A Local Cuppa Minis-TEA-ry

and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, (Acts 17:26, NASB)

Continuing to ponder, "How does one "bloom where planted?"...spiritually, that is. Since God has determined that at this time I will live in Memphis, TN in Eastwood Manor area, specifically at 1152, then I know that I am here in this locality for ministry.

How does one do that? Minister in their neighborhood? 

In a nutshell, "Be open to others." (notes from Allen Bible Church 9/14/14)

• OPEN EYES--observe needs--see as God sees
• OPEN EARS--listen with all ears and you'll find commonalities
• OPEN HANDS--be receptive & responsive to both give & receive help when needed
• OPEN LIVES--be relational, move toward them, feel compassion and share life's moments

Jesus came and dwelt among us; (John 1:14) or as Eugene Peterson describes, "He moved into the neighborhood." That's where He ministered. We should do the same.

Next time you serve a cuppa fill it with minis-TEA-ry for your neighborhood friends.

Timelessness of God's Word : Essential guide for all humani-TEA

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:2, NIV)

Dusting the console cabinet in the den, I reset my Pap's Illinois railroad pocket watch for the umpteenth time. It's stemwound and though it's old, it still works----for awhile. Actually, it would probably continue to work if I would continue to rewind it. The watch's timekeeping is dependent on my efforts, because it does not plug-in to any source. It is such a picture to me of my own inability to be consistent in my spiritual timekeeping. If I'm not "plugged in" to the word of the One who is my source of power and hope, my hope for spiritual growth is stymied.

The Bible is by no means a book just of the past. It contains a timeless message of hope. Hope for the day and hope for the future. God, the author of the Bible, (2 Timothy 3:16) is timeless and wishes to share eternity with the people who love Him.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

God's truth is always relevant. Even, many of God’s promises recorded in the Bible are relevant for all times.

God's Word is timeless (Psalm 119:89) and therefore the Bible is still humanity’s most essential guide.

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : hometown partiali-TEA

Lisa Patton's "Dixie" series books are not exactly "high-brow" literature. Chick-lit might be a more appropriate label. But....folks who grew up in Memphis, will find lots of references to places they once frequented, Justine's, being one. Readers with an Ole Miss connection, will find that Patton has her finger on the pulse of tailgating in "The Grove" as football fans gather early for the Rebels traditional "Walk Through the Grove" 2 hours before kick-off the 3rd book in the series.!

Patton also puts a little south in the mouth of her characters, that folks north of the Mason-Dixon might have a little trouble interpreting. 

For a fluff, predictable read, Patton keeps it clean, which is rare these days. In Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor-easter, (#1) protagonist Leelee Satterfield, is a southern belle in who more than once has to draw on her southern grit, while maintaining her manners when her life seems to go awry at an inn in Vermont.  Yankee Doodle Dixie's (#2) rating is not quite as high as her debut book & finds LeeLee back in Memphis. Southern as a Second Language (#3) has LeeLee and her girls with Kissie, who raise her and continues to "watch out for her" as LeeLee frequents more places in Memphis----Central BBBQ, Rachel's Flowers and St. John's Episcopal to name a few. 

Ms Patton grew up in Memphis and now lives in Franklin, so she knows her subject. So if your drawn to an easy read set in Memphis with flashbacks to the 60s as well as more recent times, these books might fit your bill. 

Commi-TEA-ment

No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. (2 Timothy 2:4, NASB)

Week 7's topic for our Heart to Heart Bible Study in 2 Timothy, is "Be committed." I am the scheduled teacher for that session. Once I got past taking that "phrase" a little too personally, envisioning an Alzheimer play-day type setting, my next step also proved personally difficult.

The first direction was: Write "below" a favorite version of 2 Timothy 4:2 to commit to memory.

That alone took days as I kept trying different versions on for my "spiritual size." I wanted the one that fit my heart just right since memorization these days is not my strong point. I never even went to the questions segment of the lesson because I knew I wouldn't be teaching it for another 6-7 weeks.

After the trouble of committing to a favorite version, I realized that I had transposed my numbers and was seeking to memorize the wrong verse.

How like me! I really do need to "be committed" to the home.

But God had used those translations of 2 Timothy 2:4---very NEEDFUL ---as once again I was getting caught up in the minutia of daily life. Those tyrannical urgencies that drive the "already driven" to distraction. I needed to "be committed" to the Lord, my commanding officer. Committed to pleasing Him! Not spinning my wheels in busyness and wasting time.

