A "Happy Heart Moment"

Brought To Me By Mr. P

Scene: Supper table

Characters: Mr. P and Susan P.

Act 1: Mr. P (who looks very tired) is discussing his day at the office. Talks about having to deal with problematic people, situations, etc..He then states that when he is dealing with all the "craziness" out in the world he takes heart in the fact that soon he will be at home. Once he walks through the front door he knows that the crazy chaos of the world can be left at the office. The deadlines, the pressures, and demands seem far away as they are finally replaced with peace.

Now it's me eleborating as you know I like to do! Mr. P knew that the harsh words heard throughout the day would soon be replaced with soothing, encouraging ones. Ugly frowns and ugly attitudes would be replaced with smiles and understanding, and the chaos of the day would finally turn into calm. Wow!!! No wonder he couldn't wait to leave that all behind and come home!!! Who wouldn't???

Home should be a place of refuge for our family~ a place of understanding, acceptance, and love. Please don't ever devalue or underestimate the role you play in creating this type of home for your family. All those extra little touches do matter, as a matter of fact, they matter a great deal!!! That home-cooked meal, the flowers from the yard that are now a beautiful arrangement on the table, freshly laundered sheets ready to be slept on, clean, shiny windows to see the world through, buttons sewed on, groceries bought with healthy meals and budgets in mind, the beautiful scent of a candle burning, and the beautiful sound of soft, soothing music playing in the background. A listening ear , a kind word, or a gentle touch can truly make a difference. All these things and more come together to make our house a home, a home that our family longs for.

Just as Mr. P took heart in the fact that he knew he would be home soon, your families do, as well. Although you might not always hear it, these little things do matter to them. Why, you might think they don't even notice, but, believe me they do. All these little things add up, they add up to turning those four simple walls that make up your house, into the home of your family's dreams!

I originally wrote this post in December 2006, but I thought it was worth repeating. For many people, Christmas can be a very lonely and sad time. Let us reach out to those who are in need: A hug, a word of encouragement, an invitation to dinner, some baked goods, or maybe even stopping by to enjoy a "cup of Christmas tea" with them, could possibly bring a much needed smile to their face and turn their sadness into joy!
A Cup of Christmas Tea


I have owned this Christmas tea cup for many, many years. It is a cherished gift that was given to me by Mr. P. Along with the tea cup and saucer came the most beautiful book that I still treasure to this day. It is a modern day poem that is timeless in it's message. I had heard the poem many years ago and it really spoke to my heart about the true spirit of the Christmas season. The tea cup holds a place of honor in my dining room during Christmas because it serves a very important reminder to me to remember those who aren't always remembered. I know this poem is very long but I hope you will take some time to read it. Maybe when you have a few minutes during the next few days you can bring your cup of tea along with you and you can read this most beautiful and touching poem. I hope you love it as much as I do!

A Cup of Christmas Tea
By: Tom Hegg

The log was in the fireplace,all spiced and set to burn.
At last, the yearly Christmas race was in the clubhouse turn,
The cards were in the mail, all the gifts beneath the tree,
And 30 days reprieve 'till VISA could catch up with me.
And though smug satisfaction seemed the order of the day,
Something still was nagging me, and would not go away.


A week before, I got a letter from my old Great Aunt.
It read: "Of course, I'll understand completely if you can't,
But if you find you have some time,how wonderful if we
Could have a little chat and share a cup of Christmas tea."

She'd had a mild stroke that year which crippled her left side.
Though housebound now, my folks had said it hadn't hurt her pride.
They said: "She'd love to see you.What a nice thing it would be
For you to go and maybe have a cup of Christmas tea."

But boy! I didn't want to go!
Oh, what a bitter pill
To see an old relation and how far she'd gone downhill.
I remembered her as vigorous, as funny and as bright.
I remembered Christmas Eves when she regaled us half the night.

I didn't want to risk all that. I didn't want the pain.
I didn't need to be depressed. I didn't need the strain.
And what about my brother?Why not him? She's his Aunt, too!
I thought I had it justified,but then before I knew,
The reasons not to go I so painstakingly had built
Were cracking wide and crumbling in an acid rain of guilt.

I put on boots and gloves and cap,shame stinging every pore,
And armed with squeegee, sand and map,I went out my front door.
I drove in from the suburbs to the older part of town.
The pastels of the newer homes gave way to gray and brown.

I had that disembodied feeling as the car pulled up
And stopped beside the wooden house that held the Christmas cup.
How I got up to the door; I really couldn't tell...
I watched my hand rise up and press the button of the bell.

