Op-TEA-mistic Cuppa

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 

(1 Timothy 2:1, ESV)

Some things just keep me "in the pink." "In the pink," as an idiom, can indicate good health---either physical or emotional. I would add spiritual as well, though the Free Dictionary does not include that aspect.

In 2009, I was sent to Texas to start my cancer journey with every "pink" goodie imaginable which was great for my emotional well being, from bedding and jammies to pink journals and a pink Bible--thanks to the generosity of my H2H Bible study group.

During my cancer surgeries prayer support from my community of faith kept me "in the pink" spiritually.....which spilled over into the physical aspect as well.

Some days a good start to my day can have me feeling "in the pink." A good night's sleep. Time with the Lord. A brisk cuppa. Even a crossword puzzle can seem to start my day with an "op-TEA-mistic cuppa.

But God....today has shown me that true hope (an op-TEA-mistic cuppa) comes from relying, with confidence, on His Word. Not my fluctuating feelings.
At times, when it has been difficult to start my day with optimism....for our nation, my friends and others who are in difficult, if not dire circumstances, I have to wholly cling to the "anchor" of His word, as I pray for others. Not trusting in what I "see" or feel, which I can be prone to do, but by placing my trust solely in His Word.
A cuppa op-TEA-mism is all the "warmer" for our soul, when our sight and feelings begin to fail and we allow our faith to refill our life's cup.

"op-Tea-mism"

Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. (Isaiah 40:26, NIV)

Striving to continue my optimistic approach to darkness, God uniquely offered a little help. The Sunday comics. "The Family Circus" (CA,8/24) has had lots of good theology for me lately. Served right alongside my cuppa op-TEA-mism. 

Billy saw the beauty in the backdrop of darkness---because of his optimistic attitude.
Then he shared that optimism with his siblings!
"Know what? We have beautiful stars in our neighborhood." AMEN, Billy!

The life lessons continued at church as Lincoln Brewster's lyrics to  "God You Reign" scrolled across the big screen.

You paint the night, You count the starsAnd You call them by nameThe skies proclaim, God, You reign.

I love it when I'm at the beach, in the country at Full Circle Ranch....or just like Billy, on my own doorstep and I can look up at the dark sky and see all those stars which God determined and named. (Psalm 147:4)

Darkness proclaims God.

Tonight I'm gonna take my cuppa op-TEA-mism out and see for myself.