"Cul-TEA-vation"

That I may know Him....(Philippians 3:10, KJV)

What does one cultivate? 

Today's chat, with H2H friend Jan C, reminded me of all the "false assumptions" that our culture cultivates in our lives via the media. Think ads. 

What measures our success and achievements? 

Is our significance found in our bank account? 

Our satisfaction in $$? 

Our security in our 401K?

If one needs a shift in his thinking, he must rid his mind and his heart of false gods of our culture. Counterfeit gods seem to be ruling our thought life. We're listening to the wrong gods.

Ask self....What am I cul-TEA-vating in my life cuppa?

The reality of knowing Him comes from consistent devotion to personal Bible study and prayer. To know the One true God, one needs to persist in cultivating His presence. (Streams, 5/29)

"cul-TEA-vate"

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. (Galatians 6:7, ESV)

Ah-h-h reaping what one sows---pretty sobering thought. As an adult, we often "spew" words from our mouths that we later regret, especially when we hear those words coming from a child. The "words of one's mouth should always be acceptable unto the Lord." (Psalm 19:14) 

The "S" word for our kids was shut-up---that disrespectful word was not to be used. We said "hush," if deemed necessary. Our "adult children" seem to be sowing that same "seed" in their own homes. 

Seeds of kindness in word and deed. (DotsyDetails, 2/24/09) Fruitful seeds. As Michèle Phoenix says, "Kindness is the fruit salad of spiritual gifts."

Those are the seeds we should all cul-TEA-vate* in our homes.

Serve a cuppa kind words to others today so that they, too, might "cul-TEA-vate" that fruit on their own lips.

*How fun it has been to receive "tea" words from blog readers---cul-TEA-vate was Carolyn's (Batesville, MS) contribution.