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!