Thursday, November 6, 2014

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!