SABBATH SNAPSHOT : "in-TEA-rruptions"

Life Interrupted by Priscilla Shirer is sub-titled Navigating the Unexpected. Isn't that what life all about??? The unexpected! It certainly is at my house---always has been! In fact, I started reading this book 3 years ago and life got in the way of me finishing it. An interruption!

Shirer's book enables the reader to see the "short" book of Jonah in a new light----but with plenty of life-long applications. We could all compile a LONG list. The tele marketer who calls at dinner time. The cell beep indicating a text just as a night of sleep begins. The gal in the grocery line with way more then 10 items, when one is in a hurry to check our her meager 3. The interstate "on-going" construction (think I-40 and Sam Cooper that cause an almost daily reroute.

Too often, I go out of my way to avoid these interruptions---often avoiding even stopping to talk to folks one aisle over in the grocery store. Might I be missing something or someone God has had to cross my path by purposely AVOIDING these interruptions? Interruptions that would slow down my plan. Impede my progress. Get in the way of "my" schedule. 

Like Jonah, am I rarely where God would have me, at the time he wants me there and doing what He wants me to do? (p. 205) I, the reader of Shirer's book and the writer of this blog, am in need of transformation. A God perspective of interruptions.

Interruptions call for submission---submitting to the "divine one." (p. 206) Will I listen for His call and quit "clinging to comforts and entitlements even when I know they are hindering more thatn helping?" (p.209)

LIFE INTERRUPTIONS= DIVINE INTERVENTIONS....as the book jacket states.

An easy read for difficult times.

I actually re-read parts of this book "pre-beach week" so that "my" reading wouldn't "interrupt" Frog and Toad, Olivia, Tikki-Tikki-Tembo and other kiddie beach reads.

Regulari-TEA

And they devoted themselves to.....teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul,.....And all who believed were together...... And they were selling their possessions......and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received......with glad and generous hearts, praising God....(Acts 2:42-47, ESV)

Many aspects of regularli-TEAs beneficial to a believer's life are listed in this section of Acts 2---

• Devotion to teaching
• Devotion to fellowship
• Prayer
• Sharing with others
• Attending "temple"
• Praising God

Along with regular quiet times, I see the need in my life for regular times of interaction with other believers, as well. Times of fun and fellowship hemmed in prayer. For me the best result would be service to others. Service which leads to a soul full of awe and a grateful and generous heart which praises the Lord.

A cuppa regulari-TEA, a perfect blend of Acts 2.

"antic-TEA-pation"

   The sea is His, for it was He who made it,....(Psalm 95:5, NASB)

I know that's a stretch on a "tea" word play but I'm so excited and filled with anticipation about our upcoming trip to Seagrove, FL that I cut myself some slack. Only 1 more day 'til we ALL meet up beachside. We just have to start heading that way today---so everything is ready for tomorrow---the big day at "Big Water."

We're ALL going to be together at "Big Water" as Nathan dubbed the beach in 2003.
The emerald ocean and white sandy beach that stretches as far as the eye can see would certainly look like "BIG water" to an 18 month old.  

Almost choking on my cuppa of antic-TEA-pation this morning because it is so full!!

HOORAY! HOORAY! OUR FAMILY VACATION BEGINS TODAY!

"futili-TEA"

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. (Psalm 127:2, ESV)

I should have been spewing my cuppa futili-TEA all over the patio table these last few mornings---because I know better! I need to be sipping mugs of trust in Him.

But...these last few days I have been spinning---trying to get everything done. Up early, trouble even going to sleep and sometimes anxious thoughts begin again when I awaken for my nightly urine trek. 

I've been sipping from my very own cuppa futili-TEA as I've struggled in my own strength. 

Seeking the unattainable "perfection" of packing and preparation for our upcoming trip.

Goal oriented not God oriented.

But God....took me to task thru His word. He reminded me---once again, that He is in control.

Then, he sent help from hubby, goodies for the trip from one friend, and prayers from another that came via a 3:07 am email -- I'm awake praying that you are asleep. 

Tonight, no more working by the moonlight, I'm going to bed---packed or not because H gives to His beloved even in their sleep.

"sal-TEA"

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16, NASB)

Part of a Christian's identity is being salt and light. Being salt and light is not optional. It's a way of saying that our actions should show what we believe---so much so, that others are drawn to the Lord.

During recent travels, I witnessed 2 shops, one in Sand Rock, AL and one in Dahlonega, GA  that not only sold gifts, but also provided salt and light for their community through a prayer wall. Prayers needed. Prayers answered. Posted for all to see---even out-of-towners. 

"Salt" and "Light" in a gift shop to draw others in their community to the Lord.

All of our lives should be so "sal-TEA" that others become thirsty and desire to sip from whatever our cuppa holds. Living water.

"At-TEA-tude of Gra-TEA-tude

that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever! (Psalm 30:12, ESV)

Chairs were spared. Not just any chairs....but my quiet time chairs. "My" chair. "Thy" chair. Chairs for "me and Thee" as we "commune."

