The Tea Lover's Devotional Quotes

“HEART ACTION
Think about when you are silent about God's activity in your life. Look for a chance this week to speak out about God's goodness.
Giving and gratitude go together like humor and laughter, like having one's back rubbed and the sigh that follows, like a blowing wind and the murmur of wind chimes. Gratitude keeps alive the rhythm ofgrace given andgrace grateful, a lively lilt that lightens a heavy world.
LEWIS B. SMEDES
Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
-MATTHEW 6:9-13
The "Lord's Prayer" is a model for our prayers. It begins with adoration of God (verse 9), acknowledges subjection to His will (verse 10), asks of Him (verses 11-13), and ends with an offering of praise (verse 13).
The fatherhood of God toward His children is the basis for Jesus' frequent teaching about prayer. "Your Father knows what you need," Jesus told His disciples, "before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:8). Jesus presents a pattern that the church has followed throughout the”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“HEART ACTION
Do you practice what you preach? Become aware of the times when you are not living out the principles and kindnesses that you hold dear. Find fresh ways to show God's love and express your gifts and your compassion.
Cambric tea was hot water and milk, with only a taste of tea in it, but little girls felt grown-up when their mothers let them drink cambric tea.
LAURA INGALLS WILDER
We are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him.
-EPHESIANS 4:14-15
God does not want us to remain spiritually immature. Many of the 30-to-40-year-old women I meet seem to dwell on how old they are. There doesn't seem to be much hope or time for them to make an impact in life. I always reassure them how beautiful the older decades are. Each season of life has so much to offer. Life becomes richer the more mature we become. Benjamin Jowett once wrote,
Though I am growing old, I maintain that the best part is yet to come-the time when one may see things more dispassionately and know oneself and others more truly, and perhaps be able to do more, and in religion rest centered in
a few simple truths. I do not want to ignore the other side, that one will not be able to see so well or walk so far or read so much. But there may be more peace within, more communications with God, more real light instead of distraction about many things, better relations with others, and fewer”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“-1 PETER 5:3
Over and over I have attempted to be an example by doing rather than telling. I feel that God's great truths are "caught" and not always "taught." In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses (the author) says the following about God's commandments, statutes, and judgments: "You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up" (6:7). In other words, at all times we are to be examples.
It is amazing how much we can teach by example in every situation: at home, at the beach, while jogging, when resting, when eating-in every part of the day. It's amazing how often I catch our children and grandchildren imitating the values we exhibited in our home-something as little as a lighted candle to warm the heart, to a thank you when food is being served in a restaurant.
Little eyes are peering around to see how we
behave when we think no one is looking. Are we consistent with what we say we believe? If we talk calmness and patience, how do we respond when standing in a slow line at the market? How does our conversation go when there is a slowdown on Friday evening's freeway drive? Do we go by the rules on the freeway (having two people or more in the car while driving in the carpool lane, going the speed limit, and obeying all traffic signs)?
How can we show God's love? By helping people out when they are in need of assistance, even when it is not convenient. We can be good neighbors. Sending out thank you cards after receiving a gift shows our appreciation for the gift and the person. Being kind to animals and the environment when we go to the park for a campout or picnic shows good stewardship. We are continually setting some kind of example whether we know it or not.
PRAYER
Father God, let my life be an example to those around me, especially the little ones who are learning the ways of faith. May I exhibit proper conduct even when no one is around. I want to be obedient to Your guiding principles. Thank You for Your example. Amen.”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“_qt ~~ L,4_-k,,d_e, V q99-
You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb ...I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
-PSALM 139:13-14
IfI could only have a straight nose, a tummy tuck, blonde hair, larger (or smaller) breasts, or be more like so-and-so, I would be okay as a person. Never have I heard women satisfied with how God made them.
"God must have made a mistake when He made me." "I'm certainly the exception to His model creation." "There's so much wrong with me, I'm just paralyzed over who I am."
These negative thoughts poison our system. We can't be lifted up when we spend so much time tearing ourselves down. When we are in a negative mode, we can always find verification for what we're looking for. If we concentrate on the negative, we lose sight of all the positive aspects of our lives. We can always justify our damaging assumptions when we overlook the good God has for us.
