THANK YOU!
Dave would, in great excitement, call out to me, “You’ve got another Follower!” That tickled him, and me, so much; thank you for that gift, that great memory. He would click on your names, visit your blogs…never leave a comment though -smile-…and tell me, “you have the nicest followers!” Very rarely did he leave a comment on my blog and mostly as “Mr. Stumbles”.
Yes, there is a give-away…just keep reading!
He was right. You are the nicest folks and, a lot of times, leave the nicest comments. You’ve tucked me into prayer, commiserated with me when things were going not so well, blogged about me, stood in the gap for Dave and I, written Sabbath Keeping when I was unable, sent me cards with actual stamps, e-cards, gifts, poems. Truly, you have blessed me greatly and there have been dark days when I would go back over each and every comment just to feel love and loved; to know I wasn’t alone in my miserable grief. When I was unable to pray, you prayed; when I was unable to post an entry, you said, “it’s your blog, post when
you’re able”; when I felt so absolutely bereft of life’s longing, what kept me going was knowing someone was standing in the gap for me. Bless Ezekiel’s heart, he found no one but God sent me you! If you’re not a Christian, you can’t understand what it’s like…knowing someone, somewhere is taking your name to the throne of God and beseeching Him, the creator of the Universe, on your behalf. I’m telling you, it makes me want to have church…right now!
Mercy Father, please bless us each and every one!
Thank you for your prayers, your comments, your outpouring of love.
As Robert Frost wrote:
“Where had I heard this wind before
Change like this to a deeper roar?
What would it take my standing there for,
Holding open a restive door,
Looking down hill to a frothy shore?
Summer was past and the day was past.
Sombre clouds in the west were massed.
Out on the porch’s sagging floor,
Leaves got up in a coil and hissed,
Blindly struck at my knee and missed.
Something sinister in the tone
Told me my secret must be known:
Word I was in the house alone
Somehow must have gotten abroad,
Word I was in my life alone,
Word I had no one left but God.”
Change like this to a deeper roar?
What would it take my standing there for,
Holding open a restive door,
Looking down hill to a frothy shore?
Summer was past and the day was past.
Sombre clouds in the west were massed.
Out on the porch’s sagging floor,
Leaves got up in a coil and hissed,
Blindly struck at my knee and missed.
Something sinister in the tone
Told me my secret must be known:
Word I was in the house alone
Somehow must have gotten abroad,
Word I was in my life alone,
Word I had no one left but God.”
So, for the giftie…a beautiful china cup and saucer with a ten bag packet of green tea and a beloved book, The Mercy Seller. I enjoyed this book, greatly, and hope you will also. I’ll ship all of it to anyone, anywhere because you only have to be a follower; this is my way of saying you’re the best and I thank God for you!
The rules…
~open to TCF followers world-wide
~comment on this post for your chance to win
~leave a way for me to contact you…sorry, but no searching for e-mail
~comments taken until Sunday, February 5 at midnight
~when your name is drawn, Monday, February 6 at 9:00 a.m. and then you’re notified, you have 24 hours to send me your snail mail address…at Tuesday, 9:00 a.m., if necessary, I’ll do a random drawing again
Blessings ~ followers, each and every one ~
GLENDA CHILDERS says
It is so fun, Sandra, to read of Dave's love and interest in your blog and blog followers. Such a sweet memory.
Fondly,
Glenda
Teresa says
I'm glad I found your blog when I did, wish I'd found it earlier. You live in the loveliest place in the world. I drive through your neck of the woods when dropping off or picking up my daughter from college. I rarely comment, but I do read. Bless you for sharing yourself and your farm with a city girl.
Laurie says
What a lovely tribute to us, your readers! Thank you for the chance to win this cup of cheer!
quinn says
I just realized there is a difference between "subscribing" (which I already did) and "following" which I now do as well.
Thanks, Sandra ๐
Amber says
I think that Dave's excitement over your blog is so sweet. I mean, that just really touched my heart!!! ๐ thanks for the lovely giveaway. We're tea drinkers here and, boy, do I love to read! If I would happen to be the lucky winner, you can just notify me through my blog, please. Thanks again! And have a most blessed day!
Paula says
Welp, I'm crying now…
It would be lovely to win, Sandra, but just knowing you through blogging has been truly blessing enough for me!
Vicki says
This is a fun giveaway. I need a new book to read! So happy to follow by email.
Nancy's Notes says
What a beautiful tea cup and saucer! Oh my, a special giveaway. You have a wonderful blog, sweet friend!
Anonymous says
Bless your heart… we all come here because we're friends! XO!
Pom Pom says
Oh, the tea cup and saucer are so pretty! They remind me of you, Thistle.
How sweet you are!
(GBS) NewsFromTheHill says
It would be a treat to win the beautiful cup and book but whatever happens, I'm here for the company and thought provoking words that you provide!
Oh yes, it was a thrill to get the first comment on the blog. I'm still new enough that I'm counting followers and gleeful when someone new joins me. I'll be over the moon if I ever break the 50 mark!
Grace
Nancy @ A Rural Journal says
I'd totally love to win your giveaway, Sandra. So generous!
It's always fun to see a new follower — someone likes me! ๐
Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says
Congrats on your followers. Wishing you many more ๐ I love the cup – beautiful!
