TEA WITH THEE Finali-TEA: a farewell cuppa

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, (1 Timothy 1:12, NASB)

This year, "Tea with Thee" has been my way of sharing my quiet times with blog readers. Thine and Mine. He and me. I know a blog isn't typically seen as service or ministry but for me it was just that. 

From His hand to mine. His strength---because it was wearisome at times. He was faithful to keep me going.

Today, 12/31/14, is the end of that endeavor. 

It doesn't mean that I will quit having quiet times. It just means that folks will no longer be privy each day to all my foibles.

A year ago when I sensed God's prompts to blog daily, I began with a "way out" proposition, of sorts. "Lord, I will blog as long as I sense your leading." 

But God.....continued to provide THOTS (Trusting Him On This Subject), ideas, words, "tea words," verses, and WiFi, (many times "iffy, especially on trips") so......

....here I am 365 days later---sipping a cuppa finali-TEA. Farewell to daily "tea" blogs----hello to sporadic blogs of varying topics. 

It's been a year of stretching for me and I hope someday to edit the entries for a tea type book for my Lucy----so that she might know this--- her grandmother loved the Lord, loved her and loved tea!

Sharing Thee and tea with Lucy is this Shug's delight!

"Finali-TEA"

They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. (Psalm 65:8, NASB)

There might be sadness when a cuppa finali-TEA is served at day's end knowing friends must depart. 

But God reminds us, even in a glorious sunset that even when leaving an area of such beauty, we can all smile because we’ve been there. Together.

"Fideli-TEA"

and the two will become one flesh.(Ephesians 5: 31, NIV)

Finali-TEA of singleness.  So....they are no longer two...

...as today these two, Emme and Tyler, become one. A joyous time.

Vows will be taken before God and man. 

Lots of family and friends. A serious time.

The bride has been on my Saturday prayer list, by name since April 2001, where I had noted specifically a godly spouse as a request for this young lady, Mary Elizabeth Andrews. 

Prior to that she had been one of many of Maureen & Rad's kids as I had been praying for Maureen on Friday's since 1986---still do. 

Wedding day prayers have become a big part of "kids" from the Saturday list---which now includes "grands."

Prayers for each "to find one whom their soul loveth" (Song of Solomon 3:3) and that both the wedding and the marriage would glorify the Lord. Wedding day prayers are for fideli-TEA. Prayers of faithfulness for their marriage---to the Lord Jesus Christ and to each other, for the rest of their lives.

This morning was no different as those prayers were lifted before the throne of grace for Emme and Tyler. 
May all gathered toast a cuppa "fideli-TEA" to the young couple tonight.

CONGRATS TO MR. & MRS. TYLER PATTERSON

"finali-TEA" of current "directionali-TEA"

The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9, NASB)

Mrs. Rand McNally, here.....is ready to hang up her maps. No longer can I be the "directionally" sound one in mapping out our routes. This past weekend in Austin, TX proved that. I was even somewhat directionally dis-oriented in our hotel, no less. 

Recently I taught on "being confident" (Psalm 27:3) & blogged on "relying on God," (Isaiah 40: 10) but I've begun to realize that a new season of life is now beginning. A "direction" change, coupled with understanding of  God's wisdom in this season needs to be employed.
Things aren't quite what they once were. I can still make plans and God will still direct them (Psalm 37:23)....but the plans might be fewer. I can also allow younger ones to lead the way. Following son's BIG Suburban on those confusing multi-level cloverleafs, access roads and exits allowed me to enjoy the ride and not be stressed. Possibilites of getting lost, seem not so overwhelming when I don't feel responsible.

Change, especially from aging, is sometimes hard to swallow, but God...can offer new directionality and it will be okay!
Final proof of finali-TEA of current directionali-TEA---I just spilled my morning cuppa all over my map.