I waited, aided by my nervous rocking to and fro,
And just as I was thinking I should turn around and go,
I heard the rattle of the chinain the hutch against the wall.
The triple beat of two feet and a crutch came down the hall.

The clicking of the door latch and the sliding of the bolt,
And a little swollen struggle popped it open with a jolt.
She stood there, pale and tiny, looking fragile as an egg.
I forced myself from staring at the brace that held her leg.

And though her thick bifocals seemed to crack and spread her eyes,
Their milky and refracted depths lit up with young surprise.
"Come in! Come in!" She laughed the words.
She took me by the hand,
And all my fears dissolved away,
as if by her command.

We went inside, and then,before I knew how to react,
Before my eyes and ears and nose was Christmas past...alive...intact:
The scent of candied oranges, of cinnamon and pine
The antique wooden soldiers in their military line;
The porcelain NativityI'd always loved so much...
The Dresden and the crystal I'd been told I mustn't touch...

My spirit fairly bolted, like a child out of class
And danced among the ornaments of calico and glass.
Like magic, I was six again, deep in a Christmas spell,
Steeped in the million memories the boy inside knew well.

And here, among old Christmas cards, so lovingly displayed,
A special place of honor for the ones we kids had made.
And there, beside her rocking chair; the center of it all...
My Great Aunt stood and said how nice it was I'd come to call.

I sat... and rattled on about...the weather and the flu.
She listened very patiently,then smiled and said, "What's new?"
Thoughts and words began to flow.
I started making sense.
I lost the phoney breeziness I use when I get tense.

She was still passionately interested in everything I did.
She was positive. Encouraging. Like when I was a kid.
Simple generalities still sent her into fits.
She demanded the specifics.The particulars. The bits.
We talked about the limitations that she'd had to face.
She spoke with utter candor;and with humor and good grace
.
Then, defying the realityof crutch and straightened knee,
On wings of hospitality,she flew to brew the tea.
I sat alone with feelings that I hadn't felt in years,
I looked around at Christmas through a thick, hot blur of tears.
And the candles and the holly she'd arranged on every shelf..
The impossibly good cookies she still somehow baked herself...

But these rich, tactile memories became quite pale and thin
When measured by the Christmas my Great Aunt kept deep within.
Her body halved and nearly spent,but my Great Aunt was whole.
I saw a Christmas miracle...the triumph of a soul.

The triple beat of two feet and a crutchcame down the hall.
The rattle of the china in the hutch against the wall.
She poured two cups. She smiled,and then she handed one to me,
And then, we settled back and had a cup of Christmas tea.

By: Tom Hegg




Who in your life is waiting for you to come and share a cup of Christmas tea with them??

The Harvest
Mom's, take heart! Although sometimes you think a harvest will never come, I promise you, it will. As a Mama with grown up babies I can so well remember the days of frustrations and tears, and I'm talking about mine, not theirs! lol There were so many times that I would have feelings of inadequacy and doubts over being a good Mother. Too many times I allowed those negative thoughts to "creep" in and overtake me. I doubted if I even had the wisdom, skill, patience, and trust to even produce such a harvest. To be honest, sometimes things were so bad that I would have just settled for a tiny little sprout :o)

There were so many times that I felt like a failure and would even question the Lord as to why HE would entrust these precious children in my care. It was especially during those most difficult times that I would spend a lot of time on my knees. Through tears I would ask the Lord to give me wisdom, and also the strength to carry on. Because the Lord gave me the strength I had asked for, I kept planting those seeds. So, day after day, year after year that's exactly what I did. And in order for those seeds to grow I tended to them, and nourished them each day. Along the way there had to be much weeding and pruning, but one glorious day, before my very eyes, I had indeed reaped a wonderful harvest!! And do you know what the good news is? YOU CAN, TOO!! Just keep on praying, keep on planting and keep on weeding. Provide those wonderful seeds some much needed nourishment, and before you know it, you will have reaped a wonderful harvest, too! And do you know what the best part of all is? You can then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor, just as I am!

Lavender Bliss. . . .


As busy wives and mothers, it is often hard to find even a second to ourselves. But, since we all have to visit the powder room we might as well make it as a relaxing and soothing experience as we can. A pretty candle, embroidered hand towel, and potpourri all aid in that calming atmosphere we're looking for~ just try to ignore all the banging and screaming while you're in there!

