hydrangea blossoms, silver and white balls, and some picks make up the embellishments which will be added to the wreath. I plan to do a centerpiece as well.
And because I've had a busy week, I didn't get my wreath finished. I will just give you a little peek at what I'm doing. Bow's made and some flowers are on but that's it so far. This pink will have to do for today.

I do have a little someone however who took a trip to the pumpkin patch this past week. My youngest grandson Zachary who is two. Do his rosy pink cheeks count?

This is my grandson Brent who is celebrating his 7th birthday this weekend. We had just taken him back home after eating supper out and shopping for something special for his birthday. He is surrounded by his Tec Dek toys which were part of his present. Happy Birthday, Brent!

Thank you for stopping by for a visit. Since I love Christmas so much, you will likely be seeing a lot of Christmasy stuff between now and December 25th.

Do you love the colour pink? Then please take some time to visit our lovely hostess Beverly and her party of pinkies http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Wishing you all a beautiful pink weekend!


Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Tea Time Tuesday

Hello my lovely tea friends and Welcome to my 40th Tea Time Tuesday!
Can you believe it is only two months from Christmas Day? Christmas will be here before you know it and so in keeping with that, I am sharing a little bit of Christmas for my tea today.


This is a little tree which is all dressed in pink and it is setting the stage for my tea today. I realize some of you may think it's a bit early for a tree but, like I said before, Christmas is two months from today! I am working on some Christmas crafts and so I thought I would share the little tree with you.
I have an assortment of teacups today which you have all seen before if you are a regular to my tea party...From left to right: Rose Bud by Maxwell and Willams, a little green porcelain hand painted teacup which I won from one of my participants Amy @ Vintage Porcelain Art~ http://vintageporcelainart.blogspot.com/

Rose Chintz by Gracie China, and Cream Lace by Skye McGhie.
My Rose Chintz tea pot by Johnson Bros. of England, stands by filled with a nice hot green chai tea which is my favourite tea these days. I so enjoy the spicy flavour of it. The linens, small transferware oval platter, and tea pot were all gifts. The lovely doilie was crocheted by my Aunt Ethel, the battenburg lace place mat and transferware platter were gifts from a friend, and the Rose Chintz tea pot was a gift from my Auntie P.
These cooler days, one wants to curl up with a good book and a nice hot cup of spicy tea. A delightful tummy filling dessert is nice too and today I have Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce and lovely whipped cream. I usually make this for the holidays but since it is only two months from Christmas, we will enjoy some today. It is a dessert I usually only make for special occasions.
"It is not what you give your friend, but what you are willing to give him that determines the quality of friendship." ~ Mary Dixon Thayer
The whipped cream is melting quickly because the pudding is warm! Yummy! By the way, if you're looking for the recipe for this wonderful dessert, you can find it on my Christmas blog~ Christmas Pudding- http://christmaspudding09.blogspot.com/
The silverware is Evening Star by Oneida and it had been a wedding gift to my mother who passed it on to me about a month ago.
A cup of green chai and my newest Victoria Holiday Bliss magazine makes for a delightful respite.
In the midst of a busy day, it takes effort to hear all the melodies of those around you which make up the symphony of your life. But as each strain becomes distinguishable, a pattern emerges, and you can rejoice in God's unparalleled creativity in His world.
This afternoon, sip your tea and be a creative listener! {Excerpt from 'Tea Time with God'}
" If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded." ~ Matthew 10:42
If you would like to participate in my Tea Time Tuesday party, please let me know in your comment. Share your favourite teacup, teapot, or some china used in a tea. Or if you prefer, you may do coffee, iced tea, or chocolate. A poem, tea quote, or scripture verse would be most welcome too. The Tea Time Tuesday button near the top of my sidebar is available for you to use in your post if you wish. Please link back to me so your visitors may find their way here and visit with my other participants.
The lovely participants listed below are in the order in which they first started to participate.

