Thursday, November 11, 2010

Simple Graces

While at Relevant, we were introduced to a number of sponsors who shared their goodies and vision with us. There was one sponsor who stood far out and above all the rest to me and that was Dayspring.

I've always been a Dayspring fan - I love their taste and style, love using their things in my home and sending their beautiful and meaningful cards! But, getting to meet some of the people behind it and hear their hearts was a very special thing for me! I prayed on the way home that God would provide a way for me to be involved in what they are doing.

One of the things we were offered as attendees of Relevant was to do a couple of Dayspring reviews on our blogs and yes, a giveaway! And, with that - I offer you the first!

Monday morning my doorbell rang and a box was deposited at my front door. I am always excited to open boxes that are dropped at my door and this was no exception. Especially because I knew what was in this box!

Oh, these Ever Grateful dishes - aren't they beautiful?! I love the colors, the designs and shapes and especially the messages included. David and I are praying about me selling with Blessings Unlimited and these dishes are the first thing I would hope to earn!

But, for now - I received this beautiful pitcher! It is big and well made and oh, I love what it says.

"thankful for simple graces..."

I was picturing some beautiful sunflowers or something in it and looked out the window to see if there was anything I could clip from the yard. Everything was plain green leaves - beautiful, but not what I had pictured.

I'm so glad I ventured outside to look more closely though. I was blessed by the simple grace of walking through my yard. And, the simple grace of being surprised at what I found. And, now the simple grace of enjoying the beauty He has provided for my table.

simple graces...

I hope those words stick with me for a while - I want to ponder the simple graces and practice giving thanks for those things. What simple grace are you thankful for today? Leave a comment and be entered to win a $35 shopping credit to Dayspring! Please note that shipping charges will apply to your order. Comments will be accepted through Friday evening at 9pm EST - winner announced Saturday!

P.S. - I'm planning a big giveaway day for the day after Thanksgiving - so plan to stay home and win something fun!

Disclosure: Dayspring gave me this pitcher - in exchange for sharing my thoughts with you. The thoughts I shared and pictures are my own.

100 comments:

Lisa said...

The pitcher is beautiful. I am thankful for and delight in the ordinary days of life.

Lisa
lmw@friendlycity.net

Ginger said...

a simple grace I'm going to enjoy this morning is staying in bed and watching the sun rise through my bedroom blinds

One Pretty Little Box said...

That is a BEAUTIFUL vase!!! I love it! What an amazing little gift on an ordinary day. Just like God ~ ti give his little graces.... in a simple way, yet it feel so amazing and awe inspiring.

Casey said...

What a beutiful pitcher! The saying on it says it all! Thank you so much for your blog, it has been a true blessing in my life.

Anonymous said...

Please enter my name in your drawing. I, too, love their products! Your pitcher is just beautiful and lovely in your home.

Stephanie in SC said...

Monica,
It is so lovely! What a wonderful opportunity you have in getting to review beautiful and useful things. We need to all remind ourselves to enjoy the Simple Graces everyday!

Bessers said...

I am trying more and more to focus on the simple graces in life like laughing with my children and soaking in each moment I have with them. I love beautiful, subtle reminders like this vase that help me remember to enjoy the ordinary.

Tasha said...

Love this vase. My simple grace today will be enjoying a day with all my boys. My husband is off today so we all go shopping together for a change.

melissa said...

beautiful pitcher! simple grace today: quietness while the littles take their afternoon naps!

Anonymous said...

Looks like the perfect fit for your house and your blog, dear Monica! What an inspiration you've been~thanks for sharing! :-) My simple grace today is having the entire day free to whip the house back into shape after having guests the past 3 days. And the sun is shining brightly so I'm looking forward to a walk, too!

~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com

Lindsey said...

A simple grace for me is when one of young children cup my face with their hands -- it takes my breath away!

Lindsey
lbrittin@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Monica I too love these dishes!! I just recieved an order i placed with this company last week!! Love the mugs as gifts. Simple grace, walkin in the evenin with my husband while the sun is setting. Thanks for the giveaway. tammyp

Mom said...

Dear Monica, these photos are beautiful -- and you know I like pitchers! I'm amazed at how many hydrangeas you found in your yard at this time of year. I like Dayspring products as well. Thanks for sharing! Love, Mom

Julie said...

The pitcher is beautiful.
Yesterday I was driving home from errands and saw some day care staff taking the children in their care out for a walk. They were wearing harnesses with leashes -- necessary considering the age of the children and where they were walking. I was so grateful my child does not have to wear a leash when we go for walks together.