Maybe I do need to be committed to a facilit-TEA with a memory unit, but if I do end up there, I hope they allow me daily cuppas of  commi-TEA-ment to the One true God. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as I take to preachin'! (2 Timothy 2:4)

Veloci-TEA Continued, Rationale Considered, at-TEA-ributes Concluded

When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek." (Psalm 27:8, NASB)

Run to God's Word. That's always the right "speedy" decision. What takes some contemplation is what you do with it once you get there.

Reading God's Word just for the sake of reading God's word has merit. Searching God's word for answers to questions is a worthy pursuit as well. Yet, lately I have been convicted that God's word, at its best, is as an impetus and aid in worship.

I had just typed this and then I opened an email from Mary B. 

Have you read Women of the Word by Jan Wilkin? Cathy C. mentioned something from it in her BSF lecture Monday night.  She said that the author challenged her readers to study the Bible  to worship God, not to see what you can get for yourself from it. 

Hm-m-m sounds like all that's been on my heart lately. It's a "how-to book about studying the Bible with both heart and mind. I think I need to "check it out." Certainly I know how to use veloci-TEA to my advantage when it comes to acquiring a book. 

I hope this one will equip me to engage God’s Word in a way that "trains my mind and transforms my heart" as the book blurb indicates. Then, I will be able to wholeheartedly answer the question,

"Am I a God-worshipper or a Bible-worshipper?"

I need to fill my cuppa with at-TEA-ributes of God, that I might love the person and not the object as I speedily turn to Him.

rou-TEA-ine

But all things should be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40, ESV)

Routine enhances order---at least these days that is true in my life.
Is that an aging thing? A "sot in your ways," control issue. Is it hereditary?

Certainly a cuppa rou-TEA-ine is preferred by lots of my family members, especially my brothers. It was modeled by our parents, whom you could set your clock by. As Daddy aged I watched him put his day in order more than ever, as if routine helped him keep a handle on things, that were trying to slip away.

Walking with Ellen has been a part of my exercise routine for over 24+ years. It's a routine that goes beyond physical exercise because I never know what gem I will glean from her. This morning was no different as she shared a Shane Stanford "jewel" from her last night's CUMC Bible Study. A reminder that being in His presence is a "spiritual routine" one should not neglect.
"One's joy is directionally proportional to the amount of time spent practicing the Presence of God in the midst of all his /her circumstances."
That's certainly biblical---Fulness of joy comes from being in His Presence. (Psalm 16:11)

The Bible----a great threshold that leads one into God's Presence.

A 3/2/10 original “Tea with Thee” blog, described my best “routine” for  morning quiet times----"like my tea---steeped just right, not rushed. An ordinary cup of tea, my daily Jesus Calling reading, simple scripture verses at my fingertips----ordinary beginnings can make a day extraordinary."

Now,  I would add.....a cuppa "rou-TEA-ine" in His Presence over flows into joy for a truly extraordinary day, regardless of the circumstances.

s-TEA-rife tempered by captivi-TEA

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIT)

Strife. What is it? What causes it? What can one do about it?

My life must have it as I often realize my teeth are clenched. Even my shoulders seem to stay "clenched" lately. Up around my ears----until I intentionally pull them down, willing myself to calm down and relax.

Then, yesterday my iPad notes from 2 years ago opened wide for me to see:

• Strife---an inside job---it springs from within
• Strife---the enemy of peace and calm
• Root of strife = SELF-Worldiness, aka pride (opposite of pride is humility)
• Strife is conflict between our thinking and God's word.
• Mood-induced thoughts can keep me in turmoil, aka strife.
• Real issue--Whom will I love? God or the world? James 4:4 asks, "don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?"

Good riddance for strife---submit to God, draw near to Him and as He reciprocates by drawing near as well, it becomes much easier to take every "rebellious self" thought captive.

(Continue reading).....God's word, that is.

God gracefully serves us cuppa after cuppa of humili--TEA, puri-TEA, and in-TEA-macy once we pour out the dregs of enmi-TEA and s-TEA-rife that have stained the insides of our former cuppa.

Mammogram TEA-nsion

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.(2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV)

'Tis the season for my annual mammogram and my anxiety is trying to creep  back up. There's just something about sitting in a mammogram waiting room that serves up a cuppa anxi-TEA, whether one sips from it or not. Anyone who has ever received the "dreaded call back" understands.

