TEA WITH THEE Finali-TEA: a farewell cuppa

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, (1 Timothy 1:12, NASB)

This year, "Tea with Thee" has been my way of sharing my quiet times with blog readers. Thine and Mine. He and me. I know a blog isn't typically seen as service or ministry but for me it was just that. 

From His hand to mine. His strength---because it was wearisome at times. He was faithful to keep me going.

Today, 12/31/14, is the end of that endeavor. 

It doesn't mean that I will quit having quiet times. It just means that folks will no longer be privy each day to all my foibles.

A year ago when I sensed God's prompts to blog daily, I began with a "way out" proposition, of sorts. "Lord, I will blog as long as I sense your leading." 

But God.....continued to provide THOTS (Trusting Him On This Subject), ideas, words, "tea words," verses, and WiFi, (many times "iffy, especially on trips") so......

....here I am 365 days later---sipping a cuppa finali-TEA. Farewell to daily "tea" blogs----hello to sporadic blogs of varying topics. 

It's been a year of stretching for me and I hope someday to edit the entries for a tea type book for my Lucy----so that she might know this--- her grandmother loved the Lord, loved her and loved tea!

Sharing Thee and tea with Lucy is this Shug's delight!

Commi-TEA-ment to Finishing Well

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 

(2 TIMOTHY 4:7, ESV)

Finishing well. Faithfulness in the long haul. 

in previous verses of chapter 4, Paul had exhorted Timothy to preach the word, to endure all for the sake of the sake of the gospel. Paul, himself, had put his life's effort into completing the "course" which God had set before him and now his time for departure had come. (death) Paul left nothing undone. He remained committed to the faith.

Faithfulness: a long obedience in the same direction. (Cole Huffman)

No cuppa mediocri-TEA served by Paul. He chose a cuppa full commi-TEA-ment until the end. He had poured his life into Timothy---for the sake of the gospel.

What "tea" is in your cuppa faith? Mediocri-TEA or full commi-TEA-ment? Something to ponder in the New Year.

"Digni-TEA"

On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God. Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. (Psalm 22:11-12, ESV)

The importance of dignity was emphasized throughout the book, Unbroken, (Hillenbrand) as humiliation and shame continued to wear down the prisoners in the Japanese War camps. Dignity, with any semblance of respect as a human being, was what they needed. It came, albeit rarely, in a variety of unique ways, even thievery. Stolen food, namely sugar.

"And in a place predicated on degradation, stealing from the enemy won back the men's dignity." (p. 244)

Anytime a country espouses their sacred duty, as a leading superior race, to eradicate or enslave members of inferior ones, the first tactic is to take away the dignity, thus robbing them of emotional strength. (Ibid, p.43)

It has happened throughout history and is happening, as I type, to my friends in Ukraine, and families of my South Sudan church buddies. 

Thankfully, I finally "found" an uplifting book about WWII. Once Upon a Town. A work of non-fiction, it is a WORTHY read about the kindness of the towns folk in the small town of North Platte, Nebraska (12,000) and it began on Christmas Day 1941. Some folks called it a miracle! Troop trains stopped for only a 10 minute break, but all aboard were welcomed!

The numbers alone are staggering---enough to make one cry. 
Every day of the war--3,000 to 5,000 military personnel came through North Platte and were served food, drink and magazines by the towns people, from 5 am until the last train passed through after midnight. Not with government money but $$ from their own pockets---ration tickets and gardens.Toward the end of the war, that number grew to 8,000 a day, on as many as 23 separate troop trains. Six million soldiers passed through North Platte and all were greeted at the depot. (p.7)
This is their true story---a love story between a country and its sons. (p.8)
A story worth sharing.
Pic not loading--will try later.

Digni-TEA---a cuppa needed by all mankind.....and served with gratitude to GIs by North Platte residents as a way of honoring the brave and dedicated sons, wearing our nation's uniform.

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : author affini-TEA

This book review is a result of kinship.  Not quite consanguinity, but close. Consanguinity is the state of being from the same kinship through bloodline.
Garraway Refrow, a pseudonym for my great Aunt Anna Barr, is the author of Vivid Night. (1943) She was my great Aunt Ada Adams Mabry's sister-in-law,  to be confused with my Aunt Ada Mabry Adams, aka "Crazy Ada."
Thus affinity is the correct term for the connection---relationship by marriage or by ties other than those of blood relationality. Affinity is the reason for the book review---I want my "kids" to know this connection. I plan to share it with them with a cuppa affinity-TEA.