PARTICIPANTS

Carolyn~ http://warrengrovegarden.blogspot.com/

Sherry~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Lorena~ http://rosechicfriends.blogspot.com/

Marilyn~ http://colorado-heartsong.blogspot.com/

Bernideen~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/

Debbie~ http://debbie-dabble.blogspot.com/

Fitty~ http://fittyspinkyrosecottage.blogspot.com/

Suzy~ http://atthefarmhouse-suzyq.blogspot.com/

Patti~ http://pattiannsblog.blogspot.com/

Amy~ http://vintageporcelainart.blogspot.com/

Heather ~ http://heathersblog-o-rama.blogspot.com/

Gee~ http://geearjay.blogspot.com/

Concetta~ http://concettascafe.blogspot.com/

Johanna~ http://silber-rosen.blogspot.com/

Scone Queen~ http://theteatrolley.blogspot.com/

Sue~ http://stressedbutblessed-sue.blogspot.com/

Jocelyne~ http://jocelynesteaparties.blogspot.com/

Sharon~ http://faithhopecherrytea.blogspot.com/

Kathy B~ http://cedarpond.blogspot.com/

I am also joining the following hostesses and their parties:

* Martha~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/ - Teacup Tuesday
* Terri~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/ - Teacup Tuesday
*Wanda Lee~ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/ - TeaPot and Tea Things Tuesday
*Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/ - Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday
* Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/ - Tea For Two and Wednesday Tea for Me and Thee
*Miss Spensers Tea Cup Thursday~ http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/
* Kathy~ http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/ - Victoria Magazine- A Return to Loveliness
* Marty~ http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/ - Tabletop Tuesday
I am so happy you have stopped by for tea today. I invite you to come again and visit me soon as I do enjoy your company so very much. Wishing you all a beautiful day.



Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Pink Saturday

Hello bloggerettes and welcome to Pink Saturday once again!

Today I would like to share a Giveaway which I was fortunate to win from Debra at Common Ground~ http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/

It is Carolyn Westbrook's newly published French Inspired Home. It is a wonderful hard covered book filled with pages of lovely French country designs.

The book arrived sweetly wrapped in this pretty pink tissue paper and tied with pink ribbon. Debra had also included this wonderful linen screen printed cloth which I will use in one of my tea parties soon. Thank you so much Debra!

The front cover features a white slip covered sofa with a gorgeous pink throw and pillow on it. Luscious pink roses are also part of the yummy decor. The lovely swan planter in the background has a tinge of pink as well.

Now on to more pinks in the book...

Carolyn says, "Squeezed in between the French, slip covered armchairs is a small, curvaceous table painted in just the right tone of pink for the color palette I was going for."

Isn't that little pink chest just gorgeous? So are the cushions!A pink throw and roses which are from the cover.

"A time-worn outdoor table makes a wonderful coffee table alongside the slip covered sofa."I love this beautiful pitcher filled with soft pink roses!

"Resting atop a pale blue Asiatic Pheasant china pedestal, kitchen essentials such as dish soap have been repackaged to become objects worthy of display, while the scented candle not only freshens the air but is pretty in its own right." "This room is full of the finest French elements; a pink bombe' chest, an ornate framed mirror, a gorgeous lamp, and the special footstool that was passed down from the home owner's amazing grandmother, who owned an antique store on Rodeo Drive." I hope you enjoyed seeing a little bit of the decorating and photography from Carolyn's new book. There are many beautiful pages of different Frenchy designs. You can visit Carolyn Westbrook at her blog here~ http://carolynwestbrookhome.blogspot.com/

It's only about two months away from Christmas so I am working on some Christmas crafts. I have my newest little Christmas tree to share with you. This is a tree I already had in my home and the decorations were just added to it. You will notice there is some pink in it and topped off with a pretty pink bow. I am going to make a wreath to match but I'll share that another day.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and right now they have pink bathroom tissue on display in some supermarkets. I picked up some myself. Please make sure you get your mammogram, dear ladies! It could help save your life.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will visit Beverly http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/ and see her host of pinkies today.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Show and Tell Friday

Hi everyone~ Today I am joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for her Show and Tell Friday. http://www.romantichome.blogspot.com/

I'm also joining Courtney for her Feathered Nest Friday ~ http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

I have this little walnut side table which I got at Winners a couple of years ago and I have been living with the dark wood ever since I got her. I knew eventually she would probably get a coat of white paint. Well, she got her new look over the weekend.

