Grow Your Blog Party

Vicki, 2 Bags Full, has opened up the sign-up for her Grow Your Blog Party. The party is January 19, 2013 and sign up is here. I'm joining in and will give away three gifts...to be announced later.
Just thought you'd like to know -smile-!

Blessings ~ Vicki ~ Grow Your Blog Party ~ gifts ~ 

Sabbath Keeping

"Jesus told a parable about a master who gave his servants money and went off to another country (Matthew 25:14-30). On his return he asked the servants what they had done with the money. Some had put it to work to make more money, but one servant simply gave it back to the master saying that he simply kept it safe. The master was angry with that servant. The lesson from the parable is that when you are given a gift, you have to use it. You have to deal with the responsibility and dilemmas of it. You cannot run from it. You cannot hide your light under some bushel of safety and hope that it just goes away. You've got to face the consequences of who you are and what your vocation is."
~ Walk On ~ The Spiritual Journey of U2 by Steve Stockman ~

"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." 

~ II Corinthians 9:15 ~

If you'd like a name added to the prayer list, please let me know. Unless otherwise requested, names will remain for one month. Around the world, people are praying.

Prayer Keeping ~ Maxine ~ Raeann ~ Cindy ~ Robin ~ Linda Sue ~ Angela, Penny and family ~ Webb family ~ Timi, Miki, Mira, Mark ~ Jane and Lance ~ Chris ~ Anne ~ Jill ~ Yvonne ~ Lynne ~ Lora ~ Kary ~ Quesenberry family ~ Stephanie and family ~ Steve and Gwen ~ me ~

A Box of Happy

 ~ chick chocs ~

Karen, at This Old House 2, sent A Box Of Happy when my name was randomly drawn. The box of Lindt chocolates are in my refrigerator so when I hope the door, their smiling, quirky faces greet me like a perfect day. Go ahead, I'm sure you've thought it...HEY! You looking at ME??? -smile-

 ~ more happiness ~

If there's one thing that instantly brings me happiness, it's bubbles. The above are Miracle Bubbles, no less and designed, so I think, to bring instant happy. The note cards have already been put to good use as has the Burt's Bees lip balm. My cuticles and my lips take a direct hit when I'm stressed and, right now, my face and hands look like the dogs have been gnawing on them. Sorry you had to read that but it's true. If I get any more stressed out, I'm going to pop a cog.

The insulated glass, with straw, is great! I keep a glass of water going all day long and it's ever so much more pleasant to drink from a pretty glass than an ugly glass. Karen, thank you; you've added joy to my "underfull" of joy day.

After being missing for a few days, I'm going to be missing for a few more days. Dave's cousin is coming and I'm headed to a hotel room to sleep, sleep, sleep. I'll have to take a bit of work with me, trying to catch up -haha- but the main purpose is to try and relax, de-stress and work/pray through the anxiety. I've been 24/7 since August and if I don't take a break, my body and/or mind will break and I don't want that. Dave is doing a tad better, thank God, and we're hoping he'll continue to improve; so now is the time to take care of me. Hopefully, you're taking care of you as well.

Blessings ~ Dave's cousin ~ sleep ~ a box of Happy ~ chocolate ~ Karen ~

Soli Deo Gloria,
Sandra

Be Yourself...

everyone else is already taken.

 ~ bottles in early morning light ~

Simple, isn't it?

A good portion of this week has found me locked out of my blog and, indeed, blogger. I could visit, but couldn't comment, on any blogs that were Blogspot. That's okay, I still think Blogger is a great tool and am grateful to Blogger and Google for giving us all the wherewithall to have on-line journals.

A lot of the blogs...okay, maybe not a lot but it sure seemed like a lot...I've visited share a common theme or themes...weariness, exhaustion, trying to slough off the negative emotions and be positive. I think it's due, in part, to the harsh winter we've had. Global warming notwithstanding, it's been a bear of a winter; a she-bear of a winter; a she-bear whose cubs are standing on yon side of a perceived threat and she-bear is now ready to kick some major you know what.

