start the day right

What are some things you simply must have to start your day off right? Well, one of my necessities is brewing downstairs and the other is sitting on the end table beside me. A hot cup of tea puts the "good" in my morning, but the leather-bound book at my elbow filled with underlines and red words gives meaning to my life. But I am sometimes guilty of neglecting it. Somehow it seems easier to pour a second cup of tea than to peel open the cover of God's Word and drink it in. Really, it makes no sense because those words on holy pages would outlast the effects even a good cup of tea has on me.

But with every morning comes the opportunity to begin it right. This morning has the potential to launch a wonderful day given the right fuel. And so with a steaming mug of tea in hand, I open wide the beautiful gilded pages that history and time couldn't erase and pray my heart listens. It's going to be a good day.

Sweet Infusion

Have you ever watched a teabag sink into a cup of steamy water and observed the strands of color glide out of the teabag and paint the water? I know I am probably insane, but I love watching tea infuse. A spicy aroma climbs out of the cup soaking the air and enhancing the practice of drinking tea.

I have a glass plate sitting above my bed that reads: "Women are like tea bags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water." (Eleanor Roosevelt)  Lately, I have not been pleased with my heart's infusings. Life's hot water is revealing in me a complaining spirit and burdened disposition. Despite my efforts to conceal it, the fragrance of what is inside cannot be hidden. One of my favorite verses reminds me of what fragrance I am to be diffusing.

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing ... (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)

It saddens me to say that my aroma has been infused with sin and self-sufficiency rather than Jesus' redemption and my utter dependency on Him. I was confronted with this truth a few days ago, and sweet repentance came. God must transform my heart for there to ever be a sweet fragrance filling my surroundings. I pray my relationships, duties, and presence reminds people of the knowledge of Jesus and not my humanly corruption. Holiness begins in the heart and then saturates everything around it.

I want the seasons of "hot water" to reveal God's refinement, sanctification, and true strength to the people around me, diffusing a holy knowledge that has saved my life.

Ode to Tea

I'm sorry, but I am really enjoying my tea this morning. And I had to write about it.

Tea is one of those special delights that makes me happy just thinking about it. Every realm of it's features inspire me. I love the smell. The taste. The color. The accessories. The photos. The effects. The gatherings. The tearooms. The teacups. The teapots. The history. So everything about it really!

Just for fun, I will include some of my favorite tea quotes:

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.  ~Author Unknown

If you are cold, tea will warm you.  If you are too heated, it will cool you.  If you are depressed, it will cheer you.  If you are excited, it will calm you.  ~Gladstone, 1865

All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes.  ~George Orwell

Remember the tea kettle - it is always up to its neck in hot water, yet it still sings!  ~Author Unknown

Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on.  ~Billy Connolly

You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.  ~C.S. Lewis

Oh, I am starting to see the bottom of my cup. Time to put the kettle on! :)

Tea and Books: October

With all the conferences going on in my life lately (praise God for them all), I have slacked up a lot on my book reading - minus the Scriptures. Plus, God has been redeeming areas in my life involving books... but maybe that's another post. So this month all I have managed to read thus far is a transforming and convicting book titled:

War of Words - Paul David Tripp
This is one of those books that I need to read and reread over again. I am closing in on the halfway mark, and already I have found the truths to be desperately needed in my heart and on my tongue. The subtitle truly explains this books purpose: getting to the heart of your communication struggles. If you are seriously interested (or convicted) in finding and solving the problem of our words (which is our hearts... but I won't give it all away...), then get this book. I have found more truth and practical application of those truths in this book than anywhere else besides the Scriptures. I highly recommend this one. (do I always say that?)

In the area of tea, well, let's see. As the weather settles down into a crisp cool wonderland, my tea mug is happily filled more often. This is also a good time to try new types of tea. Last weekend Mom bought some really delicious peach tea. I normally find peach tea to be, well, too peachy, so I was surprised that I liked it. Maybe autumn is inspiring more creativity to my taste buds. :)
 

What have ya'll been reading and sipping?

Tea and Books: September

Well the month has almost passed me by and books are being finished. Early in the month I didn't make a lot of time to read, but I have refocused and hope to finish at least a few books before this month is gone. Despite my tardy reading habits, my "book wish list" is steadily growing. I don't ever see it slowing down. And I am totally fine with that. Below are a couple of the great reads I am enjoying.

Please feel free to share what literary and infused findings you have with me too. My favorite discussions are oftentimes encompassed around books and tea.

Books:

A Place of Quiet Rest - Nancy Leigh DeMoss
If you are searching for a resourceful book devoted entirely to your "devotion time", I highly recommend this book. I honestly didn't know a book like this existed, but here is a gem. Reading only the first few pages excited my heart with the need for this book in my life. Devotions are a subject kindred to my heart. Written in a creatively practical and gently instructing tone, I have found answers to the silent questions I have in my heart about my devotion time. Highly recommend this one.

Lies Young Women Believe - Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh
I am actually reading this one out loud to my sisters before bedtime. It has been an awakening for us all as we begin to recognize the subtle lies we believe that effect us deeper than we know. The lies we believe about God and ourselves (plus many more areas) can cripple any growth the Lord desires for us. I would enthusiastically recommend this book for ladies of all ages. It is a powerful tool for the kingdom.

Tea:

Tangerine Orange Zinger is becoming one of my favorite herbal teas. Mom and I like to rotate between this the Raspberry Zinger tea.  As the weather begins to cool down I know my tea mug is going to be refilled more often throughout the day. (maybe that's why I like cooler weather?) I sure hope the price of tea doesn't go up or I will have to ration out my amber delight. :)