These critical vibes create more negative vibes.
Soon we are in a downward spiral. When you concentrate on your imperfections you have a tendency to look at what's wrong and not what's right. Putting yourself down can have some severe personal consequences.
Have you ever realized that God made you uniquely different from everyone else? (Even ifyou're a twin you are different.) Yes, it is important to work on improving your imperfections-but don't dwell on them so much that you forget who you are in the sight of God. The more positive you are toward yourself the more you will grow into the person God had in mind for you when you were created. Go easy on yourself. None of us will ever be perfect. The only way we will improve our self-image is by being positive and acknowledging that we are God's creation. Negativity tears down; positivity builds up.
PRAYER
Father God, You knew me while I was in my mother's womb. I hunger to be the woman You created me to be. Help me become all that You had in mind when You”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“ETIQUETTE FOR THE GUEST
Important things to remember as a guest:
• Be punctual, but not early.
• Cancel only if there is an emergency.
• Offer to help the hostess if help is needed.
• Be a good mixer with the other guests.
• If there is a theme to the tea, dress according to the theme. It will add a special touch to the event.
• Even though you enjoy talking, try not to be the last to leave.
• Be sure to say a goodbye to the hostess.
• Write a thank you note within 24 hours of the party.”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“HEART OF TEA DEVOTION
Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round, And, while the bubbling and loud hissing urn Throws up a steamy column and the cups That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each, So let us welcome peaceful ev ning in.
WILLIAM COWPER
Perhaps the idea of a tea party takes you back to childhood. Do you remember dressing up and putting on your best manners as you sipped pretend tea out of tiny cups and shared pretend delicacies with your friends, your parents, or your teddy bears? Were you lucky enough to know adults who cared enough to share tea parties with you? And are you lucky enough to have a little person with whom you could share a tea party today? Is there a little girl inside you who longs for a lovely time of childish imagination and "so big" manners?
It could be that the mention of teatime brings quieter memories-cups of amber liquid sipped in
peaceful solitude on a big porch, or friendly confidences shared over steaming cups. So many of my own special times of closeness-with my husband, my children, my friends-have begun with putting a kettle on to boil and pulling out a tea tray.
But even if you don't care for tea-if you prefer coffee or cocoa or lemonade or ice water, or if you like chunky mugs better than gleaming silver or delicate china, or if you find the idea of traditional tea too formal and a bit intimidating-there's still room for you at the tea table, and I think you would love it there! I have shared tea with so many people-from business executives to book club ladies to five-year-old boys. And I have found that few can resist a tea party when it is served with the right spirit.
You see, it's not tea itself that speaks to the soul with such a satisfying message-although I must confess that I adore the warmth and fragrance of a cup of Earl Grey or Red Zinger. And it's not the teacups themselves that bring such a message of beauty and serenity and friendship-although my teacups do bring much pleasure.
It's not the tea, in other words, that makes teatime special, it's the spirit of the tea party.
It's what happens when women or men or children make a place in their life for the”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“HEART ACTION
Take any situation that comes and find the goodness in it. Look at a trial as a chance to draw closer to God. Look at a struggling relationship as a chance to be faithful and forgiving. Then look at the sunset and praise God for the beauty He made, which is, for us, a constant reminder of His love and presence.
Tea is wealth itself, Because there is nothing that cannot be lost, No problem that will not disappear, No burden that will not float away, Between the first sip and the last.
THE MINISTER OF LEAVES”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“Jd_O wti d-d-
God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
-GENESIS 1:31
As we look at life, are we bound to the idea that bad things happen to people? Look at all the bad news on television and radio. The newspapers are full of disasters: people dying of illness, accidents, drownings, fires destroying property, uprisings in countries abroad, and on and on. Do you sometimes ask God, "Why me?"
