TeaCup Living

A Pause in Prayer

2011-12-31T11:36:00.001-08:00

"Leave the Irresparable Past in His Hands,

and step out into the Irrsistible Future with Him. "

~ Oswald Chambers

My Utmost for His Highest

December 31st

Dear God,

Heal me from my yesterdays.
Prepare me for my tomorrows.
Yet walk with me in all of my todays.

You've called me to teach.
You've provided the platform.
You've made the plan.

Here I am to use in fulfilling Your purpose.
Fill this mission with Your uplifting presence.
Make me a capable lamb.

Amen.

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A new year is dawning.

New beginnings are starting.

May 2012 be a year full of answered prayers

and Christ's uplifting blessings for you,

dear friend.

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Because I love the Lord Jesus Christ, I feed and care for His flock with a teacup as an outreach tool by giving others time, encouragement, and acceptance in Christ's uplifting presence.

My scripture verse for 2012 is from Ephesians 6:10,

"Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power."

What verse have you choosen to live by in 2012?

Your comments are treasures.

Happy New Year.

Christmas Blessing over TeaCups

2011-12-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

Tea parties at Christmas time are a peaceful delight and Christ Jesus is the heartbeat of the season.

Last Christmas, I hosted a Birthday Jesus Celebration Tea. The menu was simple with a birthday cake, brownies, cream cheese wreath cookies, Scandinavian almond cake, and hot cinnamon apple slices. The ladies and I balanced our tasty treats while setting in a circle in the living room; each one shared a specific gift we received that year from Christ. This simple activity laced our lives together in an unforgettable experience.

This year has been full of house guests, preparations for conferences, speaking engagements, times with family and friends along with meeting writing deadlines. In the light of my busyness, I did not have time to plan a tea party of my own to honor God’s greatest gift for us, His beloved Son.

I was blessed to be asked by friend to speak at her Christmas tea for the ladies in her neighborhood. My friend introduced me to Christmas Gatherings where one person hosts a party while a speaker shares the message of the giver, the gift, and the receiver. Check out the details at http://www.christmasgatherings.com/

My wish during this special season is to be with each one of you and visit over a teacup and a tasty treat. Since this isn’t possible, I want to do the next best thing - sharing this simple Scandinavian almond cake recipe with you.

Enjoy!

Scandinavian Almond Cake

1 ¼ cup sugar
1 egg
2 tsp. pure almond extract
2/3 cup milk
1 ¼ cup flour
½ tsp. baking powder
1 stick butter, melted
¼ cup sliced almonds, opt.
powered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a long narrow baking dish or bunt pan with cooking spray and dust with flour. Set aside.

Beat together sugar, egg, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Add flour, baking powder, and melted butter to sugar mixture. Mix well.

Sprinkle sliced almonds on the bottom of greased and floured pan. Pour batter over the almonds. Place in heated oven. Bake 45 to 55 minutes until golden.

Remove cake from pan two or three minutes being removed from oven onto a wire rack to cool. Dust cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Options: Serve with fruit and whip cream or vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup.

May Christ’s uplifting presence be with you throughout the New Year.

For to us a child is born…And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
~ Isaiah 9:6-7

Savoring the Silence

2011-11-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

Life has been like boiling water the last few months. Creating a new Web site for Christian Communicators with my partner Vonda Skelton, along with hosting a week at the Christian Communicators conference, has left little energy for posting here. Forgive me, dear friends.

Like a teabag steeping in steamy water, I gave my all to refresh others. But now, I’ve had time to pause, to brew a cup of delight, and savor the silence at the Good Shepherd’s feet.

There’s no greater place to pause with a teaCup in hand than in silence. Remember my meaning for teaCup? It means enjoying time, encouragement, acceptance in Christ’s uplifting presence.

After rejoicing in having had the opportunity to feed Christ’s sheep through teaching etiquette, purpose boarding, writing purpose statements, and how to break-through barriers. I’m savoring silence over a teaCup and thinking of you.

What is it that I can serve you in these posts?

I’m not one who likes to chatter with pen and ink or typing on a blank screen. Writing on purpose to fill a need, a want, or a desire requested of me is more my style. What information or story may I serve you?

