God's s-TEA-rength : an exercise

I pray that according to the wealth of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, 

(Ephesians: 3:16, NET)

ABCs of God's strength were clear to me this morning as I sipped my cuppa Harney and Sons organic English Breakfast, a strong black tea, while looking for my exercise band.

ABCs---All 'Bout Core.

Core is the exercise world's buzzword these days. One can even find it digitally---as a hashtag, a YouTube video or in any other of the 24,300,000 google results.

But God....showed me as I stared into my cuppa "strong" tea that was giving me a needed physical lift, that soul strengthening comes from Him. His strength. His might. (Ephesians 6:10 & Philippians 4:13)

His strength is available for my inner person, my spiritual "core." 

I've moved up weight sizes as I've exercised regularly for physical core strength---tho it might not be evident to others who see a measly "3" weight in my right hand or or the "green band," not the lowest, but close. The fitness instructor seems to use the term, core work, to emphasis our "core" focal point--- regardless of what we're doing. She tries to take us to that level because strengthening of the core is essential.

Just like I need exercise along the lines of continued practice for my physical core, I need the continued spiritual practice of soul strengthening. It is essential. I must sit upright before Him as I seek His strength for each and every day He gives me. 

Consider Him. Seek Him. 

If not, I "grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:3)

All 'Bout Core comes from knowing All 'Bout Christ!

God's s-TEA-rength, a daily cuppa teamed with spiritual exercise of prayer and study, can strengthen one's core.....her very soul!

s-TEA-ped in wonder

Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. 

(Job 37:9, KJV)

For sure there is a whirlwind at the grocery, at the slightest mention of the white stuff. No whirlwind yesterday. No "white" in today's forecast that I heard.

Of course not. Our almanacs and other trusty weather sources, like wooly bear caterpillars knew that cold temps, were coming out of the north, think Arctic blast and Polar Vortex--but....no snow, this far south, was mentioned.

Today is November 13. There is SNOW in Memphis.** Okay, so it was only a slight dusting. Not exactly steeped in it. But....for us in the mid-south, snow is SNOW! The only folks, whom  I actually know well, normally get snow this time of year, or sometimes earlier, are the Bradleys. They live in Massachusetts. It's clear today, in Ashburnham, with no precip and a sunny 47º.

So who's in charge here? I know. Do you?

My vote goes to the Lord, who is great in power and "hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds.."(Nahum 1:3) Even snowclouds!

Two morning cuppas filled with me-TEA-orology----one served by our resident meteorologist and one served by God. I chose God's----He knows.....the weatherman didn't. (except maybe in Alaska)

**Picture is for our "grands" from Texas to Brooklyn, NY--who have no snow---but cousin Owen does---at least a smidge!

Liber-TEA

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 

(1 Peter 2:16, ESV)

Yesterday's salute to Veterans in flag flying, concerts and "mattress" sales brought home to me the freedoms all enjoy because of sacrifice....freedom to worship, being chief among them. 

For me, the liberty I have found in the Lord, is so precious. How grateful I am to be able to declare it at home, to share it abroad and even proclaim it through this blog. 

Yet, some heartfelt suffering for others has recently had me wrapped in sadness. A bondage of sorts. Captive. I needed to be set free. Stuck in worry.

But God through His word came alongside as, "In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and set me free." (Psalm 118:5) Not changing the situation or eliminating the grievous circumstance but by setting me free of worry----and allowing me to share that answer with others.
He has made me "free indeed." (John 8:3) Free in essence. Free on the inside.

Freedom of religion in America. Freedom in Christ.
How blessed we are to be able to sip from such a cuppa liber-TEA!

Nationali-TEA

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 
(2 Chronicles 7:14, NLT)

Veterans Day has businesses across our nation thanking our vets with deals, discounts and freebies. 

For us, non-business owners, maybe taking time to thank the ones we know and pray for peace and a petition for God to heal our "free" land for which they fought and are still fighting would be appropriate.

A cuppa nationali-TEA served with prayers of uni-TEA for our divided nation seems a fitting way to honor each of them.

