Thursday, September 2, 2010

Tea with New Friends


Hi, Ruth and everyone!  I found you through Lori (my blog angel) and I think I'm just copying everything that she does.  It's nice to "meet" you this afternoon and to participate with you all--I love tea!

I'm having...peppermint tea, because I'm feeling icky from a cold.  Jacob (19) and Danny (17) are in their college rhetoric class, Joseph (21, my sweetheart with autism) is quietly playing a board game, and Thomas (14) is patiently finishing an algebra unit test from last June that we lost.  What a brave soul to re-do his test!

My teacup is new!  I saved my money and bought a few sets of "everyday china" from Macy's.  I got a great deal on it, and long story short, due to some broken dishes, they ended up sending me another whole set FREE.  I wish I could show you a picture of it; that'll have to wait until my dear camera is returned (one issue that is taking a back seat right now).  But, it is all white, with pretty lines on the bottom and a swirl pattern around the outside of the rim.  Just delicate enough to feel like a treat; just practical enough that I use it every day and it matches everything.  :)

I'm feeling...like I said, a bit icky.  Just really tired, though I'm not coughing or sniffling.  I'm also feeling overwhelmed with life, as we've started a school year like never before.  It's amazing--I tell myself that we've been homeschooling for 16 years, and that I should know what I'm doing!  But with one full-time at home, one full-time at college, one half-n-half, and one full-time high schooler, it is uncharted territory for me.  My dear husband tells me that my #1 priority is homeschool.  But then I struggle with everything else that isn't getting done!

On my mind...Fernando and I read and pray together every morning, and we're in my favorite book.  Here are a few verses that are special to me:

BUT GOD, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
even when we were dead in our transgressions,
made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
and raise us up with Him,
and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
so that in the ages to come 
He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness 
toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7

I emphasized "But God" because He broke into my life way back when (I was 16) and saved me.  My life was headed to hell, and I felt it, but I could do nothing.  I was dead, but God...  Thank You, Lord!

I'll leave you with a quote I found, since I've been making so many new bloggy friends!

Yes'm, old friends is always best,
'less you can catch a new one that's fit to make an old one out of.

Sarah Orne Jewett, US writer

Thank you for making me feel welcome, and letting me share a cup of tea with you!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

10 comments:

  1. A warm welcome to you, Christine! Thank you for joining us here at Tea Talk. What a pleasure to share tea time with you.

    This is such an encouraging post. Loved the verse and the quote you shared. Also, knowing that you homeschool for 16 years made me decide right away to follow your blog! Homeschool moms are great to follow. They have many great stories to share :-) i look forward to browsing your blog and to know you more.

    I hope you feel better soon.

    Blessings!

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  2. Thank you for your warm comments, Ruth!

    Christine

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  3. Hello, sweet Christine! I'm so sorry you are still feeling so crummy :-( but glad you "made it" for Tea Talk today! I have to run, going to my folks' place for dinner...my sister is in town from California! Praying for health to return sooooooon, dearest :-)

    Love and {{{HUGS}}},
    Lori

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  4. Hi Cristine, it's nice to meet you as well. I can only imagine how beautiful your cup must be; and how nice of them to replace the whole set.
    I hope you feel better soon. We have been fighting seasonal allergies here.
    Yes, homeschool must be our # priority. One day the dividends will outweigh the sacrifice and time we have given our children.
    Many blessings to you.

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  5. Lori, the peppermint tea helped! I was even able to walk over to Borders with Thomas to buy an ACT Prep book for Danny.

    Katia, thank you for the warm greetings! :) Allergies are no fun. Thanks for encouraging me; I am always fighting with myself to keep my priorities straight.

    Love, Christine

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  6. Good Morning, Christine~

    I hope this finds you on the mend, and taking it easy until you're well again. I look forward to seeing your teacup and dish set when you're able to post photos.

    I, too, am overwhelmed lately, but today I'm putting everything aside and focusing on my home. This weekend I'll focus on school, and next week we'll dive into school once again. My husband has also said that it is my number one priority, but how to let the rest of it go? No, we must walk it daily and find a balance. I wish you much luck and joy as you find yours. ((hugs))

    Have a lovely weekend,
    Shani

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  7. Christine! We are two hearts entwined already!
    You share my daughter's name...AND, I have a Thomas (husband AND son) and also a Joseph and a Jacob!!!!!!

    I just love the Scriptures and quote you share today.

    God bless you in your special journey of 16+ years...different with each new one.

    YAY to your persevering son for re-doing that test!
    And YAY for free tea sets!!!

    So happy to know you and share Tea Talk today!

    Peace and JOY upon your home in the name of Christ!

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  8. BTW, I was so excited about our family names, that I neglected to tell you that I hope you will feel better soon!

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  9. Thank you, Shani! (What a pretty name you have!) I heard from the camera repair place; they promised to overnight my camera for free once it's done next week. So another week...

    Yes, I'm trying to find a balance. My husband offered to purchase store-bought bread, cereal, etc., but I know the household would be in a small uproar if he did! The boys are used to healthy. :)

    Blessings,
    Christine

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  10. Judy,

    So nice to hear from you! Wow--that is a LOT of names shared! I used to intensely dislike my name, until many years ago when I started learning about femininity and honoring my husband, and I saw that my full Christian name, Christine, is indeed very feminine. And to know that my name means "follower of Christ" is so special!

    Peace and joy be with you and your home, too!

    Love,
    Christine

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