Hartwood Roses says
My husband does what your Dave did … proudly tracking followers and reading comments. "Did you see that you have xx new followers, Honey?", he says. or, "so-and-so left a really funny comment."
I come here to 'visit' with you because you have a created a peaceful place here … even in its raw state sometimes, we all see the peace beneath the pain. You are giving and inspiring and uplifting. (you can stop blushing now) ๐
La Petite Gallery says
I love Frost too. I always had AAA
but only used it 2 times in 3 years. I don't think they could have gotted a tire Sat. at 5PM and i was 2 hours away from home. There is a limit to the tow. I think I will call them again. Thanks for the comment, and I am a good friend too. How are you doing?
yvonne
Timi says
What a lovely way to show your love to your followers!!!
You have a very big heart โฅ!!!
cathy@home says
Dear Sandra, I would like to put link to your giveaway if you dont mind.
Carol says
Dear Sandra, I've read your beautiful posts over the past few months and I am filled with the love that just pours from your heart. I am so sorry that you have lost your wonderful partner Dave. I have always enjoyed your stories of the farm and the great companionship you shared with him and I can only imagine the roller coaster of emotions you must be experiencing. Your personal courage and your love of God shine through your sadness. Blessings and love to you, Carol
KathyB. says
A perfect poem for this time, I had never read it before.
My prayers are with you. Your memories of Dave are so sweet, and although I never met him in person, I can almost hear him as he exclaims over your blog.This memory of yours makes me smile.
Just BE Farm says
Having published our first post only three days ago….I can say you described the beginning very well. We have spent three days counting our followers and checking our comments. It's addictive really. You have such a beautiful blog and Bobby is a complete quote junkie, so it is right up our alley. Curious about which rare breed horses and type of sheep you raise? Thank you for stopping by and giving us such a warm welcome to the blogging world.
~Bobby & Eric~
vicki says
Sandra – I love your beautiful blog. It was your incredible blog header – the most amazing view ever that brought me here in the first place.
I feel guilty entering the contest – because honestly – I'd be here anyway – I am so in love with being here. But – having said that – I am happily entering because that cup and saucer if fabulous- and so is the book!
I love the story about Dave – so very precious – treasure those memories~~
vicki
Holly Days Closet says
I think it me whose been blessed following you. You are a true gift thank you.
Holly
hollydaycloset@yahoo.com
Dawn @ Dawnings says
๐ ๐ This post and your sweet memory of Dave make me happy. Only God could have known ahead of time that memories would be such sweet reward.
Walking on Sunshine... says
I love that you hubby would check your follower numbers! That was a sweet memory to share. Enter me in your contest! My email address is philipc@ptd.net
Hope you're having a great day!
Lora says
what a wonderful giveaway!! ๐ i am always blessed by your blog. you are so encouraging!! lora (eagerhands@gmail.com)
Whimsey Creations says
The book sounds wonderful – I went and read a synopsis on amazon.com. And what a beautiful tea cup! I hope you have a peaceful week. Smiling at you from Georgia!
Sassafras and Winterberry says
What a sweet and thoughtful giveaway! I would love to be included!
Hugs!!
Courtney
Marydon says
Sandra, you are truly such a blessing & joy to all of us. We give back what we receive. Those precious moments of Dave will carry you thru forever.
Have a great week.
TTFN ~
Hugs & love, sweet friend.
Marydon
LuLu Kellogg says
What a lovely Giveaway Sandra! Please put my name in the hat!
I know Dave is smiling down on you!
Love,
LuLu~*xoxo
Lady Farmer says
See? There you go again! Always giving ~ whether it be a giveaway or encouragement, you have us all beat! ;~P
Oh, Sandra, I just love that Dave was excited about your blog and followers! What a great memory, indeed!
I would like to read the book ~ the title is very intriguing! And reading is always better with a cup of tea!
Thankful for you, my friend!
Susan says
Oh Sandra, you are such a sweetie. You always sound like you're so deep in thought. I hope you have a wonderful day and I often think of you and send you a big hug. I'm sure whoever wins this gift will think of you every time they take time out to make a cuppa and sit with a book.It would be like a visit with you. Susan.
Peggy says
Love being one of your followers. I always get a blessing when I stop by your blog. I can't remember reading this poem by Robert Frost. Am going to go back and read it again as I really like it. Would love to be part of your give away. Drinking tea from that beautiful cup and reading The Mercy Seller would be a perfect way to spend a evening by the fire. I believe Dave is smiling as he reads all our comments and giving you a thumbs up. ๐
Jane says
The china is beautiful,thank you for the nice words,it's always good to know you are appreciated.You are so welcome. I hope your day's are getting better and will continue to get even better. Blessings Jane
Michelle says
Guess I'd better take my laptop with me to my sister's when I go to see my new nephew! That is such a pretty cup and saucer; it would make tea even more of a delight.
I only wish I had stumbled upon your blog long ago; alas, I came after Dave had left….
Lynne says
I follow you and not sure if I am in your follower list. I can't find it . . .? I love your tea cup . . . How fun your Dave followed along and liked your blog. I would love to read one of his comments . . .
Your book must be good if it is one of your favorites!
All will be well . . .
Patrice says
Please enter me. I love Robert Frost. I totally understand what it is like being upheld to the throne of God. I cannot imagine not having the reassurance that the Lord is in control of all.I'm so glad that so many folks have been there for you.I have met such an amazing group of people through blogging:)