At a formal tea there are three main food types:

Savories – finger sandwiches
Sweet breads – scones, muffins, and simple loaves
Sweet treats – cakes, petit fours, and candies

My goal is to serve three main areas of information for you dear guest. However to bring you what you want, I need know what to bring to you.

What type of information would you like to bite into about etiquette?
What substantial teaching would fill your needs in adding professional polish?
What tasty treat in story telling would you like to hear about situations and relationships in the home, workplace, or community?

The boiling water in my life has cold down. The silence was refreshing. Now I await your comment on what you would like to be served through TeaCup Living postings.

Uplifting blessings, dear friends.

A Book Junky in the Making

2011-08-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

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Being a book junky causes me to do strange things, such as keeping an extra plastic grocery bag or two stashed in my car, so I can smuggle in books along with groceries is one of the crazy things I do. This is premeditated deception so I can feed my fix.

There are books hidden in the pantry, in the guest room drawers, and in plain sight displaced in fancy bathroom baskets. My husband says I have enough as he see the eight bookcases are over stuffed and I'm trying to cram in one more.

How can one have to many books? Each book is a friend...an author who has taken time to tell a story or share information? Who can have too many entertaining and teaching friends? A book is a part of a person held between a front and back cover.

The best (or worst, depending on how you look at it) thing I've done as a book junky is to give our youngest grandson a taste of this addition by taking him to a booksigning afternoon tea!

With his special challenges, I didn't know how wise this outing would be. Taking any eight year old boy to a formal tea was a risk.

But a local book store called Fiction Addition had a perfect set up downtown at a renowned cafe' for tea and manners tutoring for young kids. They served grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut in small bite size shapes for savories. Lined baskets filled with waved potato chips with salad tongs replaced sweet breads and scones. The mini cupcakes with icing crowning their tops were offered by our host, Ms. Jill Hendrix on a beautiful plate. Punch and hot chocolate filled the tea cups. The menu was perfect for the girls and boys too. They gobbled it all up. They applied the manners the author taught before eating and drinking began.

What a delight it was to see our grandson dab his mouth a few times as he was taught; but, still leaving the chocolate mustache behind. The long linen covered table held over twenty kids, moms and grandmothers. No loud noises, all dressed in their best, and the art of conversation did out shined the rest.

Our grandson became hooked on his new book when the author read her story about a dragon and a princess on a quest to find good manners. Before leaving, the author wrote a personalized note in the front of Luke's book.

A new book junky in the making, this book junky does some good things too.

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Do you have a special book you can remember that became your special friend or changed your life? Share the title with me, please. I've created a new space for another bookcase...a junky can never have enough treasured friends.

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Photo: baby pix PHOTOGRAPHY
http://www.babypixphotography.com/

The book: A Quest for Good Manners by Karin Lefranc
www.amazon.com/Quest-Good-Manners-Karin-Lefranc/dp/0983045909/ref=sr_1_?ie=UTF8&qid=1313160690&sr=8-1

The book store: Fiction Addiction
www.fiction-addiction.com/

Whistle Stop

2011-07-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

Life has been a boiling tea kettle.

The kettle seems to be screaming for my attention with loud whistles for me to stop.

House guest for three weeks, emails piled as high as a fireman's extended latter, articles to write and customized programs to create; each a ministry with focused needs. The "doing" needs to be done. It's the "being" that causes me to pour the water into the kettle and turn on the fire.

However, I love the bubbling roar and shieking bluster. Why? Because the rush means to pull the tea kettle away from the flame and pour the hot liquid over awaiting tealeaves in a porcelain tea pot then to pause in the wait while allowing steeping to change my pace.

Teatime takes me out of my routine to pause, to pray, to praise, or just be in Christ's presence. It's a time for me to pour out appreciation to the One who give me strength. Pausing and steeping at His feet brings change in me.

The "doing" will wait for me to get things done. The "being" will renew me while reminding me to live what I teach. The hot water of life and taking time to be in His presence makes for a tasty brew that addes flavor to my serve in what He's called me to do.

