SABBATH SNAPSHOT : simplici-TEA of prayer

Readabili-TEA is a cuppa which Max Lucado's books always offer. He is the consummate storyteller. His latest, before amen, is no different!

Simplicity of prayer, for the author, comes in the form of "The Pocket Prayer."

Father,

      you are good.

           I need help. Heal me and forgive me.

                 They need help.           

                         Thank you.

                               In Jesus' name, amen.

                    
Each chapter expands on a segment of the prayer with great stories interwoven. There is also a study guide provided to aid folks in spanning the gap between "prayer in theory and prayer in practice." (p. 101)

Naturally, the "Thank You" chapter was my favorite with its "alphabetized blessings." N was for naps---that would certainly make my list!!

In Scripture, giving thanks is not a suggestion; it is a command. (p. 83) I especially appreciated Lucado's explanation of ingratitude as the original sin.

Adam and Eve had a million reasons to give thanks. They lived in a perfect world. Then Satan slithered into the garden and, just like that, Eden wasn’t enough. Oh the hissing we hear. “Don’t you want more?” (UpWords, 11/26/14*)

"Gratitude is a dialysis of sorts. It flushes the self-pity out of our systems." (p. 82)
For me, the "Thank You" chapter alone makes the book worth the read.

*Thanks to Linda Johnson, my ljj, for this on-line affirmation.

Spiritual Character TEA-raits

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (Proverbs 30:5, ESV)

Tomorrow, Nov 30, 2014, Caleb Davenport Liles will turn 9. As always, I will pray verses form Proverbs 30, as it corresponds with his birthday.
Spiritually Caleb is secure having accepted Christ as his Savior 12/24/11. He even chose baptism this past May....so moving for me to watch that on video as his father baptized him (April 27, 2014)

In character, Caleb is all boy---loving sports and adventure ---so, this year I've added some verses from God's servant, Caleb, because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly. 

Excerpts from Caleb's prayers* for my Caleb:

• Make Caleb a leader among Your people. (Numbers 10:1)
• Help Caleb refuse to see life through the eyes of men. (Numbers 14:30-33)
• Help Caleb to know Your Presence which brings boldness and direction/ (Numbers 14:5-10)
• Cultivate within Caleb a fresher and fresher faith as he grows older. (Joshua 14)
• Give Caleb the "guts" to pray..."Give me the land" (Numbers 13:30) and "Give me the high ground. (Joshua 14:11-12)

May Caleb not only choose a cuppa quality spiritual TEA-raits for himself but may he inspire others to choose that cuppa as well.

*Thanks to brother, Buddy, for these verses!

Li-TEA-rary Cuppas

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 
(Genesis 1:1, KJV)

First lines are important. First lines set the stage.
All writers know the importance of that first line. That very first line aka "the HOOK" uses memorable words to "hook" the reader and draw him into the story. 
From "I am Sam, Sam I am," (Green Eggs and Ham, Dr. Seuss) to ...and the clocks were striking thirteen. (1984, Orwell), choice words "hook" us.
"Marley was dead: to begin with." starts Charles Dickens', very familiar Christmas Carol. Even a partial sentence such as Dickens' Tale of Two Cities'...."It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," can prompt remembrance. Miss Vaughn's senior English classroom comes to my mind. 

 "First Lines Literature Mug"
philosophersguild.com

"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again....."was the opening line for Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, which I still recall some 50+ years later. It conjures up eery silence and Gothic intrigue.

A couple of years ago, I read Death Comes to Pemberley, by P.D. James, because I assumed it would be her last. It was. Phyliss Dorothy James, a British crime writer, passed away yesterday 11/27/14  at her home in Oxford England. This final novel, combined a sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice with a historically accurate murder mystery and though not my favorite, I'm glad I read it.

I've been a fan of James' books featuring detective Adam Dagliesh since college days. I also remember her female detective in an, Unsuitable Job for a Woman. 