As we look around, we get the idea that everything is falling apart, and our whole world is in a spiral downward. Charles L. Allen expressed this idea about our perspective: Our glasses aren't half-empty; they are really half-full. He says,
It seems to be a general belief that the will of God is to make things distasteful for us, like taking medicine when we are sick or going to the dentist. Somebody needs to tell us that sunrise is also God's will. In fact, the good things in life far outweigh the bad. There are more sunrises than cyclones.
His glass was certainly half-full.
There's a story of a young boy who was on top of a pile of horse manure digging as fast and as hard as he could. His father, seeing his son work so hard on a pile of smelly waste, asked, "Weston, what are you doing on that pile of horse manure?" Weston replied, "Daddy, with this much horse manure there must be a pony here somewhere." This son certainly had his glass half-full. You, too, can choose to be positive in all events of life. There is goodness in everything-if we will only look for it.
PRAYER
Father God, thank You for helping me be a positive person. I appreciate You giving me”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“Pray with a friend this week.
I know Christ dwells within me all the time, guiding me and inspiring me whenever I do or say anything. A light of which I caught no glimmer before comes to me at the very moment when it is needed.
SAINT THERESE OF LISIEUX
Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure-pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.
-LUKE 6:38
The world waits until someone gives before giving back; however, Scripture tells us to give first, then it will be added unto us. We can do this with our love, affection, material things; with our friendship, help, and attention. You might have grown up with a limited, conditional kind of giving. If so, it is time for healing. We are so fortunate to have the ultimate example of "giving first" in our Lord. He gave unconditional love, He gave His life, He gives His mercy and grace.
St. Francis of Assisi's words are a great encouragement to live as an instrument of God's giving goodness.
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

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A righteous [woman] who walks in [her] integrity-how blessed are [her] sons after [her].
-PROVERBS 20:7
My Bob often says, "Just do what you say you are going to do!" This has been our battle cry for more than 25 years. People get into relational problems because they forget to keep their promises. It's so easy to make a verbal promise for the moment and then grapple with the execution of that promise later.
Sometimes we underestimate the consequences of not keeping the promise flippantly made in a moment of haste. Many times we aren't even aware we have made a promise. Someone says, "I'll call you at 7:00 tonight"; "I'll drop by before noon"; or "I'll call you to set up a breakfast meeting on Wednesday." Then the weak excuses begin to follow. "I called but no one answered" (even though you have voice mail and no message was left). "I got tied up and forgot." "I was too tired."
I suggest that we don't make promises if we aren't going to keep them. The person on the other end would prefer not hearing a promise that isn't going to be kept.
Yes, there will be times when the execution of a promise will have to be rescheduled, but be up front with the person when you call to change the time. We aren't perfect, but we can mentor proper relationship skills to our friends and family by exhibiting accountability in our words of promise. We teach people that we are trustworthy-and how they can be trusted too.
You'll be pleased at how people will pleasantly be surprised when you keep your promises. As my friend Florence Littauer says, "It takes so little to be above average." When you develop a reputation for being a woman who does what she says, your life will have more meaning and people will enjoy being around you.”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“Olo-keZ G-- a tc
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.
-ECCLESIASTES 3:1
What would we do without our day planners? I have a large one for my desk and a carry-all that goes with me. I don't know how a person functions without some type of organizer. I just love it; it truly has become my daily-calendar bible. I take it with me everywhere. My whole life is in that book. Each evening I peek in to see what tomorrow has to bring. I just love to see a busy calendar; it makes me feel so alive. I've got this to do and that to do.
Then I come upon a day that has all white space. Not one thing to do. What, oh what, will I do to fill the space and time? That's the way I used to think and plan. All my spaces had appointments written down, and many times they even overlapped.
I now plan for white spaces. I even plan ahead weeks or months and black out "saved for me or my family" days. I have begun to realize that there are
precious times for myself and my loved ones. Bob and I really try to protect these saved spaces just for us. We may not go anywhere or do anything out of the ordinary, but it's our special time. We can do anything we want: sleep in, stay out late, go to lunch, read a book, go to a movie, or take a nap. I really look forward with great anticipation to when these white spaces appear on my calendar.