Hubby sanded it down a bit and then I started painting her. Before she looked like this...

Then she looked like this...

Then this after three coats of paint....

Then this; a wee bit of distressing...

And finally like this! I like her much better this way. My little white tray has found the perfect spot to hold some tea and my newest Victoria Holiday Bliss magazine.

Thank you for stopping by the Rose Chintz Cottage and have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

39th Tea Time Tuesday

It is 4:00 on the Island and it is the perfect time for afternoon tea! So, welcome to my 39th Tea Time Tuesday friends!

Several of you ladies have already posted your tea parties so I decided to post mine early too. It is hard to believe that tea time has rolled around once again! Seems as though the weeks have taken wings and are simply flying by. I am already thinking about Christmas posts.

Today however, I am sharing some blues for tea time. I don't have much blue in my home any longer, on the main floor anyway. Downstairs I suppose there is quite a bit of blue, remnants from when the boys were growing up. But here on the main level of our home, I surround myself with pink, creamy white, aqua, and red with a bit of apple green thrown in.

I spent so many years accomodating the men in my life that now it's my turn to indulge in my girliness. But today the theme of my tea is a wee bit of blue and white.

"A cup of tea warms the soul like a good friend."

A Blue Willow salad plate, another white teapot, a birdie creamer, and a Delft Blue ginger jar holding a white candle, all snuggle up to a crackle-finished birdhouse in blue and white. Since I don't have any blue teacups, I am using two different teacups with a bit of blue in each.


The first teacup, I used last week and I'm sure you recall the Elizabethan with its roses and bluebells. Love the daintiness of this teacup and the pretty handle. Again, I know nothing about this sweet teacup other than it was a shower gift once upon a time and it is made of fine bone china in England.
The little white teapot I found while browsing our hospital gift shop, Lillibets, a while back. The little birdie creamer I found at a tea room one day last Summer and it was a good deal too at less than five dollars.

" Tea~ A hug in a cup."

I am also using a Rose Chintz teacup because its floral pattern has tiny blue flowers in it.

Rose Chintz by Johnson Bros. of England is the pattern I love to collect mostly because of the happy childhood memories I associate with the pattern. I do love the pink florals as well!
I think the Rose Chintz teacup looks better because the Elizabethan is rather dainty for this particular teascape. In any case, I have Rooibos Chai tea ready to sip on if you care to join me.

I am offering a couple of sweets to enjoy with your tea today. Home made chocolate cake with raspberry sauce and whipped cream. This decadent cake is made from scratch and the raspberries are simply cooked on the stovetop with a little sugar. I love how the raspberry sauce pools on the plate; a delicious dessert and just right for a Fall day!

I also have pumpkin muffins fresh out of the oven. These muffins are spicy and filled with plump juicy raisins. Some green grapes and my favourite Baby Bel Swiss cheese and I have myself a nice accompaniment to the tea.

My weekly tea party offers me a wonderful opportunity to bake something fresh for my hubby and any company that might stop by unexpectedly. On Wednesdays, I also host a Bible study group in my home so there is always something yummy being served here!

A little cup of Friendship

Is in this bag of tea

When you sit and sip it

Think of warm thoughts from me.

May your days be

Steeped with Joy

And warmed with Love.

And if I could take your troubles

I would toss them in the Sea.

But since I can't, I'm sending you

My favourite cup of tea.

Many warm thoughts are coming your way today. I appreciate each one of you and especially my regular participants for you are the lovely ladies who make this tea party worthwhile. Today as you visit one another I hope that you will try to visit the link before you and after you. That way everyone will get a visitor.

" Let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." ~ Galations 6:9

If you would like to participate in my tea party, please let me know in your comment. Share a teacup, teapot, or china used in a tea. You may also do coffee, iced tea, or chocolate if you wish. The Tea Time Tuesday button near the top of my sidebar is available for you to use in your post if you wish. As a courtesy, please link back to me so that your visitors may find their way here to visit my other lovely participants.

The participants listed below are in the order in which they first began participating.