TEA-uneful Music, Regardless of Style

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
(Psalm 96:1-3, NIV)

Music styles can often be divisive. Differing of opinions over the "sacred" aspect of worship can ring loud in hallways of churches. Congregants can wrestle over musical worship choices. Many have a strong preference. Traditional. Hymns only. Contemporary. Praise songs included. 

These days, most churches offer both styles, just at separate services or sometimes a blend of the two.

Last night at First Evangelical Church, "Indelible Grace," led by Matthew S. Smith, held a concert that offered old hymn texts set to new music. I attended as I enjoy a variety of worship styles and I loved the group's name. 

 Indelible---not able to be forgotten or removed.  A perfect descriptor for God's grace.

Indelible, an adjective I would hope could describe my spiritual legacy to my grands. 

I want my life to make such a spiritual mark on their memory that it will be impossible to forget----that their grandmother loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind. and might. (Deuteronomy 6:5)

I've sipped from several different TEA-uneful cuppas on Sunday mornings but last night it was "Oh Precious is the flow," that was singing in my heart as I left the sanctuary.*

*This blog is the result of "hearing" from Ginny H. that Nancy E. expected me to blog on that event. The Lord definitely works in mysterious ways to inspire my blogging.

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : culinary with a li-TEA-rary readabili-TEA

Nowadays, I'm one of "those people" who would rather read their way thru a cookbook----rather than eat my way through it. I love looking at the pictures as well. Think Screen Doors and Sweet Tea---a book of tales as well as recipes. Just reading the intro had me in the Delta listening to blues, browsing at Square Books in Oxford and chatting with the McCartys---you know, Lee and Pup of Mississippi Mud "pottery" fame! If  the author, Martha Fosse discussed presentation, she might frame it in terms such as "showing out." Her book (2010) was as southern as kudu and a delightful read........but it's already back at the library......as I don't buy cookbooks anymore, I just check them out.

I already have a large home collection that could use some weeding.

In years past, I was drawn to cookbooks that doubled as travelogues. It's how I found many "out of the way" inns and B&Bs in North Carolina and quaint tea rooms in England, as well as The Ritz. All were included in my travel planning and those cookbooks conjure up great memories.....just no dishes.

This week I checked out Ina Garten's (THE Barefoot Contessa) latest cookbook, make it ahead. My "foodie" son and his wife actually cook from her books. Her premise here was to offer recipes for any season of the year that were actually better when made ahead.

Made ahead....just in case "your FedEx delivery of Pernigotti cocoa powder got held up in a snowstorm in Memphis and arrived a day late." (p 11) I don't know about you, but my cocoa says Hershey's and it's even available at "my neighborhood" Kroger. 

Ina tells on herself occasionally---even thinking and admitting, "her husband fell in love with her because of the boxes of brownies she sent him while he was in college." (p.186)

There were tips with funny quips, beautiful glossy photos and even a recipe for your best friend----your dog that it is. It was a fun way to while away the hours, with a cuppa tea on a chilly fall day as hubby had a migraine and I needed to be quiet. 

Comfor-TEA-ble

 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 

(John 14:26, KJV)

What a Saturday! The past 5 hours were spent pew-side in a sanctuary and bedside in ICU 201! In both situations, friends needed comfort.

A former Memphian's life was celebrated today by family and friends. Her husband told of how at 2:30 in the morning at his home in Wisconsin, he received a call from the American Embassy in New Delhi India. In a somewhat matter of fact tone , the voice on the other end informed him, with regret, that his wife had died in Bhutan, which is some 2,000 miles from India.

His wife had left days before, healthy, happy and physically fit, for a biking tour with fellow cycling friends. On that day's ride, she biked off road and fell to her death. Today her life was remembered on the day that would have been the couple's 45th wedding anniversary.

What does one say? More hugs than words. Sharing memories helps. Being there counts.