Today I am choosing not to allow the tension of the exam to result in my ingesting any anxie-TEA. 

Trust me, I couldn't conjure this courage up. But God had a verse for me....allowing His power to work best in my weakness. 

I really thought of God's strength as the pressure pusher that squooshed me digitally registered 9.4 pounds and then 12.0 pounds on the pull backs. How low can it go???

As I added the punctuation to that last sentence, the tech appeared and leaning down, she whispered in my ear, "We need to do an ultrasound. Okay?" What can one say but, "okay."
As the "Happy" song started playing in the background---I had to smile. If my gowntail would have stayed closed I might have gotten up for a "little dance." Even after the doctor had to come in to scrutinize ultrasounds 3 and 4, I sensed God's grace as discussions began.

My momentary fears and afflictions are just that. Momentary. Even in a call back or a less than perfect diagnosis. So, each year I go back because I have to. The alternative is not to know, and that is worse. This time I have to return sooner but today's event  has been better because I brought  God in with me. The reali-TEA station at the Methodist Hospital Breast Center was offering many a cuppa of uncertain-TEA to several of us ladies......

.......But God..... sweetened my cuppa by blending veraci-TEA from His word!
With a little background music!

......Because I'm happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do....(Pharrell Williams)

It's what I want to do---choose joy, not fear. 

Spiritual For-TEA-tude

My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. (Proverbs 4:20-22, ESV)

I have prayed the Proverb that coincides with each of my kids' (and now their spouses and grands) birthdays for as long as I can remember.

Attentiveness comes from being in God's word. How else does one know what God is saying. "Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge," (Proverbs 22:17) is prayed often for those born on the 22nd.

Love the marks on the inside.

"A well worn Bible is sign of a well fed soul," as the saying goes. And when it's a son's Bible, it warms the mother's heart more than any cuppa.

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : Genteeli-TEA

A southern lady is often seen as genteel, albeit sometimes with a little added pretense. However, to me, true gracious goodness is something to aspire to for this southern Kentucky gal. So my Southern Lady magazine, a gift from a sweet friend, is a bi-monthly +1 treat---any more issues than that and I lag behind. Plus, it has fewer ads than Southern Living, fewer pages than Good Housekeeping & no racy topics like Redbook started publishing a few years ago. Just  more beautiful pictures---perfect for an old lady on the go.

The most recent issue had an intro to a Christian author from Nashville and a cookbook review. Favorite sections include "Recipe Box," which included a pecan pie, which I'm made to share tonight at "pie on the patio" with neighbors, great southern cities' escape ideas, "Seasonal Settings," a verse of scripture on the editor's "Sincerely" page and as always, a great "Afterthought" section which has an inspirational quote.

 "By all these lovely tokens 

September days are here. 

     With summer's best of weather

And autumn’s best of cheer." 

Helen Hunt Jackson, "September"

Not a book review, but a Sunday "review," nonetheless.

migh-TEA cuppa re-brew

So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11, NIV)

Why do you start each of this year's "Tea with Thee" blogs with a scripture?
A mighty backbone for a Christian's blog is God's Word. For His word does not return unto Him void. Though I will pass away, His words will never pass away. (Matthew 24:35) His words will be there for my grands & great grands. Thus, I start each blog entry with a scripture---as His word not only saves us, it instructs us. (Titus 2:11-12)

What's with the "tea" wordplay?
Part of who I am is a hot tea aficionado.....so that makes it fun for me. It's what all my grandkids know about me. But also it gives me something to hang my hat on and jog my memory. Any memory jogging is useful at this age. I know some of them are a real stretch but emails and comments form folks have let me know that they too have amused themselves by coming up with tea words and sharing them with me. A connectivi-TEA in more ways than one.

Will you continue the "tea" theme next year?
Possibly, but only on occasion.  Frankly, I'm  hoping for a respite from the compulsion to post daily entries.  I do have a few "dance" ideas still floating in my head and friend Beth recommended that approach. But God....usually has His own ideas. I rarely know which way an entry will go as my fingers start typing.

God's word is the only "constant" so I keep blogging, and each entrywill be based on His truth that never fades. As Peter wrote, "people are as transient as the withering grass". (1 Peter 1:24)

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8)

Another cuppa of His word, which is migh-TEA to save and is from everlasting to everlasting.

migh-TEA BIG cuppa

Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6, NIV)

Why blog? 