When God turns up the fire and my life begings to boil and I begin to be an annoying whistle, I know He's planning to lift me up to pour me out to fill up another cold soul that is before me as a house guest, an email friend, or a guest in the audience. Life can be empty if the tea kettle doesn't whistle for me to stop, steep and be in Christ's uplifting presence.

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What causes you to pause when life seems like a boiling tea kettle?

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The best tea kettle I have found is an electric one I picked up at CostCo.

Miss Mattie's First Tea

2011-06-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

Mother-daughter teas are my delight.

Miss Mattie was going on three. I had invited her and her mother to join me for tea. Planning a simple menu was easy to do.

Putting out the fine china set from my mother-in-law with the story of Little Red Ridinghood was my pleasure. Long-long ago, I created my motto for life that I live by today,

"People I cherish and things I use."

Miss Mattie's eyes opened so wide when she saw the table sit so pretty. Her "awe" spoke poetry to her mother and me.

Her eyes stayed wide open watching what her mother and I did. She then did it too. The napkin she laid over her lap. "Yes, please," she said like her mommy and me.

However, she used two hands to sip her chilled peach tea from the antique teacup. Miss Mattie was a joy to be hold as she tasted the tiny treats.

Manners weren't taught that day. They were caught.

Mother-daughter teas make meaningful memories. What is your delight?

3 Strangers Coming for Tea

2011-06-08T04:21:00.000-07:00

~ Three lovely ladies are coming for tea. All are strangers to me.

~ Tea at two sounded like a good time. the house is shiny and prime.

~ Making the savories and the sweet breads with love is not a dread. Each is mixed with prayer and praise.

~ Who are these leadies God's bringing today? No matter, we're gathering in fellowship, hurray?

~ Lord, come join us as our honored guest. You're always a blessing, please come and stay.

~ We just want to steep in Your presence and sip in Your peace.

~ The ladies may be strangers when we set down at the tea table; but when they rise to go, they will be strangers no more.

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~ Thank You, Lord for You joined us in fellowship. Our boasting way in You.

~ We strangers found we had a mutual friend in You. Come join us again.

~ Our hearts and our ears are waiting to hear Your knock at the door. No tea tastes as sweet without Your uplifting presence.

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Tea Tip:

When strangers are invited to your tea table offer both a black tea with caffeine and an herbal tea which is caffeine free. My favorite teas to serve first time guests are French Vanilla by Bigelow and Honeybush by Tazo.

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May your table always be full of good conversations, filling fellowship, and uplifting blessings.

A Glorious Moment

2011-05-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Sett'n on a porch swing

sippin' tea

in a pause -

just Jesus and me.

Bein' together

in silence

and drinkin' in His

upliftin' presence,

I breathe deep

and take in the life

He has put

before me.

With a genteel rock

on my heel

to the tip of my toe

and back again,

I move gently in place

and remember

how far the Good Shepherd

has led me.

On the drift,

my soul hears

His contentment

at my side.

I think

He likes me

just being with Him -

Swing'n and paus'n

and not-a do'n,

a talk'n or

even a pray'n.

It's a glorious moment

just porch swing'n with Him

and a teacup

in my hand.

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For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. ~ Psalm 62:1

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Mingling Manners with Outer Space People

2011-04-11T14:59:00.000-07:00

An act of kindness landed me at a VIP NASA launch reception. When I received the unexpected formal invitation to NASA’s reception and launch, I thought it was a mistake until I recognized the handwritten signature. When I showed it to my boss, the dean of the college of business, he said, “Go!”

Fear grounded me. Then I realized it was time to apply what I’d taught students and professionals for years- how to apply mingling techniques in an unknown environment and have fun doing it. At that moment, I felt like a trained astronaut, I was ready for takeoff.

First, I listed my tasks for mingling with elite strangers.

· Develop a researchable topic for small talk in a field farther than the moon to me. (Not being a scientist, engineer, or dignitary, my challenge was finding a fitting topic that would provide a platform of interest in order to inquire of other guests and allow them to share opinions.)