Participants

Judith~ http://lavendercottagegardening.blogspot.com/

Beth~ http://foodasart-beth.blogspot.com/

Diann~ http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/

Lorena~ http://rosechicfriends.blogspot.com/

Marilyn~ http://colorado-heartsong.blogspot.com/

Bernideen~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/

Doni~ http://faithgracecrafts.blogspot.com/

Fitty~ http://fittyspinkyrosecottage.blogspot.com/

Suzy~ http://atthefarmhouse-suzyq.blogspot.com/

Brenda~ http://shabbycatsandroses.blogspot.com/

Heather~ http://heathersblog-o-rama.blogspot.com/

Gee~ http://geearjay.blogspot.com/

Concetta~ http://concettascafe.blogspot.com/

Johanna~ http://silber-rosen.blogspot.com/

Sue~ http://stressedbutblessed-sue.blogspot.com/

Kelsie~ http://kelsie74.blogspot.com/

Lynn~ http://lynn-teacupstitches.blogspot.com/

KathyB~ http://cedarpond.blogspot.com/

I am also linking with the other tea party hostesses. You will find them below with the asterisks before their names.

* Martha~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/ ~ Tea Cup Tuesday

* Terri~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/ ~ Tea Cup Tuesday

* Wanda Lee~ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/~ Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday

* Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/ ~ Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday

* Lady Katherine's Tea Parlor~

http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/

* Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/ ~ Tea For Two and Wednesday Tea for Me and Thee

*Miss Spenser's Tea Cup Thursday~ http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Pink Saturday ~ Spiritual Sundays

Hello dear friends! I hope you all had a good week!

I wasn't sure what I was going to share for Pink Saturday or Spiritual Sundays this week and then a parcel arrived in the mail just in time for this post.
Remember back in August when Beverly and Kelee had the Miracle Makeover Weekend for Colette? There were several Giveaways to be won. Well, I was one of the winners!

Now before I show you what was in the parcel, I would like to share with you a little story....

About three weeks ago, I had received some rather distressing news about a member of my family and I had been quite distraught over it. I'm sorry I cannot divulge the details but I had asked for your prayers for me and my family.

One thing you should know about me is that I very seldom ever get down but this situation had brought me to my knees like no other had. I have always had a lot of faith and it is my faith in God that always gets me through the adversities that come my way. This one however, was paramount in nature compared to the rest! I was praying for a miracle because that is what it was going to take.

One morning I got up, more distressed than usual, and discovered I had received a comment on a Spiritual Sundays post from Kelee informing me that I had won a Giveaway from the Miracle Makeover weekend. It was a painting by Karen Harvey Cox ~ http://karenharveycox.blogspot.com/ which she had donated to that event.


Now I want you to know that I don't put too much stock in signs but this was definitely a sign from God that He had heard my prayer and a miracle was on its way. I don't know how or when, only that a miracle was coming!

You may be wondering why I think this. Well, it's because I had prayed for a miracle and the name of the painting is called Miracle.

Now, what are the chances of little old me winning this painting out of the many hundreds who participated in the Miracle Makeover weekend? Is it a coincidence? I don't believe it is.

So, I opened this good sized box which had a picture of Karen's Secret Garden on it, and after digging through a lot of styrofoam pebbles and bubble wrap, I came upon this pink bubble wrap.


I opened up the bubble wrap to find Karen's beautiful painting. Isn't it wonderful? The frame is lovely too, isn't it? It is matted and framed much like other prints I already have in my home.

This is one of the other prints in my home. You can see the pink blossoming trees in the scene.

With the painting Karen had also included a letter explaining how she was inspired to paint this while living in Hong Kong. Thank you Karen for donating this special piece of artwork. I will cherish it always!


Here is the MIRACLE painting in the room. Whenever I gaze upon this painting it will serve as a reminder that God has heard my prayer and a miracle from His hand is coming!

"There on the ground amongst rocks and dirt, a flower blooms..."

A closeup reveals that the flower is indeed pink; sorry about the reflection.

"Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles He performs for people!" ~ Psalm 66:5

Please visit Beverly ~ http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/ to see her lineup of pinks. You may like to stop by and visit Kelee as well. Her link is~ http://www.katillacshack.com/

I am also linking up with Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays ~ http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

The Lord is good! Have a wonderful weekend everyone and if you are in need of a miracle, don't be afraid to pray for one.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi