Like seeds dreaming beneath the snow, your heart dreams of spring. ~ Kahlil Gibran
Brrr! It doesn't feel like spring today but spring is on our doorsteps. Soon all this cold snowy weather will be a thing of the past for another season. I am so ready to open my windows and smell the sweet scent of springtime!
Springtime is like the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn. ~ Lewis Grizzard
Hello my lovely friends! Thank you for dropping by for a visit with me. I want to thank you all for your love and support; especially for your prayers. Quite a number of you commented on my last post and I am grateful for each one of you who took the time to do that. What a wonderful group of blogging friends you are!
My medical procedure of last week revealed a problem unfortunately and I have to undergo surgery for it. I also have a hard decision to make. Please pray that I make the right one and that this surgery will prove to be successful.
In April, I will be seeing another surgeon about my gallbladder. Yes, it looks like I will be having two surgeries. It never rains but it pours as they say!
Time to think on lovely things and enjoy the pleasantries of a springtime tea.
There are no treats as I am off every treat known to man for the time being. *groan* However, I can still savour a nice cup of tea in a beautiful Royal Albert china cup and saucer and enjoy the beautiful posies that grace the table. Won't you join me?
Tea is a hug in a cup. ~ Patrick Jane of The Mentalist
I love a surprise inside the cup, don't you?
I have a lot of time on my hands these days so I am doing a lot of reflecting and reading. Funny how when one is young and care-free, you think life is going to last forever and you don't have a care in the world!
I went to an assessment the other day at my mother's nursing home and the nurse was telling me how once the older folks settle in, they are so focused on their health issues that they worry about everything imaginable because they really have nothing else to do. In my mother's Home they have outings, tea parties, special dinners, crafts, music, church services, all manner of activities for them but many are content to just sit or lie in their room and think about all their problems. It really is very sad.
I pray I am not like that one day. I hope that I can keep a healthy outlook and count all the blessings in my life. To make each day count.
This is a picture of my mom holding one of my baby boys. I had to alter the colour because taking a picture of a picture is no easy feat.
I read a devotional not long ago where the author was writing how he had always been busy in ministry throughout his life and now he had physical limitations that kept him confined to his home most of the time. I can identify with him because this is where I am at the moment.
The author wondered how on earth the Lord would be able to use him now because he felt useless. Then he read in the Bible the story of Jesus at Jacob's well. He had read the story many times but this particular time, he found great encouragement.
The Lord was resting there at the well when a woman from the city came along to draw water. Even while He was resting, the door opened for Him to minister to this woman. She found her Messiah at the well that day and she quickly went into the city and invited others to come and hear "a man who told me everything I ever did."
The author went on to say our tiny apartment, a work cubicle, a prison cell, or even our hospital bed can become a "Jacob's well." These too can become places of rest where we can wait for the Lord to bring His work for us to do.
This was a wonderful encouragement to me. There are times now when I feel useless. But at the moment, I just need to rest and when the opportunity presents itself, the Lord will show me how I can be a blessing to someone else.
If you want a field of service, look around you.
I'm sure there are those of you who can identify with this author and with me. As long as we can talk, write, or smile, we can be a blessing to someone else. Sometimes all we need to do is listen.
Welcome each new day as a gift from God.
God bless you today and make you a blessing!
I am joining the following parties as well~
Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Friends Sharing Tea
Tea Cup Tuesday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Home Sweet Home
Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi
Brrr! It doesn't feel like spring today but spring is on our doorsteps. Soon all this cold snowy weather will be a thing of the past for another season. I am so ready to open my windows and smell the sweet scent of springtime!
Springtime is like the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn. ~ Lewis Grizzard
Hello my lovely friends! Thank you for dropping by for a visit with me. I want to thank you all for your love and support; especially for your prayers. Quite a number of you commented on my last post and I am grateful for each one of you who took the time to do that. What a wonderful group of blogging friends you are!
My medical procedure of last week revealed a problem unfortunately and I have to undergo surgery for it. I also have a hard decision to make. Please pray that I make the right one and that this surgery will prove to be successful.
In April, I will be seeing another surgeon about my gallbladder. Yes, it looks like I will be having two surgeries. It never rains but it pours as they say!
Time to think on lovely things and enjoy the pleasantries of a springtime tea.
There are no treats as I am off every treat known to man for the time being. *groan* However, I can still savour a nice cup of tea in a beautiful Royal Albert china cup and saucer and enjoy the beautiful posies that grace the table. Won't you join me?
Tea is a hug in a cup. ~ Patrick Jane of The Mentalist
I love a surprise inside the cup, don't you?
I have a lot of time on my hands these days so I am doing a lot of reflecting and reading. Funny how when one is young and care-free, you think life is going to last forever and you don't have a care in the world!
I went to an assessment the other day at my mother's nursing home and the nurse was telling me how once the older folks settle in, they are so focused on their health issues that they worry about everything imaginable because they really have nothing else to do. In my mother's Home they have outings, tea parties, special dinners, crafts, music, church services, all manner of activities for them but many are content to just sit or lie in their room and think about all their problems. It really is very sad.
I pray I am not like that one day. I hope that I can keep a healthy outlook and count all the blessings in my life. To make each day count.
This is a picture of my mom holding one of my baby boys. I had to alter the colour because taking a picture of a picture is no easy feat.
I read a devotional not long ago where the author was writing how he had always been busy in ministry throughout his life and now he had physical limitations that kept him confined to his home most of the time. I can identify with him because this is where I am at the moment.
The author wondered how on earth the Lord would be able to use him now because he felt useless. Then he read in the Bible the story of Jesus at Jacob's well. He had read the story many times but this particular time, he found great encouragement.
The Lord was resting there at the well when a woman from the city came along to draw water. Even while He was resting, the door opened for Him to minister to this woman. She found her Messiah at the well that day and she quickly went into the city and invited others to come and hear "a man who told me everything I ever did."
The author went on to say our tiny apartment, a work cubicle, a prison cell, or even our hospital bed can become a "Jacob's well." These too can become places of rest where we can wait for the Lord to bring His work for us to do.
This was a wonderful encouragement to me. There are times now when I feel useless. But at the moment, I just need to rest and when the opportunity presents itself, the Lord will show me how I can be a blessing to someone else.
If you want a field of service, look around you.
I'm sure there are those of you who can identify with this author and with me. As long as we can talk, write, or smile, we can be a blessing to someone else. Sometimes all we need to do is listen.
Welcome each new day as a gift from God.
God bless you today and make you a blessing!
I am joining the following parties as well~
Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Friends Sharing Tea
Tea Cup Tuesday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Home Sweet Home
Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi
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Dear Sandi:
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful response to difficulties and you are a wonderful example to all of us! I am praying for better seasons ahead after this storm.
I haven't been reading blogs much lately (family visits, trying to keep up with life) and now I see you are ill and having surgery. I pray that everything goes well.
ReplyDeleteI love your positive outlook, dearest Sandi, and your analogy of Jesus at Jacob's well. I will faithfully be praying for you, sweet friend, for you in making these decisions, and for your upcoming surgery. Thankfully, you can have a beautiful tea with that most gorgeous teacup, and the pretty flowers at your tea table. Love and God Bless you, Sandi!
ReplyDeleteI pray that your two upcoming surgeries will be great successes. I volunteer at a retirement home and an activities director says lots of the residents barely leave their rooms, and she sometimes goes room to room rounding up people for a fun activity. You are right, we can serve where we are.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts and prayers as you prepare for these upcoming surgeries and time of recuperation. Yes, the Lord can use us right where we are if we open our hearts and minds to let Him come in and work through us. I once knew a lady who had MS, and was completely bedridden. But she had pictures on her bedroom walls all the way around her bed of missionaries and people in places of ministry, and she laid in her bed and prayed for every single one every day. That was her ministry and calling from her bed of affliction. God uses whatever we are able to offer for His glory. I know He will continue to work through you even as you convalesce in the upcoming days and weeks. We will be praying for you. Just keep your eyes on Jesus! He won't let you down.
ReplyDeleteSuch a heartfelt post Sandi. My heart, and my prayers, go out to you. Thanks for sharing the Jacob's well story with us. So true. I always tell my kids that life is what we make it, we can choose to be bitter about a situation and not share our struggles with others or we can share with others and be a blessing to someone thru our difficulties and perseverance. May God be with you and guide you during this incredibly difficult time.
ReplyDeleteYour roses and teacup with the roses in the bottom are so very pretty. As always, I enjoy your sweet quotes.
Sending love and hugs,
Gina
What a stunning RA teacup! I've always been a fan of teacups with interior designs and gold gilding.
ReplyDeleteI'll continue remembering you in my prayers, Sandi, as you go through these challenging times. Interestingly, Jacob's well was the gospel reading this Sunday.