· Focus on the truth that no matter a person’s education, career or position, they all want time, encouragement and acceptance.

· Pack proper attire for both events that would help me fit in, be approachable and have pockets for my business card holder with easy access.

· Put my fears aside and reach out as an ambassador for Christ, a representative of the university and as a reflection of what I teach.

· Most importantly-Pray!

An answer to many prayers resulted in finding an interesting topic I thought might generate fun feedback from the experts. In fact, the research turned out to be quite enjoyable.

With packed bags; plenty of business cards; a few tokens from the university; a fun topic tucked away in the event of a fear freeze would grab me; and prayer warriors on duty, my husband and I flew to Cape Canaveral for the launch of the STS-112 mission.

Upon arrival, I applied the actions steps of mingling at the VIP reception:

1. I sought our host of the event who sent me the invitation.

2. I thanked her for the honor and privilege to be part of this occasion.

3. I asked the host if there was anyone she wanted me to meet or any way in which I could assist them during the evening.

4. I interacted with the astronaut our host had introduced to my husband and me.

5. I made sure my husband remained with a group in which he felt comfortable.

6. I approached circles of three or more.

7. I reminded myself that mingling is not about me. Mingling is about reaching out to others in order to make them feel comfortable, to make new contacts and to set appointments.

At the end of the special evening, I felt honored to have attended such an event, overjoyed that I had made new friends and contacts and especially proud that Christ had allowed me to use my expertise to be an ambassador for Him. I have to admit, the night was a complete success, despite my initial fear. It even ended with me securing a potential speaker for our College of Business Distinguished Lecture Series because of connections I had made even before getting to the reception! (This story will be in another blog, on never knowing where and when you make a first impression that can help you in an unexpected place.)

Finding yourself frozen in fear or wondering how to mingle with others properly and appropriately is completely normal. The next time you’re faced with attending an event you’re not sure you can pull off, don’t give into the fear or insecurities! Instead, follow these simple rules, and ask god to use your unique gifts as His ambassador. He most certainly will!

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.

2 Corinthians 5:20 a

Have Teapot ~ Will Serve

2011-01-27T11:36:00.000-08:00

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The pure white teapot was standing in her regal spot. I had only moments before driving off to co-host a women’s conference.

Should I take her? Dare I take her?

She has been a faithful servant. Her purpose is to fill teacups with the liquid excuse for people to come together and pause in fellowship.

How could I leave her behind when there were women thirsty in learning how to launch their Christian speaking ministry? The regal teapot was ready and willing to serve.

Was I willing to share her? Was I willing to risk losing or breaking her for women I didn’t know? Was I going to take this window of opportunity to share my beloved treasure with unknown sisters?

God gave His best. How could I do anything less?

I grabbed her by the handle. Her top began to chink and dance as I rushed to pack her. On our way the teapot clinked a time or two a cheery tune for being included.

She found a new spot to stand in readiness to serve. In a strange place she stood bright and tall…. as much as a teapot could.

The graceful porcelain served the ladies faithfully during our stay. Her job was accomplished to the fullest without a scratch, a nick or a chip. Regally, she stood on her own field of service to pour out warmth, joy and love to encourage the Lord’s ladies.

After returning home, the pure white teapot stood in her stately spot ready and willing to serve again. Silently she waits to be used as the excuse to bring people together in fellowship over a cup of tea.

Taking my worldly treasure taught me a lesson. There’s bliss in sharing the best.

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Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. ~ Psalm 100:2

Hope Keeps the Heart Warm

2011-01-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom He has given us.
Romans 5:5

Our hearts are like teacups receiving the love that God pours into us.

It is when we let our hearts grow cold toward God that the steaming love He pours into us can create a crack that allow brokenness to begin.

May hope continue to keep you heart warm until Christ’s return.

Happy New Year, treasured readers.

Aunt Lulu's Apple Waffles with Blueberries

2010-12-27T06:55:00.000-08:00

The house is wrapped in a white blanket of snow. Christ’s birthday celebration was a joy to behold. Guests have returned to their homes at last.