Actually, I had long forgotten about this book, which I received in my school-age years from my grandmother Gena Adams. She had a way of sending me books for every birthday. They arrived "wrapped" and sitting in the backseat of a cab----her chosen method of delivery. A little weird but unique and I still remember her method. The taxi driver would open the door, remove the gift and deposit the wrapped book on our front porch---as if the package had "life." In a way, books are like that---having a life that is different for each reader.

The book is behind glass, to keep pristine, now that I know my "relation" to the author. I like the idea of a "published" author being a part of my family tree, albeit by marriage.
However, I assume from the plot that my pious grandmother never read it. This very southern story revolves around a young woman and her child born "out of wed-lock."

"Vivian Knight, exquisite, cultured, American to the core, through the fighting blood of the Great Commander in Washington's army, and all the other armies American." (p. 54)
That sentence teems with a deep patriotism that Aunt Anna, aka "Stockade Annie" kept at the forefront of her own life as she ministered, until her dying days, to the soldiers of  Fort (Camp) Campbell, KY, which was built on the Mabry family land (1941). It is home to the only Air Assault division in the world. (101st airborne)

The story certainly reflects the "shame" of the time and the "home for unwed mothers" which would use the committee of "disposition of babies" to help the foundlings find homes. But it shines light on the love and devotion of this mother who strives to keep her baby at all costs.

A mother's cry can shake the throne of God, for the Son of a woman sits thereon. (p. 121)

When she loses her child, the pursuit of the privilege of motherhood begins and.......I don't want to spoil the story.....but I do like happy endings, and this one took a turn, which I found pleasing.

A Cuppa Almigh-TEA Providence

For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:6-7, NASB)

Not coincidences---but God-incidences. Providence. Son Buddy's recent sermon from Ruth chapter 2 reminded me to watch for "God's Providence" in my life. For me, seeing His hand often occurs in hindsight, so....I need to continually be alert as the "zeal of the Lord accomplishes His purpose" in my life and throughout His kingdom. What a trust builder that can become.

Sipping a cuppa almigh-TEA remembrance each day builds trust from the inside out.

Relational sereni-TEA

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, ....(Ephesians 4:32, KJV)

I'm all about "kiddie lit;" I always have been----especially if the book promotes quality character traits. Kindness, love and acceptance--among my favorites. a tenderhearted soul seems to encompass all three.
Such a book about kindness et al, Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea, is an all time favorite which I share, along with a cuppa, with every grandchild, even the 6 boys! Mr. Putter is the personification of "tenderhearted."

Can't wait to read this new one to my grands---because it combines the affinities of both of their grandparents. Birds for PopPop and tea for me---with concern for the environment factored in for good measure----make that God's creative measure.

Guess How Much I Love You is a great book for reassuring the little ones in your life, albeit kids or grands, that they are loved  right up "to the moon and back!" 

Sereni-TEA spills over from this cuppa as it is shared in a read-aloud setting with your "young" loved ones!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us") 

(Matthew 1:23, NIV)

All of our grandkids will have Santa this morning....but my continual prayer is that eventually they will all come to know Emmanuel/Immanuel---who is "God with us." A cuppa eventual-TEA which will bring them to accepting Christ as Savior.

"God with us" is the cuppa life and He is enough!

Nativi-TEA : a Christmas Cuppa

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-10, NIV)

For Christians, there is no greater story than the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We share the story of the birth of baby Jesus with the world this time of year. 

This year I also plan to share with my younger "grands" a Nativity Poem, Who Built the Stable?, written and illustrated by my dear friend, Ashley Bryan. Ashley first got the idea as he was in Kenya with his dear friend Kemie Nix of CLC as they traveled to one of the schools which Ashley sponsors. 
Several years ago, Ashley gave each of my grands' households an autographed copy of the book. But....some were too young at the time to remember it.....so while we're together this Christmas season, I plan to read it to them.

It will be such a sweet way to share both conversation and a cuppa, sweetened with the nativity story and my friend Ashley's bold illustrations. 

Du-TEA-ful Prayers

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. 

(Ephesians 6:18, NIV)

My prayer life seems anything but "normal." It seems as if I can run "hot and cold."

Prayer is personal. So....how can I sometimes feel that I fail at it.

