commonali-TEA

The Lord is your keeper; .....The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 121:5, 7-8, ESV)

A commonali-TEA often shared by parents and grandparents is desiring God's best for their offspring, which they hope includes their longevity as well. But, too often, fears of the "what if" can creep in and rob them of their peace. 

Last week's large powerful waves at the beach and the accompanying rip tide had me on a constant "fearful alert." Knowing I had prayed for safety did not provide the unwavering confidence that "all would be fine." 

My heart's desire was that the Lord, who is my Keeper and my Protector, would keep us all safe. I certainly prayed for safety and had other prayer warriors praying as well. But God...keeps us. Safety, as being vigilant, was in my hands, both prayerfully and physically. But security was in God's hands. 

Regardless of circumstances, (even those that appear life-threatening)...He is our keeper for eternity. The crux of keeping is in soul keeping. 

"If our soul is kept, all is kept." (C. H.Spurgeon)

A cuppa fearful commonali-TEA needs to be exchanged for a cuppa securi-TEA, which only the Lord can provide.

Propensi-TEA : a Heredi-TEA additive

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, ......... And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. (2 Peter 1:12-15, ESV)

One's inclinations or propensities are often passed down to his/her children and grandchildren. Not necessarily intentionally. At our house we use the idiom "by osmosis" when the kids have learned something by watching or listening. Maybe that's how are own leanings and proclivities have been passed down. More "caught" than "taught."

Owen's comment at the zoo today seemed to support such thinking.
"Shug, I'm good at maps like you---I'm really good at maps."

Are map skills inherited? 

What about a fascination with birds? "Pop-Pop and I are good at feeding birds." 

Pop-Pop feeds the blue parakeet and Owen feeds the green one.

The way we live, what we believe and care about are all apart of the heritage we leave. "If we don't intentionally pass on a legacy consistent with our beliefs, our culture will pass along its own." (Focus on the Family, notes)
Love of the Lord, love of maps and love of birds are just part of the legacy passed down from this house.

Heredi-TEA: a shared cuppa blended with propensi-TEA, procivit-TEA and spirituali-TEA provided by family.

"Op-TEA-ing Out"

Do all things without complaining...(Philippians 2:14, NKJV)

Glancing through our "vacation pack" of newspapers, I was intrigued by a headline in the "Local" section, above the fold.

"Can't Complain"

It was a heading for a picture of a man enjoying the weather as he painted by the Mississippi River.

Actually, he could have chosen to complain about the mosquitos or the wind whipping at his drawing tablet. But he chose not to....he opted out of complaint.

Just two weeks ago as I was in the chair of my beau-TEA benefactor, Janine, she too, made that same "I can't complain" response to my "how are you doing" question. 

In my opinion, she could easily choose to complain as she leaves a "special needs" son at home, drives a great distance to a job that keeps her on her feet and then gets my un-cooperative head of hair to try and tame. Yet, she chooses NOT to complain.

"Do not complain" is a simple command from scripture that is hard to follow. In our self-indulgent, narcissistic culture, we seem to be breeding discontent with our own expectations of personal perfection in every aspect of our lives. Disillusionment occurs. Complaint begins.

Complaining when things don't go "our way." Result: An ever complaining society. 

Just think of things that seem to trigger complaints in life. Traffic jams. Weather. Crying babies on an airplane, especially seated near you. Long lines. Full carts in the express line. Any line at all. Cell phone conversations in a restaurant. Neighborly lawn mowing at 6:30 am. Compile your own list.

This morning, as hubby drove us to the dentist, a young lady almost clipped us as she cut in front of us in order to be one car ahead. We "griped" about Memphis drivers the rest of the way there and even in to Dr. Heros' office, where others joined in our complaint.

Complaint seems contagious. I need to opt out of complaint before I emit a spirit of complaint that can spread to others.

Why should any living mortal, or any man, Offer complaint in view of his (own) sins? (Jeremiah 3:39)

As I pour my "choice" cuppa, may it be an "op-TEA-ing out of complaint." Serving an "op-TEA-ing in" of contentment" to others.