Meeting At The Kitchen Table

Every morning Miss Bonnie and I have a most important meeting to attend. We don't have to dress up in stuffy business suits and fly across the country to meet up with high powered executives. All we have to do is meet at the kitchen table at 9:30! We don't need to bring contracts to sign or business deals to go over, all we need to bring is the most important book of all, the bible! We aren't meeting with the President of a company, but instead we are meeting with someone far more important and wonderful than that, we are meeting with God!


I have never been a morning person and I always felt sort of like a "slacker" when I would read other ladies' blogs and they would talk about getting up before the sun rises to meet with the Lord. If I'm to be completely honest, I could never do it. I need a LOT of caffeine, and some time to wake up before I can even begin to have some brain function! lol Instead of always beating myself up for not doing what they do, I came to the realization that we are all different, and that's okay. It's not that important when we MEET with the Lord, what's important is that we DO!


I wanted to share with y'all what has worked for me. As you notice from the picture, there are two bibles. That is because one belongs to me and one to Miss Bonnie. Can I tell y'all what a privilege it is to be able to study God's word and have prayer each morning with my sweet girl? We have arranged a schedule that works for US and here it is:


Wake up, drink LOTS of caffeine. Make that LOTS & LOTS (I know, I know, it's not good for me, BUT ........;o)

Eat breakfast

Shower, dress, makeup

House blessing (one hour)

9:30: Meet at the kitchen table with each other to spend time in HIS word.

We spend at least an hour doing this and after that we get on with the rest of our day of detailing a room, cooking, etc..... I tell you honestly that this is the most important and meaningful time time I spend during my day.


Of all of the Christian authors I have always found that Elizabeth George has such a special way of speaking to my heart. I have done all of her bible studies and right now we are going through her study of A Woman's Walk With God (Growing In The Fruits Of The Spirit) Today we talked about PEACE. Ah, isn't that something we all need? During the study we came across this poem and I loved it so much I wanted to share it with y'all.


I'm Busy Lord


I'm busy, Lord. Surely You can see
The thousand things that wait for me!
The dishes still lie in the sink-
I cannot stop to pray and think.



Lord,I know You understand.
For You gave these children to my hand;
And now they cry and need me so,
Lord, You understand. I'd better go.



Now I've got them all to sleep,
I'd better dust and mop and sweep.
I must thaw out the meat for stew,
And the ironing is long overdue!



And kindly my Lord answered me,
"Why do you from my presence flee?
I have so much for you today.
My child, I want to hear you pray.



"I love you, child; I want you here
To rest and listen- to shed a tear.
What if Paul had stopped to say,
'Lord, I'm too busy to write letters today!'?



"No, my child, I'm what you need,
Through household duties you can speed,
Yet when you're through, there's emptiness
If this quiet time you miss.



"Oh, thank You, Lord, for showing me
How much I need to wait on Thee.
For what's an undone dish or two
Compared with sharing time with You?"



Nancy Stitzel


Didn't y'all just love that? I guess what I'm trying to tell you is don't get hung up on what other ladies are doing. Don't get into the trap of the comparison game because it can be so destructive. And whatever you do, please, please don't beat yourself up if you don't get up before the roosters! We are all in different ages and stages and we have to do what is best for OURSELVES and OUR families. The only thing that is really important is that we take some time during our busy day and SPEND IT WITH THE LORD!


Much love,
Susan P.

A Brand (And GRAND)New Year!

As I open up my brand new calendar I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement. There is something so wonderful about starting anew, isn't there? Fresh beginnings and new challenges lie ahead of us all. As January 1 rolls around I think it should be used as a time of reflection yes, but more importantly it is a time to take what we have learned in the past and apply it to our future.

In our lives sometimes we are on the top of the mountain where everything is clear and beautiful and sometimes we are in the valley where we are surrounded by darkness and it takes every ounce of energy we have just to take that first time upward. Through it all there is one thing that we can know for sure ~ God is always by our side. Not only is He by our side but He is ON OUR SIDE, too! With this knowledge I know as I start out this new year I will not be starting it alone. That knowledge alone brings about such a wonderful sense of comfort to my heart and soul! I pray that each one of you will be comforted in that as well. Now let us step forward together as we begin this new journey ~ I know there are so many wonderful and marvelous things just waiting for us all!

Much love,

Susan P.

Time For You

During the hustle and bustle of this busy season, make sure you take a little time out for yourself each day. A perfect way to enjoy a few lovely moments is by having a cup of Christmas tea! Won't you please join me? One lump or two?