Everyone is tired both physically, mentally and, dare I say it, spiritually. Vince Lombardi once said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all" and that is So True! Whenever we're tired, we're overwhelmed and feel life simply isn't worth the trouble. That's when all those negative, bad, terrible, no good, horrible thoughts creep into our minds and, if not nipped in the bud, into our actions.

 

It is then, truly before then, we must take time out for personal renewal, reflection, daydreaming...doing those things that make our bubble seek, and find, center again. I've been doing some of that this week and, in the days to follow, will tell you about it - dyeing yarn, making baby blankets, taking photos, cooking some great meals, baking some wonderful cookies. In short, doing those things that make a house a home and people a family. Dave and I have been cozying up in the evenings, after supper, drinking a glass of wine, sitting in the deepening darkness in the sunroom, talking of this and that, making plans, talking over old times, sharing memories. It's good for both souls, to catch up like this. Some of our family and friends have been going through troublesome times this week and we've tucked them into prayer.

Nothing, really, in and of itself that's exceptionally extraordinary but, when put all together, becomes a life well lived and worth the living.

 ~ early morning in the front yard ~

I want to tell you of the wonderful things that have been sent to me over the past few weeks. Remember the Sew, Mama, Sew! contest just before Christmas? I won a lovely mini-quilt that is just perfect for me and this farm...photos and story to come.

Remember Lisa's OWOH 2010 Blogland visitation of Jan/Feb? From a USA artist I won a delightful art piece sculpture and it WOW'ed me when I opened the box.

Then, another gift of a bookmark that's fabulously made and sure to be treasured as well but I cannot find my photo just this moment. And Misha, my next door state of Tennessee neighbor, had a giveaway and WOW'ed me when I won and when her box of beautifully wrapped goodies arrived early this week. I've just now, this morning, finished unwrapping the box and am amazed at the bounty!

 ~ a portion of Misha's goodies ~

Yes, photos and stories coming next week but, please, Thank You All! My amazement is overwhelming me and I'm carrying around bits and pieces of various gifts like they were brought to me by the Magi! I have plans for each piece...the mini-quilt will hang on my bedroom wall, the bookmark will have a place of honor in my Bible and the art piece will travel from bedroom to studio to sunroom to living room to kitchen to remind me...again and again... Part of Misha's gift will travel with me, in luggage carry-on, and will hold all those "precious" goodies I cannot be without on a long flight - MP3 to listen to audio books, hand wash, tissues, snacks, pen and pencil, e-book so I can read while listening to music on the MP3 - stuff that's essential to my mental well-being and keeps me from kicking, like the six year old I can sometimes be, the seat in front of me out of sheer desperation from being closely contained.

Have you yet guessed I'm a creature of delayed gratification? I despise just about everything and anything that's "instant" and feel it's a detriment to humankind and our personal souls. There! Is that strong enough? -smile-

~ Canada geese ~

 The Canada geese have returned and are, sometimes, in flocks of forty or fifty. These stragglers are striving to catch up, to unite with the flock. There's safety in numbers, you know. Companionship too.

~ Companionship amongst Friends ~

Even the horses have lain on the sun warmed earth, grateful for the opportunity to seek peace in the moment.

On Monday, I'm having a giveaway to win this beautiful and useful waffle maker. BTW, it's not my photo and shouldn't have my name on it but...but...you know what my computer skills are not so, please forgive me and let me off the hook by accepting...I didn't take the photo. Thanks. -smile-

~ a bee, working the small crocus, harbingers, both, of spring ~

"For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone..." so wrote Solomon in his second chapter, verse eleven. The rains aren't past but snows, hopefully, have ended for this portion of winter.

Be good to yourself; it's only then you'll have anything worth giving to give to someone else. Pax and I say again...pax.

