Sunday, December 7, 2014

Joy of Giving and Receiving



Hebrews 10:24
 "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works."

I spent the whole day yesterday, shopping with my 3 daughters and granddaughter. We do this each year and pick out what we want from each other, this makes it easy on us, we know what the other one wants and by Christmas most times we forget what it was and it's still a wonderful surprise. It's such a JOY to give and it's nice to receive too!


The first of the week I received a gift from Stephanie, over at "The Enchanting Rose" blog. She loves to make things, and is very good at it.
 She made me this ornament to go on my tree.
 
And this teabag holder. I love it! It's the right size to carry a couple bags of tea in my purse.
 Isn't it really pretty and I love pink!
Thank you, Stephanie.

 While I was shopping yesterday, my husband called me and said, "You got a box in the mail". I was so excited to get home and open it, I was like a child again at Christmas. Twice in the same week I received gifts from two sweet ladies. This one was from Michele, over at "The Nest at Finch Rest" blog. Michele and I met through a Ladies Tea Group website, several years ago.


She had wrapped each item separate, I was so blessed with her love and kindness to me.




Isn't this a lovely set of napkins, I'll have a Tea with my two granddaughters while they are out for Christmas break. They will enjoy the Santa teapot filled with the Holiday Tea.



I sat and read the book this morning as I had my Tea.
I loved it but it did make tears fill my eyes. It tells of a girl growing up and visiting her great aunt at Christmas and how she took it all for granted and then realized the importance of family and the love of spending time together.

 After her Great Aunt had passed away, she realized the lessons she was teaching her and the prayer for her to find faith and truth!

While God has blessed us with this season of His Son's birth, my prayer is that we use it to reach out to others and share His Love, as these two dear ladies has shared theirs with me.

Thanks Stephanie and  Michele, for the gift of your friendship!




Have a Blessed Sunday!
Sylvia

14 comments:

Susie said...

Sylvia, You have wonderful friends . I love the gifts you received. The tea tote for your purse, what a great idea. Those napkins are just beautiful. Blessings to you for a wonderful Sunday, xoxo,Susie

NanaDiana said...

What a beautiful post, Sylvia. I love all the sweet gifts you got from friends and how nice that they know you well enough to know just what you like. Glad you had fun shopping with the girls and that you had another great surprise waiting when you got home.

That is a beautiful poem and I could remove the great-aunt part and insert aunt and it applies to a special aunt I had when I was young. Have a wonderful Sunday. xo Diana

Debbie Harris said...

Such beautiful gifts for you, dear Sylvia!
I think it is just precious how you have tea parties with your loved ones. Your granddaughters will love the Santa tea pot for their tea with you.
The Lord has blessed you with some very dear friends.
Have a blessed Lords Day today.
Sweet blessings, Debbie

Tessa~ Here there be musing said...

What a lovely tradition, for you and your daughters and grand daughter. A lovely day together. And taking the "Oh what will I get" out of gift giving.

And a package in the mail! It is a joyful, joyful happening. :-)

Lottie said...

Thank you, Sylvia, for your gift of friendship to me! You are a treasure!

Jan said...

Lovely gifts and beautiful thoughts!

Kay G. said...

Oh, what a wonderful post! I can feel the love and gratefulness flowing from you.
God bless!
Love,
Kay

Pamela M. Steiner said...

How perfectly wonderful! I am so excited for you...and happy that God has blessed you with such thoughtful gifts and friends...and not to mention the sweet time with your own girls. May your Christmas season continue to be merry and bright! Blessings to you my friend.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Lovely gifts from your thoughtful blogging sisters.

Stephanie said...

Good evening, my dear Sylvia! You are a precious lady and a joy to many - I am so grateful for you and your friendship.

The items you received from Michele are simply delighful! I love the book and I am sure it makes the perfect addition during tea time.

May the Lord richly bless you, sweet one. Love and hugs!

Lady Linda said...

Don't you just love to find goodies in the mailbox! Our Stephanie is just the sweetest! Love your other gifts too.
Have a good week Sylvia.

Terri said...

Hello Sylvia,
Happy Holidays! I am glad you are having such a good holiday with your family. How wonderful to receive lovely gifts in the mail from kind friends! Indeed exciting!
Hugs,
Terri

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Merry Christmas, sweet and dear friend.

Hugs and prayers to you and yours.

~Michele

Two Cottages And Tea said...

How wonderful to spend time with your girls! A wonderful blessing! Your gifts a wonderful blessing, too!
Nancy