On days when I see my cuppa as half empty instead of half full, I concern myself with distinguishing between intercession and petition if I'm praying for others.  If I'm thanking the Lord for his creation of colorful foliage and shrubs with berries on my "praise walk" which is it? Praise or thanksgiving ? Can it count for both? Does it matter?

It seems as if I blog a lot about needing help with my prayer life. But God....in His love and mercy continues to meet me right where I am accepting all my "heartfelt attempts" regardless of the method---or even lack thereof.

Du-TEA-ful and deligh-TEAful cuppas reminding me that any conversation with the Lord which comes from the heart is A--OK!

Cuppa rou-TEA-ine

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs: 3:6, NASB)

Some routines are good....to keep me focused and "in the pink" emotionally. Change can mess with my psyche. Change, though often necessary, especially during the holidays, can rev up this ADD (Always Distracted) Dotsy (love the Ditsy typo that comes up) into frenetic frantic anxieties. I, like Daddy, seem to function better with routine.

However, these next few days are going to be anything but routine---for everyone celebrating Christmas, not just me.
My "new" routine will be minus the "normal" routine of a retiree. Gone is the familiarity of home. The time frame. The morning crossword.The straight paths from A to B. 
But God.....has given me time with the entire family (all 15) and that's a great gift. The path in the mountains might be a little curvy, and according to this morning's "Winter Weather ALERT!" a lot SNOWY......but I am trusting the Lord to lead the way. Stay in Taos, NM or "mush" on to Colorado?

Regardless of today's decision, my  cuppa "new" rou-TEA-ine will be served with extra measures of, not only snow,  but trust...as I spend time this Christmas with the Lord and family. A great combo.

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : A Li-TEA-rary Ballad for Christmas

Remember, this is a review---not necessarily a recommendation. For me, Sharyn McCrumb's , Nora Bonesteel's Christmas Past, was an "It's OK" rating."

However, according to "goodreads" reviews, I'm in the minority. One reviewer gave it 4 out of 5 stars stating, "McCrumb at her best with two parallel stories centered around Christmas Eve." I, have read several of McCrumbs books and like her ballad-type writing and her Appalachian setting for many of her books. This novella was "sweet" but a little too predictable for me.

Also, on my "Christmas stack" is A Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans of the "Walk Series," which I liked. 

I'll let you know if I like this one---since like McCrumb's book proves, I don't always like every book an author writes.
"So many books so little time" has had me not finishing books, when a story "takes a turn" I don't like. This is a relatively new choice for me---it must go along with being a Medicare card holder----time is too short for mediocrity.

Safe-TEA, Securi-TEA, Sereni-TEA : a peaceful blend

May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity. (Psalm 122: 6-9, NIV)

When Seth Stevens taught in August on this "song of assent," he emphasized the Jews were walking up to Jerusalem to the house of the Lord. Each year when they made their trek together the goal was the same---to draw closer to the Lord.

Four months later, I'm reminded, especially through church services and Christmas carols, to be grateful for that gift which I have received. Immanuel. God with us. God with me. It's a spiritually internal (now) / eternal (one day in the future) experience. Peace.

"I don't have to let pain and hurt form my theology." (B. Liles, 12/7/14)

He is my peace. 

It's the gift I want to give to everyone this Christmas. Everyone needs it and His "God size" fits all---His peace forever! 

The Lord be with you. Peace be with you. And also with you. (Episcopal liturgy/Book of Common Prayer)

He is with me. His peace is available for me. His peace is available for all.

He provided the perfect gift----His Son.

Cuppa peace all wrapped up for the season---just serve yourself

For those who receive Him, we are served a deep abiding peace .......a cuppa PEACE blended with safe-TEA,  securit-TEA and sereni-TEA that warms us within our hearts!

Connectivi-TEA : a cuppa prayer

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV)

Prayer connects us to God. 

Continual prayer is bookended by an attitude of constant joy (v.16) and a heart of thanksgiving regardless of circumstances. (v.18)

Prayer connects us to each other.

The apostle Paul modeled praying for others and reciprocal prayer. Pray also for me,” Paul states in Ephesians 6:19. "Pray for us..." Colossians 4:3. 

In 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 he writes, “We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith."

Connectivity is the beauty of prayer. Prayer knows no exclusions; it's an equal-opportunity method, available to all in the household of faith. Every believer, rich or poor, young or old, famous or unknown, can move the hand of God to bring about His purposes for time and eternity. As we connect to God and to one another, through prayer, we can make an eternal difference.