I've been so impressed when I've read biographies of famous people. Many of them are controllers of their own time. They don't let outsiders dictate their schedules. Sure, there are times when things have to be done on special days, but generally that isn't the case. When we begin to control our calendars, we will find that our lives are more enjoyable and that the tensions of life are more manageable. Make those white spaces your friend, not your enemy.”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“HEART OF TEA DEVOTION
rc t c//'VI/~ L tLP /'V to/ a
My dear, ifyou couldgive me a cup of tea to clear my muddle of a head I should better understand your affairs.
CHARLES DICKENS
If teacups could talk, my house would be full of conversation ... because my house is full of teacups. My collection of china cups-begun many years ago, when I set up housekeeping as a child bride-has long since outgrown its home in the glass-front armoire and spread out to occupy side tables and shelves and hooks in the kitchen or find safe harbor in the dining-room hutch.
Some of these cups I inherited from women I love-my mother and my aunties. Some are gifts from my husband, Bob, or from my children or from special friends. A few are delightful finds from elegant boutiques or dusty antique shops.
One cup bears telltale cracks and scars; it was the only one I could salvage when a shelf slipped and 14 cups fell and shattered.
Three other cups stand out for their intense color-my aunt was always attracted to that kind of dramatic decoration.
Yet another cup, a gift, is of a style I've never much cared for, but now it makes me smile as I remember the houseguest who "rescued" it from a dark corner of the armoire because it looked "lonely."
Each one of my teacups has a history, and each one is precious to me. I have gladly shared them with guests and told their stories to many people.
Recently, however, I have been more inclined to listen.
I've been wondering what all those cups, with their history and long experience, are trying to say to me.
What I hear from them, over and over, is an invitation-one I want to extend to you: When did you last have a tea party? When was the last time you enjoyed a cup of tea with someone you care about? Isn't it time you did it again?”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“In our Christian walk we are encouraged not to remain like babes and children, but to wean ourselves from spiritual milk and soft food and grow into healthier foods. God wants us to exhibit signs of maturity, and many times this comes through very difficult life situations. My experience validates that we grow through difficulties and not through just the good times.
If we are not mature, the reason is observable: We have not been workers but idlers in our study of the Bible. Those who are just "Sunday Christians" will never grow to maturity-it takes the study of the Scriptures to become meat-eaters of God's Word. We must be workers in the Scriptures. Paul told Timothy, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman... accurately handling the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). We must roll up our sleeves and do the job ourselves instead of expecting a pastor or teacher to do it for us.
PRAYER
Father God, thank You for inspiring men of old to write Your Scriptures. They have become my Scriptures; they have become my salvation. Without the knowledge of Scripture my life would be tossed about like the waves in the wind. Thank You for my stability. Amen.
HEART ACTION
Discover God's strength and comfort by reading His Word each day. Single out a phrase or even a word that really speaks to your heart and carry that with you during your day.”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“HEART ACTION
Build up the courage of others, and also tend to how you treat yourself You are loved by a mighty God. You were made in His image, and you have value beyond measure. Let go of goals for perfection so you can appreciate your strengths, abilities, and unique wonders.
Nobody can teach you how to make the perfect cup of tea. It just happens over time.
JILL DUPLEIX
TANGERINE TEA
• 7 to 8 teaspoons of orange pekoe tea leaves • 8 cups boiling water • 2 tangerines, cleaned, cut into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch slices • whole cloves
Warm teapot with hot water, empty it, and dry it off. Add tea leaves to pot. Pour boiling water over leaves and let it steep for 5 minutes. Use a tea cozy to retain heat. Cut tangerine slices in half, stick a few cloves in the rind of the tangerine skins, and place two half slices in each teacup before pouring strained tea. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.
... Proving to be examples to the flock.”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“Sometimes quick experiences pay big dividends. You need refreshment and renewal. Don't let yourself become so overwhelmed by your responsibilities that you forget how to nourish yourself with those things that give you a lift.. .like a cup of tea, perhaps?