Maybe because it will have lasting value for my grandchildren. Tweets, Instagram and even FB seem more ephemeral. Tweets evaporate almost instantly and Instagram and FB too follow into an almost black hole within a month. I want my "grands" and great grands to know of my faith---after I'm long gone. A faith that anchors my soul.

Why blog daily? 

Certainly not to add more cobwebs to the "blogosphere." But God seemed to "compel me" to daily blogging this year.

Is blogging hard work? 

Yes......Though it's not as hard as building a temple would have been for Zerubbabel in the above verse, it's beyond my own strength. If my blogging is not Spirit led, it is rubbish with no lasting value. Often, I wonder if the time to quit is drawing nigh, especially when I don't "feel" His power and and the writing seems "toilsome." (Ecclesiastes 2:26) 

How does one know if her blogging pleases God?

The other day I asked myself the same question. And tho the "drop and plop" method is not spiritual, recently I did just that---finding 1 Corinthians 10:13 and a Harriet Beecher Stowe quote that I hope explains my purpose.

I did not write it. God wrote it. I merely did His dictation.

Stowe's writing coupled with God's word would be a "migh-TEA BIG cuppa to digest....but hopefully even my small blog is sincerely written in wholehearted service to the Lord in order to glorify Him.

at-TEA-boy! At-TEA girl!

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (Ephesians 4:29, NLT)

As all teachers know, it takes at least 10 "attaboys" or "attagirls" to temper one "now-now" negative. 

Kids need encouragement.....but then, so do adults. Heart to Heart Bible study teacher, Crickett reiterated that last night as she shared a great model for a "Ministry of Encouragement" from 2 Timothy 1:1-7.

5 Ways to Encourage Others

(as Paul encouraged Timothy)

1. Love them- (v. 2 & 4) & show that love.
2. Pray for them- (v. 3) & keep on praying.
3. Affirm them- (v. 5) in their faith walk.
4. Exhort them- (v. 6) to be all that God has called them to be.
5. Remind them- (v. 7) of all the Lord's resources that are available to them.

What a great reminder that spiritual at-TEA-boys are good for spiritual health as well as emotional health. 

Each at-TEA-girl fills someone's cuppa with much needed positivi-TEA. Thanks to Crickett for filling our cuppa week after week!

Conviviali-TEA

So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 8:15, NLT)

I followed the advice of the "Preacher" of Ecclesiastes and this morning joined a couple of our local preachers and other members of the household of faith for pickleball. What patience those "pros" showed us---the female beginners. Just "getting" that 0-4-2 was a score was the first stretching I had to do.

A great time for physical exercise--semi-physical for this less competitive one--fellowship and plain ole fun. I thought there was going to be food as well---a real draw for me. But, the "kitchen" that was mentioned was actually just a section of the court. Oh well, it's a little hard to swallow anyway---if your gasping for breath. 

But, I was served a mug full of conviviali-TEA---a cuppa would be too dainty for this crew......yet one I would want to serve others.

Fini-TEA-ude : a fuzzy cuppa

Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you. (Isaiah 46:4, NASB)

In all seasons of life, many of us go through many growth-type cycles. As children we want to be taller in order to qualify for a Disney ride. As aging adults we shrink but it’s okay because those rides would throw our back out anyway. As pre-teens, we want to be old enough to drive while as "senior" folks we like to be driven, at least this gal does.

My Freedom of Simplicity e-audio book stated that finitude is a cycle……a growth cycle known as aging. Of growing old---at least I think that’s what I heard as I was dozing off last night. I do understand finitude as being finite and having limits. I see that every time I’m asked, to check an age category when filling out forms or applications. 65 and above is always the "last" one.

So grateful that retirement has been a part of my aging cycle---just as it was for Bob M. when he retired from RCA.

Maybe aging is seen as cyclical when the very “old” revert to their childish ways. Interestingly enough, for years young people have wanted to look older to gain admittance to movies or bars while many of the aged try desperately to stall the effects of aging in order to “look” younger. Each age trying to interrupt the God-given life cycles.

Yet, finitude really seems linear to me---as a way of seeing the length of one's days. Certainly one's season of aging can be thought of as the “finite season.” When you reach the end.....you fall in. A 6-foot drop!