Dis-TEA-pointment in self

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. (Psalm 56:8, NLT)

As Pastor Cole prayed for "some of you this week who have experienced disappointment," the tears started welling up. In my case, I was still dealing with it. I wanted to bolt from the sanctuary while heads were bowed, so no one would see me holding back the sobs. I'd already cried two times that morning, one of those being as we were driving to church. My bottle of tears was filling up.

Granted emotions are still all over the place in my life, but the disappointment comes as I reflect on a week with family when I spent more time "doing" than "being." I don't want busyness (though some of it was needful) to define who I am as a mother and grandmother. "Doing" becomes such a poor use of time when more of said time is spent on accomplishing results than on enhancing relationships. 
Even in times of recreation and vacation, I can become stressed and overwrought--trying to "do" it all right---and then fail because "doing" should NOT have been the goal. Doing can make one feel devitalized. Void of the enjoyment and relational renewal which is so desired.

But God....once again, had a valuable life lesson for me. Restoration comes from Him. Resting in Him and resting with others requires "being." It takes a risk to invest a significant amount of time with God and people in what might be seen by others as non-productive.

I want my grands to see my heart, so-o-o I'm willing to take the risk. 

I just need the power to "stick to it." Power comes from God....thru His Son, and delivered by His Spirit, straight to my core. 

                  Lord of the Powers from an old Byzantine chant.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (Romans 13:1)

I need to relinquish my cuppa dis-TEA-pointment to Him

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : Hesi-TEA-ation

A beach read---who was I kidding! I never even had a chance to read at the beach until Friday---and then, we assume, the ocean ate my glasses, prescription bifocals, no less. On These Courts, by former Memphis Wayne Drash, was my beach read choice. The book is listed as a biography of Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, a Memphian and former NBA player.

Not a typical beach read either----but one I was drawn to because of it's locale and time frame---from both the 80s to 2012. Plus, Penny was in hubby's classes at the University of Memphis and he later gave Penny private swimming lessons. Penny reciprocated by speaking to the 400 kids from Chickasaw and Cyprus inner city schools who attended the summer National Youth Sports Program which Larry directed.

But....it's much more than that. It's a book about caring, compassion and giving back to an impoverished neighborhood. A story replete with failing grades, gang pressure, incarcerated or non-existent fathers and violence on the crime-ridden streets of a Memphis neighborhood. A book that took place just two years ago within a stone's throw of some mid-town friends and the Binghampton Christian Academy, where my sweet friend Nancy is a dorm mom.
A book about the discipline and love that is learned by street kids through the game of basketball.

Hesi-TEA-ation is another stretch for a "tea" word play but very necessary for this book review.

Hesitant because I have only read 2/3 of the book....though personally remembering this time has me aware of the very probable ending. An outcome of hope.
Hesitant because the book is full of "street language" blasphemy and brutal "child" abuse. Though all is true and well documented, it's hard to read of such.

Hesitant because this review is not necessarily a recommendation, even though I have enjoyed much of what I have read. Yet, it's certainly full of violent reality and harsh way of life in the "hood" of Lester Street.

"TEA-reasures left"

Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. (Proverbs 3:23, NIV)

Molly/ Corey crew pulled out at 5:50 am. Texans left at 6:15 am. I cried. 
Headin' to take New Yorkers to airport. I'll cry again. Such an emotional time. Good memories are left....

I just saw the significant word in the above "early in the day" entry---"left." It has a dual meaning. Family is such a treasure for me. This morning when they (family) "left" the beach house, I felt so-o-o sad and let down. I cried as they pulled away and I could only see their license plates. 

When "left" connotes departure, esp of family, I "suffer" greatly---being left behind starts that emotional roller coaster because I'm not sure how long it will be before I see them again. 

Having the New Yorkers with us helped tremendously.....until....after our Donut Hole* stop, we had to drop them off at the airport. Even Lucy's jovial chatter from the back seat made me feel worse, because I knew it was almost over and it would be months before I would see her again.