Until next time,

Blessings ~ peace ~ well balanced center ~ sun warmed earth ~ bees ~ pax ~ gifts ~ Canada geese ~ early spring flowers ~

Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra

After Christmas Glow, with gratitude

~ Santa came to Thompson Valley! ~

If your Christmas was as fabulous as mine, you're a very happy and blessed person! Yes, we had some wonderful gifts, both given and received and some yet to come but it's more that we spent it together, Dave and I with the critters, here on the farm. We spent this Christmas in preparation for the year to come; soaking up the tranquility of the event and day, making memories, basking in each others' friendship and love. Some of Christmas day was spent on the telephone, calling family and friends, wishing them well, asking about their day and families. Christmas Eve saw Santa giving out bags of goodies: oranges, apples, candy, coloring books. Santa's helpers put up signs, ensuring traffic would slow down and, for those with children in the car, stop and visit.

~ all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth... ~

From the gleam in his eye, I'm not sure this young feller is asking for two front teeth.

~ Jolly ole Santa ~

I don't know about your Santa, but our Santa is a right jolly ole thing. He's not adverse to the big fellers climbing on his lap and asking for presents.

Can you see this upside down picnic table? It's made entirely of wood and the wind storm flipped it upside down! We've had fierce windstorms, gusting between 60 and 70 mph. Right now, it's 24 degrees F above zero and the wind chill is 4 degrees F above. I'm thinking about taking nap just to get under the covers...yes, it's that cold! Fortunately, the wind has been coming from the south and that means our bedroom stays above 60 degrees F. When the wind comes from any other direction, We're lucky if the bedroom temperature rises much about 50 degrees F and am grateful for the three dogs who share space and warmth.

The weather has been so life threatening, church and all activities were canceled. We had our Christmas play last night and, I must say, I enjoyed it more than if it'd been prior to Christmas. It was more poignant and precious...and I'm not a person who uses the word "precious" lightly.

Our little country church is delightful. We have a preacher who is in touch with God and has a personal relationship with the Trinity and the people are kind and caring; one with discernment can tell these things, you know. Oh, we all have our foibles but the uniting factor is we love Jesus and a lot of us are born again Christians. There are those who come to church for a myriad of other reasons and, as far as I'm concerned, that's okay. I'm just happy folks are in church for we have a better chance of hearing the Gospel when seated in the pew; and, we've a better chance of showing the Gospel when we leave the pew.

Our Christmas play was very traditional and used a baby, children, teenagers and a few adults. They told the story of the first Christmas, the birth of Jesus and there were more than a few sniffles to be heard.

~ the first Christmas ~

~ the littlest angel ~

Yes, this is terribly out of focus...or perhaps it's Gods' way of saying, "fill in the pieces, ponder these things"... but it's my favorite photo of the evening. All the photos were taken without flash, holding the camera as still as possible. This particular picture reminds me of angels who were sent to sing of the glory of the new born King. The littlest angel, seemed not quite sure what she's supposed to be doing, looking to an older angel for guidance and the rush of angels wings were heard all 'round. Truly, I believe we are surround by angels but we drown them out with the radio, the television, the telephone, rushing to and fro...is it no wonder we can't hear them? Is it no wonder we miss God's whisper?