The snow and silence brings in quiet moments of reflection as I sip my first cup of tea for the day…Lemon Lift. A memory of Aunt Lulu’s apple waffles drifted before me as the steamy brew tickled my nose. The corners of my mouth began to lift up into a warm smile. So, I arose to take action in making a memory of apple waffles on a snowy day into a sweet reality.

When the house began to smell of cinnamon, apples and French vanilla from the pile of hot waffles waiting for butter to melt into their valleys; I thought of you.

How could I be so selfish to keep this treasured treat just for my husband and me? This couldn’t be right.

So, I reached for the camera as fast as I could with my mouth still savoring a bite softened with pure Maple delight. Oh, how I wish you were at the table too. Only a picture will have to do to entice you to make a batch or two of Aunt Lulu’s apple waffles.
The recipe is below for you.

Enjoy and thanks for being my friend.

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Aunt LuLu’s Apple Waffles

1 1/3 cup flour

1 egg, beaten
2 tsp. baking power

1 cup milk
½ tsp. salt

1 tbsp. oil
1 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp French vanilla
2 tbsp. cinnamon

1 apple, pared and diced
¾ cup blueberries (opt)

Heat waffle iron.
In large bowl, combine flour, baking power, salt, sugar and cinnamon.
In small bowl, add beaten egg, milk, vanilla extract, cooking oil and mix well.
Add egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until moistened. Fold in apple pieces and blueberries. Spoon one serving of mixture onto hot waffle iron and cook until light brown.

The Collectable Gift for All Seasons

2010-12-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

Shopping is torture to me. I would rather wash windows, pull weeds or cook for a party of twenty.

However, I am a buyer. Cracker Barrel is my favorite size mall. They have treasures for tots, tweens, twilighters and everyone in between.

When I find the perfect present, I buy multiples to put in my gift closet. Yes, closet. A shelf is not big enough to hold the gift giving items that I stumble upon….rarely do I go out to hunt down and bag an unknown surprise.

The gift that fits for so many occasions and is a prize that we don’t often give ourselves is a spatula. Serving spatulas deliver more than cakes, pancakes and pies. They lift up spirits.

When taking a dessert to a sick friend with a keepsake spatula attached, they’ll have a memory of your thoughtfulness to hold in their hand forever. Top a foil-wrapped meatloaf with a plain spatula placed on top for a brand new mom, and she will lift the corners of her mouth with a smile every time she serves her family meatloaf with the spatula you gave her. Fancy china spatulas are the perfect gift for the ones who seem to have everything or for that person who needs to feel special.

My trusty spatula has served me with many filling memories. The memory of sharing time and tea with friends lifts my spirits. Can anyone have enough serving spatulas of fellowship?

Giving a serving spatula is a good gift any time. At Christmas it seems special because we’re reminded that God gave us His Son, Jesus Christ. Because of Him, we are lifted up in fellowship with Almighty God. He is our true gift for all seasons.

Merry Christmas!
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Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all He created.
~ James 1:17-18

Etiquette Tips:
“If you are the gift recipient, proper etiquette requires you to send your thank you notes promptly.”
~ DANA MAY CASPERSON ~ author of Power Etiquette: What You Don’t Know Can Kill Your Career

What's in your gift giving closet?
Your thoughts and insights are always appreciated.

Answering Wall Hangers and Seat Covers Prayers

2010-12-08T16:20:00.000-08:00

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The holidays are here! The call to partying with strangers begins. Answering long forgotten prayers, hopes and dreams can be answered by us. We can even be part of the answers without spending a penny. All it will take is investing our time.

“How?”
“Why?”
“No way!”
Friends, co-workers and strangers have asked these questions or made a similar statement over the years when I’ve promised that they could have fun and make new friends at a party, business function or conference full of unknown people with ease and confidence. The fun begins by looking for wall hangers and seat covers.

My diverse career path led me often into business and social events where I knew no one or a few superficial acquaintances. However, as a corporate relations officer for a university and a multi-state area sales manager for an international airline, I had to force myself to meet strangers, build business relationships and even host out-of-state events. Many times, I only knew “me” in the room of hundreds.

