A Grande Cuppa Gra-TEA-tude

And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. 
(1 Chronicles 29:13, ESV)

Big things.  Favorable carotid artery report. Good hospital care for relatives. Answered prayers. Seeing a 7 yr old "king" at Kids' Karnival. Lesson input from a daughter-in-law.

Little things. A "positive" phone message. A relevant bookmark. Rye bread for a pimento cheese sandwich. Finding one more Tesco decaf teabag. A quote in a note.

Hard things. Suffering that draws others close. Privilege of praying God's word for others with difficult and challenging prayer needs.

"Giving thanks always and for everything..." as it says in Ephesians 5:20.
Malcolm Muggeridge, who came to know the Lord later in life, says it well, “Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message.”

Perfect quote in a note to enjoy with a cuppa gra-TEA-tude, brewed with Tesco decaf, compliments of son, Josh.

Wil-TEA : a tuneful cuppa

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.(Isaiah 40:8, ESV)

Lately, for a variety of reasons, I have been very much aware of being in the withering, wil-TEA season of life. Scripture presents many rich "comparative" figures of speech to describe this season of brevity, especially when compared to eternity. 

• Swifter than a weaver's shuttle (Job 7:6) 
• Days on earth are like a shadow & wither away like grass. (1 Chronicles 29:13 and Psalm 102:11) 
• A vapor...for awhile...then vanishes. (James 4:14)

But, for aging believers, that knowledge is not without hope. 

These thoughts were whirring. K-Love was playing. Owen piped up---I like that song, Shug.

I like that song as well----especially the verse that reminds me of how fleeting my life is. Such a verse reminds me to make the most of my moments----especially relational moments. It reminds me that God is still with me during this season, watching out for  me, and telling me that I am His. 
Not because of anything this "wilty gal has done, but because of who He is and what He has done on my behalf. Therein lies eternal hope.

I am a flower quickly fading,  Here today and gone tomorrow. A wave tossed in the ocean. A vapor in the wind.Still you hear me calling.Lord, You catch me when I'm falling. And you've told me who I am. 

I am yours. 

Not because of who I am But because of what You've done. Not because of what I've done. But because of who You are. (Casting Crowns)

Listen to this tune, especially if you're feeling wil-TEA, and renew your hope.