Though I don't remember the opening line for Death Comes to Pemberley,  I do remember the setting. The setting compared her sitting room with the splendid library, full of volumes and freely open to her---so different from her earlier home library, which she could enter only by invitation. 

In the Bible, the first line lays (literally) the foundation for creation and the basis of the Greatest Story Ever Told. (Genesis 1:1)

God's Word is my favorite li-TEA-rary cuppa. I'm hooked. 

A BIG cuppa Gra-TEA-tude

 In everything give thanks, (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NASB)

A great verse reminder to give thanks throughout the year---not just on Thanksgiving Day!

Dickens says we Americans have it backwards---we should spend 364 days a year being thankful and set aside one day only for griping and complaining.

Amen! to Mr. Dickens and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Gra-TEA-tude---How full is your cuppa?

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! (1 Chronicles 16:34, ESV)

Didn't we learn in kindergarten to say "thank you?" I didn't go to kindergarten but I learned it from my mother and grandmothers and I taught it to 5 year olds and pre-schoolers for 20+ years.

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. (2 Corinthians 9:11-12, NIV)

"Happy people are not always thankful but thankful people are almost always happy." Howard Clark said this and WSJ research seems to back it up.
Wall Street Journal says"Giving thanks is good for your health."

Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not, according to studies conducted over the past decade. They’re also less likely to be depressed, envious, greedy, or alcoholics. They earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly, and have greater resistance to viral infections. 

Now, researchers are finding that gratitude brings similar benefits in children and adolescents. [Studies also show that] kids who feel and act grateful tend to be less materialistic, get better grades, set higher goals, complain of fewer headaches and stomach aches, and feel more satisfied with their friends, families, and schools than those who don’t. (WSJ 11-23-10)

Thanksgiving Day comes tomorrow...but  according to Edward Stanford Martin

"Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow."

I plan on sipping frequently from my FULL cuppa gra-TEA-tue. How about you?

Identi-TEA : a cuppa choice

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12, NIV)

Identity is important in our nation. Safety continues to be a big concern. Identification is crucial in both air space and cyberspace. Though terrorists and hackers seem to understand how to "skirt" that issue, those on the "right side of the law" appreciate diligence.

Privacy is also a concern. We might not want people to know all about us.
Even without an official ID or driver's license, there are many indicators, along with our "outward" actions, that tell others about us.

The delivery man wearing brown, we assume, works for UPS. 
Uniforms with stripes or neon orange jumpsuits on roadsides have us thinking unsavory thoughts about the "wearers", even though we've probably never met any of those folks picking up the trash.
At the gym, colored balls signify aging and even the color of one's hand weights SHOUTS to all in sight of one's fitness level, or lack there of. 
On an airplane, I find comfort when my seat is across from one wearing a cleric color.

Identity is more than our name or initials. It's even more than our "job" uniforms or badges. It's even more than our likes and dislikes, by which others often define us.....for me, that would be berries on bushes, books, pockets in jammies, tea and the Lord. But, does having Bibles sitting around and a cross around one's neck tell the true identity. 

One's ID is not just worn or collected, it's lived out! Anyone can slip a cross around their neck and yet their actions belie this symbol.

The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

True identity is found in the One who gave us the right to be called children of God. Aren't we glad He knows our identity!
Actually, He's the one Who served us our very own cuppa identi-TEA.

Gramma-TEA-ically : a significant cuppa

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. 

(Philippians 4:1, NLT)

Therefore, an adverb---meaning; a result.....for that reason.
THEREFORE ----used 1468 times in the King James version of the Bible. 

Cole Huffman sees "therefore" as an encapsulating word which shows us what all the preceding words were there for.  In the scriptures, it is often used after the writer has shown all that God has done for you (me)---therefore, or in light of all of this, here's what should follow in your (my) life.

One of the first things I learned in my early years of Kay Arthur Bible studies, was the "therefore rule." 
If therefore appears in a passage, and it will a lot, it will be incumbent on you to find out what it's there for. In other words, it's our responsibility to "open" our Bibles and dig into the Scripture allowing God to reveal truth and the life lessons He has for each of us.