PRAYER
Lord, help my spirit to be still and silent before You. I pray that I will carve out time to be with You and enjoy simple pleasures that fill me with happiness and hope and peace. It is good to take time for myself and to nurture my life. I want to give andgive to my family, my job, and to You...guide me toward balance. Lead me to the joy of quiet time and "me" time so I am refreshed and even more prepared to serve and to love. Amen.
HEART ACTION
Select a way to relax and restore yourself today. Choose an inspiring verse from Scripture and meditate on it while you relax. Your outlook will change dramatically.”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“Jt'i to-
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
-LEVITICUS 19:18
Yes, I give you permission to be selfish at times. One thing I notice about so many people is that they are burned out because they spend so much time serving others that they have no time for themselves. As a young mom I was going from sunup to late in the evening just doing the things that moms do. When evening came around I was exhausted. All I wanted to do was take a hot bath and slip into bed and catch as much sleep as possible before I was awakened in the night by one of the children.
After several years I remember saying to myself, I've got to have some time just for me-I need help. One of the things I did was to get up a half hour before everyone else so I could spend time in the Scriptures over an early cup of tea. This one activity had an incredibly positive effect upon my outlook. I went on to making arrangements to get my hair and nails taken care of periodically. I was even known to
purchase a new outfit (on sale of course) occasionally. As I matured I discovered that I became a better parent and wife when I had time for myself and my emotional tank was filled up. I soon realized I had plenty left over to share with my loved ones.
When you're able to spend some time just for you, you will be more relaxed, and your family and home will function better. I find these to be beneficial time-outs:
• taking a warm bath by candlelight
• getting a massage
• having my hair and nails done
• meeting a friend for lunch
• listening to my favorite CD
• reading a good book
• writing a poem”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“PRAYER
Father God, I thank You for providing a way so I can know where my tomorrow will be. Thank You for sending Jesus to pay the price on the cross for my sins. I'm so gladIsaid `Yes"as a young girl.!Amen.
HEART ACTION
If you haven't answered the tomorrow question, today might be the day to settle the most important question in your life.
PERSONALIZED TEA PARTY
In advance of a tea party, create a list of what makes each woman you have invited beautiful in your eyes. Use examples from that woman's life of how she demonstrates areas of beauty and grace. Share these with the group and encourage others to offer their words of honor as you lift up each person in attendance.
Where there's tea there's hope.”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“HEART ACTION
Make a date with a friend you are missing. Don't worry that a long time has passed since you last spoke. Start with where you are right now and let her know that you miss her and her presence in your life.
The spirit of the tea beverage is one of peace, comfort, and refinement.
ARTHUR GRAY
Rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.
-LUKE 10:20
A few days after Roy Rogers passed away at his home in Apple Valley, California, a local Christian television station broadcast a tribute to his life. In one of the segments, Dale Evans, Roy's wife, sang a song entitled, "Say `Yes' for Tomorrow." This song was dedicated to the memory of Roy's early decision to put his trust in Jesus as his Savior.
While listening to this song I began to think back over my own life, back to when I invited Jesus, as my Lord, into my heart. At that time I made the most important decision in my life. I truly said "`yes' for tomorrow," in that I settled my eternity by saying "yes" to Jesus. I was a teenager who came from a Jewish background. Even though my decision for”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“~Jw~Zc2til~-t-Zvtl~- ~O-wti 71.LZwd~-tL
A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
-PROVERBS 18:24
A good paraphrase of this opening Scripture is, "A woman of too many friends will be broken in pieces." Indiscriminately chosen friends may bring trouble, but a genuine friend sticks with you through thick and thin.
Our friends have a positive or negative effect upon our lives. Many of us have told our children to be careful who they run with because people are known by the company they keep. There are certain areas in our lives where we have no choice about who we are around, such as work, church, neighbors, and social clubs. In these settings we are thrown together. How ever, in our family and private times we can be very discriminating about those with whom we associate. We must realize that our time and energy are among our most precious assets. Therefore it's important to make wise choices in the selection of people we will
spend time with. Are they people who build us up and encourage us to be better people than we would be by ourselves?
