Thoughts on the New Year

"As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, forgetful delight, nor with the quickness of impulsive thoughtlessness. But let us go out with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us. Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ.

Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him."

--Oswald Chambers--My Utmost for His Highest

This was from yesterday's reading, and I meant to post it then, but time did not allow. There was more, but this was the section I need to remember. My thought have been swirling around in my mind and I have been putting pen to paper instead of blogging lately. Some thoughts are too fragile still to share and I am quietly musing on them.

Well, as quietly as I can. :) Our home may be quieter than many, but with three wee ones it's not that quiet. Even Cupcake is "talking" now. And a lot. It's pretty cute.

This new year holds so much. So much promise and so much change. Following on a year of tremendous change, it is different, more exciting. 2010 held so much upheaval. As I look to this month I know that there will be even more, but then a settling.

We have been working on a contract on the home I posted about for awhile. We are know in the final few weeks of the process. All the inspections are coming in great as is all the work towards closing. I love everything about it! I just wish it was in Colorado. It is Idaho. And so a new adventure begins.

Books

Dear Friends,

I am looking for titles of books that have meant a lot to you in your life, specifically those that may have helped you in your walk with Christ. Maybe it is a devotional, or a biography, or just a book someone further along on the journey has written. More than just a light reading that makes one feel good, I am looking for something that has spurred you on to grow closer to, and more like Him. Please share!

With kindest regards,

Kimberly

Special Tea Times

“Taste and see that the LORD is good,” the Psalmist says. Stop for a moment and think about this statement. We eat and drink in our society almost without thinking. Whether we are indifferent to the food in our mouths, and eating not because we are hungry but simply bored, or consuming everything so quickly that we need not notice it, we are constantly filling our mouths usually without thought. We may race through the drive-thru and eat as we drive. We may gulp down our drinks to quench our thirst without tasting them.

But taking tea is different, or should be different. We can’t rush the process. Yes, we can grab a teabag and nuke our water in a mug. That’s not what I am talking about. I am talking about planning a menu, baking special treats like scones, whipping the cream, slicing the crusts off the sandwiches, and putting on the kettle to boil. Taking the extra moment to pick some flowers, to light a candle, select the music, to place out the linen napkins, these are the things that make tea not just any meal.

Our approach to God can be like that. Do we rush through our devotions only taking the time to pray as we are racing around in the car? Can we really devote our thoughts to Him as we drive? Would you, like me, end up merely praying that the car in front of you would get out of your way? Are we just flipping through our Bibles reading whatever verses or chapters happen to be on the page as it falls open? Do we read so fast so that we simply get through the number of verses or pages we think is the bare minimum we can get a way with and not feel guilty about?

Or could we stop a moment. Plan our time, both when and how we will spend time with Him. Set aside a time a place to focus on the LORD. Clear our minds as we calm our hearts to spend some focused time steeping ourselves in his word. Oh, that our tea for two may be a special time with Him each day! Maybe we could approach our devotional as though He is our special guest for tea.

We could find a peaceful corner where we keep our Bible and any devotional material we wish to use. Maybe we light a candle, turn on some music. As we put the kettle on we may sing our praise to Him as the kettle sings. While we wait for the tea to steep we can be clearly our minds of the distractions we face. Maybe during that three to five minutes you could find yourself praying for forgiveness. You may pray for God to speak to you in this time with Him.

As you pour your tea into the cup, ask God to pour out His love on you that you in turn may pour out love and blessings on the people He will bring your way. As you hold the cup in your hand, pause and breathe in the scent of the tea you have chosen. Thank Him for choosing you to be His child. Pray that your words and thoughts would be a pleasing aroma to Him.

Then, take a drink. Drink deeply. Let the tea fill your mouth as thoughts of Him fill your mind. Read His word and let it steep in your heart and mind. Taste and see that He is indeed good. By slowing down and focusing, your will find the memories of your times with Him to be pleasant as taking tea with your best friend.