When finding myself in a room full of strangers, I found the secret to changing my feelings from despair to delight was reaching out to others. Fortunately, I have been made with a sincere interest in people and their life stories. So walking into a room full of future friends is like strolling into a library with live authors and interesting characters to meet.

Instead of rushing to the food or tea tables when I enter an event, I pause left of the entrance and look for wall hangers and seat covers. Wall hangers are the individuals who are leaning against the wall watching the panorama with fear, self-isolation and a hope that someone would take an interest in them. Seat covers are those who choose to sit at an empty table. They’re less visible with a limited view point. However, they too have a hidden hope of being discovered and brought into the activities with gentle ease.

Both the wall hangers and seat covers are treasures to find. Bringing them to light through self-introduction and seeking them out has resulted in some long term friendships and business partners. They have life stories worthy of discovery.

After sharing why we are at the party, interests and stories; I asked the wall hanger or seat cover if they would like to adventure into the activities with me? We plan our strategies of introducing one another so we can enjoy the event without feeling alone or like an isolated object to be ignored.

Once I sat down by an older lady that I had seen during a conference rushing from breakout program to breakout program. No one seemed to be talking to her. Little did I know that she was just taking a quiet pause. By befriending her, I ended up catching a tiger by the tail. She knew most everyone. I had to hold on tight because it became her pleasure to introduce me to those she knew. Having been in Washington, DC for fourteen years in a key role, she introduced me to people I never imagined I would ever meet. She and I became life-long friends. The relationship began because I reached out to a seat cover in a crowd of strangers.

God has given me many treasured friends who hung on walls or sat alone on the outside looking in. He comes beside me so often when I feel lonely, isolated or unworthy. He invites me to remember to introduce His Son, Christ Jesus into the busy world of party goers this blessed season. All that it will cost me is time to answer prayers of wall hangers and seat covers.

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Reviewing Tips:

* Stand to the left of the entrance door and pause
* Avoid Rushing to the food or drink tables
* Look for isolated people and reach out to them with sincere friendship
* Introduce yourself, state why you are at the event and ask them the same
* Plan your introductions
* Step out together and have fun as outreach partners

What has been your hopes, dreams or prayers when mixing with an unknown crowd? Have you ever been a spectator with a hope of being invited to join the party? What happened or didn't happen? Your insight and experience can help us all with your written comments today. Uplifting blessings.

Tea & His Word

2010-11-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

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The first sip of the day ~

Warm, soothing and tasty,

My tea pleases me.

Comforting, reasurring and uplifting,

My devotion in God's Word

Grows me.

When I take time to brew

A cup of tea

And sit down to sip in a moment of rest,

Peace over takes me.

When I keep my daily date with the King of Kings

And sit down at His feet,

Love over takes me.

Therefore, I am blessed

With the first sip of the day from the brown brew

And the Word of love

for me and you.

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Tea Tip: Use a timer when steeping a cup of tea for a perfect brew.

The general guidelines for setting the timer:

Black teas brew 2-5 minutes.

Blends brew 2-4 minutes.

Green teas 1-2 minutes.

How do you know when to pull the leaves for a pleasant brew? When or where is your preferred spot to pause with a cup of tea? Just click on comments below. Hearing from you is a great excuse to fill up my cup and hear your story. Uplifting blessings.

Seven Self-introductions Tips

2010-10-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

I had a dog on a borrowed leash. My heart was pounding louder than my knocks on stranger’s doors.

This risk taking adventure all began with a yell from my husband calling my name from the garage. Then a chuckle came along with a wiggly tail and a long tongue hanging out the left side of a miniature doxie’s mouth. The bow legged dog started dancing at my feet. He charmed me at first glance.

My heart was lost forever when he raised on his back legs and put his front paws together like praying hands. He moved the front paws up and down with such enthusiasm that it looked like he was praising the Lord. I had to pick up the little chap.

After giving the little lost guy water and cold cuts, I started knocking on unknown neighbors doors.

My etiquette training and international protocol tutoring didn’t prepare me for this informal way of meeting neighbors in our community. However, I applied the basics of self introductions.