On My Heart

As the holidays are upon us we are all involved in decorating, baking, going to play rehearsals, church functions, parties, etc... It is a time of great joy but can also be one of sadness, too. It is a time when families come together and it can also be a time when we are reminded of family members who are no longer with us. I experienced this myself during Thanksgiving because it was the first time my dear Grammy would not be with us.

Throughout the years my Grammy had given us many flowers and trees that she had transplanted from her yard. She loved gardening so much and it always gave her great joy to bless others with the fruits of her labors. On Thanksgiving morning I was so happy to look out my kitchen window and see that the Camellia bush she had given us was in full bloom. I knew at that moment exactly what I was going to do. I went out and cut a blossom for each person at our table in honor of my Grammy. Although she could no longer sit at the table with us, she was certainly there with us in our hearts.

A dear friend shared with me about her sadness of missing her dear Mom. I am sure during this holiday season that some of you may be missing loved ones either through death, distance, or maybe even other reasons. As I was thinking of this I decided to go to "google" and I entered "Empty Place At Our Table," because that seemed to describe the feeling I was having. Not knowing what would come up I felt so blessed when this wonderful song came up. It really spoke to my heart. I hope it will to yours, as well.

"It has been well said that no man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear. Never load yourselves, my friends. If you find yourselves so loaded, at least remember this: it is your own doing, not God's. He begs you to leave the future to Him, and mind the present."

George Macdonald

I really needed to hear these words today, my friends. They ministered to my heart and I hope they will to yours, as well.

Much love,

Susan P.

The Great Provider

It's one of "those" days, y'all. You know the kind where it takes every bit of effort to just get out of bed. Now granted, things have been hectic around here to say the least with the wedding and all the company and then the trip to Kentucky this past weekend. However, some days I don't even have an excuse as to why I feel this way. Everything could be going as planned and yet, I still have these days. I have also found that certain times of the month make everyday tasks a little big more "challenging," shall we say?

It is days like these that I have to rely on the Lord more than ever. When I don't feel I have enough strength, I call on HIM to provide it for me. When I don't have a good attitude HE lovingly "nudges" me and once again I am reminded of my many blessings. When I don't feel like going out of my way to help anybody HE has a way of reminding me that it is my duty to be Christlike in my dealings with others. When I feel "grumpy" HE reminds me that a change is attitude is needed and that it can absolutely make a world of difference to how my day turns out. When I want to throw a "pity party" for myself HE doesn't want to be my invited guest, HE'D much rather me attend someone elses's!

Most importantly, through HIS everlasting love he gives me the strength to forge ahead. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I don't know what tommorrw will bring but I do most definitely know, "what a friend I have in Jesus!"

The Comfort Of Home

I came across this wonderful poem and I just had to share it with you. I think it so aptly describes what we as homemakers strive for on a daily basis. What a wonderful and important responsibility God has placed in our care.

All day I did the little things

The little things that do not show.

I brought the kindling for the fire

I set the candles in a row.

I filled a bowl with marigolds

The shallow bowl you love the best

And made the house a pleasant place

Where weariness might take its rest.

You came into that quiet room

That glowed enchanted with the bloom

Of yellow flame. I saw your face

Illumined by the firelit space.

Slowly grow still and comforted

"It's good to be at home," you said.

by Blanche Kuder

Pictures courtesy of Allposter

Plants Are Like Children . . . .

Then (May)

Now (August)

Then (May)

Now (August)

With plenty of TLC, they will thrive and flourish before your very eyes!

Pleasant Hours DO Fly Fast!

This darling sampler hangs in Miss Bonnie's room. One day we were thrifting and she happened upon it and started squealing with delight! Upon hearing that I immediately knew it would be coming home with her ;o)

Today as I walked in her room I stopped and gazed at the picture. I started thinking about time and how fleeting it is, especially when you are having fun!! I now have another wonderful reminder to savor and enjoy each and every second of life that God gives me!

Life Is Like A Cherry . . . .

sometimes it can get messy and sometimes you can find yourself in the "pits" . . . . but the sweet, wonderful goodness is well worth the effort!! So, what are you waiting for? "Dig in" and enjoy every bite ;o)

Father's Day, "A New Perspective"

Tomorrow all across our country countless Americans will be celebrating the long-standing tradition of Father's Day. A time to honor Dad ~ a day set aside to celebrate "fatherhood." Unfortunately, not everybody has been blessed to have a wonderful Father in their life. Some children have suffered abuse at the hands of their father, some have been neglected and unwanted, some will never even know who their Father is. I'm sure as this day approaches some people will be feeling immense sadness over what they feel they "missed" out on. As they watch the touching Hallmark commercials celebrating this day it only serves as a bitter reminder to them of what they never had and so dearly longed for.

