Thank You!

“Kind words are like honey -- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24

I just wanted to pop in to let all my readers know that I really appreciate all your kind words in the comments left here, the emails and even phone calls over the past few weeks.

Life can get so busy that we neglect to acknowledge the kindness of friends and strangers alike.
I don't ever want to take anyone for granted as each one of you is special and unique, with an interesting story to share.

The past few weeks have been very busy for me as there is a lot going on, but know that each one of you is so special to me but also to God.

Blessings on your week!
Joanne

The Gift of Kindness

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~Leo Buscaglia

While I was at work this evening at the library, my friend M who works at the florist shop in town here, walked in carrying the most beautiful poinsettia plant then handed it over to me. I thought it was an order for the library and was shocked when she said it was for me. I just couldn't believe it!
Some dear kind people ordered it for delivery to the library just for me.
I can't thank them enough for their kindness... It just made my day!

And at church on Sunday a fellow anglophile brought me some lovely holly from her garden as we talked about how much we love all things british including holly and ivy.
It was so very kind and thoughtful of her! Thank you M!

After posting about my broken dishes including 3 cups and saucers, another dear kind lady had a little package for me on Sunday. I was so moved that she would have parted with one of her own tea cups as well as one she found. Her kindness moved me to tears when I saw what was in the package. My heart is so full of thankfulness to her!
Thank you D!

How beautiful a day can be

When kindness touches it!
~George Elliston

Kindness (thoughtfulness) is truly one of the greatest gifts we can give to one another.
I then reflect on God's kindness toward us, a reminder again during this Christmas season:

God's Daily Acts of Kindness
1. Unconditional love.
2. Forgiveness ~ he is a God of second chances
3. Grace ~ undeserved favor, a free gift that is greater than anything money can buy.
4. Peace ~ even in the midst of difficulty.
5. Joy! Hope!
6. Jesus ~ the best gift of all. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the birth of Christ. Easter wouldn't be Easter without the Resurrection...

Sage Advice from a Garden

I am still reflecting on the Ladies Retreat we had this weekend and wanted to share a wee bit more before moving on.
Last week my friend W, who joined me on my market excursion, arrived with the most beautiful package of cards in her hands: I hadn't yet shared with her the theme of our Ladies Retreat, and how important I felt it was to show kindness in the form of a card or a phone call, especially in the age of email. I felt so blessed that she knew me well enough to know how much I love cards and that sending them is one of my ways to show love and concern for another.
Recently I was invited to a wrap up party at our Coffeebreak leader's home. She had a very busy day and yet, she took the time to put out the most beautiful 'spread' for all of us. She had baked goods, coffee and tea, but didn't stop there. She also put out a vegetable platter, and a fruit tray and more goodies. It spoke to me of how important she felt this ministry was, to go out of her way to bless those involved. She also sent each one of us home with a lovely plant and a very thoughtful card:
And then yesterday, we bid a tearful farewell to our dear K, who is taking up the challenges involved in a new job within the library system. I shared in an earlier post how much she has blessed so many with her kind and thoughtful ways. Well, here is just one more evidence of that: she gave each one of us, her fellow employees, a gift of gratitude and love. Each gift was different and unique to the receiver. That spoke volumes to me. She took the time to contemplate each of us, and then chose a gift to reflect that. I just love what she gave me, both the journal as well as the card:
Another friend, I, went out of her way to drop off some book bags to my home and when I wasn't there, she left them with my hubby, then came to the library just to say 'hi', share a hug and a warm smile. That also meant so much to me!
Another friend, S, dropped by with a beautiful bouquet of fragrant daffodils from her garden....just to let me know she was thinking of me. I have appreciated the emails and phone calls I have received over the course of time from other friends, and those who have taken the time to acknowledge emails that I have sent to them or return phone calls left for them.
Those who gave of their time, talents (giftings) and resources to bless the women at the Ladies Retreat,
I say, "Thank-you from the bottom of my heart".
I feel so privileged with my hubby and four children, who are often thanking me for the 'wonderful' meal, a clean and tidy home and have said that the best part of their day is coming home. That is the most treasured gift they can give me and the the highest compliment they can express to me!
These are just a few recent acts of kindness shown that have really blessed my heart.
There are so many creative ways to scatter seeds of kindness including sharing your gift of baking or cooking to bless another, inviting someone in your home for tea or to share a meal, remembering those in the hospital with a card or a visit, imparting words of encouragment or a compliment to someone, being generous with your time and resources, visiting a nursing home, genuinely listening to others, offering to babysit for a single mother, or a couple with a young family who seldom get time alone....
Here is some sage advice for all of us:
I found this book online and thought it was just beautiful with a very special message:"In the enchanted Irish countryside of ancient forests, singing bridges, and babbling brooks stands a thatch-roofed pink cottage overlooking the sea. In all of Ireland there’s no place finer to have a cup of tea. On the door of that cottage is a timeless symbol that recalls travelers home no matter how far they’ve roamed. And in the heart of that cottage is a compassion and generosity whose warmth and wonder turn the world."

Don't you just love that? It is a reminder to be available, to show hospitality, to extend a helping hand, to be mindful of others, to show compassion and generosity to our fellow travellers on this journey of life.

I want to live my life intentionally, to think beyond myself to those around me and to apply this verse to my life:

" Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:3, 4

Seeds of Kindness

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
~Leo Buscaglia

This weekend was the Ladies Retreat of our church, held in a beautiful setting on Conestoga Lake.
The theme we chose was:
Sowing Seeds of Kindness and Love.
It was alot of fun to put together the ideas as well as the details, and it gave S, C, and myself joy to bless the ladies that came, with the little "goodies" that we prepared. We had the 'seeds of kindness' packets at each place setting for breakfast this morning, and inside each packet were seeds as well as ideas for how we can show kindness and love to those around us. It can be as simple as sending a card in the mail, or taking the time to pick up the telephone to touch base with family and friends. It really doesn't cost much more than our time and thoughtfulness to scatter seeds of kindness. We used the book/DVD by Joyce Meyer, entitled:
"The Love Revolution", and gave out folders for study notes.
We were challenged to think beyond ourselves to the many needs in this world: the poor, the marginalized, injustice shown to children, etc. In the afternoon we offered two workshops which were enjoyed by the women:
Floral decorating as well as Card-making.
We had the meals catered in by a Mennonite group who did a great job of preparing a wholesome and delicious breakfast and lunch. The view from our tables over-looked the lake and it truly felt like a vacation and 'retreat' for all of the busy ladies!
We had some leisure time to stroll the grounds, go for a walk, or just sit on the deck and visit over coffee or tea. Although the skies were overcast, it was warm and comfortable to be outside: We sent home a little gift to the ladies who led the workshops and the worship time.
I think I speak for everyone who attended, when I say that it was truly a time of refreshment and renewal as well as encouragement:
"And let us continue to consider how to motivate one another to love and good deeds" ~Hebrews 10:24