But God…is there for eterni-TEA, so..... I can continue to sip my cuppa fini-TEA-ude, whether it’s cyclical or linear, because God has determined the length of my days. (Job 14:5)

Sereni-TEA : one cuppa at a time

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24, NIV)

A recent email from DOC in LA, a self-proclaimed "king of naps" reminded me of the value of a good old fashion nap.  I even blogged 5 years ago about being the "queen" of said naps.
Plus, this time last year I had given myself a re-gift in the form of a nap.
Everyone has their own nap strategies. In college, LA Doc could put his head down on the desk for a 7 minute nap. Even as a working adult, he would prop his feet on his desk after lunch for a little snooze. Hubby stretches out in his big brown leather recliner and and lets the Jeopardy™ theme song lull him to sleep. I learned the value of a short nap from Millie D of Tennessee who crawled into bed for hers.

Research shows that a little nap will do you ---and is good for you. It seems good for me because I seem to sleep peacefully. When I awaken and it's still daylight, all those dragons of the dark have no power. With a nap there's no tension about trying to fall asleep. It's as easy as falling off a log. But....at night, I want to sleep like one, not fall off of it.

A quick sleep in the daytime never seems to come with the night-time baggage. Often in the dark of night, sweet sleep is interrupted with worries. Thoughts that race as I try desperately to return to sleep---so fearful of being tired the next day. Most concerns can not even be remedied in the night. Did I pay that Visa bill? Did I return DT's call? Why would Dr. Smith want me to schedule a visit? Wonder if grands will remember to.....?

I love what Hemingway said about sleep.
"I love sleep because life has a tendency to fall apart when I'm awake." For me that would read...when I'm "awake in the night."

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety, is how the psalmist states it in 4:8. Safe-TEA from those dreaded thoughts in the dark.
That's it in a nutshell---the pursuit of peace even as one sleeps. There's just something so peaceful and serene about a nap! As DOC says, "Long live the nap!"

I'll drink to that----with a cuppa warm herbal sereni-TEA to carry me peacefully into  sleep, regardless of the time of day.

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : s-TEA-ress & s-TEA-rain of marriage

Following a weekend wedding, a book on marital bliss seemed appropriate to review----tho some of the portrayals showed some not so blissful nuptial moments. Certainly all marriages have  both. The stress and strain of any marriage can be daunting, but when one factors in the role of a very public ministry, that relationship can face tough obstacles.
C.S. Lewis Had a Wife by William Peterson is a look at marriages of some stalwarts of the Christian faith. Even these 5 couples, as Peterson's research revealed, had to face everyday sorts of problems, typical in all marriages. 

None of the book is written in "southern English" and those chapters written in "olde English" leave room for deciphering for this southern miss. Founder of the Presbyterian denomination in Scotland, John Knox, who settled into marriage, his first of two, at the age of 42, wrote in a letter describing self as "now burdenit with dowbill caris." (p. 33) Of course, as one who took his mother-in-law along on his homeymoon, Knox might have lamented thrice caris. But even years after death of wife Marjory (at age 25) he described her as "darrest spouse of blessit memorie." (p. 44)

The Hudson Taylor entry, told of early rejections from two different fiancés and his ensuing marriage to Maria, an orphan who would be such a backbone to his China Inland Mission that Taylor "learned to value her judgment and prayerfulness that he never took a step without consulting her." (p. 71) They buried two of their children together and then tho he felt "utterly crushed" when she died in childbirth, he drew closer to the Lord and was able to "thank Him for ordering it for her, that she might be with Him." (p.82) 
Taylor, along with his second wife Jennie and through China Inland Mission, put 825 missionaries on the field by 1905---all 'for Jesus sake.' (p. 86)

My favorite entry was "Meet Jack (C.S.) and Joy Lewis."
C. S. Lewis did not marry until age 60 and his spouse, a divorcée, was considered by many as a most unusual woman---a marriage of the minds. "For Jack the attractions was a t first intellectual...in width of interest, in analytical grasp, and above all in humor and sense of fun." (from brother Warren's diary entry, p.165) An ecclesiastical ceremony was performed at what seemed was Joy's death bed. But God gave Jack and Joy a 2 year reprieve. Though eventually she succumbed as the cancer returned, this entry focused on the meaningful time they had together. 
Lewis recalled a belated honeymoon in Ireland, writin, "I'm such a confirmed old bachelor that couldn't help feeling I was being rather naughty staying with a woman at a hotel. Just like people in the newspapers." (p. 170)
Following her death, "in A Grief Observed, Lewis tells how Joy and he 'feasted on love: everymode of it---solemn and merry, romantic and realistic, sometimes as dramatic as a thunderstorm, sometimes as comfortable and unemphatic as putting on your soft slippers.'" (p. 174) 

All in all the book is a good nighttime read---like short stories. Each chapter is a complete entry. Revealingly interesting, concise, mostly calm and inspirational.