Wendi said...

That is a beautiful pitcher. I love the saying... it is so me! It is hard to pick one simple thing I am grateful for. This morning I would have to say I am thankful for the simple smile from a special little girl. Always a great way to wake up!

Merry Jo said...

I am sooooo thankful for my family. Our favorite thing to do is be home, enjoying one another.

Patty Williams said...

Wow..that pitcher is beautiful ! I have two small ones (not Dayspring) from when my kids were born that came with flower in them.

And I must say, I love the saying on it. Something I need to remind myself of all the time !

I always enjoy popping into your blog, so much beauty , wisdom and peace I feel when I leave. Thank you.

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

Just your photos themselves are drawing me in let alone what it says and the way it looks.

Beautiful. I would love to be entered in to this drawing.

thanks.

Mrs. Boggess said...

Simple grace... my friend who has been watching my kids so I could go out of town with my husband. And not only that but one child got sick and she has had extra care on top of that. I couldn't ask for a better friend.

angela said...

What a beautiful pitcher. Love your arrangement too.

Dee said...

A simple grace in my life is that my older sons live at home, and we enjoy all being together.

Sarah said...

I, too, love a box delivered to my front door and would love to have a little shopping spree at Dayspring. I am blessed beyond measure with a healthy, (mostly) happy family. (I do have teenages!)

Nessie said...

Beautiful. I like really everything on their website. It looks so cozy, if you know what I mean. ANd I am sure someone mentioned it before me. I love your flowers in the pitcher, gorgeous! Can I throw my name in the hat as well please? Thank you.

petrii said...

Monica,
The vase is absolutely beautiful!

My Simple Grace Moment was yesterday. My husband shared a simple beauty with me as we sat at the end of our bed for just a moment. It was just a simple statement of love, but it meant so much to me.

Have a beautiful day,
Dawn

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pitcher and beautiful message! Thanks for the chance to win.

Jennifer
Jenfer96@comcast.net

Brenda said...

Thank you for your blog. It is one of the first I peek into every morning for encouragement and gaining a center where I can begin from to be the best mommy to my six!!
After 3 years of enduring the night-shift of my police officer husband, the simple grace I am most thankful for is now getting drift off to sleep snuggled warm up against him every night since we prayed him into the day shift! Enjoy your day!

A Dusty Frame said...

Beautiful:) Thank you for entering me
Lizzie

Michelle said...

What a pretty vase!

I am so thankful for the beautiful and sunny mornings that we've been blessed with. We are hosting an exchange student this year, and she is so sweet and talkative, especially in the early mornings before I drive her to school. We sit at the table together with the sun streaming in and chat about whatever while we drink our tea and coffee. Sometimes we sit on the lanai and enjoy the crisp, cool air (not usual in southwest Florida). It's such a pleasure to have those special moments every morning!

Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

The cold outside and nowhere we have to be today... I'm thankful for that on so many days!

Thank you so much for this opportunity- I love Dayspring and their hearts and their products, too!

Agnes said...

I did not know their site, they are so many beautiful things!
Simple grace...

Alycia M said...

How beautiful! Thank you for inspiring me to be more purposeful with how I spend my 24 hours. :)

Amy said...

Beautiful! Great reminder...for everyday! Today I am thankful for time with my children. We're about to do some crafting together and we'll all excited! Thanks for the opportunity! Amy (amyjhaynes@gmail.com)

Davonne said...

That pitcher is beautiful!

I love enjoying the simple grace of drinking homemade hot chocolate with my oldest daughter while she learns to read when our baby is napping.

Cortney said...

I just love all of Daysprings things! That pitcher is so pretty! I love the colors and the saying is such a sweet reminder of God's never ending grace!

alice said...

I would love to win something like that! I think I would use it to gift someone else - always a simple grace to gift another.

Alice

Steph said...

Love that pitcher!

Wendy said...

How beautiful!! It brightened my day to look at something so beautiful.

Thank You,
Wendy

Anonymous said...

Absolutely stunning! Autumn slendor! I love it all, and would love to win.

blessedcountrygirl@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

What a fun contest! Such a beautiful product - headed over to Dayspring's website now.

Jenny Goldsby
jennibek@hotmail.com

Sara said...

I am thankful for the simple grace of autumn - the changing leaves, pumpkin pie in the oven, the reminder to be thankful in all things!

