PROXIMI-TEA!

My morning cuppa! Proximi-TEA! 

First, I had to throw my cuppa anxiety-TEA down the drain.

Then, I picked up God's Word to move-in closer.......and

On the small table beside my prayer chair, was a calling card from one of our church elders of Care Ministries. He has been in a whirlwind of health problems for many weeks now. Yet here was his card encouraging me---with this verse clearly at my side.

For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. (Zephaniah 3:17)

Closer proximity to Him is essential, especially in the "whirlwind" of physical 

unknowns/fears of self and others. 

A cuppa with the Lord in His word and a cuppa proximi-TEA shared with a friend can wash away the fears and dreads of the unknown. 

"proximi-TEA"

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.....(James 4:8, ESV)

Proximity can indicate being close---whether in space or in relationship. These days there are even sensors to measure proximity----sensors able to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact----possibly being used, along with satellites, in the search for the missing Malaysia Flight 370 jet.

When I spend time in God's Word, I can sense the nearness of His Spirit, without physical contact as well.

My "Tea with Thee" times are showing me the importance of nearness to the Lord. Intimacy comes with closeness. Proximi-TEA is key. It tends to open my soul to His Presence.
Sometimes I "arrive" at this point through prayer or a verse from scripture. Today, recalling the words of an old hymn (sung with Mama Davenport standing by my side) and humming that tune of "Near to the Heart of God" drew me right into His holy Presence.

There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God. (verse 2, UMC, 472)

Proximi-TEA says it all---open Bible on my lap with my cuppa in one hand and my heart in His.