Propitious Ma-TEA-ri-mony

Marriage should be honored by all, (Hebrews 13:4, NLT)

Some marriages seem to be made in heaven---though none of that is likely to be totally determined on the wedding day. Yet, tonight's wedding of Emily and Nate certainly came close. A God-honoring ceremony. A great beginning. Propitious---heaven-sent and indicating a good chance of success.

Both graduates of Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Both in professions of service as physician assistants in the medical field. Bride at UTMG and Groom at St. Jude. But more importantly, both are believers. Equally yoked.

The bride, whom I and others had prayed for even before her birth, the groom a young man taking his vows, as unto the Lord, turned facing the world as Pastor Taylor introduced the "you and you who tonight became y'all."

Then..... drove away in a hidden surprise....a 1932 Ford Victoria, restored by the groom's dad....a young couple beginning a life lived as "unto the Lord" in a fun vintage car, no less!

tea-hee--tee-hee-hee--tea-hee

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter And your lips with shouting. (Job 8:21, NASB)

Pondering aging on this "eve," I surmise (tho I have no research to prove it) that a few things help those of us advancing in years: acceptance, a caring family, good friends and LOTS of LAUGHTER! As I typed this, my elusive vitamin D, once again rolled off the table and out of sight! I feel more like crying than laughing at this ongoing frustrating nuisance, tho I am working on it.*

I have no idea the source of this picture,** it just makes me laugh---it's so-o-o me!
Aging with a friend over a cuppa with scuffs, piles of books and chocolate nearby.
Thanks to hubby who noticed 2 more of my "likes"--tulips & freshly sharpened pencils!

Tea-hee--tee-hee--tea-hee---Life with a cuppa, even in "the home," is  better with laughter.

* I found a stray peanut on the floor but I have yet to find that &#%!@?!" vitamin D. BTW those symbols are baby boomers' substitutions for "dadburn."

**My siblings---note the lamp on the table. We all have one...thanks to Uncle Clarence Davenport.

solemnit-TEA

The LORD cares deeply when his loved ones die. (Psalm 116:15, NLT)

I believe the truth of that scripture but it certainly doesn't negate the earth-side pain experienced by believers and those of all faiths who lost loved ones on 9/11/01. 

A series of four coordinated terrorist attacks launched by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda upon the United States in New York City, the D.C. metropolitan area and UA Air Flight 93 in PA on that Tuesday. 

Most of us remember where we were on that day. The shock as the morning news was interrupted. Ensuing events continued as our nation began dealing with the tragedy---and has continued remembering and commemorating those September 11 attacks of 2001, which killed nearly 3,000 people.

A friend's son, Rob, (38 at the time) was in the south tower, as I recall, and he actually spoke to both his wife and his dad on the phone, prior to the collapse of his World Trade Center tower. It was the second tower, but the first one to collapse. Rob, as many others, was never to return to his loving family.

Rob's name found me---as info kiosk was unreadable that day. I shielded my eyes from the sun and hubby and I bowed our heads and prayed for all the Lenoirs and Robinsons, as the Memorial pool shimmered in the background and not a human sound was heard, except shuffling of feet.

Today, there is more than just solemnity at Ground Zero--I know there is still heartache and great loss experienced by all the families and friends who lost loved ones that day, wherever they are today---as they remember.

My morning cuppa is full of solemni-TEA and the knowledge that all I can do is pray---but that seems the right thing to do.

TEA-scriptors

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12, NIV)

Grandson Owen is only in first grade but already he is learning about the importance of descriptors. Words that describe a person, place or thing---thus giving said noun, a deeper meaning.

Adjectives. Descriptors. Choice words to modify that noun of a person......or a tea.

A name describes who a person is; a title relates to some office that person may fill, whereas an appellative, such as believer, beloved of God or God's chosen ones describes some distinctive characteristic of the person. Just as Paul was encouraging Timothy, as a believer to set a distinctive example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.

Those "choice" examples can be modified for deeper understanding thru the use of descriptors. Speech free of obscene talk. Exemplary conduct. Unconditional love. Continual faith. Sheer purity.
Such descriptors are sought by those who desire to "walk worthy of one's calling." May the descriptors in your life have others see you as humble, loving, gentle, patient, _______. (Ephesains 4:1-2)
Fill in the blank with your name if your desire is to live this "worthy" example.

