A Cup of Tea

Growing up in former British colonies in Africa, I often indulged in the ceremony known as tea time. It’s a simple thing; held partway between lunch and dinner. Tea time includes, of course, a pot of the tea of your choice (mine usually being English or Irish Breakfast) and a simple snack. The snack can be as straightforward as toast with some butter and jam or scones and crème. Cookies and finger sandwiches are also acceptable. 

It is amazing how such an uncomplicated thing as a cup of tea can leave such a lasting impact on a life. I may not keep religiously the proper tea time anymore, (I usually have it towards bedtime now) nor do I eat the standard fair either, but the tea is still there; as are its connected feelings.

A cup of tea, which is to be had regularly, can do many things for a person. It is a relaxer and a cool down from a long day. It can serve as a pick-me-up on a particularly grey afternoon. Or a warm up on a chilly winter morning. But a cup of tea can also be a trip back through memory and time. To people who’ve shared a cup with you and to far off places where a cup has been enjoyed.

I can remember sunsets, hotel gardens, toast triangles and laughter. 

We had some South African friends when I lived in Botswana who lived some miles away from anybody. We would often go to their house for dinner, or when it was warm, to swim in their “pool”. But one thing I recall most clearly is sitting on a patio in back of the house and sipping on cups and cups of tea. The view was out over a valley filled with only scrub trees and the occasional obstinate quadruped. It was, for lack of a better word, peaceful. 

Whenever my family had enough money to stay at a hotel, which was somewhat rare, we would spend many an hour pool side. Between long bouts of play (and breath holding competitions) we would have tea brought out to us. I remember cradling the warm cup to my chest against the slight chill of a breeze. My family seemed to collectively lay back and take it all in, savoring the simple joy of it all.

My mother recalls a time when she was younger and was in hospital for a minor operation.  How everyday at teatime she was served this delicious milky tea. As odd as it sounds, even this small thing is a pleasant memory. The tea made the time good.

I do encourage you to have a cup (or a few) with friends and family. To share and swap warm memories, and to create new ones. Sure it is just a drink, but the emotions and personal histories tied to it are strong. Plus, it just tastes good. I’ll take mine with extra sugar please.

The Field

You are walking down a tree lined road
The leaves are fall colors
The air is warm
And the sun is sinking in the sky
Off to your left is an opening in the trees
There is a wide field of green grass
About ankle high
You start walking across the field
The grass is soft to your finger tips
At one end of the field is a small hill
You climb the hill
Before you, you see the wide open countryside
Cottages, farms, forest
The light is orange as
The sun sinks faster
Sitting down at the top
You relax
The wind blows with a slight, invigorating chill
Your worries go with the breeze
The sun is gone
The stars are out
The crickets sing in the distance
You lay back
And gaze at the heavens
The sky is so clear
And so beautiful
You fall asleep

Spiritual Conflict

    Anyone who knows me personally is aware of the fact that I am always the last person to find out about anything. I have often said "If the world were to blow up today, I wouldn't be aware of it till tomorrow." Silliness aside it has come to my attention that something happening to Christians all over the world. I we are being made ready for an event, or events unknown.

    In recent months and weeks many in my faith family have been under what seems to be spiritual attacks. Regularly healthy people are becoming ill, stresses have been amplified, temptation abounds and discouragement is coming in, what feels like, tidal waves. Why is this happening?

    I cannot speak as to what is occurring, or why, but from my limited scope it would appear we are being both taught and fought. God is allowing us to be tested and Satan, in his fear of what our witnesses can do against him, is trying to bring us down. Satan doesn't want Gods children to be effective, for a clear witness is as mighty a weapon in the spiritual battle as a bomb is in a physical one. But do not fear, God is using these trials to strengthen us; bringing us to our breaking points to show us that we can go further than we ever thought possible with Him in control.

•  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

•  The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 13:3

• So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

   What is coming? I have no idea. But I say this, my brothers and sisters, keep the faith. Confide your fears and weaknesses to members of the body of Christ, for together we are stronger in the Lord. We each have our roles to play and jobs to do and these we cannot do alone. God wants us to rally as one, to strengthen our spirits and our spiritual defenses.

• As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27

• Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

   A word of caution: be mindful to not become heady in pride in your ability to resist doubt or temptation, or in your abilities to help other believers. We cannot do anything apart from Jesus.

• I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

 And most importantly remember He is with us at all times, so no matter what happens we can overcome it. He will give us what we need, when we need it, to do what needs to be done.

• I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

So where is this all heading? I honestly do not know. But, I have faith that our troubles are for a purpose and that our trials can lead us into strength. What does the future hold? God knows and he is preparing us for it. 

• … Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward. Genesis 15:1

Blond Haired Angel

So the air sparkles

With continual laughter

The grey skies are pierced

By never-ending grins

The Blond Haired Angel

Has made an appearance

A Short Fairy Tale

   Woods can be dark, murky places but apparently not tonight.
   There, through the trees an enrapturing golden light, as if the precious metal became the air itself! And within that, I don’t believe my good eye, four, no five women of the fairest skin! How can this be? That barely discernible fluttering behind them, could that be wings? Oh my weary travelers’ soul how could such beauty exist, these fairies (what other name is there for such creatures) are now dancing! And what dancing it is, such gracefulness is impossible, or so I had thought. No words can truly capture the effervescence of the air as the five angelic beings seemingly caressed the air with their graceful moves.
   I creep closer to see and hear better. So close am I now I hear an almost intangible twinkling in the golden light, as if a thousand wind chimes are around me yet none at all. The fairies themselves do not talk yet seem to sing an unending note, faint yet clear and altogether heart rindingly peaceful. Braver now and still wishing more of this vision I crawl on my belly to get even nearer. But alas, a bulky frame have I and a fallen branch breaks beneath it. At a start the five beings stare in my direction as if broken from a trance, and then they smile a knowing smile.
   Ah, mine eye weeps as they fade into the either of the wood. And I am left alone in the dark, but with a bright memory that will last, at least till next time anyway.

Nebulous

I float freely
Above your heads
I fly unrestrained
Where you will not go

My life is spent
Drifting about wherever
The winds deem so

I only have one wish
That you could
Soar with me
In my skies of Dreams

Story challenge

   A good friend of mine was bored late at night and I suggested she tell me a story. I then said she must make it relating to snow. (Just to make it interesting). I'll let her post her story. I was then challenged to write one with the sense of smell in it. Here is what I came up with.

   "Do you smell it?" Jenifer asked. "Can you smell the salt?" 

  We were on vacation (I had finally gotten away from work) to the coast of Maine. Jen loved the ocean. The smell. the feel, even the taste of it. She had grown up around here and came back when ever she had the chance. 

   We always stopped at a lonely pier we found at the end of an abandoned logging road. This time was no different. Jen raced down it as soon as she opened the car door. I just shook my head and jogged to catch her. At the end we just sat down, arms intertwined , and watched the ocean.

   "I love this smell." she said, head on my shoulder. "Oh yes. Almost takes your breath away, doesn't it?" She laughed her pixie laugh and said "It does. And I was talking about your scent love. I could only smile. 

   I love the smell of the ocean.


Yes, I know its rough and incomplete. But I still like it. Think of it as an artists rough sketch.