Here are a few "therefores" for your digging pleasure......

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober,... 1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, put on the whole armor of God...Ephesians 6:13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed....Philippians 2:12 Therefore, there is now no condemnation....Romans 8:1 

.....therefore you can enjoy the fruit of that labor as you gratefully sip a gramma-TEA-ically significant cuppa.  

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : pover-TEA to plen-TEA

Lila, by award winning author, Marilynne Robinson, is partially set in Gilead, which is also the title of her 2005 Pulitzer Prize winning book.

As the story opens, Lila, the young protagonist, is the personification of abandonment and anguish. Even much later when she "wanders" into a small town church in Iowa, she has a difficult time accepting kindness from others, especially the Reverend John Ames. She is offered "plenty" compared to the despair and poverty which she has known. Eventually Lila becomes the wife of the widower, Rev. Ames---"Old Man" as she calls him.
Haunted by the trauma and impoverishment of her earlier years, Lila doesn't know what to do with this new-found plenty---so she often distrusts it. She even distrusts herself.
It's a book of redemption and hope and the human condition, with the reality of depravity shown throughout the narrative.

“The river was like the old life, just itself. Nothing more to it. She thought, It has washed the baptism off me," thought Lila. And "Old Man" once again in his patient ways had to reassure her  about God's grace. Lila might have struggled with words, but she found her way to the scriptures, as she looked for a reason for her own existence.

Pulitzer Prize winning books don't always appeal to me but----Robinson's simple, yet somewhat unorthodox, style of writing grabbed me, though the occurring events were not told in chronological order. Though confusing at first, this "switching" added intrigue for me.

I started with book #3 in the "Gilead series," which is not recommended by some reviewers, so I've decided to learn more about the intriguing Lila and have "checked out" Gilead and Home the other 2 books, in which Lila is introduced.  Plus, I checked out another Robinson book as well because I thought the title descriptive of me---When I was a Child I Read Books. I do my part to keep up the "circulation stats" of our Memphis libraries---- closing any public library would be a travesty.

Pover-TEA & Plen-TEA

“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God (Proverbs 30:7-9, NIV)

Pondering and seeking the Lord's choice for my morning cuppa, notations in my journal had me rereading Proverbs 30:7-9 several times. The notes* reminded me of a needed perspective of thankfulness. Maybe Thanksgiving being just days away prompted this meditation as well.

Plenty---a BIG cuppa plen-TEA is what most Americans want! 

"Economy sways are voting, not character.  "Plenty" tempts us to think we can get along without God.  (H. Clark, 2005) 

Without thankfulness, one can become selfish and cynical, regardless of how much $$$ one has.

Poverty---a cuppa pover-TEA that can become bitter as one becomes sulky and sorrowful. 

Viewing life as if God has forgotten us can fuel feelings of jealousy and resentment. 

• A change of perspective is often what is needed most. 
• Without the pang of hunger, food is not a gift. 
• Fatigue helps us appreciate rest, 
• Darkness helps us seek light, 
• Illness increases one's awareness of the gift of health.

Thankfulness vaccinates us against ungratefulness. (H. Clark, 2005)

Pover-TEA and plen-TEA---two cuppas that can be a BIG cuppa enmi-TEA. In excess, either can become an enemy o of a thankful heart. Sip in moderation. Allow the cross to cover any enmity.

*(Howard Clark,  "POVERTY & PLENTY ENEMIES OF THANKSGIVING" sermon notes, 11/20/2005)

TEA-riffic Time

You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul,.....You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (Deuteronomy 11:18-19, ESV)

What a fun way to spend a dreary, overcast,  drippy day---sharing a Downtown Dining Event at Felicia Suzanne's, my favorite "downtown" restaurant, with "my" Molly---her first time there.
Just getting there was fun---laughing so much in the car that tears were streaming. Parking was a "trip" too, as I didn't know how to use the new meters. 

