Friday, January 9, 2009

I'm so blessed.


I'm fortunate because I have some awesome friends. Some I've never even met in person, only online. My friend Nancy, who lives in Wyoming, sent me this gorgeous Nativity set for Christmas. She ordered it ages ago and had problems with it being shipped late and sent all over the country. I think it was supposed to get to me the week before Christmas, but it arrived yesterday. I know Nancy's been fretting and was really upset with the company. She felt her surprise was ruined because it was taking so long. Well, she was wrong. Nancy -- I LOVE IT! I was totally surprised and had no idea what it was until I opened it. It's absolutely beautiful! Nancy & I were looking at Nativity sets online while talking via IM right before Christmas. She knows I collect them and how much I love unique ones. This is very unique because the figures look like wood and tree bark. Just out of the blue and out of total kindness, Nancy ordered this and had it shipped to me. It was a wonderful surprise. Frankly, I don't mind it being late. I already have my Nativity collection packed away, but this one is going to stay up for the year on a shelf near my front door. So, a special note to Nancy -- thank you from the bottom of my heart. You're a wonderful friend.

It amazes me how people go out of their way for me sometimes. Gale, totally out of the blue, sent me those Trader Joe's chocolate covered cherries along with some other goodies. Anita once sent me her leftover chocolate cherry Diet Dr. Pepper, simply because she knew I liked it. My friend Tania from Australia has sent me more CDs and DVDs than I could list here. It goes on and on, and a lot of these people I've never met in person. Of course, it's not presents I'm really talking about. It's friendship. It's someone doing something totally out of the blue, something unexpected. It's a good feeling to know someone has thought of you, whether they send a gift, card or email just to say hello. It means a lot to me. Rick & I were talking about friends last night. He always makes the comment that he doesn't know anyone here and how all his friends are down in California. I always remind him how many people he does know and how friendships are being formed. His friends in CA are only an email or phone call away. I also remind him that he knows a lot more people than I do. I don't work outside of the home, so he's in contact with a lot more than me. I've really come to rely on friends I've met online, whether it be from my blogs or the message boards I'm on. When you don't get out of the house much, online friends are everything. They keep you sane. They are true blessings. So, to everyone who has sent me anything, emailed me or taken the time to read and/or comment on my blogs, I thank you. I just hope I can be a blessing to you in return.

17 comments:

  1. With the onset of the internet, I think the whole idea of friendship has been redefined. One can keep in touch with a simple click of a mouse. No more waiting for the phone to ring, or waiting days (sometimes weeks) for a letter to arrive in the mail. It's all so...instant, and easy. "RL" and "Online" have become blurred.

    I'm not a very outgoing person, per se, and all of my recent friendships (in other words, ones that weren't formed before graduating high school that I've still kept) are online ones.

    That being said, you're so worth it, Rena. *hugs* Just knowing that little piece of Cali brightened your day made me feel good. :)

    Gale

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  2. Very nice Nativity set, btw!

    Gale

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  3. Gale -- Thank you again. It's funny because you had sent me an email asking if there was anything I wanted from TJs. I had forgotten to reply to it and was just getting ready to when your package appeared out of the blue. It totally made my day!

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  4. awww . . . how sweet!

    I've also been amazed at the friendships I've made through my blog. That's something I never expected when I started blogging. I really miss my buddies on the days and seasons when I blog or go blogging.

    Great post!

    Christy

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  5. I agree about online friends keeping you sane when you don't get out much. I really miss it when I don't have as much time to blog.

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  6. Awww :`) That was very kind of you to say Rena. I am with you on online friendships. I have met so many through The Wiggles' message board that I now consider to be the closest friends I've ever had and have not met some. We met so briefly in Vegas, but started chatting via IM and you have become very special to me. I am glad you like the nativity and you are so very welcome. As I've said before, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. HUGS

    Nancy

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  7. Aww..very sweet message, Rena! It just goes to show what a special person you are -- people enjoy doing nice things for you!

    I agree that online friends are awesome...and your blog/posts always make me smile :D
    Happy New year, btw :)

    Neen

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  8. What a thoughtful gesture! It is beautiful! I like the online community as well.As a stay at home mom, sometimes I feel isolated from others. Thankfully I can keep in touch with friends through blogs and facebook!

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  9. You are so right Rena - I feel I have made some wonderful friends especially from the WMB and even though I haven't 'met' them, I still share more thoughts and ideas with them then I do with friends I have known for years. I also feel blessed to have stumbled upon that board when I did - making friends, talking and sharing views is a big part of my day. (Just like reading your blog is now a part of every day!)

    And hey, if it weren't for you I might have gone my whole life without ever tasting a huckleberry! lol

    You are a blessing too Rena.

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  10. It's nice to hear other people validating my WMB "habit",and helping me understand exactly why I feel like I need it. My husband gets on my case all the time about it,and I've been unsure how to defend myself.It IS about friendship,and sharing thoughts,ideas,and even learning things.My online friends are a blessing too.Thanks for this post ,Rena,and what a beautiful nativity!

    Leanne

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  11. So kewl. I always love to hear stories of friendship and people doing random acts of kindness.

    It cements my faith in humanity.

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  12. I loved your post because of your posititve outlook on life. Some people would sit around and complain about that but you have found the good in it.

    Thanks for sharing and it has been a blessing to read your blog as well! (even though I do live on the other side of the world!)

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  13. Truly a beautiful nativity! You are blessed indeed.

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  14. A good post, and so true. I'm with you...I've been blessed by a number of my online friends as well.

    Have a good Saturday! :)

    *hugs*

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  15. P.S. Just wanted to share, I have a nativity that my parents brought back carved out of olive wood from Jerusalem. I love it!!!! I don't think many people would care, but since you do, I thought I'd share. :0)

    Chrsity

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  16. Christy -- I bet that nativity you have is really special. I have one made of olive wood too, but I didn't have the pleasure of getting it from there myself. I think I bought mine from TBN, the Trinity Broadcast Network. A long time ago we stopped to see their studio and they had an amazing gift shop. I think I bought it there. It's probably on my Nativity Collection slideshow, if you look on the right of this blog. :)

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