But . . . there is GOOD NEWS!!

I am here to tell them that THEY DO have a Father who loves them!! A heavenly Father who knit them in their Mother's womb and who even knows how many hairs they have on their head! They have a heavenly Father who desperately and passionately loves them in a way that is so immense that it would be beyond their comprehension. They have a heavenly Father who can mend their broken hearts and make them whole again. They have a heavenly Father who can replace their unspeakable pain with unspeakable joy. They have a heavenly Father who is just waiting . . . . . waiting for them to come to Him! And miracles upon miracles, it is in the heavenly Father's arms that they will find that "Daddy" they have been looking for all their lives!

Heart prints

Whatever our hands touch --

We leave fingerprints!

On walls, on furniture

On doorknobs, dishes, books.

There's no escape.

As we touch we leave our identity.

Oh God, wherever I go today

Help me leave heart prints!

Heart prints of compassion

Of understanding and love.

Heart prints of kindness

And genuine concern.

May my heart touch a lonely neighbor

Or a runaway daughter

Or an anxious mother

Or perhaps an aged grandfather.

Lord, send me out today

To leave heart prints.

And if someone should say,

"I felt your touch,"

May that one sense YOUR LOVE

Touching through ME.

Author Unknown

The Joy Of Being A "Girl!"

One of the great blessings of being a lady is being able to celebrate and enjoy our femininity. These past few weeks have been busy to say the least and I felt like I needed a little "pamper me" time. One of the ways I can do this is to give myself a manicure and pedicure. I just love looking at my toes when they have pretty polish on them, it just makes me smile!! I only set aside an hour but it was certainly well worth it because I now have HAPPY FEET!! Why don't you set aside some time this week to pamper yourself a little? Let's rejoice in our womanhood

together!

BTW, after I wrote that title I kept thinking about a song with a title very similar to that but I just can't remember it. I keep hearing the song in my head but just can't seem to place what movie it was in. Was it Julie Andrews and the Sound of Music? Help!!!

One Step At A Time

As I gaze upon these steps I am reminded of life's journey. We have several options that we can choose from as to how we climb those steps, and even more importantly, how we live our lives. The first option is that we can stand at the bottom and look up thinking we will never have the strength to climb all those steps. We feel heavily burdened just thinking about the monumental task before us. A feeling of despair comes over us just thinking about the work that lies ahead of us.

We also have another option. We could run up the steps as quickly as we could, without ever giving notice to anything or anyone in between. Our only goal would be to get from point A to point B as fast as possible. If we choose this way we will miss all the wonder and beauty that life has to offer along the way. We are so busy focusing on getting "to the top," or "the great thing that lies ahead," we are completely missing the experience of our wonderful journey.

The final option is my favorite and how I try to live my life. We can deliberately and sure-footedly take one step at a time. On each step we can stop and look around and appreciate what is happening in the present. We can take in all the love, all the beauty, and everything else this wonderful life has to offer us.

Those steps represent our journey in life. It's entirely up to us how we choose to climb them!

Come And Sit Awhile!
A "Nook" Of Your Own~


Can't you just hear this chaise lounge "calling your name?" All that is missing is a nice cup of tea, a good book, and you, of course!! Everybody needs a little cozy nook that they can call their own. A place to unwind, relax, pray, read, and sometimes . . . . just breath:O) Do you have a "nook" of your own? If not, why don't you start creating one?!! You will be so happy that you did.

Meditations Of A Homemaker

Five yellow rosebuds, in a blue vase,
Perfectly molded, gentle in grace.
Fresh-laundered curtains here by my sink.
There 'neath my window birds pause to drink!
Seven red apples in a glass bowl;
Why do they bless and strengthen my soul?

Clean clothes are hanging here in the sun,
Smelling of pure suds-washing is done!
Draining the tubs, scrubbing the floor,
Dusting the table, answering the door,
Digging the garden, hoeing the weeds;
Why do these duties care for my needs?

Lord, mold me gently, just like the rose,
Cleanse me and keep me clean like my clothes;
Empty my soul of every gross thing,
Clear now my life of habits that cling:
Weed out all error. Lord, let me be
A good-hearted homemaker worshiping Thee!

Lydia Stoner

I thought this would be the perfect poem to start the week off with. It really speaks to my heart and I hope it does to yours, too.