Tonight is the premiere of CBC's new adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. Let's hope it's better than the YTV reboot...
This post resonates with me today Sandi. My father is going through some difficulties himself. It seems these are the times when we reflect more deeply on our lives and those around us. Everything eventually falls into place in the way God intended if we ask for his guidance, don't you find? Remembering you in my prayers Sandi, take care and know that even your blog is reaching out to someone too ;)
ReplyDeleteWendy
Praying your health issues will be resolved. I too have been wandering through a bit of wilderness, seeking what the Lord would have me do.I've recently been mentoring two young Mom's. I am praying I will be an encouragement to them.
ReplyDeleteSounds like your blog was Jacob's well today, thanks for your encouraging words! And I hope you are on the road to recovery soon.
ReplyDeleteAnticipating two surgeries isn't pleasant, but your words and acceptance of life's difficulties are a lovely affirmation of your faith in the One who made you. Finding beauty in the world, as you do, and sharing it with others via your blog, is also a ministry to others.
ReplyDeletePrayers for wisdom as you make your decision, and for health and healing.
Hi Sandi, just want you to know you I am thinking of you during this difficult time and most importantly praying for you.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Nancy
I will be praying for you Sandi. Jehovah Rapha...the God that heals will be there. I was a church soloist and music minister for years until a health problem arose and felt totally useless. A dear friend sent me a photo of a bird on a branch that says "god loves me the same when I sing...and when I don't sing". I am so grateful it is grace and not works! God bless you and I will be praying for you. The people you meet in the hospital, etc, don't realize they have a blessing on the way...you!
ReplyDeleteRuth
Dear Sandi, I'm sorry to learn that you will need two surgeries in the near future and that you are confined to your home of late. I pray God will bless you with healing through these surgeries and that you will in turn be a blessing to those you encounter along the way. Did you happen to watch the new Anne of Green Gables series start last night on CBC? I thought of you and my other island friends when they showed the beautiful scenery. Take care of yourself and I wish you all the best in the weeks ahead. Please let us know when we can pray for your surgeries in particular. Hugs and blessings,
ReplyDeletePam
I am praying for you, Sandi. I will pray especially for the decision that you need to make, as well as for a good outcome for both surgeries. Do let us know as to the timing of your surgeries so we can pray specifically.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine is doing very poorly healthwise and I have been trying to encourage her as she is currently in a rehab facility. I came across some practical suggestions as to living with a longstanding illness and sent them to her. Several of the suggestions involved reaching out to others and being a witness, an encourager, and a prayer warrior right from a place of difficulty. Much like what you have shared concerning Jacob's well.
Have a blessed day, Sandi, and thank you for the blessing you and your blogs have been to me.
You continue to be in my prayers dear Sandi. I'm sorry to hear you are so unwell. Mimi xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely teacup and setting Sandi. Why I think you are ministering right where you are by bringing loveliness to us through your blog, the photos and the quotes and the encouraging words and patient and hopeful attitude.
ReplyDeleteI will continue to pray for your health and the decisions you need to make and your upcoming surgeries. Blessings to you, dear friend. xo Deborah
You always have such a positive outlook Sandi, even with your upcoming surgeries. Sending you wishes for successful operations and a speedy recovery from both.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Sandi,
ReplyDeleteThose are great thoughts and I like that encouragement! I'm sorry you are going to have two surgeries but I pray that after them you will feel better and be able to have a full life.
Your teacup is lovely. Royal Albert has so many beautiful cups!
I've just discovered your so beautiful blog and I'm following you with such a deep joy !
ReplyDeleteIn the hope that things will go better for you very soon,
I'm sending blessings across the Ocean
XO Daniela at ~ My little old world ~ (Dany)
Dear Sandi , praying for you right now and asking our Lord to keep you in His tender care . Dear sweet lady , I enjoy reading your post . You are always a blessing . Hugs and blessings , Cindy
ReplyDeleteDear Sandi ~ You are being a blessing to others right through your blog.
ReplyDeleteMay you feel God's continual love, peace and strength.
Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady
I can surely understand the aurther of the story. My panic set me way back for a long time. Now my back and somewhat at times my panic will rise up and try to knock me back. It also brings depression. Recently because I go online and see videos on youtube and comment at some. A older woman commented back and reached out to me. She was very religious for many years in a church I had went to and left. But her and her husband can't even get to the doctors. We now email only a couple of times. And I realized that it was my destiny to be there for her as sometimes I wish there had been someone for me. I been so lost since mama passed on. I too have the problem with my gallbladder but my panic wont let me get it out. But Im trying to let the Lord help me with this, sending much love and prayers that everything works out. With love Janice
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that many of them chose to stay in their rooms and dwell on the negative. Life is too short for that. I'm so sorry that you have to have surgery! I will tell you that I had to have my gallbladder out last year and it really was a cinch. It went so smooth and I had no problems afterwards. I will keep you in my prayers. I'm glad that you are still able to enjoy tea in your pretty cup! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
I'm so sorry to hear about your health struggles Sandi! You have such a positive outlook on everything, and I'm sure that drinking tea out of a pretty cup has to have wonderful medicinal effects (even if you are missing your sweet treats!) Oh my, I do know what you mean about folks in the nursing homes not having any hope. You know what I really think it is? I think it may be because they do not have someone or something that needs them. I really think that our purpose in life is fulfilling when we feel we are making a difference, or are needed by someone. That is why animals may be such a blessing in nursing homes because they help to give those there some reason to feel that they have someone to take care of and it is a focus that they need. That is just my personal perspective on the matter, but it comes from seeing my husband's mother in a nursing home. She did so well until her husband died and then she has just gone downhill since, because she lived to take care of him. We are trying to help her to find a new purpose and reason for living, as that is part of it, I think.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you dear friend, that the Lord will be with you, and carry you through this difficult season you are in, and that His presence will comfort and be with you during this time. Hugs and prayers are with you!
Sandi, so sorry to hear you're facing two surgeries. I wonder if the surgeons could do them back to back. I used to work for a surgeon, and once in a great while that was done. Two surgeries, still, but just one time under general anesthesia and just one recovery period. At any rate, I'll be thinking of you. And you will never become one who just sits and thinks about her problems. Your positive attitude, love, and appreciation for life and the beauty around you will prevent that!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely flowers and china. So sorry about your health issues... that can be scary and challenging. I hope you start feeling better soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandi,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that you are in pain from these health challenges at this time. Please know that I will say a prayer for you, tonight, to guide you in your search for clarity. I hope that all goes well with your upcoming surgeries, sweetie.
Thank you for sharing this pretty bouquet and your own, soulful and encouraging words.
Hugs,
Poppy
Sandi, I will be praying for you. I'm so sorry for your health problems. {{HUGS}}
ReplyDeleteDearest Sandi,
ReplyDeleteI pray for your spirit and health daily, my friend! I had my gall bladder removed several years ago. It was one of 3 surgeries that I had ---one a year for 3 years. It was a trying time so I understand how disheartening this could be as I have been there. I too am dealing with some issues including my Blood pressure which has haunted me for about 15 years now......Thanks so much for stopping by!! I think of you often..
Hugs,
Deb
Dear Sandi,
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you and I hope that your pain subsides my dear friend. I do believe in the power of prayer and you have so many wonderful friends in blogland who all care about you and are praying for you! Thinking of you! Karen
Sandi, I am so sorry to hear about your health. May the Lord bless you and keep your spirits up. I will pray for you to heal. Take care. Thank you for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is very special...Not only for your beautiful posts,but also for your faith and joy...So many people are praying for you,I'm sure that things will get better!Blessings,Maristella.
ReplyDeleteThere is always a need for prayer warriors - which is something one can do from a bed, a chair, or wherever! We'll be praying for you that your surgeries will go well, and I expect you'll find many others for whom to pray as you convalesce.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandi, I am happy to see you here and will be praying for you. Our health can get in the way of what we love but somehow God knows exactly what we need and He sees us through. Suffering through all my neurosurgery made me realize God will always be at our side. Your blog has always been so delightful and I love seeing your pretty tea cups. I was recently in a tea cup/mug exchange and I received such lovely treasures. I am having Meyers Lemon tea from a pretty mug decorated with lovely birds. Makes my rainy day a bit happier. I will pray for success with your surgery and quick healing. You just need some TLC while on your road to recovery. Take care BUG HUGS
ReplyDeleteI really admire your beautiful tea cup with the roses as the surprise in the bottom.
ReplyDeleteYou will be just fine with gallbladder surgery now they do it arthroscopic and seems ladies I know recover quick, of course at our age any surgery is a worry I know very well
So glad you are still posting for us
What a beautiful and inspirational blog you have. I found you over on Jann Olsens and will pop back from time to time.
ReplyDelete