Wednesday, December 21, 2011

I have truly been blessed.

"Tell the Lord how thankful you are,
because He is kind and always merciful."
Psalm 118:1

I have truly been blessed with generous gifts from the blogging world. I am truly thankful not only for the gifts but the wonderful comments.

First I will show you the wonderful package I received in the Winter Wonderland Exchange. Tricia - The Stamper's Stitching sent me the most wonderful package.


Just receiving this box in the mail put a smile on my face.


Inside was all these beautiful wrapped gifts with the most wonderful handmade card.


Just look at all the fun and wonderful stuff I received. Tricia also included three extra handmade cards for me to send out. Two have already gone out to special people. I can't wait to add the pattern to my list of must do's this year. Can you see she also sent me a pair of scissors, you know my saying "A girl can't have too many scissors".



Her stitched pillow is just the cutiest. Love that it is in the pink tones.


Here is what I sent to Jennifer - Crafty Inaginings by Jen.

This last week I received a few surprise packages in the mail. All I can say is they came at a time I needed an extra cheering up.


First came this package from Ann (no blog). I sent to her in the Authum exchange. The threads are so lovely with a small gold thread in them. I will have to find something special to stitch when I use them. Love the heart buttons made out of shells. Thank you so much Ann.


Cucki - Cucki Stitching Cove sent this cheery envelope with a fun frame and some cute cards. I will have to find something special to stitch to put in the frame. Thank you Cucki.


If all that wasn't enough Belinda - Samplings from a Blue Ribbon Girl surprised me with this wonderful gift. I saw the beautiful snowflakes on her blog and never dreamed I would recieve one. They are even more beautiful in person. Look at the fun pin cushion she made and stuck in some fun pins. There was a lot more candies in the bag but they needed to be tested right away. She is so creative with all her scrapes of material.  Thank you Belinda for brighting my day.



Back in the summer when I had emailed Lainey I told her about a delicious treat I had in Scotland. She graciouly sent me the recipe but it was way too hot to do any baking. I did manage to make a couple of batches this week and they are wonderul. It is a shortbread bottom, a layer of homemade caramel and then topped off with chocolate. Boy do they bring back memories of my trip to Scotland.


I don't like ending on such a sad note but the reason these gifts all came as such a time when I needed it most is my SIL. I have told you she had been very ill. On Saturday she left of to be with the Lord and is no longer in pain. So many of you have sent me your prayers and I thank you so much. Please keep her family in your prayers.



This picture was taken on Easter Sunday just days after she was diagnosed with cancer. She was only 51 years old and leaves behind her husband and two daughters, ages 22 and 10.


Remember the reason we are celebrating his holiday season with the birth of Savior.


Always keep love in your stitches,
Teresa






19 comments:

Parsley said...

I'm sorry for your loss.

I am glad you got some happy mail. It does help us in hard times to get a smile here and there.

dixiesamplar said...

So sorry for the loss of your dear SIL...our prayers are with you & the family!

What lovely exchanges/gifts you have received...I bet they did put a smile on your face.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

butterfly said...

Oh Teresa, My heart goes out to you and your family , it's so sad to lose our loved ones so young , She will be in a better place. And no pain. One day we will all meet up with our loved ones again. Your all in my Prayers.

Love all the lovely exchanges and wonderful gifts.

Blessings for Christmas and New Year.

CalamityJr said...

I'm so sorry about your SIL's passing, but glad you have faith to know she's spending Christmas in heaven. You have some very thoughtful stitching friends; what lovely gifts!

Mouse said...

oooohhh sorry to hear about your SIL ... she will now know peace and be in no pain ... ((((HUGS)))) to you all .....
love the gifts you received from every one ... thought I recognised the card maker ;) and yummy millionaires shortcake is what we call it ... and that snowflake and the pin cushion is gorgeous off Belinda :) ... take care and I hope that you are able to enjoy the Christmas Holidays even with your loss .... love mouse xxxx

cucki said...

so sorry dear for the loss of your SIL..i am feeling so sad..
sending you lots of love and hugs.
lovely exchange and beautiful gifts..
love and blessings for you cucki xx

carol fun said...

So sorry for your loss, she was much too young. My prayers go out to her girls and all your family.

Lovely gifties - aren't stitchers the nicest people? Take care-

Deborah said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. The gifts that you received are lovely. The snowflake is really beautiful.

Tricia T said...

I didn't realize that your SIL had graduated to Heaven, Teresa. What a bittersweet time for your family. Happy that she is with Jesus, but sad for your loss. May you know God's grace and peace in a special way this Christmas season. I'll be praying for you and yours!

Nancy said...

So sorry for your family's loss, I will keep you all in my prayers.

So great that you received so many wonderful presents in the mail. That snowflake is gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

wow you are one lucky girl to receive all those awesome presies

Lesleyanne said...

So sorry for your loss. Sending my condolences to you and your family.

The gifts you have received are gorgeous.

Sue N. said...

My condolences to your family. Give each other lots of hugs this holiday season.

pam said...

Your family is in my prayers. I know this is a tough week. God knew you would need some pick me up and you got some wonderful surprises.Hugs from AL.

Carol said...

Oh, Teresa, I'm so very sorry to hear about your dear sister in law--there must be a huge hole in your family's hearts... Sending you hugs; I can see why the gifts from your blogging friends helped bring some sunshine into your life at this time.

Catherine said...

Teresa, I am so sorry to read your news of your sweet sister in law. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family - especially her daughters.
Lovely gifts, given and received, I hope they brought some cheer at a much needed time.
Hugs....

Mary Ann said...

Teresa, I am so sorry to read of your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.

Anne said...

Teresa, I am so sorry to hear about your loss of your sister in law. Her family is in my prayers during this difficult time.

Take care Teresa,

Anne

Pumpkin said...

Of course I remember your SIL being ill and I'm SO sorry for your loss :o( I will keep you and her family in my thoughts. What a wonderful picture to have.

What wonderful gifts and I can see why they cheered you up :o)