Prayer is how connection gets nurtured and developed.

Prayerful connection---it doesn't even require an APP. It doesn't require kneeling. Prayer can be done standing. Prayer can be done with eyes open or closed. One's modus operandi of praying can vary. 
Prayer is simply heartfelt conversation with God.

Breath prayers, arrow prayers, group prayers, individual prayers. All prayers of faith soar heavenward connecting us to God and to our fellow prayer warriors.

Sip a cuppa connectivi-TEA as you "pray without ceasing!"

*The cup pictured is a connector to my praying friend Margie Hornor, who taught me the power of breath prayers. Exhaling in God's Presence.

humani-TEA & divini-TEA : a Christmas blend

......Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-8, NASB)

Jesus, who existed in the form of God....Being made in the likeness of men....." And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,....full of grace and truth (John 1:14)...humbled Himself to death on a cross.....God exalted Him that we might confess Him as Lord.

Christmas in a cuppa---humani-TEA and divini-TEA.

Holiday Gra-TEA-tude

……give thanks to him and praise his name. (Psalm 100:4, NIV)

Amy Grant’s rendition of “Joy to the World” is streaming as I type. How easy it seems to be thankful when one's tuned in to the "music of the soul." 
To me, Christmas carols are just that---soulful music of the wonder of the nativity.

G. K. Chesterton said, "Gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."

Certainly the wonder of the season adds to my joy…..”And wonders of His love, and wonders of His love and wonders and wonders of His love.” 

A cuppa graTEA-tude rich with the wonder of the Christmas season is a perfect way to celebrate the Lord’s birth.

Liber-TEA : a 5th cuppa

All right then, the Lord himself will choose the sign—a child shall be born to a virgin! And she shall call him Emmanuel (meaning, “God is with us”). (Isaiah 7:14, TLB)

Liber-TEA must be a cuppa I relish because this year alone I've blogged 5 times about liberty in Christ. Free indeed. (John 8:36)

"Lost in Wonder, Love and Praise,"  Sunday's 26th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols* at First Evan, included many traditional carols. But....."Free Us, Emmanuel" a carol I had never heard...might have been one of my favorites. The rhythm. The melody. The lyrics.

Lyrics that spoke to my heart.

Free us from the heavy chains of our sins and our sadness and body of pain.
Free us, O Emmanuel, from the sorrow and suffering of where we dwell.

"Free Us, Emmanuel!" served me a reminder cuppa liber-TEA---showing God is with me.

*Praises for the beautiful program cover, an EMYO original.

Liber-TEA : a needful cuppa

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, ...... (Proverbs 13:12, ESV)

Hope in mankind is flighty at best. Expectations often disappoint. Too many unfulfilled expectations can also make the heart sick. My friend Carolyn W. says, "expectations are premeditated resentment." We just set ourselves up. 

All relationships tend to involve expectations. It's how one manages those expectations that dictates the quality of one's life. False hope and unrealistic expectations are the RX for disappointment.

Daughter Molly and I discussed many such weighty topics yesterday during the intermission at Hattieloo's "If Scrooge was a Brother" production. The various trials of friends, our own fears and anxieties---the woes of the world and the woes of our own little world. Not exactly theater conversation but heartfelt reflection all the same.

There tends to be expectations of perfection in life.  Even expectations of people----which one probably needs to let go of---or at least "manage" correctly. When one sets perfection as a goal---that is mismanagement and negative feelings are the result. Anger and sadness emerge from the one who has SET the expectations. On the other hand, the emotions of anxiety and shame can result in the one who is trying to meet those unrealistic expectations of the other person, be it boss or spouse or parent.

Years ago, son Josh, listened to NPR's "Prairie Home Companion." Lake Wobegon the fictional town of Garrison Keiller, "where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average."

To me, the name itself rings of WOES BE GONE!! That's the only way all those so -called perfect people could exist---in fiction! In reality, one needs freedom from dependence on man and transfer that dependence to God.

The way to sip from a cuppa liber-TEA is to align our desires and hopes with the Lord's will and let go of unrealistic expectations---because perfection only resides with Him....or possibly at Lake Wobegon.

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : Anonymi-TEA a delightful cuppa Generosi-TEA

In September 2011, I began what became a year of anonymous gift giving. Seeking the "gift" that the Lord would have me give each day became a real lesson of both trust and delight for me. The anonymity of the giving was part and parcel of the delight. Having that in my background, I easily understood the premise for this book, which is based on a true story.