Sharing food "tastes," doubled our pleasure. Messaging & teasing Josh on his birthday---with our double dessert pix---such a family thing. Sharing spiritual stuff added another layer to our day. 

A TEA-riffic cuppa added warmth to our mother-daughter outing.

Walking along the way---the river way---past the new Beale Street Landing to a hidden treasure....

with unobstructed views of both bridges on the mighty Mississippi.

A great end to a TEA-rrific day!

TEA WITH THEE : a TEA-sentation

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

TEA-sentation might be a bit of a s-t-r-e-t-c-h but what else would you call a presentation about taking tea as part of one's quiet time. He Cares, a special ministry of First Evangelical Church, is designed to meet the needs of our homebound seniors as well as giving care givers a break. As always, the "senior" audience, some who are younger than yours truly, was gracious as I sought to encourage them during their worship time.

TEA-sentation set-up

I'm sure that I left them with "tea" words whirring in their heads but hopefully they realized the importance of daily time with the Lord. Seeking Him first. Allowing Him to fill their "cuppa." Otherwise, the "world will fill their life's cuppa.

The world often pours out---stressors of anxi-TEA, feelings of inferiori-TEA, negativi-TEA and hoi-TEA, Toi-TEA attitudes of people who think that they are better than others.

The Lord pours out---chari-TEA (love) generosi-TEA, humili-TEA, integri-TEA, sensitivi-TEA, and sereni-TEA....to name a few.

Daily choices---cuppas brewed afresh---and served by the Lord are an encouraging way to start one's day. 

My encouragement came after the presentation when Charlie Martin told how Terry Parlow, my blind paralyzed friend, whom Charlie had assumed was too sick to attend, made an effort to come so he could hear, Dotsy. When the van lift would not work, his care giver "Miss Ronnie" pushed him in his wheelchair from his condo all the way to church. The distance isn't far UNLESS you're the one pushing big ole Terry in the wheelchair---"uphill" most of the way according to him.

I "puddled." 

I can't remember when I've been so encouraged. Isn't that so like God---we try to minister to others in His name BUT we are the ones who are truly blessed!

Fideli-TEA : a Cuppa hope

All honor to God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; for it is his boundless mercy that has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members of God’s own family. Now we live in the hope of eternal life because Christ rose again from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3, TLB)

Faith! Faith!! Faith!!! Hope! Hope!! Hope!!!
Faith from the latin fidere – to trust. Confidence or trust---for me it is a necessary facet of hope. 
The "what ifs" of a faithless life, breed worry and negate hope. Worry is the antithesis of hope---without faith there is no hope for a better tomorrow. 

People who have faith, have hope.  People who have hope, have faith.  Seemingly, a person cannot have one without the other. "One has to be faithful to be hopeful." (Cole Huffman, 11/9/14)

FAITH is defined as a belief which expresses confidence in the truth or veracity of someone. Even Wikipedia got it right this time. The One who is Truth is the bedrock of faith. In Him alone one can have confidence. The Lord Jesus Christ is that someone. In Him we have hope.

In Christ Alone my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, my song; this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,....

"Hope is only found in faith. Living hope is only available with belief in a risen God. (1Peter 1:13) Hope is like the "gold standard" of faith. Deep joy which transcends circumstances results from a "living hope reality."(notes from CH sermon, 11/914)

Fideli-TEA served in a cuppa hope is only available through a risen Lord.

Self-served Servili-TEA: a bitter cuppa

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

1 Peter 4:10 states an important aspect of ministry. Serving one another.

Yet, a recent conversation had my ears opened to words that were missing....only to be found in the verse that followed. I just had to look for it in order to share it with others.

Have you ever been so tired that even your bones are weary? Fatigue seeps in and permeates your entire body.

Is your service so intense that it is cutting you off from God----God who is your resource as well as your reason for ministry. 

