Sitting Under the Shelter Tree

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.  ~Leo Buscaglia

Encouraging Others

What I love about shelter sightings is that everyone's tree looks just a bit different. I sit under Avis' tree and am blessed by her appreciation of my writings. I sit under Melanie's tree and am sheltered with fun surprises -- a magazine, a container of cookies she baked for her family, a blog link she knows I'll love. I think sometimes we think sheltering is just the big blessings, the big gifts. To me, it's primarily the little things. It's Joann sheltering with a hug, my mother celebrating my writing accomplishments, Janene's "I'm praying for you," and Emily's "Sit still, Momma, I'll get it."

One Autumn sighting I've had is on Stephanie's Somewhat Simple blog. Stephanie came up with a special way to shelter her family by making a fun pumpkin garland. This is what she says: 

This garland is not only cute and festive, it is a sweet reminder of what we love about each person in our family. Now everyone in my family has their own hanging pumpkin telling them just a few of the reasons why their family members love them!

The second sighting is Stacey from A Delightful Home. One of the best things a momma can teach her children is to shelter. I was delighted to find this tree (you know my fixation on trees) card her children made for special people in their lives. She says:

[This is] a sweet (and earth-friendly way) the kids can show love and gratitude to special people in their life. Help your child think of specific things they appreciate about an individual and write them inside. (This is my favorite part. It is always fun to hear what children come up with!)

I've been sheltered the last couple weeks -- among them an invitation to dinner, crisp delicious apples, sweet blog comments and a letter from a blog friend.

I hope reading of these sightings will bless you as well as spark a few ideas of your own. I'd love to hear about them. Remember, it's the love bundled into the gift that blesses -- or as George MacDonald says, “the loving thought.” If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give.

God's heart smiles when we shelter.

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Pumpkin Chocolate Bread

This is one of my new favorite shelter idea. I made it and believe me when I say it’s delicious! No reason for me to recopy the recipe. Go to Amy’s blog at My Name is Snickerdoodle. It makes a large heavy loaf. Next time I’m going to make it in smaller pans.  

And for a gift tag idea, check out these from Esther's at Shoregirl's Creations.