Pink Roses

      As I visited my Father-in-law one day I walked along the little garden path leading to his front door and saw these roses bent over with their stems broken...barely hanging on. The rain had fallen with such force that they bowed from the weight of it. They were so beautiful, I thought it would be a shame to leave them there so as I left I broke them off and put them in  the back seat of my car.

      They didn't mind the two hour ride home one bit. I think they were grateful for all the attention I was giving them. My Father-in-law takes care of them, but he doesn't really admire them and baby them as my Mother-in-law did before she passed away five years ago. He maintains them, but doesn't love them as she did.

      When I put them in the vase at home they reminded me of her and what a gracious lady she was. She was also beautiful, like the roses. She chose them long ago, planted them, and nurtured them. Now they live on as a memory of her caring touch.

("Fragrance" Royal Grafton, Fine Bone China, England)

      When I pulled out this teacup, I saw the pink roses looked a lot like the ones in the vase. I'm sure they are happy to share a cup of tea with each other and me. The gold trim on the handle of the cup is worn off a bit, so I know someone in the past enjoyed using it. Perhaps it was someone special like my Mother-in-law. I'm thankful she took good care of it and I can enjoy it now...and the roses.

      I hope I will be the kind of person to pass on beauty to others, whether it is something I have planted and nurtured, or gently cared for and preserved - like the tea cup. In that small way I can share a little of the blessings God has given me.

What blessings are you enjoying today?

Charlotte

I'm linking to these lovely tea parties...

A Country Tea

I love having tea outside on a beautiful sunny day

And what could be better than ice cream and berries?

I occassionally make complicated delicate desserts, but most of the time I prefer something easier with my coffee or tea...

otherwise I might not have time to do it at all.

My main requirement is that it tastes good - pretty is nice too.

 I have shared this china with you before. It was my grandmothers, passed down to me.
She would be so happy to know I am sharing it with you!

Royal Albert Autumn Rose 

 I like the sound of running water, it's so soothing,
especially on a warm summer day.

It reminds me of a Bible verse I memorized years ago,

"He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:3

 Talking about the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord.

 The roses in my vase are from a bush in the front yard.
They are simple carpet roses but I think they are lovely cut and brought in the house. They last a long time.

 I planted Red Flame grapes to grow along the rails of my back deck to add a bit of shade in the summer.

I'm blessed with the delicious fruit when it ripens.
They remind me of another verse...

"I am the vine, you are the branches.
He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit;

for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

There is so much beauty all around us if we look for it.

"...whatever things are true...noble...just...pure...lovely...of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8

Thank you for joining me on the back deck for tea today!

It was delicious!

Charlotte

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