With a smile and looking to see what color of eyes the person had that opened the door, I told them my name and that I lived at the end of the cul-de-sac at the bottom of the hill. There aren’t too many hills in North Texas, so they knew where I lived. With a quick glance at my prancing partner, I asked if he belonged to them. This let them know why, I was knocking at their door and introducing myself. My mission made me memorable and gave us a topic to talk about that was non-threatening. The neighbors were nice.

As I sipped a cup of tea at the end of the day, I counted three blessings from introducing myself to strangers. First, Jake, the doxie was welcomed back to his home. Second, I made a life-long friendship with a neighbor that I had not met before that risk-taking day. Third, our daughter and her family gave us a doxie of our own.

Toby doesn’t walk on a borrowed leash. However, walking him in a new neighborhood does cause me to talk to strangers because of the way he dances at my feet. They are charmed and come over with a smile and a reason for a self-introduction.

Tips for Self-introductions:
1. Start with a smile.
2. Give full eye contact. Looking for the color of one’s eyes causes’ good eye contact.
3. Clearly and slowly state your name.
4. Identify yourself.
5. Tell the “why” you are there, your objective, or your need.
6. Repeat their name if they give it.
7. Ask a non-threatening question to get conversation started.

Self-introduction is an act of kindness in our personal, professional, and social environments. How enjoyable it would be if you would comment on a time when a self-introduction changed your life or someone else’s life? Or comment on your favorite way to introduce yourself. Uplifting blessings.

Unpacking My Heart

2010-10-04T06:08:00.000-07:00

He who did not spare His own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32

The mini-van was packed full even with the center seats removed. More stuff was packed in our daughter’s car leading the way to her future as a freshman college student.

We’d raised our daughter, Stacey for this moment. Her junior year in high school she was given her own checking account so she could learn, while still at home, how to be responsible with budgeting and handling her own money. Her senior year, I armed her books to read that would arm her for the challenges and temptations that she would face.

Two titles on the book list were: Fascinating Womanhood – to equip her in making a wise choice in choosing a mate and There’s a New World Coming by Hal Lindsey – to make her aware that we are involved in a spiritual war and to give her comfort in knowing that God has the final word.

Stacey and I had shopped garage sales for the extra furniture to make her shared dorm room feel cozy, comfortable and inviting. But these tiny treasures took up space in the mini-van with a full-size computer, TV, home made curtains, grandma’s home made white quilted bed spreads, clothes, and her stuffed bunny rabbit riding shot-gun in the passenger seat.

In her crisp calico dress, the stuffed rabbit sat tall with the seatbelt holding her in place. The rabbit and I just enjoyed music as the miles clicked by as we followed Stacey in her over packed car.

Then pride came in like a hot flash. Creeping up from the inside, rushing quickly to pour out of pores I didn’t even know I had. My mouth became part of the uncontrollable action.

I started talking to the rabbit strapped in next to me. I praised God for the gift of our daughter, for His guidance in raising her and for the expectations we had for her that she fulfilled so far. Then the depths of my heart poured out in words as tears poured down my face.

“How could your be so giving, Abba? You sent Your Son to earth to die. I’m only sending my daughter to college to grow.”

Words continued to pour from my heart. Miles upon miles sped by with Stacey leading the way and the Lord helping me let go of the child He gave me on loan.

When the campus could be seen on the horizon, cool calmness refreshed me as these final words gushed from my soul, “She’s Yours, may she fulfill Your plan. Thank You for the loan.”

Peace filled my spent heart. God packed it to overflowing with His love and joy in knowing that Stacey would never be alone or forsaken. The Holy Spirit would be riding shot-gun beside the Good Shepherd’s little lamb. Her Bible was the first treasure to be unpacked.

Warm Wonder

2010-09-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

How often have you sat down to do devotions with a cup of tea or coffee? What do you do - stay focused and dutifully do your devotions? Or have you discovered the pleasure to take time, sip the delightful brew and pause with praise in your heart and soul for the simple blessing God has given you in the moment?

Today’s tea is yummy. A dark tea dusted with cinnamon, swirled with half and half. Yes, I know tea should have milk and coffee cream, but I poured in pure pleasure this morning.