 ~ Mary, did you know? ~

~ Swallowtail Shawl of alpaca ~

Perhaps you remember friend Millie who is a Master Knitter Extraordinaire! That's a title I bestow upon her, gladly, and with much appreciation. She's a knitter who knits anything, and I mean anything, she wants to knit...socks, gloves, lace, Zimmerman's Pi Shawl...which won a first in the SC State Fair! The link isn't Millie's shawl but just as beautiful... and she even knits steeks. Oh lawz. If she wasn't so dang nice, she's intimidate the socks off me. But she is nice, extremely nice and there are hundreds of people who will attest to that fact. Millie and I don't see each other nearly enough and we mail Christmas and birthday gifts. This year that was a Very Good Thing because when I opened Millie's gifts, I began to cry. I try to hide everything underneath a tough exterior and that tough exterior was helped by a stint in import export sales in New York City but, the truth of the matter is, the older I get, the more tender-hearted I become. It's not that I feel things any more deeply or strongly, it's that I'm more unable to hide the fact and when I opened up Millie's Swallowtail Shawl, I boo-hooed in earnest. It's an Evelyn Clark design, one of my favorite designers and can be knitted in a variety of yarns and weights. Millie also added heavier wool yarn and the pattern so I can knit my own Swallowtail Shawl, free pattern here. That's another thing about Millie...she's so encouraging and, obviously, thinks of me as being a Much better knitter than I know myself to be. Case in point: what's on my needles is some brown wool yarn that's being knit and knit and knit and knit and knit and...you get the point, surely! into a scarf for Dave. He likes things plain and simple; no fancy cables...which, by the way I can knit...no yarn overs because they are too lacy, nothing much except Knit. So, he's getting a knitted scarf and then I'm getting started on my Swallowtail Shawl, hopefully, in January. Wish me well and I'll keep you updated.

 

One of the gifts Dave and I gave were small, handmade baskets. We filled some baskets with half pint jars of strawberry jam which I'd made this past spring; with those jars we included a French ceramic jam jar and spoon. Other baskets were filled with hand knitted wash clothes and home made soap. The baskets were hand made by Mary M., who is a Lost Arts Guild member. She sells her baskets throughout southwest VA and, if you're interested, please let me know and I'll put the two of you in touch with each other. She also makes larger baskets but all are useful as well as beautiful and made in the old timey style.

~ Peace with dove ornament ~

Remember the month long Handmade Holidays III hosted by Sew, Mama, Sew? Bless me, I won! See the lovely ornament above? It's hand decorated and has a dove on one side with Peace on the other. We no longer put up a Christmas tree but no matter; this beautiful ornament will hang in the studio where I can see it Every day, not just a few days a year. Many thanks, Affectioknit for the graceful work of your hands.


BTW, if you're interested, Sew, Mama, Sew! is looking to add to their board. See their announcement and when you're famous, I can say I knew you when -smile-. I only wish I was good enough to apply myself!

 ~ I won fabric! ~

Please, contain yourself; I know you know it's beeyouutifull and doncha LOVE those colors?! I do. They make me h-a-p-p-y and they make me smile...a lot. You can see them better at Pippinsequim and you can visit her blog. She's a crafty gal and also an engineer...now wrap your little gray cells around that, why doncha?! Many thanks, Pippinsequim and I'm glad to have met you via the blog and SMS.

And, in closing...a few months ago I announced I was headed to Tomsk, Siberia on a missions trip. For reasons quite personal and best left unsaid here, I am taking the wise council of Dave and my parents and have decided not to go. I am not abandoning my heart for missions, however, and am still sending boxes of goodies to Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russia. Dave and I visited Syktyvkar in the summer of 2004 and spent time in orphanages, hospitals and other facilities. Once again, I made a fool of myself when I broke down in tears in The Children's Home; some of the girls gave me gifts of their delicate crochet doilies and it was so unexpected, it caught me totally by surprise. When we came back home, we started the Komi Kids Yarn Project and have shipped a few dozen boxes of yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, knitted hats and sewing supplies to The Children's Home. It's an ongoing project, supported entirely by donations and Dave and I spend our own money for postage. The only year we've missed sending boxes was last year and that was because Dave's mother fell ill and passed away.

The children are special needs and all learn traditional life skills. Girls learn knitting, sewing and crochet work while boys learn gardening and wood working skills. The girls sew bed coverings, curtains, knit and crochet hats, gloves, sweaters, etc. and the boys keep vegetable and flower gardens. They make their own flower boxes and other items to beautify the grounds and buildings. 

~ goodies, destined for Russia's special children ~ 

Julie and Mike sent the above box of goodies for me to take to Siberia; instead, I'll mail this box along with some yarn and other supplies. She also included a couple of gifts for me - this beautiful thistle dish destined to go into the studio...you may well ask, how in the world will I ever get another thing in that studio?!...but, trust me...it will happen. Where there's a will, there's a way. Isn't this dish too cute?