As I go to my pantry to select from an array of tea, each with a different TEA-scriptor for my cuppa, I make a choice. Just as in life. It's all about the life (example) I choose to brew and pour out to others.

Pho-TEA-graphs in the mind

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. (Psalm 107:29, NIV)

Word Pictures. Auditory to visual. Sometimes a single word or phrase evokes mental pictures. Certainly in God's word there are terms that remind us of life in all its forms. Warring. Race. Wrestling. Journey. Climb. Voyage. Storm.

Life:

• a fight or a race as Paul describes in (2 Timothy 4:7), 
• a wrestling match for Jacob, a man of never ending life struggles who wrestles with God, until God blesses Him after the "divine encounter," (Genesis 32:24-30)
• a journey as Abraham followed God's leading away from kin and kindred, (Genesis 12) 
• a climb "surefooted upon the heights" as Habakkuk 3:19 relates, 
• a voyage as Jonah in the whale's belly (Jonah 1:17)
• a storm--as the disciples experience in the stormy seas, (John 6:16-21) 

Of all the word pictures, storms and whirlwinds seem to resonate loudest with me, thus producing striking images. Storms of life agitate me---then grow. Just as the stirring waters in the ocean, can bring about ferocious storms when churned by the fierce winds.
That's when I have to call out to the One who is in the whirlwind, (Job 38:1) and recall the words of the psalmist in Psalm 89:11, "When the waves arise, Thou stillest them." His calm....deep within each human heart. An undisturbable calm available when one is in His Presence.

And no storm, however fierce or violent,
Disturbs the soul that dwells, O Lord, inThee. ---Harriet Beecher Stowe.

A cuppa served with pho-TEA-graphs of the mind to soothe a soul.

Prac-TEA-cing Hospi-tali-TEA

Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Romans 12:13, NIV)

Some people just exude hospitable kindness. They make hospitality look easy, when I, for one, know it tain't always so,........easy that is.

Their door is alway open. One feels welcome. Breakfast. Lunch. (& Dinner)

There are even "pillow prizes"....and when a senile relative leaves their's behind, they bring it to her, without murmuring and disputing. (Philippians 2:14) No complaints ever. 

Service is taken seriously----whether it's to family, friends or strangers from the household of faith. All are treated royally. Isn't that what the "Good Book" teaches! They don't just know it----they practice it.

Always a cuppa hospitali-TEA is served, whether at the table or on the balcony--and they're not even cuppa consumers!

I  got to keep my cuppa!

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : fan-TEA-sy

Mr. Penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore A Novel by Robin Sloan---

Not exactly my kind of book, even though “Bookstore” in the title was a draw. 

Yet, fantasy spine label was my first hesitation. But, intrigue was my 2^nd draw. I was intrigued by the great reviews and the awareness that area book clubs have chosen to read it, thus group guides are available. Draw #3 was availability of "free" eAudio book for trip to Texas--and main driver, hubby, does love fantasy. The reader was excellent, actually adding a little understanding for this gal who was so out of her league in a "fantasy" genre.

The story seemed somewhat YA-ish to me, with their "crazy" wild language, even though all characters are adult and some adult situations are alluded to. It probably would appeal to those 40-some folks who grew up in the era of Douglas Adams, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, & the Dragonriders science fiction series of Anne McCaffrey.

Plot deals with arcane fellowship of book-lovers (aka bibliophiles of the Unbroken Spine) seeking the key to immortality through the imprints of A. Manutius (1449-1515) with internet-savvy characters coming on board to join in the pursuit. Did I say very savvy. Google must love it.

"Googler" terms fly and at times it seemed like a tech book as the googlers "play in the Big Box" plugging into power and fiber optics, flexing their fingers as "they" (think thousands worldwide) log on---as if "practicing an algorithmically generated waltz." (p. 222)

If you do decide to read it---be sure to read it at night and watch what happens to the cover when you place it on your bedside table and then turn off the light.