Have you ever been so busy caring for God's household that you have neglected your own time with Him---the One who called you into ministry? (1 Timothy 1:12) In hurrying and scurrying to feed others, both physically and spiritually, have you forgotten to feed yourself? 

Often, one knows when her fire needs to be rekindled. But sometimes that truth has to be shown by an outsider.

One who sees her sister's cuppa service has turned into a cuppa servili-TEA needs to share the following verse from1 Peter 4:11. 

If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised. 

"I can not explain exactly  how we are able to receiver the power to serve and to endure through communion with God, but I know it is a fact." (Streams in the Desert, 11/9)

In love, point out how servili-TEA, "an excessive willingness to serve," more easily happens when one is attempting to continue to minister in her own strength. Help her replace her cuppa servili-TEA with a refreshing cuppa of His minis-TEA-ry which is served with His strength.
Encourage her to sip quietly with Him as once again she feeds herself with His Word and His Presence, which will strengthen her anew for His service.

Dis-TEA-ractions

But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. 

(Psalm 66:19, NASB)

"Prayer is waking up to the Presence of God no matter where I am or what I'm doing." (Benedictine monk, David Steindl) 

In God's Presence. It's my favorite way to wake-up---but sometimes it seems short-lived, as I begin to hear the daily distractions instead of hearing the Lord. His "gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:12) seems to get fainter with each hour. God continues to direct  His voice to ears of love....but it takes steadfast love from His children to listen "intentionally", for even His faintest whispers.

And help me keep my mind on my prayers....and not on that TV show Daddy's watchin''
 or Billy jumpin' on the bed or whatever Jeffy is mumbling or...Family Circus, 9/4/10

Praises that today the Lord did hear my prayer amidst the extraneous noises----a prayer answered in spite of my cuppa dis-TEA-ractions. He listens---so should I!

But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Same verse, different version--NLT! 

SABBATH SNAPSHOT: beyond disibili-TEA

World War II is the backdrop for Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See. What a book! What a read!
I did NOT want to read one more book that dealt with war---too disturbing, too heavy, too horrific, too real!
But....this novel had me by page 7 ---"as the leaflets dropped"---"she could smell the ink."
Short chapters, some only 1-2 pages long, bounce back and forth between the two protagonists; a young blind girl, whose mind has a love of literature and dependence on her dad, who carefully instructs her in order to foster independence, along with the corresponding life of a young German lad, fascinated by science, but orphaned and living with his sister in a children's home. 
Hauntingly beautiful is how NYTimes review describes it. (4/28) 
Too much info would constitute a spoiler----just know that the author easily and skillfully weaves wartime training, Jules Verne, radio transmissions, museum treasures, a "Sea of Flames'" legendary curse, sabotaging neighbors, snails from the sea, and a sister's insight and conscience into a an intriguing World War II narrative.

Tho it's taken awhile to get through 534 pages, the setting created so much interest that I googled Saint-Malo---and if I were not so averse to the hassle and fears of foreign travel these days, I might put it on my bucket list, because thanks to Doerr, I feel as if I've been there and would like to see what remains.

I didn't like to read it at night because I wouldn't want to put it down......at the same time, it would "key me up" so I had trouble going to sleep. It's not totally absent of language and some vile situations but very,very few considering this was a "war" book. I thought it was a worthy read.

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.

God's s-TEA-rength : an exercise

I pray that according to the wealth of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, 

(Ephesians: 3:16, NET)

ABCs of God's strength were clear to me this morning as I sipped my cuppa Harney and Sons organic English Breakfast, a strong black tea, while looking for my exercise band.

ABCs---All 'Bout Core.

Core is the exercise world's buzzword these days. One can even find it digitally---as a hashtag, a YouTube video or in any other of the 24,300,000 google results.

But God....showed me as I stared into my cuppa "strong" tea that was giving me a needed physical lift, that soul strengthening comes from Him. His strength. His might. (Ephesians 6:10 & Philippians 4:13)

His strength is available for my inner person, my spiritual "core." 