She included some pomegranate sauce, which she made and canned, and says it's for ice cream. Hmmm. Maybe. I'm thinking it's for home made bread or biscuits; will let you know which. Don't get me wrong, I like ice cream but I love bread -smile-.

Thank you Julie, Mike and your critters! You have blessed me beyond measure, both with your trust and with the gifts of your heart and hands. I am grateful.

Gosh! If you've read this entire post, you deserve a reward. Leave a comment and I'll have another prize drawing; not sure what I'll send, perhaps rug mugs or a skein of yarn, your choice, okay?

Until next time,

Blessings ~ Christmas ~ Santa ~ gifts ~ The Gift ~ ornaments ~ pomegranate sauce ~ fabric ~ the littlest angel ~ goodies ~ Komi Kids Yarn Project ~ a small thistle dish ~ ornament ~ hand crafted baskets ~ hand knit alpaca Swallowtail Shawl ~

Mini-Quilt Wallhanging

If I've not heard from Becky, NC, by 5:00 today, a new random generated number will be chosen. That brings the entries down so chances of winning are improving! -smile-

I've been in the studio this week and have ready six baby quilts sewn together, needing hand quilting and a new mini-quilt inspirational wall hanging. Hopefully, I'll show you on Friday and yes, it's a giveaway as well. Don't we all need a little inspiration and love in our lives? I know my life benefits when those things are applied in abundance. Even better, so do the lives of those around me.

It's a "God-thing" but then, isn't it all God-things?!

Blessings ~ quilted wall hangings ~ baby quilts ~ studio time ~ deep breaths ~ prayer ~ love ~ inspiration ~ Miss Emma in my lap ~

One Thousand Gifts

If you're unfamiliar with Ann Voskamp's blog, A Holy Experience, please, do visit quickly. Her blog has such insight and wisdom that connects the plainest of life...if there IS such a thing...on every level with God's wonder.

"Earth is crammed with heaven and every common bush afire with God" is Elizabeth Browning's quote at Ann's header. It's true, you know. God is in the details as well as every breath and for those who live plain lives, we know it well. By plain lives, I mean lives that aren't filled with the minutia of life...the noise of television or radio, the busyness of too many meetings or activities associated with children's school life or even church life. It's all too easy to fall into the busyness of life and then become overwhelmed with it all. To forget that silence is the most peaceful and restorative of all "white noises"; to forget, or become so busy, we don't break bread, together, at the beginning or end of the day; to put catching up on chores around the house before coming together to worship on Sunday and, worst of all, to forget it's all, ALL, a gift from God. Every breath we take, every dollar we make, the food in the pantry, the books on the shelves, cars in the driveway, animals at our feet or in the pastures, clothes on our backs, every blade of grass or rug on the floor. Make your own endless list.

For some years I've ended each blog entry with a small list of blessings. It serves to ground me in a tiny way, to remind me...perhaps others...of things I...we?...sometimes overlook.

When I found A Holy Experience, I found it lush with God's grace, Ann's beautiful photographs, words of wisdom...all gifts in themselves...and began, slowly reading it, pondering her words, seeing similarities and differences in our lives, seeing a vein of gratitude that runs through each and every entry. God has given her an attitude of gratitude and has blessed me with that same gift.

In November 2006, Ann suggests keeping a journal of gratitude, A List of a Thousand Things. When I first ran across One Thousand Gifts, I thought, "I already do this when I list blessings at the end of every post." Then, I tucked this thought away in my mind and, every so often, would pull it to the fore front and ponder it. Yesterday, the light...Light...dawned and I realized why I should begin A List of a Thousand Things. Not for God. He already knows the gazallion blessings He bestowes upon me in an hour. No, A List of a Thousand Things is for me. To see things I never saw, to hear things I never heard, to taste things I never tasted, to feel things I never felt, to smell things I never smelled. To bring Awareness to me in a way never experienced. To bring a dimension to my 'practicing Christianity' that will bring me closer to Him, the Giver of all gifts.