Morning prayers for safety had been lifted for each family, but once I saw the backside of the only three "left," that big ole "loneliness lump" seemed to lodge in my throat and accompany me all the way on the road trip home and into the night.

But...."left" can also mean that which remains. Good memories of fun times at "Big Water." **

A cuppa TEA-reasure at my fingertips when I choose to focus on the great week at the beach, with ALL the family.


*Newly opened Donut Hole at Inlet Beach is oh so convenient to folks heading to Panama City International airport.

** When I arrived home, I opened this Margie H. note (e-mailed 7/25, the day before we left) ----so grateful for prayers of faithful friends who "get it."
Praying for safety for all tomorrow on the dreaded return day.  Such a letdown after a week with the family but one that I know you are prepared for after years of practice.  One time on the drive home, sister started crying and we decided we had to do better so we focused on trying to remember the things that happened during the week that made us laugh the most.  It worked, as well as prayers of thanksgiving for having the week together.  
Safe, safe travels for all the travelers and I’m sure many, many thanks are in order for Shug and Pop Pop for making  it all happen! 

"Uni-TEA"

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (Psalm 133:1, ESV)

From early morning kiddie-poo games...think, "Memory," checkers & blocks

to journaling/coloring...

as well as rocket launching instruction and....

"scum-screening" (a Lucy word)

to mid-morning painting by the sea, 

sand play (burial)

boogie boarding veteran (10) & first timer (age 3) & 

to afternoon naps & pool time, 

and reading

with lots of snacking and eating in between

.......to night time crabbing, (side pic) to games---to Boggle, You've Been Sentenced & Scattegory/Category with tubby time, storytelling and ice cream at bedtime.

Uni-TEA is the cuppa all (the Liles crew) are sipping at Majestica Beach in Seagrove, FL.

"Ecs-TEA-cy"

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,...(Psalm 127:3, ESV)

A cuppa ecs-TEA-cy is sweetened during time with family, especially 7 little (& not so little) grands---

“A family is a place where principles are hammered and honed on the anvil of everyday living.”  Chuck Swindoll

Pictures on the beach feels like a lot of "hammering" and sometimes requires a little solace from one's thumb!"

Prac-TEA-cing Thy Presence

Back soon---gone to prac-TEA-ce what I'm preaching (writing).

Found out that it's much easier to type "Prac-TEA-cing Thy Presence" than to actually experience it.
At home, it's quiet and my prayer chair beckons....at the beach, needs of others beckon. AND in many ways, that's a good thing. Like Richard Foster I "honestly fill thee pull of many obligations and try to fulfill them all, " (Freedom of Simplicity e-book p. 347) and describing such actions as trying to live "lives of frantic faithfulness. (Ibid, p. 362)

 It's just hard to sip a cuppa with Him when my mind is elsewhere. Reali-TEA is the cuppa at hand. BUT.....

Oswald Chambers obviously realized this when he penned, "Dependent of God's Presence." (MUFHH, 7/20)
The reality of God's Presence is not dependent on any place, but only dependent upon the determination to set the Lord always before us.

Brother Lawrence certainly experience the Lord each day "among the clatter of his kitchen, while several persons ...at the same time called for different things." His heart was at focused (in great tranquility) on the Lord in the midst of the hubbub as if he were on his knees." (Practice of the Presence of God, p 26)

Taking my cuppa reali-TEA to the 2nd floor balcony---where family can join me---time with family and communion with Him.

T-shirt "TEA-ology"

Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes, (Nehemiah 4:14, NIV)

A beach vacation with all one's family is full of fun and frolic with a little "family feuding" thrown in (think 7 kids ages 13-2)---which is understandable with many under the same roof and "gray-cation" days (Josh dubbed)---days not allowing for much "sun" time.