I've moved up weight sizes as I've exercised regularly for physical core strength---tho it might not be evident to others who see a measly "3" weight in my right hand or or the "green band," not the lowest, but close. The fitness instructor seems to use the term, core work, to emphasis our "core" focal point--- regardless of what we're doing. She tries to take us to that level because strengthening of the core is essential.

Just like I need exercise along the lines of continued practice for my physical core, I need the continued spiritual practice of soul strengthening. It is essential. I must sit upright before Him as I seek His strength for each and every day He gives me. 

Consider Him. Seek Him. 

If not, I "grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:3)

All 'Bout Core comes from knowing All 'Bout Christ!

God's s-TEA-rength, a daily cuppa teamed with spiritual exercise of prayer and study, can strengthen one's core.....her very soul!

s-TEA-ped in wonder

Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. 

(Job 37:9, KJV)

For sure there is a whirlwind at the grocery, at the slightest mention of the white stuff. No whirlwind yesterday. No "white" in today's forecast that I heard.

Of course not. Our almanacs and other trusty weather sources, like wooly bear caterpillars knew that cold temps, were coming out of the north, think Arctic blast and Polar Vortex--but....no snow, this far south, was mentioned.

Today is November 13. There is SNOW in Memphis.** Okay, so it was only a slight dusting. Not exactly steeped in it. But....for us in the mid-south, snow is SNOW! The only folks, whom  I actually know well, normally get snow this time of year, or sometimes earlier, are the Bradleys. They live in Massachusetts. It's clear today, in Ashburnham, with no precip and a sunny 47º.

So who's in charge here? I know. Do you?

My vote goes to the Lord, who is great in power and "hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds.."(Nahum 1:3) Even snowclouds!

Two morning cuppas filled with me-TEA-orology----one served by our resident meteorologist and one served by God. I chose God's----He knows.....the weatherman didn't. (except maybe in Alaska)

**Picture is for our "grands" from Texas to Brooklyn, NY--who have no snow---but cousin Owen does---at least a smidge!

Liber-TEA

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 

(1 Peter 2:16, ESV)

Yesterday's salute to Veterans in flag flying, concerts and "mattress" sales brought home to me the freedoms all enjoy because of sacrifice....freedom to worship, being chief among them. 

For me, the liberty I have found in the Lord, is so precious. How grateful I am to be able to declare it at home, to share it abroad and even proclaim it through this blog. 

Yet, some heartfelt suffering for others has recently had me wrapped in sadness. A bondage of sorts. Captive. I needed to be set free. Stuck in worry.

But God through His word came alongside as, "In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and set me free." (Psalm 118:5) Not changing the situation or eliminating the grievous circumstance but by setting me free of worry----and allowing me to share that answer with others.
He has made me "free indeed." (John 8:3) Free in essence. Free on the inside.

Freedom of religion in America. Freedom in Christ.
How blessed we are to be able to sip from such a cuppa liber-TEA!

Nationali-TEA

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 
(2 Chronicles 7:14, NLT)

Veterans Day has businesses across our nation thanking our vets with deals, discounts and freebies. 

For us, non-business owners, maybe taking time to thank the ones we know and pray for peace and a petition for God to heal our "free" land for which they fought and are still fighting would be appropriate.

A cuppa nationali-TEA served with prayers of uni-TEA for our divided nation seems a fitting way to honor each of them.

TEA-uneful Music, Regardless of Style

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
(Psalm 96:1-3, NIV)

Music styles can often be divisive. Differing of opinions over the "sacred" aspect of worship can ring loud in hallways of churches. Congregants can wrestle over musical worship choices. Many have a strong preference. Traditional. Hymns only. Contemporary. Praise songs included. 

These days, most churches offer both styles, just at separate services or sometimes a blend of the two.

Last night at First Evangelical Church, "Indelible Grace," led by Matthew S. Smith, held a concert that offered old hymn texts set to new music. I attended as I enjoy a variety of worship styles and I loved the group's name. 

