Saturday, August 12, 2017

Serious Moments


(Picture from Pinterest)

Something I enjoy when tea time comes around, is the sweet seriousness of the moment.  We are often told how important it is to be "fun loving" but being witty and flippant and silly can get wearisome, as well as make us feel removed from our spiritual stability and responsibility to be sober and righteous in this world.

 Sometimes in order to please others around us, (who are uncomfortable with seriousness and solemnity) we ladies forget there is nothing wrong with being sensible, as we take in the beauties of the earth and think about the One who created us.  Enjoy life, but remember to keep the conversation between you and the Lord, who enables your life.

I think it is important to spend moments in the Truth, and seek directions through Gods Word and prayer.  When we pray, we speak to God, and when we read His Word, He speaks to us.

Recently I have been thinking about the meaning of "sound" doctrine, contained in the following verse. Soundness is a word we used a lot in the past and should be a priority in life. I also like that phrase "zealous of good works" and am thinking what a challenge it must be for people who cannot go anywhere or do much, due to health problems. Yet we still have the mail and email and our homes in which to serve our families.

Titus 2 is a familiar theme for ladies at home, but have you read further in the chapter to see some more gems like this?

For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world;

looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.  (Titus 2:11-14)


I like that word "sober" which means seriously thinking about life. We want to do the best we can and not take life for granted. Appreciate every moment. It is a gift from God.  Soberness is not just the opposite of silliness, it should also cause us to refine our temperaments and be careful of our responses to others, knowing we are creating memories. Exchange a sudden cruel remark for a kind one. If you practice it a lot, you will do it automatically and overcome a bad habit. Just substitute a yes for a no, as we used to say. Every time you have a blow-up you feel bad, but if you want to feel good, respond in a good way. 


Someone recently sent me an Emily Barnes/Susan Rios tea time book, which emphasizes tea time as quiet reflections on what is lovely, true and good. (Thanks Andrea in Idaho, for sending this! I shall try to write a proper note when the summer harvest Rush is over!)

Today I hope to lay out my own outdoor tea scene and get a picture for you all.

Thank you so much for your comments, your love and even your corrections. You ladies are so smart, and I'm impressed some of you can tell what model and year and name of an old worn out truck is just by the tail lights!


6 comments:

Lady Virtue said...

Great reminder of the Scriptural responsibility to be sober of mind. How I wish more people wrote/talked about this! The world are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. Christ's own can get caught up in this if not careful. Indeed, it is a blessing to commune with the Lord in a quiet place in prayer with a cup of tea or coffee or to converse about Him with a friend.

Great post! God bless you.

amulbunny's random thoughts said...

Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you have shared this today Lydia.

I'm always told by my sons that I seem to be too sober most of the time, but I don't want to take this life for granted and I do enjoy every moment as a gift from Our Father!

Thank you so much for your wisdom Lydia and for your willingness to share it.

Many blessings to you from the mountains...

mari

ladypinktulip said...

I very much tend to be serious most of the time. I do enjoy laughter at funny
innocent things ...however for the most part I am quiet and thinking a lot. Kelly T.

Lynn said...

I like that old comment....just substitute a no with a yes.

Unknown said...

Your posts always come at a time when most needed...love all your post...you are so dear and sweet to share!