Feuding topics flow from brother to brother, cousin to cousin, or parent to child.---Nothing major---who gets which scooter, who goes first, I don't need a nap, because I said so, pool-ocean-ocean-pool-pool-ocean, tubby time. Nothing worth a fight.

But...it was a great reminder of the things in life that are worth fighting for. Godly family values are worth fighting for---at home or at the beach.

A prayerful T-shirt reminder over a cuppa of familial tea-ology.

BTW--SUN's out---Ocean wins.

TEA-ckles

...and a time to laugh...(Ecclesiastes 3:4, NIV)

Time with family...brings giggles, squeals and lots of laughter---esp. with 19 in the same beach house most of the time.

Instagram pic of oldest to youngest cousin--with its own hashtag. The younger ones are trying to teach this "old lady." #bigwater2014

Lottsa cuppas "TEA-ckles" (*) at the beach---just not as many sippy cups as in the past, which is a little hard for this Shug to swallow.

Tomorrow....the rest of the story---so you'll know how "real" we Liles are.

*TEA-ckles--a tea word coined and shared by Batesville, MS Carolyn. Doncha luv it!!1!!

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?

"rep-TEA-tition"

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do it: (Psalm 37:5, NASB)

Dr. W. Kay's version of the Psalms gives the Hebrew for "committing one's way." The "way" is the worn down trodden path of our life's journey. (Edges, p. 100) But, committing is the idea of rolling---rolling everything that is to heavy to lift. Roll thy way upon the Lord. Over and over again, anytime His strength is needed. An act of repetition.

Such repetitive action is not boring to Him. He wants us to continually cast all our cares upon Him. If it concerns a child of His, It concerns Him. 

Recent physical therapy, coupled with traction, has had me struggling with the repetition and the not so desired results---then, voilà. Behold, not only was the prayer for diminished pain answered, but God provided the $$$$ instrument from dear, sweet Drenda's attic. He did it---exceedingly, abundantly above all I could ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20) 

Thank You, Lord. I will gladly sip the cuppa rep-TEA-tition with my traction gizmo! 

Relief is the kind of repetition I like.

"cov-e-TEA-ous"

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, ........deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.  (Mark 7:21-23, NASB)

What was a gal, who doesn't know the difference between a stock and a bond, doing reading the CA's business section? Perusing. Just an "at a glance perusal," not a careful examination. 

Sam Ray's,"Business as Usual" cartoon caught my eye. Obviously, in the business world a euphemism for sin is the term "inappropriate." Sadly, the one frame cartoon reflected the truth of greed in our world. 

Individual greed....greedy man curses and spurns the LORD. (Psalm 10:3)

Corporate greed...in their greed they will exploit you with false words; (2 Peter 2:3)

Rampant greed.

"Inappropriate Prayer" Title....as executive kneels beside his desk praying, "PLEASE, LORD, I WANT MORE!

Too many folks sip from a cuppa "greed." Always wanting more. It's not only inappropriate, it's a sin. The 10th commandment reminds us of that, telling us NOT to covet. It gets to the heart of the matter of sin. It looks at our motivations showing how God wants us to think. (Deuteronomy 5:21) 

A cuppa cov-e-TEA-ous should be set aside. A cuppa generosi-TEA should be picked up instead as one remembers, "it is more blessed to give than to receive."(Acts 20:35)

elemen-TEA-ry

He has told you, O man, what is good;

    and what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

    and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8, ESV)

Hubby and I are both Sherlock Holmes fans. We don't belong to the Baker Street Irregulars nor do we don deerstalker hats to celebrate His possible birthday of January 6. After all he is a fictional character. But....we appreciates both the written and television works based on his detection skills. BBC/PBS is filmed in London. The locale is familiar. The acting incredible. Even the CBS contemporary update, set primarily in NYC is enjoyable. Plus, Watson is a female. A novel approach.
Film and TV productions have used the Holmes line, which he uttered to Watson, that is recognized by anyone over 60. "Elementary, my dear Watson." 

Elementary. The obvious. The basics. Simple truths. Recognizable by those truly seeking. Foundational for deduction and spiritual understanding.