 Indelible---not able to be forgotten or removed.  A perfect descriptor for God's grace.

Indelible, an adjective I would hope could describe my spiritual legacy to my grands. 

I want my life to make such a spiritual mark on their memory that it will be impossible to forget----that their grandmother loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind. and might. (Deuteronomy 6:5)

I've sipped from several different TEA-uneful cuppas on Sunday mornings but last night it was "Oh Precious is the flow," that was singing in my heart as I left the sanctuary.*

*This blog is the result of "hearing" from Ginny H. that Nancy E. expected me to blog on that event. The Lord definitely works in mysterious ways to inspire my blogging.

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : culinary with a li-TEA-rary readabili-TEA

Nowadays, I'm one of "those people" who would rather read their way thru a cookbook----rather than eat my way through it. I love looking at the pictures as well. Think Screen Doors and Sweet Tea---a book of tales as well as recipes. Just reading the intro had me in the Delta listening to blues, browsing at Square Books in Oxford and chatting with the McCartys---you know, Lee and Pup of Mississippi Mud "pottery" fame! If  the author, Martha Fosse discussed presentation, she might frame it in terms such as "showing out." Her book (2010) was as southern as kudu and a delightful read........but it's already back at the library......as I don't buy cookbooks anymore, I just check them out.

I already have a large home collection that could use some weeding.

In years past, I was drawn to cookbooks that doubled as travelogues. It's how I found many "out of the way" inns and B&Bs in North Carolina and quaint tea rooms in England, as well as The Ritz. All were included in my travel planning and those cookbooks conjure up great memories.....just no dishes.

This week I checked out Ina Garten's (THE Barefoot Contessa) latest cookbook, make it ahead. My "foodie" son and his wife actually cook from her books. Her premise here was to offer recipes for any season of the year that were actually better when made ahead.

Made ahead....just in case "your FedEx delivery of Pernigotti cocoa powder got held up in a snowstorm in Memphis and arrived a day late." (p 11) I don't know about you, but my cocoa says Hershey's and it's even available at "my neighborhood" Kroger. 

Ina tells on herself occasionally---even thinking and admitting, "her husband fell in love with her because of the boxes of brownies she sent him while he was in college." (p.186)

There were tips with funny quips, beautiful glossy photos and even a recipe for your best friend----your dog that it is. It was a fun way to while away the hours, with a cuppa tea on a chilly fall day as hubby had a migraine and I needed to be quiet. 

Comfor-TEA-ble

 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 

(John 14:26, KJV)

What a Saturday! The past 5 hours were spent pew-side in a sanctuary and bedside in ICU 201! In both situations, friends needed comfort.

A former Memphian's life was celebrated today by family and friends. Her husband told of how at 2:30 in the morning at his home in Wisconsin, he received a call from the American Embassy in New Delhi India. In a somewhat matter of fact tone , the voice on the other end informed him, with regret, that his wife had died in Bhutan, which is some 2,000 miles from India.

His wife had left days before, healthy, happy and physically fit, for a biking tour with fellow cycling friends. On that day's ride, she biked off road and fell to her death. Today her life was remembered on the day that would have been the couple's 45th wedding anniversary.

What does one say? More hugs than words. Sharing memories helps. Being there counts.

Bedside with a friend who has more physical struggles than anyone I know. Blind. Paralyzed. 
A widower for almost a year. Weary. Discouraged. 
How can one offer comfort in either of those situations? Certainly  I could not empathize and testify to God's goodness in either situation because I've never experience such trouble. Yes, I know of His goodness and know that "He comforts us in all our troubles." (2 Corinthians 1:4) 

What offers true comfort?  

• God's Word. "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) 
• God's people being there....(Psalm 27:13-14) 
• Hugs. Comfortable tears.
• Smiles of caring or laughter if one is blind and can't see your face.