Bedside with a friend who has more physical struggles than anyone I know. Blind. Paralyzed. 
A widower for almost a year. Weary. Discouraged. 
How can one offer comfort in either of those situations? Certainly  I could not empathize and testify to God's goodness in either situation because I've never experience such trouble. Yes, I know of His goodness and know that "He comforts us in all our troubles." (2 Corinthians 1:4) 

What offers true comfort?  

• God's Word. "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) 
• God's people being there....(Psalm 27:13-14) 
• Hugs. Comfortable tears.
• Smiles of caring or laughter if one is blind and can't see your face.

Offer a comfor-TEA-ble cuppa of love to assuage the emotional distress of grief to one and the physical pain of suffering to the other. 

A comfort cross with skin on.

Loyal-TEA : An Adams Family Cuppa

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. (Proverbs 21:21, ESV)

"Frugal Fanny" that I am, especially at the grocery store, I tend to let go of my thrifty propensity when I feel the Adams' teaching "kick-in." 
Daddy was an exceptionally kind man. He taught, mainly by his actions, that loyalty to folks he knew was the right way to live.... always being loyal to family and friends first. He helped strangers as well....BUT when it came to his services, he did not frequent national companies. Daddy was more of a "mom and pop" supporter of local businesses. Bummy Hampton's for meat. Rudy's for gas. Ray Kranz for plumbing or heating needs. Haddock's for groceries----usually home delivered, no less. (Of course, that gave jobs to those teens like Bugs Turner.) Tom C. Jones for insurance with Pedro Stamper. After Tongate's, THE hamburger joint in Hoptown and managed by his older brother, closed, Daddy did go to Burger King on Sunday night's for his weekly "senior special" hamburger.

This week at the grocery, I was working hard to meet my goal of always saving 30%, when I balked. I could NOT buy the "on sale" flour. Why not?
It wasn't Sunflour---milled in Hopkinsville by the Yost family. The ones who sat several pews up from us in the sanctuary of the First Methodist Church. No other flour ever graced the cabinet shelf at 2211 in Hoptown. Nor will it at 1152 in Memphis. Plus, today I used it to make some corn light bread for a sweet friend---a "relatively" new Memphian (a little over 2 yrs) with a Hoptown connection.

I caught Daddy's sense of loyalty at a young age. Now if I could just "catch" his kindness---he certainly had lots to spread around. As a result he found honor among his family and peers---an honor that followed him all of his days.

Hot tea was served every morning around the Adams table in Hoptown....and I learned at an early age that a cuppa loyal-TEA sweetened with kindness and sweet milk, (as noted on Sunflour recipes) always trumps a cuppa frugali-TEA. 

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!

Heredi-TEA---a "hand-me-down" cuppa

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” 
(Joshua 24:15, NIV)

I, in no way, am the Bible teacher my seminary-trained son, Buddy is.....so God often uses him to "help" me along.....and I am so grateful....especially as I struggle to teach a passage with more theological depth than I have. 

However, as I was prepping to teach "Preach the Word" from 2 Timothy 4:1-8, at our Heart to Heart Bible Study, I came across a picture that warms my heart. It will mean nothing to anyone but me----but to me it speaks volumes. Something I do that I had no idea he does too....until I saw his teaching Bible open on a recent Texas visit. 

Ever camera ready for a possible Kodak "tea" moment, I "snapped" away and then filed away.....until.... God showed it to me as I was feeling a little "less than" scholarly yesterday morning, prior to my teaching time. And.....it doesn't even have to do with Bible knowledge. It has to do with connection. May I sense that connection again tonight as I seek to be "refreshed"as I repeat my lesson for the "night" group!

Maybe, as a household chooses to serve the LORD and chooses to write scripture on “door frames” or in their Bibles  (as we are told to do in Deuteronomy)----maybe imprinting them on hearts requires teaching them to others. Maybe at our house it needs to be LARGE PRINT----so we can see it as we teach---for me , it's a safety net in case I can't remember or lose my place as I'm reading them. For  me, increasing the font and cutting & attaching the passage inside the teaching Bible, eases my reading! We both do it---for me, there's comfort in that.

A cuppa heredi-TEA for sipping when we need to be able to "read" the passage we're teaching from as we stand behind our lectern.