My "pay it forward" connection, along with this being the 1st of the 12 days of Christmas, seemed like the perfect day for a book review of The 13th Gift, a "Pay it Forward" type book....by Joanne Huis Smith.

Following the tragic loss of her husband, a now single mom tries to provide some semblance of the joy of Christmas for her children. When gifts start appearing on her doorstep, her shattered world seemed to fade somewhat as she saw her children begin to thaw. What she couldn't fathom was "the identity of the giver." Once she even risked breaking into a car to see a label on the first gift in order to narrow the search for this "true friend giver."

"Thanks to our true friends, Momma Bear is back. My gusto for Christmas might not be the same, but my kids will know they're not on their own." (p. 98) 
True friends gave us kindness, unsolicited, but desperately needed ...and had broken the hold that grief had on us." (p.188)

A great reminder for all of us---we all possess the ability to give. More than money, one just needs a kind and compassionate heart to share---in this instance, a legacy of generosity was "handed down."

Even the acknowledgements included a "wrapped" gift. Wrapped in words of inspiration. Thirteen years for a 13th gift.

"Finally, I send out a prayer of hope and gratitude for gift givers everywhere. Your generosity of spirit fuels us all forward. (p. 204)

Vic-TEA-ry

For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. (Deuteronomy 20:4, NASB)

I know placing "tea" in the middle of victory is a bit of a stretch----but I so needed a cuppa vic-TEA-ry today so I decided to s-t-r-e-t-c-h it to suit my purposes.

Recently an “invisible” enemy has tried to conquer more areas of my mind. Captivity of thoughts. A real tug-of-war. I need God to go to the frontlines for me.

Today’s Edges of His Ways devotional helped me stay the course reminding me that I need to remain constant and draw my battle lines. I know where the victory lies----triumph in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Regardless of clamoring thoughts, possibility of misery, injustices or pain, I, with God’s help can be more than a conqueror.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Knowing the outcome, makes my cuppa vic-TEA-ry quite tasty!

Personali-TEA : NOT an individual cuppa

That they may be one, even as we are one. 
(John 17:22, KJV)

At our house, in the “kid raising” years, personalities were as unique and diverse as the number in our household. But….that’s the way personalities are. Yet, over the years they have changed for each of us. Some traits seem very similar---along the Liles/Adams bloodline characteristic. Others have emerged with maturity.

Praises for kindness, a trait I see in each of my ”kids,” though it certainly was not learned from me. I was the disciplinarian. I still seem to struggle with kindness---I want things done the right way….at the right time…for the right reason. This tenet needs to be tempered with kindness. So….I pray.

And….I open today’s entry of My Utmost for His Highest. Oswald Chambers delineates the difference between individuality (all elbows, which separates and isolates, 12/11) and personality which, when combined with love or the Spirit of God, transforms.

As we give up ourselves to God, “Love is the overflowing result of one person in true fellowship with another.” (Chambers, 12/12)

Enough said.

Tea with Thee time served me a cuppa “We are one” personali-TEA, to savor throughout my day.

Perplexi-TEAs of Life

There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves,

(Luke 21:25, NASB)

Dismay among nations. Dismay everywhere. The words of Luke 21:25 sound like our nightly news segments. Such dismay can have one asking, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”

Such events could trouble one’s soul. But God, in His Word has shown that He was---He is---and evermore He shall be.

"He is God and there is none like Him declaring the end from the beginning

and from ancient times things not yet done." (Isaiah 46:9)

Nothing takes Him by surprise. He is not perplexed. I find comfort in that truth when I have questions that "seem" to have no reasonable answer.

“In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.” (Robert E. Lee)

I don’t know the answer but….I know the One who is the answer.    

Such knowledge makes a cuppa perplexi-TEA a lot easier to swallow.

Adversi-TEA

But in our trouble God has comforted us—and this, too, to help you: to show you from our personal experience how God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings. He will give you the strength to endure.

(2 Corinthians 1:6-7, TLB)

Some cuppas in life, no matter how needful, are hard to take or ingest. So, the question is, "Why so many cuppas in life----which we had rather not sip?" 

Today's Streams in the Desert entry answered that question. Needful cups of adversi-TEA, often overflowing with suffering, prepare our hearts to share with others when they go through similar trials. A new cancer diagnosis can turn one toward a cancer survivor friend for understanding comfort. Being on the same side of the suffering adds validity to her words.