Shiloh said...

It's beautiful! I love it!

Shannon Miller said...

I love dayspring too! I'd loe a chance to do a little extra shopping!

Heather said...

Thanks for the giveaway, Monica!

I'm thankful for the way my daughters love each other. This morning they were cuddling and when it was time to go I almost had to break them apart!

Jada said...

I love Dayspring products, too!

Today, the simple grace I am thankful for is being able to look out my office window and see lots of sunshine and some colorful leaves remaining on a few trees!

Anonymous said...

Wow, the pitcher is absolutely lovely. I am so grateful for all the little graces in my life! Today: my dear husband is home, snow is gently falling (which means my husband does not have to drive in it today!) and we are having dear friends for dinner tonight. Little graces.
Amy
amynharlan@msn.com

Jenn said...

Wow how exciting to be able to do some reviews and try some of their products!! Thanks for the giveaway, I love Dayspring!!

Mrs. K said...

Wow - what an opportunity! Your blog is a simple grace in my day!

Dell said...

What a lovely vase indeed, and such an excellent sentiment--to be thankful for the simple graces. Your blog is a great example of simple graces--thank you!

LS said...

I love it!

I am thankful for the simple grace of having eyeglasses and contacts so I can see.

LynnMarie said...

Very pretty. Simple is what we need!

Julia said...

thankful.... that my husband is out of the hospital and feeling fine again... but most of all that my daughter chose Jesus and gave Him her heart

Kat said...

Beautiful! Today's simple grace was watching my beautiful miracle boy play with my Dad and Aunt who were visiting from very far away. My aunt, who doesn't really like kids very much was quite taken with him and I could see how her heart was softened. Such a blessing-

Erin said...

What a lovely giveaway!
I am thankful for those chubby baby arms my son wraps around my neck each day. I know these days will go quickly and I want to soak in each hug.

Erin
EJLong@gmail.com

Amy said...

This morning our simple grace was walking through the local zoo and enjoying each animal with my little kiddos running about me. brian amy 10 at hotmail dot com

Angie A said...

A simple grace today was swinging my little girl on the swing set and listening to her laugh and laugh. Such a sweet sound!

Debbi said...

Hi Monica! I'm thankful for the simple grace of extra sweet hugs and kisses from my kids when I dropped them off at their grandparents' today.

Debbi
debbidutton@msn.com

Anonymous said...

I love the pitcher as well as reading your thoughts & seeing your photos. You have a way with words....simple but elegant. Thank you.

Dawn Griggs
jdgriggs1 at ftc dash i dot net

Kellie said...

I am thankful for the simple grace of just living my life. I have 3 beautiful children, a husband who takes care of us, and a roof over our head. I currently know two people without children who have terminal illness, so I am just grateful for the simple grace of happiness in my current life.

Jon and Sarah said...

Love the pitcher! I love watching my girls share and genuinely care about each other.

Unknown said...

Wow I love this vase. It is beautiful. I would love to win it. Thanks for your blog I alway enjoy reading it.

Leah said...

Beautiful. Simple things really are the best!

Anonymous said...

I would love to get something beautiful from Dayspring. The simple grace I am thankful for today is lunch and fellowship with a good friend.

Terri S
ponyxpress9 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Dayspring makes some nice things.

Becky said...

I am thankful for the smiles on the faces of my dear children - they are such a blessing. I am also thankful for the simple grace of sunshine!

becka said...

I'm thankful for God's grace in providing a loving husband, wonderful children and their spouses and for the blessing of grandchildren. Your pitcher looks lovely!

Jessie said...

I am expecting my second child, so a simple grace I am thankful for is the little movements I can feel everyday. It's a miracle in action, for sure.

Elise said...

Love that pitcher!! Gorgeous...
Elise

Lee said...

Honestly today, I'm thankful for soul searching and understanding my own heart better, even if I'm still having a hard time explaining it to others.

Crystal said...

The pitcher is wonderful. I am just so thankful for the relationship that I have with my kids. My 21 year old daughter calls and will ask for my advice a lot. I love that she thinks I am wise enough to help her. My usual answer is P.U.S.H. Pray until something happens.

Elaine said...

I love the pitcher and the beautiful reminder. I am farther north and our leaves are falling fast but the incredible beauty of fall afternoons is my simple grace to enjoy.
Elaine

Ami said...

I am thankful for the simple grace of hospitality and how the whole world can somehow mingle into that. I was so fascinated tonight to have guests from both India and Argentina at my table, all the while eating a traditional African meal as a special project for our history study!

