Of Kentucky Wrap and Such

It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it.  ~Eileen Elias Freeman



I loved my Grandma Cessna.  I loved the smell of her VO2 hairspray. I loved the way she rolled her snow white hair at the bottom of her neck and pinned her hat on with a long hat pin.  I loved her bread and butter pickles she always served when she knew I was coming.  I loved all the crafts we made together -- like crochet hanger covers and orange clove pomanders.  I loved eating her stewed elderberries from pink-handled fiesta wear bowls.

One day Grandma brought me a present -- in a brown paper sack!  In my child's eyes I didn't think a present was  much of a present unless it was wrapped and festively topped with ribbons.  "Oh," my grandma said, "This is a special gift -- it's Kentucky wrapped."  After Grandma explained it, I was happy.  And forever after in my family, when we hand a gift to  a member of our family, if it's in a bag we say, "Excuse the Kentucky wrap."

Last evening I was unable to attend evening worship services.  My husband came in the door with an arm full of surprises (you'll get to see some in posts to come).  When RB handed me a Kentucky-wrapped gift I smiled.  Renee almost didn't send it since I wasn't there for her to explain the wrapping (she didn't know my grandma explained it years ago.)  I was so delighted when I pulled my chalk board tea server out of the bag.  Nobody will have to ask if it's sweet or unsweetened.  Not only do I love it just because Renee gave it to me, but I love the fact that Renee thought it looked like me.  It. is. totally. me.

Renee's gift packaging didn't matter to me in the least.  This Valentine Day I can't help but think of the way God wrapped His valentine love gift to us.  He packaged the greatest gift not in ribbons and fancy paper -- he packaged it in a tiny baby.  The gift? A substitute for our sin.  The Lamb of God, the Great I Am, the Prince of Peace, the Good Shepherd, the Light of the world, Redeemer,  -- all in a plainly wrapped child. 

So today as we think of love, let us also remember the Love of God. Let our hearts sing, "Oh love of God, how rich and pure, how measureless and strong.  It shall forevermore endure,  the saints' and angels' song."

* * * * *

Since this is Valentine's Day, I wanted to show you a neat valentine my husband received at work. 

Becky, their creator, is an amazing woman.  A single mom of two boys, she has worked hard to receive her education as well as give them the best care possible.  She told me the best gift she ever received was from her father.  He kept her boys every Thursday night so she could attend classes for her Associate's, Bachelor's, and  Masters Degree.  RB keeps tabs on Becky's son, Tim (now graduated and pursuing his own career); they have a neat friendship. 

Becky made these cake slices for those who work in her department at the University.  They were filled with chocolate hearts. I wish I had a picture of the whole cake but no one thought to take one.  I think these would be beautiful made in white for a bridal shower, too. 

 * * * * *

This a simple Valentine to a few friends Melanie and I have.  We did these together and it was such fun.  I bought the cups last year after Valentine's Day at 80% off.  We just put a hot chocolate packet and a couple pieces of chocolate (to make it extra decadent) in the mug.  Then I pulled cellophane around it and tied a bow.  We cut hearts out of scrapbook paper and Melanie printed "You warm our hearts" on them for tags. 

Linked to

Welcome Wednesday

Rachel's Giveaways