"They have watched the lamp of life's silver cord slowly unravel. They have seen the golden bowl of joy smashed at their feet, and its contents spilled.

So suffering is rough and hard to bear; but it hides beneath it----discipline, education, and possibilities, which not only leave us nobler, but perfect us to help others. Do not fret, or set your teeth, or wait doggedly for the suffering to pass; but get out of it all you can, both for yourself and for your service to your generation,......" (Streams, December 10)

And His grace will be sufficient,

When your heart is pierced with pain.

Will you live to bless His loved ones,

Tho’ your life be bruised and torn,

Like the bird that sang so sweetly,

With its heart against a thorn? (Ibid, p.460)

May one's cuppa adversi-TEA go down a little easier as one considers all the possibilities of benefit to others.

Livabili-TEA

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34, NIV)

Livability is the sum of the factors that add up to a community's quality of life including—

1. both built and natural environments, 
2. economic prosperity, 
3. social stability and equity, 
4. educational opportunity, and....
5. cultural, entertainment and recreation possibilities. 

For the community of faith, livability, which includes awareness and aspects of the above list, is anchored in one of the verb tenses of life.

Not past tense---Too full of regret.
Not future tense----Too full of fear. 

But......the pleasant present tense. Livability resides in the moment!

Make the most of each moment. Help others in the household of faith to do the same......

• This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24, ESV) 
• Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…(Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV)
• Enjoy the blessing of each day! (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, MSG)
• Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV)

.......and encourage your friends in the faith communi-TEA to do the same. 
Liveabili-TEA served to all in God's household.

Pittsburgh Possibili-TEAs

The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. 

(Proverbs 16:9, NASB)

So many possibiliti-TEAs for our 24th annual amigas trip. Barbara, concierge at the William Penn in Pittsburgh, said our proposed schedule was a little too ambitious. Watch out Barbara!
We are on plan G---and God's plans are always exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or hope. (Ephesians 3:20) Plus, factoring in a touch of "female rebelness" virtually assures an all-out effort.
Hysterically funny play at the Cabaret theatre. Christmas Events---lights EVERYWHERE. The Nutcracker. Wintergarden exhibit at PPG w/ around the holiday displays, think Santa in every language.

Wintergarden's Ukraine  tableau celebrates Holy Supper, a family feast, on January 6.

Creche at US Steel Plaza ; only authorized replica of Vatican's creche in St.Peter's Square in Rome, Italy

The Cathedral of Learning's national rooms (actual classrooms used by the students) were all decorated for Christmas on the University of Pittsburg Campus.

Romanian Room
Click for unforgettable tour of any of the 30 rooms of your choice.

Of course, the Ukraine room (above) was my favorite.
Carnegie Museums of History and Art. Andy Warhol museum.Phipps Conservatory with 14 rooms of Christmas blooms and vignettes.Heinz Center.

Bonnie & Rosie the Riveter at the Heinze Historical  Center

The weather might have been overcast and drizzly and the hotel room a little WARM on occasion, at least for post-menopausal women, but the FUN and FRIENDSHIP trumped it all. Who says we can't find our way across the street to a restaurant---or at least have an adventure trying!

As always, we ate our way thru the city----Downtown, Oakland, The Strip, Mount Washington and Station Square, to name a few. Everything from Southie drink & fried pickles at Meat and Potatoes, and Desserts at The Porch to fancy meals with sensational seafood at Grand Concourse with river view seating and pierogies and great entrees at the award winning Carlton. Plus, the BEST Eggs Benedict ever (Baltimore style, with crabcakes) in the Terrace Room at our hotel.

Pamela's in "The Strip" w/ nostalgic photos on the wall and crunchy edge hotcakes loved by me--
and Obama, too, according to the autographed wall art photo!

Gigi holds all "the goods."

Primanti Bros. even had "sweet tea" on the menu---imagine that! They also serve french fries and slaw on the pastrami/corned beef sandwiches and have fried dill pickles that are nuclear HOT!

This trip there was lots of "tea" for me. I sipped tea, (via an incline for a cuppa at the Grand Brew) bought tea in The Strip and was served tea by my friends when I was having a bit of a tummy issue.

We certainly sipped a BIG cuppa all the possibilit-TEAs on our Pittsburgh Neighborhood's Bucket List.

But Mr. Roger's Neighborhood is still my favorite neighborhood.