The neighbor's tree trunk was struck by lightening and split in half....crashing past our pine trees  Not hitting our house. Not causing our pine trees to hit our house.

In the scheme of last night's heavy winds and scary thunderstorms, it wasn't a biggie. I know that. Yet, I am grateful my chairs were spared.

If the circumstances had been different, I hope I would have still remembered to be grateful. 

Gratitude. An attitude that needs to permeate my heart.

Not just for now---but for forever.

Regardless of the circumstances, may I continually sip a cuppa gra-TEA-tude, until it becomes my at-TEA-tude of choice.

"Affini-TEA"

Yet he proved he is real by showing kindness, by giving you rain from heaven and crops at the right times, by giving you food and filling your hearts with joy (Acts 14:17, NCV)

Affinity---I have lots of "tastes" which I see as good---and frequently refer to these affinities on this blog---namely God's word, tea, both hot as in my cuppa, and sweet tea, iced.

This time of year I have an affinity for peaches. I just can't seem to get enough. But....I'm picky about my favorites. Georgia's nickname, the Peach Tree State is based on claims of this high quality fruit grown in their soil. They are good. Clanton, AL dubs itself as its state's largest producer of peaches and even crowns a "Miss Peach" each year. Also tasty.

But...in my opinion, the BEST peaches are grown right here in West Tennessee near Reelfoot Lake in the town of Troy. Today, I  found them at the Agricenter. YUM!!!

Throughout the entire year I have an affinity for God's Word and appreciate new versions introduced & re-introduced by others; New Century Version--Susan Duntsch, Contemporary English Version--Marje Andrews and The Message--Mary Minor.

Regardless of the version, I see the Bible as the standard for living a life which would please Him. As a "lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path," (Psalm 119:105) His word instructs and illuminates truth for me. Not, as John Stott says some folks do by "using Scripture as a drunk uses a lamppost, namely for support rather than illumination.” I truly "treasure His word"---for real! (Psalm 119:11) 

Today I enjoyed a cuppa "peach flavored" affini-TEA for His word with Flippen's peaches.

Oh my....Batesville, MS blog reader, CMF, just sent this pic. Be still my heart--- I may have a new affinity!

SABBATH SNAPSHOT: beach book possibili-TEAs

DISCLAIMER: I HAVE READ NONE OF THESE BOOKS. 

Most of these books were recommended by my "water buddies." 

Who am I kidding! Look at all these books.

 I am a reader...but my time for reading at the beach is more limited than most folks because of 7 grand kids----which is the REASON we go to the beach. So....I know I have to make choices.

Already the Steeped in Evil title is out because I started it yesterday and I'll finish it before we back out of the driveway. Chestnut Street is also out---for 2 reasons. In the first place, it's a "7 day checkout." It's due date is before I return. Former librarians DO NOT return a book late. Also, it's a Maeve Binchy book and since she's been dead for 2 years, it's authenticity is a little bit suspect. 

One book I chose to peruse because it had book club in the title and it's a Thomas Nelson publication, so I know it will be clean. Just hope it's not hokey. Surprisingly, I'm actually leaning toward, On These Courts which is non-fiction.

I'll let you know which one or ones make it into my beach bag (and are actually read) when I return.

"Fideli-TEA" in Worship

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3, KJV)

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me" is the first of the 10 commandments---with good reason. All the other commandments are predicated on this one's call to fideli-TEA. Without this one, there's no "standard" for the others. It is the starting point because relationship with the LORD God is where true faith starts.

These commandments from Mount Sinai, accompanied by smoke, earthquakes and the blast of a trumpet emphasized the importance of the words of the law from God which Moses recorded in Exodus 20. Important enough to remember.

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.

Though under the law of grace, one still needs to heed God's Word and be faithful to Him. 

Brewing a cuppa fideli-TEA today to sip as I savor words from my faithful Heavenly Father, who commands that I have no other gods before me. For good reason---

Idola-TEA-ry

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 
(Romans 1:25, KJV)

Current gods are more subtle than ancient ones. (Jesus Calling, 7/11) The subtlety of sin and idols has darkened our foolish hearts (Romans 1:21)

Idol Indicator Gauge: (Jan Carrier's gOds of the Culture notes)

• Anything that substitutes for God in my life
• Anything that is the center of my attention
• Anything that takes the place of God becoming essential to my fulfillment in life
• Anything that replaces what only God can give me(i.e. self-worth)
• Anything or anyone that gets from me what God alone deserves  (i.e. attention & worship) 

Those personal pronouns, me and my, are obvious in the list. 

Read the underlines of the list.  If they, become the end in itself, then self begins to replace God or delete God from the equation. The idol of self is the remainder.

I don't know which generation was dubbed the "ME" generation but they must be procreating. If you don't believe it, just check out the number of "selfies" on-line. (I"m beginning to sound like my grandmother.) 

May I choose NOT to drink from this cuppa "idola-TEA-ry."

When God is no longer the central factor in his life, one needs to ask, "Who is sitting on the throne of "my" heart? Savior or SELF?