His Sovereign-TEA = my locali-TEA

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, (Acts 17:24-26, ESV)

Last Sunday's sermon (8/31/14) at Allen Bible Church, "Addressing Atpopia," gave me lots of food for thought. Atopia, a placelessness, somewhere between utopia (idyllic) and distopia (danger). It was another in the series of "Our Locality, His Sovereignty"---and a good one it was! God determines our times and our location. Wherever we are at this season of life, we're right where He wants us to be.
Location! Location! Location! He's put us in the dwelling place of His choice.
The crux of the message to me:

• There is a spiritual art to neighboring.
• Can ask, Why here, Lord?" but better to ask, "For whom?"
• When everyone is our neighbor to love, no one is your neighbor. (Too broad---ask God for focus.)
• Love locally. 
• Start by knowing your neighbors names so your neighborhood isn't a "strangerhood."

My notes spilled over from the pages offered. So much seemed so important. Then I lost my "important" notes. So typical---but God confirmed my remembrances as later hubby found those notes under his car seat.

My notes were numerous and yet the New Century version summed up my focus, "God decided exactly when and where they (Dotsy included) must live."
His sovereign-TEA sweetens my cuppa locali-TEA, as I seek to feel compassion for my neighbors and continue to move toward them as I get to know them and share God's grace---beyond the fences.

Puri-TEA

You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. (2 Corinthians 3:3, NIV)

Am I practicing the presence of God in such a way that believers and non-believers alike are able to catch, at least, a glimpse of Him? Visibili-TEA of the risen Lord n my life.

Lately, as I have once again intentionally looked for His hand in circumstances, I'm seeing His love written on human hearts. Clearly the goodness of the Lord is in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)

But.....I feel as if my own efforts are but ink smudges when I should be leaving the sweet, pure, aroma of the living God. Ah, but to be able to say as Paul did, "imitate me." (1 Corinthians 11:1) Follow my example. Read the letter of my life. To stand before Him and serve others with clean hands and a pure heart.

Sipping a cuppa puri-TEA today as I continue to bask in His love so pure, allowing Him to write His love letter on my heart. A letter I can share with others.

Heri-TEA-age : a memorable cuppa

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (2 Timothy 1:5, ESV)

I spent way too much time on the computer this morning. I was beginning reading 2 Timothy in prep for my church's "Leaving a Legacy of Eternal Significance" study and............... 

Following the assignment to read through the entire book, I went back to chapter 1 to answer questions. Then, a "reflection" question led me to google. I have always known of the sincere faith of my grandmothers---though one had a more grace-filled approach than my (possibly a little more legalistic) other one. But, for years I had also heard of the faith of Uncle Mabry's sister, Anna (aka "Stockade Annie") and the googling began.....and 3 hrs later...... I am filled with awe of a woman who had no children but became surrogate mom/grandmom to many. 

At Fort Campbell, KY, formerly Camp Campbell built on the Mabry's family farm land, Annie began a ministry. A ministry based on the mission stated in the New Testament for all Christians---visit the sick and those in prison. And that's what she did from the opening of the base (101^st Airborne Division) in 1942 until her death at 93 in the post hospital in 1969.*                                  

I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. (Matthew 25:36)

That's the cuppa heri-TEA-age I want to leave for my children and grands. A living faith. A faith that serves others.

Maybe I will use "Stockade Annie's" teaspoons at my next tea party with my grands. The silver was a gift to her, Anna Mabry Barr of Clarksville, TN---given to her  by the New Orleans parish of Layfayette Presbyterian Church to welcome her, the bride of their pastor, Dr. John Barr. (February 5, 1901)

*So much brewing on this "spirited" and spiritual relative, that another entry will probably be served.

Synchronici-TEA

My soul rests quietly only when it looks to God; (Psalm 62:1, NIV)

"The Soul Needs Rest" is the title of chapter 11 in John Ortberg's book, Soul Keeping. 

My first thought was that my soul needs a nap.....or at least some spiritual whitespace. Some much is coming at me lately that a little quietude would be welcome.

Ortberg contends that if one is in need of time and space to let his soul catch up with his body, then that's a good indication that your soul needs rest. (p.130) 

Soul fatigue can set in.

Some things just seem to go together. Soul rest and solitude come to mind. Solitude is needed. Without the solitude, one struggles to live in harmony with God and man---especially family, in my case.

Synchronicity occurs when two meaningful events occur simultaneously. The world might call it a meaningful coincidence. I see it as a God-incidence. Me and Thee. No productivity required.

When your cuppa soul-rest is depleted......

....fill it with some chamomile and take a nap!

A cuppa synchronici-TEA of soul rest and solitude is necessary as one's soul will never find its rest unless it find's its home with God.

A quie-TEA-tude of soul goes well with a little tea and solitude---that space where we get healing and needed "catch up" rest for our soul.