All this to say, that in the Christian faith, there are some elementary truths that all denominations hang their hats on.

My favorite "BASIC" verses (emphasis, mine):

• You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
• Serve the Lord with gladness. (Psalm 100:2)
• You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and (love) your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27)
• Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. (John 6:47)
• Serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:3)
• Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
• In everything give thanks....(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
• All scripture is given by inspiration of God...(2 Timothy 3:16)

Just the basics---elementary truths. A cuppa elemen-TEA-ry sweetened with God's truths which Christians should sip every day.

"pellucidi-TEA"

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrew 4:13, NIV)

Pellucidi-TEA. How's that for a ten-dollar word? Synonymous with transparency. Our lives and hidden motives are all transparent before God, whether we like it or not. So, why aren't we transparent before each other, especially those who are of the household of faith? Why is it so difficult to feel free to be honest, open, genuine and transparent with God and men. 

Transparency sets one up to be vulnerable and that's a "risky" place to be. Certainly if one has been "burned" by openly sharing with another, it's even more difficult.

But God, challenged me through Taylor Park's recent sermon, "A Fellowship of Fellow Strugglers" to examine the church as a fellowship of transparency. 
Transparency is sometimes necessary if one is to truly minister to the "body." Pride has to be set aside. The "I'm just a very private person" excuse must be shelved if one truly wants to help others in a similar struggle. 

"Deep Fellowship" is experienced by the sharing of believers on the same side of the struggle. The been there, done that, experience that one can choose to share in order to offer comfort and hope to another. It's the living out of 2 Corinthians 1:4.

I admit that I have trouble picking up the cuppa pellucidi-TEA, much less sipping from it. That cuppa transparency that houses the hurts and struggles of my life. I keep those very close to my chest. Afraid of the ramifications.

But God....recently allowed me a front row seat of one who shared a struggle with deep hurts. Transparent before a friend in the faith with a similar struggle and all the residual hurts from feelings of comparison and NOT measuring up. A risk taken. A transparency of heart to minister and to show love as Paul did in 2 Corinthians 2: 2:4. (Italics, mine)

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote  (spoke) to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I (and God) have especially for you.

A love for another believer. A love which enabled one to take a risk and become transparent. A transparency that ministered the gift of hope to a struggling friend in the faith.

A cuppa "pellucidi-TEA at its best---steeped in love and overflowing to another. It's worth the risk!

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : tea-tection

From Huffington Post to Oprah, everyone seems to have a "must read" list to put in your beach bag.  Fluff. Pop sugar. Easy read. Sizzle and lurid, depressing and gruesome were words that came to my mind as I read the lists.

Why trust an unknown recommendation? Why not choose my own fluff---a story with a female sleuth, who does her own detecting? I love tea. I love Charleston. Laura Childs' "Tea Shop Mysteries" are set in the Indigo Tea Shop in that South Carolina town. I've read the first 14 so #15, Steeped in Evil, is going in my beach bag. Certainly not high-brow reading but it's a book I can read in bits and pieces. I can read it on "my watch" with the napping grands and then easily set it aside when an eagle-eye is needed at the beach.

TEA-tection, a perfect combo word---for the act of detecting by Theodosa, a tea shop owner, when the police detective, Tidwell needs her assistance, whether he admits it or not. 

TEA-tection a new genre, "coined" by me, for a book choice that meets my beach needs.

Summer's Boun-TEA

The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Psalm 145: 15, NKJV)

There's nothing quite like summer in the South to appreciate the produce of the earth as a free and bountiful gift of God. It's my favorite food season!

Shop Local. Wednesday Farmer's Market at the Botanic Garden. Agricenter International at the Red Barn. Windermere Farms and Apiaries.

Those "summertime" signs lure me. No additional prodding needed for this veggie lovin' sweet tea drinkin' gal.

God's bounty is available at every corner and I'm drinkin' it in---a cuppa boun-TEA that delights all my senses.