Offer a comfor-TEA-ble cuppa of love to assuage the emotional distress of grief to one and the physical pain of suffering to the other. 

A comfort cross with skin on.

Loyal-TEA : An Adams Family Cuppa

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. (Proverbs 21:21, ESV)

"Frugal Fanny" that I am, especially at the grocery store, I tend to let go of my thrifty propensity when I feel the Adams' teaching "kick-in." 
Daddy was an exceptionally kind man. He taught, mainly by his actions, that loyalty to folks he knew was the right way to live.... always being loyal to family and friends first. He helped strangers as well....BUT when it came to his services, he did not frequent national companies. Daddy was more of a "mom and pop" supporter of local businesses. Bummy Hampton's for meat. Rudy's for gas. Ray Kranz for plumbing or heating needs. Haddock's for groceries----usually home delivered, no less. (Of course, that gave jobs to those teens like Bugs Turner.) Tom C. Jones for insurance with Pedro Stamper. After Tongate's, THE hamburger joint in Hoptown and managed by his older brother, closed, Daddy did go to Burger King on Sunday night's for his weekly "senior special" hamburger.

This week at the grocery, I was working hard to meet my goal of always saving 30%, when I balked. I could NOT buy the "on sale" flour. Why not?
It wasn't Sunflour---milled in Hopkinsville by the Yost family. The ones who sat several pews up from us in the sanctuary of the First Methodist Church. No other flour ever graced the cabinet shelf at 2211 in Hoptown. Nor will it at 1152 in Memphis. Plus, today I used it to make some corn light bread for a sweet friend---a "relatively" new Memphian (a little over 2 yrs) with a Hoptown connection.

I caught Daddy's sense of loyalty at a young age. Now if I could just "catch" his kindness---he certainly had lots to spread around. As a result he found honor among his family and peers---an honor that followed him all of his days.

Hot tea was served every morning around the Adams table in Hoptown....and I learned at an early age that a cuppa loyal-TEA sweetened with kindness and sweet milk, (as noted on Sunflour recipes) always trumps a cuppa frugali-TEA. 

Intentionali-TEA

'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.' 

(Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Last night after H2H Bible Study, several of us discussed the importance of "intentionality" as a part of our spiritual growth. Intentional seeking of Him---which involves spending regular time with Him. For me, it's my "Tea with Thee" time. By whatever name it is labeled, such a quiet or devotional time helps one intentionally focus on knowing Him and His agenda for one's day. Offering "my" plans or schedule to Him for His direction or altering as needed. (Proverbs 16:9) He knows the plans He has for us, thus we can trust His interruptions.

Fast forward to this morning....I had a packed agenda. Meditation reminded me that if I was going to be accountable to my spiritual sisters, I needed to slow down and refocus. Intentional slowing coupled with prayer. Walking my talk.

Intentional about seeking Him first, not just spur of the moment. (Matthew 6:33) Intentional = God's way. Driven =  my way, too often. But....not today!

My timetable was altered several times. God's interruptions allowed me to laugh & "catch up" on the CANDY aisle, with dear friend Margie. Adding fun to my day and 1/2 price chocolate to my basket. 

Several schedule shifts, coupled with that delightful aside, altered my intended hair washing before meeting Katherine, another dear friend now living in Atlanta. But God....reminded me of Katherine's gift of dry shampoo she provided for all the ladies on our church's Mexico mission trip 6 years ago. I don't have that shampoo but I had something similar. 

So....I didn't have shiny clean tresses for our lunch---think the old "mini-poo" look---BUT I knew Katherine would not care. She cared about our time together---and so did her sister Kristi. River Oaks' "Chef's TV Dinner" was a sumptuous treat...unlike any TV dinner I've ever had. Probably one of the best meals I've ever had anywhere! 

A delightful time was had by all, especially me!

A cuppa intentionali-TEA blended with accountabili-TEA---a necessary priori-TEA for spiritual growth. Also...a whole lot more fun than my original schedule! Go God!