Thanks for stopping by. Pull up a chair, make yourself comfy, and I’ll pour us a cuppa tea.
I wish
we could physically sit across such a table together, but since most of
us cannot, I created a summer tea time on Tuesday’s just for us.
We’ll begin by asking God to stir us, awakening us to today’s takeaway. My prayer is that He will take today’s scripture and steep it deeply into our souls as we take a moment to ponder on, sip on, one word from the verse throughout out the week, moving us toward one particular action.
Today’s tea time is all about friendships. You know…the friend who quietly alerts you to the grits wedged tightly between your teeth (two guesses as to my favorite time to meet!) Most importantly, the kind of friend who boldly but lovingly speaks truth. These are the friendships I want surrounding me, and I’m thankful many of them do. One such friend for me is Becky. When I spend time with her, my spirit hits a “reset” button of sorts. I leave with a clearer understanding of God, of my role in the big scheme of things and perhaps more importantly, what my role is not. Thank you, Beck.
So, how about you? Does someone come to mind? Who are those friends for you?
Heavenly Father,
You created meaningful connections with us in mind, knowing how desperately we’d need one another.
And on those days when truth pierces like a sword, leaving us breathless, we can choose to trust. For the wounds of a true friend is motivated by their love for us, by truth, and for Your ultimate glorification. (Prov. 27:6) May our friendships cast a clear reflection of your grace and mercy to those around us. Thank You for our friends, Father.
Amen.
This week’s verse we pray will steep richly and deeply
into our hearts and minds:
A friend loves at all times.
Proverbs 17:17
Let’s choose one word from the above verse to “sip” on throughout this week, asking the Lord to show us why this word or
phrase stands out to us at this particular time.
———————————–
I choose the word “all.” Come misspoken words, unintentional neglect, grit-laden teeth, misunderstandings or miles between us, I am to love—at all times—and I fail miserably. Please forgive me.
Before we bring our time to a close, let’s consider one tangible way to “pour” out His truth in response to the word(s) we’ve chosen above.
Thank you for sharing a tea table with me today at Sharing Life Together…One Sip At A Time.
Would you consider joining in the conversation by leaving your “word” or in the comment box? Blessings to you, my friend!
My grandmother, Elsie Knighton, didn’t bake this cake often but when she did, oh my! Of course, I’m a bit partial because I loved everything she cooked and white cake is my favorite. This sweet delight is perfect for spring and summer tea parties, Fourth of July gatherings, and well, for no reason at all.
Special White Cake with Cherry Frosting
3 cups self-rising flour (she used White Lily)
2/3 cup shortening
1-3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1-1/4 cup milk
4 egg whites stiffly beaten
Cake:
Sift flour and then measure into bowl; cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add extracts, then flour mixture and milk alternating to cream mixture. Blend well, fold in egg whites. Pour into greased 9 inch pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Frosting:
1 pound box 4x sugar
4 tablespoons evaporated milk
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
2 tablespoons cherry juice
Sift one cup sugar in mixing bowl. Add well-drained chopped cherries, cherry juice and milk. Blend well. Add remaining sugar until frosting is firm enough to spread.
Searching for a way to connect with other women in your neighborhood? What could be more inviting than conversation over a cup of tea?
With the Celebrating Our Uniqueness Tea, each woman brings her favorite teacup or mug to the gathering. It’s a casual way to learn more about those around our table—how God wired them, our commonalities, as well as our differences.
This particular tea gathering is a new one for me. I created it out of a desire to stretch myself beyond the borders of comfort. As a long-standing introvert I admit that inviting people I know only in passing isn’t a comfortable place to be, but rarely is comfort the catalyst for anything eternal bound.
Stacks of books and fertile dust bunnies have often dictated when God’s home could be used for His glory. I’m learning, however, that the captivating aroma of Christ can only be released to its fullest potential when I’m willing to open my imperfect home to the perfect Host.
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2
Do
not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have
entertained angels without knowing it. – See more at:
http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Hospitality#sthash.8noAT4jm.dpuf
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. Psalm 125:2
Welcome to the makings of a Psalm 125:2 Tea Gathering! The purpose of this particular gathering is to surround a person with love, encouragement, and prayer. The honoree may be currently going through a difficult time or will soon be facing one.
Consider ahead of time: Ask those who will be in attendance (except the honoree) to be praying about a specific verse they feel God would have them share with the honoree during your gathering. Also, they may want to consider a word of encouragement to accompany their verse. This will be one of the most meaningful moments during your gathering, so giving your guests a week or more to prepare their thoughts will enhance your time even more.
Click here to get all the details on this gathering from the setting to closing out your time together. Feel free to change it up! These are simply suggestions I’ve discovered to be helpful along the way.
What’s your favorite part of a tea party? If you’ve never attended one does it sound like something you’d enjoy?
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
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