The pitcher is so lovely!

Christy said...

Dancing with a laughing baby in my arms.

Anonymous said...

My simple grace was holding my husbands's hand after he had knee surgery today. I was so thankful that everything went well, that just sitting there holding his hand felt like such a simple grace. :)
~Yvette

heicoc said...

What a beautiful pitcher! I am so thankful for my family. I love your blog and hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Lady Dorothy said...

I've been amazed lately at color -- gorgeous color all around us.

angie said...

Simple grace--watching my children. They were putting their heart into their words.
I had not previously heard of Blessings Unlimited. I viewed their website and was impressed. This shouldn't be a surprise since they are affiliated with Dayspring.
I love the pitcher--I am a lover of words and collector of containers (crocks, wooden bowls, pottery).

Tracy said...

The vase is beautiful, as are the dishes. Can you tell me, please, where they are made? It should say on the bottom of the item. Thanks is advance!

Barbra. said...

Dear Monica:
"Simple Graces" ~ just writing those two words bless me. I paused this morning in the pews of our Church to give thanksgiving to God for the freedoms of our Country this Remembrance Day. What Grace received; "Lest We Forget" those who laid down their lives and continue to stand in harms way for peace.

I have to call my day "Abundant Grace" Monica........

God Bless,
Barbra.

kymk99 said...

Beautiful pitcher! It looks wonderful filled with flowers.

Lynn B said...

What a beautiful vase! I would need to plant me some hydrangeas if I bought one :)
Thankful for my kids' cousins who are close enough to visit and grow up with. And my SILs who hang out and drink coffee with me!

Anonymous said...

I am thankful for the simple graces of being a stay at home mom and living in the country. I am so blessed!

~Flower Petal

leekat6 at verizon dot net

Kimberly said...

I love their stuff! The pitcher is beautiful. I need these kind of reminders throughout the day!

jen said...

The flowers you found are just right for this time of year. I too am glad you ventured further out! My simple grace has been to be able to slow down and really look into the eyes of my children ~ Such beauty & innocence & hope & wonder! God has bountifully blessed this family!

being molded said...

That's lovely! I'd love to be entered.

Unknown said...

I would like to win this for my mom.She reads your blog everyday!

Kristine said...

What a beautiful line of dishes! It would be a blessing to win such a special vase for my home.

Melissa said...

I am thankful for the simplicity of His grace. It really is simple! Love the pitcher!!!

Melissa said...

I am thankful for a sweet blogger that reminds me of the simplicity of His grace (in everything)! Love the picher and your generousity in sharing a fun prize!

Abbi said...

That pitcher is so very pretty! I have been so very grateful for simple graces lately too. Like quiet mornings, walking in the woods with my kids, candles lit, bread baking and smooth school days!

Pamela said...

I, too, love Dayspring. I heard someone say once that guests in our homes would never know we are Christians. Since then I've been more intentional with my decorating, incorporating scripture and faith through my home.

stephanie said...

I LOVE this!

Anonymous said...

Pondering Simple Grace... SIMPLE ~ 1. of a basic kind, not complicated or complex 2. plain, natural, and unpretentious ♥ GRACE ~ 1. elegance or beauty of form, 2. manifestation of favor, mercy 3. the freely given unmerited favor and love of God ~♥~ it's beautiful

Joy said...

Thanks for this great giveaway opportunity!!! A simple grace I'm thankful for today is my husband's love for me (my quirks & all!!).

Spectrum of Amber said...

Gorgeous photography and beautiful flowers!

Mary said...

I think that the pitcher is beautiful! And it is an appropriate time of the year to remember and be thankful for all of the ways our Heavenly Father blesses us! Thanks so much for sharing - I loved the flower arrangement as well...Hydrangeas have a beautiful grace and I am always reminded of my precious husband when I see them!

Denise said...

I'm thankful for the breath of life each morning, and that His mercies are new every morning (I sure do need that!). Love my family ~ my husband, my little man and my little gal! Oh, how blessed I am!

Beautiful vase, too!


Denise
stonemedic76@hotmail.com

Joy said...

As I celebrate another year today, I am thankful the Lord allows me to serve him daily through my life.

Melissa said...

Loving the vase!

Debbie Fisher (debbiedee) said...

Please sign me up. I LOVE your flowers!

Family Ties said...

What a beautiful vase! Even more beautiful flowers :)