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!

"Priori-TEA Time" : a Re-Brew

O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psalm 34:8, NASB)

Though a "re-brew" of sorts, this morning's brew was a picture of the intimacy of my "priori-TEA time" with the Lord. 

One cup tea pot. 

A one cuppa brew. 

Personal. Private. Necessary. 

His word fills me up with more of Him. He pours Himself into the cuppa of my life. 

I can sip and savor throughout the rest of my day. 

Because first thing this morning, I chose to "taste and see that God is good."

A Priori-TEA? Absolu-TEA-ly!

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up. (Psalm 5:3, KJV)

Do I believe that priori-TEA times are important for one's relationship with the LORD?

YES,.....BUT.....today my early morning "quiet" schedule was just a "stab" at a true "Tea With Thee" time. Lots of "valid"---at least, valid to me, reasons. 

But God...in His grace granted a reprieve of sorts when a great time slot (between 1:30 and 2:30) opened up for a longer time of prayer and meditation. AND....isn't that what a quiet time is all about?

How special that my tea pot time was "spot on" for my afternoon cuppa raspberry decaf.

Time with the Lord. A priority? Absolutely! But.....keeping the intent of my commitment is more important than my "normal" checklist" & that mentality helped assuage my guilt.

Plus, the Lord filled me with Psalm 5 tea words:

• ..for med-Tea-tation (v. 1) from this "all those in communi-TEA" lament of David's. (v. 11 & 12)
• Priori-TEA of early prayer times in David's life. (v. 3)
• God hates iniqui-TEA. (v. 5)
• Recognition of the mul-TEA-tude of God's mercies. (v. 7)
• David's humili-TEA  in worship as he must have been prostrate before the holy temple. (v.7) Dr. Constables's comments on this verse gave me the idea of an at-TEA-tude of vulnerabili-TEA in worship. (Sonic Light, p. 25)
• Consequences of guil-TEA behavior of the wicked. (v. 9-10)
• Visibili-TEA of trust and joy in the lives of the righteous (v. 11-12) who walk in the straight way. (v. 8) 

"Tea with Thee." Priority accomplished? Absolutely!