a love language & a long post

Recent treasures from those i love~~~
-my sweet hubby came home with a box of yummy paula deen goodies--several seasonings & biscuit mix from her restaurant Lady & Sons in Savannah.
-my dearest life long friend, while at the Atlanta market visited with Victoria Mackenzie-Childs-they shared precious stories just about life really, loss, moving on etc. She knows I love that line & shared with me some special stories from VMC. She then ran into Wendy Addison-knowing I've been a fan of hers & all her glittery wonder, she brought me a signed glittery keychain ornament.
That day , both of those thoughtful gestures from 2 people I love dearly, albeit small in nature spoke largely to my heart.
The next day I was able to exchange overdue Christmas with another precious friend. We are both huge anthro fans--she handed me a huge box from there filled with this wonderful bowl, little silver tree & funky kitchen towel. The girls have collected ornaments from coton colors and she gave me the adorable friendship one. too fun.

They say everyone has a love language---a form that when expressed has a way of making you genuinely feel loved, accepted, & appreciated. They include physical touch, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, & gifts. When I look back on moments or special times with loved ones I remember the card sent, the way a gift was wrapped in the special way, a box of cookies when i was in labor, an amy grant cd that had been dropped off while i was at school, from the simple to the extravagant those special gifts fill the space in my heart.
They also say its easiest for us to love others by using our own gift but in actuality the most effective way is to discover what makes the object of your affection tick?
Does that little girl feel most special when you carve out time in your day to spend with just her? Does he feel loved & respected most in those moments when you verbally affirm him? Does that precious friend feel loved when you cook her dinner or clean her home while she's at the hospital with a sick relative?
While all forms of love are wonderful, it seems to connect on a deeper level when we discover what love language speaks loudest to those we cherish.

The last time it snowed in Atlanta was 5 years ago.

While we weren't completely blanketed in fluffy white loveliness, we enjoyed our "snow day" none the less!

One of my girlfriends asked me the other day why I blog? Initially I began as a way to journal the simple thoughts & events in my family. A fun place to keep photos & memories together. Somedays I may have just a silly photo , while other days my heart is heavy. But one aspect which I never planned was the connection with other women. Many of whom I love to be inspired by spiritually and those who creatively inspire me.
In the last week however many sweet precious tender things have also occured that I treasure deeply.
I have connected with a young mommy, widowed 2 weeks ago. Having been there myself I hope to come along side & encourage her. Sometimes there are no words, but just knowing someone's 'out there' who understands brings comfort. I see many of you doing that for others all the time.
I have prayed for a new blog friend via private emails shared about a difficult time in her life right now. I think sometimes its just easy to share with someone that's not in your daily life--a fresh 'someone' with an objective perspective.
I have been honored to pray for a young mommy whose baby girl is currently in the hospital awaiting results of some tests.
I was humbled to receive a couple of comments from women who had questions or doubts about their walk with the Lord & felt inspired by something I said. While I take no glory for that one, I am fully aware and am amazed that the Lord can use a medium such as typepad or blogger. And to reap the benefits of joining others whether in a laugh, a shared hobby, or even in prayer I consider that a blessing .

I treasure each of you that I've had the priveledge of connecting with this last year as i began blogging.
May you have a wonderful day
(especially because you made it through my lengthiest post ever-ha!)
Next post promises to steer clear of heavy thoughts!
xo