The book of James is open and I’m reminded of what James wrote about how to live everyday life. Imagine being the half brother of Jesus and living with Him.

I pause and sip my tea, my imagination wonders. Did Jesus ever simplify and say to James, “Get a grip on life. Trials and tribulations builds faith and develops perseverance”?

Was James directly quoting Jesus when he wrote, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him,” (James 1:12)?

Before putting down the half full teacup,I wonder what took place between the brothers for James to write about faith and deeds. How often did the two brothers talk about the blending of faith and actions that caused James to make it a topic for living a life alive and fulfilled?

James summed up this message in Chapter two verse 26, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”

This time spent in thought, wonder, and glancing over the book of James has allowed my tea to cool. But the flavor and joy still linger; causing me to pause with praise for the delight of the tea and the time thinking of Christ while reading His words. The five short chapters in James are filled to the brim with hot topics for today and how to live life steeped in His presence and His ways.

Has the tongue been tamed in man since Christ’s time? Do we need to be reminded of the corruption this flapping little muscle can create if not bridled? James shares word pictures in chapter three comparing the tongue to bits, rudders, small sparks, and deadly poison.

In Chapter four James uses a word picture that helps me to remember the benefits of submitting to God in verse ten, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

As I swallow the last sip of tea, I’m satisfied. As I read the last chapter in James, I am encouraged and filled with hope and praise. James words “be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near,” gives me hope. I’m filled with joy because of his words that promises, “The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

The teacup is empty. My soul is full. My spirit is warmed with the time spent in His uplifting presence.

What remains is the insight gained in pausing for a few minutes to allow the Holy Spirit to give me a glimpse of the affect of one brother upon another to reach out and teach others to persevere, blend faith and deeds, bridle the tongue, humbly submit to God, be patient, have hope and praise the Lord who lifts up the one who prays in faith.

Thank you for joining me today. Do you remember a warm wonder that filled you.....a sunset, a song, a scripture verse, or a pause? I would love to hear about your fulfilling moment in the comment section.

May you have a perfect cup of blessing soon when pausing and pondering His Word and His ways.

Etiquette tip for tea: Tea is served with milk instead of cream because cream curdles in tea. If you have ever seen white flakes in your dark tea, it is because cream was used. Although cream maybe offered, milk is usually served with robust tea.

Cream Cheese Banana Nut Bread

2010-09-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my corner of the world. Here’s a comfy seat. Be comfortable.

The cream cheese banana nut bread has about three more minutes in the oven. I’m so glad you stopped by.

Would you like honey or sugar in your tea? This is a favorite tea of mine, Honey Bush by TAZO. It’s an African tea, dark, robust and without caffeine. Friends who are giving up coffee or caffeine after 2 p.m. fined the Honey Bush a good flavorful transition. I like it any time because it tastes good.

I hope you like being adventurous with trying different teas. Down sizing my tea cabinet has been a challenge. However, there are plenty of green teas, black teas and oolong teas besides herbal drinks to share.

There’s the ding. The quick bread is ready. I’ll slip her on a cutting board and we’ll enjoy her while she’s nice and warm.

This recipe has been a reliable friend. She’s easy to make. I’ve served her at teas and at breakfast with over night house guests. I’ve packed her up to take to office meetings that needed a friendly touch and wrapped her with a tea towel for new neighbors as a welcoming gift.

Cream Cheese Banana Nut Bread

1 cup sugar 2 eggs
1 (8oz) pkg. cream cheese 2 cups Bisquick mix
2 to 3 ripe bananas ½ cup pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a loaf pan or spray with PAM vegetable spray.
In a mixing bowl, cream sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in bananas and eggs. Add Bisquick mix and nuts. Stir until dry ingredients are moistened. Bake for 60 minutes or until an inserted tooth pick comes out of the loaf clean.
If browning to fast, cover with foil the last 15 minutes.
• The loaf freezes well and can be made the day ahead with the same moist goodness the second day.

Enjoy and stop by again. The tea kettle is always on the back burner to serve you.
Comments are always welcome, too.