I'm sure to miss writing down things because the List won't be with me at all times. But I'm also sure to expand my Attitude of Gratitude, my wonder and awe at His loving care over me and all of us at Thistle Cove Farm.

Oh, I won't give up my small blessings at entry end; that will always be a part of each entry. I do have a small notebook that, today, begins my journal journey, A List of a Thousand Things.

“Earth is crammed with heaven and every common bush afire with God. But only he who sees takes off his shoes. The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.”

Blessings ~ journal journey ~ YOU ~ A Holy Experience ~ Ann Voskamp ~ attitude of gratitude ~ His gifts ~

Kreative Blogger Award and freebies

Mandie, Life in the Craft Lane, has the above, free, on her site. She's a talented gal and seeing how it's April 1st, this seems to be appropriate!

One Prim Girl is having a fabulous giveaway and you've got until 15 April to enter and, hopefully, win.

You Can Make This is giving away a Janome Marie Osmond Quilter's Companion sewing machine. How cool is that?! Hope I win this one...hope you do too!

Now for blog news...

There are those who proudly proclaim their blogs are award free; God love 'em. I'm not one. I get excited over beautiful sunrises or sunsets, kisses from Dave or the animals, the sunshine streaming in through the windows on Sunday morning, a handwritten note from a friend...the list is endless.

Sara of Sweet Magnolia has given me a Kreative Blogger Award; thank you, Sara. According to the rules, I must say seven things I love and then pass along. If you're reading this, please consider yourself a Kreative Blogger. You are appreciated for the heart and artful blogs you keep, for allowing me to enter into your homes, dreams, photos, lives. Thank you so much. Please take the button, put it on your blog and then...pass it along, pay it forward, share the blessing.

Seven things I love ~

1. The Trinity and the Word but especially Salvation

2. My family - Dave, Jim and Gladys Bennett, Steven and Donette Bennett, Stephanie and Walt Townsend, Jerry Wayne Jr. and Dustin Williams,

3. Thistle Cove Farm and all the animals living here - dogs, cats, sheep, horses

4. Friends - near, far and in Blogland

5.Good health in part due to good food prepared well and nourishing to both body and eye

6. the work of hands and hearts that love God

7. Hope...I love to hope and find comfort in my belief God is in control.

Blessings ~ 1 through 7 above ~ giveaways ~ hope ~ Sara ~ good health ~

Blogland Free Stuff

Doncha just love free stuff? Hey, Jennifer...I'm talking to YOU -smile- 'cause you've already said you love free stuff. Okay, here's my secret... Blog Giveaways. Yep, as a hobby, this wonderful woman has a blog called Blog Giveaways where she lists bloggers and what they are giving away. She also tells the suspense date so you know to skeedaddle or stroll; what an AAAbsolutely nice thing to do!

Quilting on a Budget is giving away an OTT light. Yep, you read that correctly...an OTT light! Those things are fabulous, especially for 'older eyes' but any eyes will benefit from this full spectrum light. I've bought other 'full spectrum lights' but they aren't anywhere nearly as good as OTT lights.

East Coast Tropics is giving away some beautiful hand crafted soap that looks like it should be eaten, not used in the bath.

Rose is giving away THREE pendants to three lucky winners. I just love that fused glass jewlery but have no clue how to make it. It is beautiful though.

Jersey Bites is giving away Tahitian vanilla beans...oh gosh, I do love vanilla flavor. Around here when I asked at the grocery, "do you carry vanilla beans?" I was told, "vanilla isn't a bean, it's a liquid." Gosh. Who knew?

Cherish Collages is giving away a photo story book...wonderful gift...check it out.

If you win anything, please let me know so I can share in your joy.

Blessings ~ kind folks who give away gifts ~ blogland ~ jewlery ~ Blog Giveaways Woman ~