Why have you chosen the people who are closest to you? How do they contribute to who you are? It's not that you cast off those who don't contribute positively to your life, but I encourage you to reevaluate your relationships and see how you respond when you are around certain people. Do you respect them? Do they encourage you to grow? Do you have a kindred spirit? Do you share like values? If you can't answer in the affirmative, you might want to review how much time you spend with these people. Some changes might be in order.
You have a limited amount of time to spend with others, so select wisely; much of who you are-positive as well as negative-will be formed by the friends you keep.”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“It really isn't the tea.
It's the spirit of the tea party.
And it is in that spirit I hope you will join me.
PRAYER
God, grant me a giving heart that wishes to share the treasures of tea and hospitality and kindness. Remind me to bother with those extras that make the difference in the lives of family members, friends, and strangers. Amen.
HEART ACTION
Ask another to join you for a time of tea and conversation and connection.
If I am inconsiderate about the comfort of others, or their feelings, or even their little weaknesses; if I am careless about their little hurts and miss opportunities to smooth their way; if I make the sweet running of
household wheels more difficult to accomplish, then I know nothing of Calvary's love.
AMY CARMICHAEL
THE TEAPOT MAKER'S MARK
To learn where, when, and by whom a piece was made, look for the maker's mark on the bottom. The pattern name and/or number may be included, as might be the name, initials, or special mark of the designer or artist. Though not always complete, this capsule history provides the simple facts of a teapot's origin.”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“Become someone who is eager to give freely and to give first. And when others offer you injury or doubt or sorrow, return to them only forgiveness, faith, and joy.
PRAYER
Father God, You are truly a God of giving. Thank You so much for all You have given me. I can never repay You for all Your graciousness. Amen.
HEART ACTION
Are you waiting for someone to give to you before you are willing to give to him or her? Try the reverse: Give to that person first. Step out today in faith and give.
Conduct is what we do; character is what we are. Conduct is the outward life; character is the life unseen, hidden within, yet evidenced by that which is seen... Character is the state of the heart; conduct is its outward expression. Character is the root of the tree, conduct, the fruit it bears.
E.M. BOUNDS”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“~Z L/ti ~0"I/~ Z t4 k Lt(n. I/ ~ Z L
When I awake, I am still with You.
-PSALM 139:18
Isn't it great to know that even though we sleep eight to ten hours, when we awake God is still with us? He hasn't dozed off during the early hours of the morning. I know that when I am the closest to Jesus, my prayers come more easily and more often. During dry seasons of life I have to consciously set a time for prayer-and often it's more out of duty than desire. As I abide with my Savior, I don't have to say, "It is time for me to get to my task and pray." No, I pray when there is a need, regardless of the time of day or night.
These last few years have brought me to God's throne because I want to go there, not because I have fallen back to the law. If you aren't there yet, just wait. The sufferings of life will cause you to drop to your knees in earnest prayer.
Earlier in my Christian walk it was hard to understand the meaning behind I Thessalonians 5:17, where
it says, "Pray without ceasing." Now I have experienced that in real, living color. I pray literally without ceasing. I pray when I wake, pray at mealtime, pray throughout the day-and I end my day with a prayer of thanksgiving for getting me through the day.
When a friend calls to tell you of a prayer need, you don't say, "I'm sorry, but I don't pray again until I go to bed tonight." Of course you wouldn't say that! In fact, I recommend that you pray with the person who's making the request. That way you are sure to pray for their particulars rather than getting distracted with a busy schedule.
No longer is prayer a burden. It's a privilege to be able to pray, not because of the law, but because of the grace of the cross. Embrace this privilege and make it a regular, important part of each day. Be faithful in prayer so you can know of God's faithfulness.
PRAYER
Father God, what a privilege it is to pray without ceasing. You have given me the”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“Father God, I want to be a person that others can trust when I make a promise. Let me examine my words to make sure I only give promises to others when I'm committed to fulfill what I've uttered. Truly, keeping
promises reflects on my Christian witness. Convict me to be true to my words. Amen.
HEART ACTION
Practice integrity in all that you say and do. Work on making promises only when you are certain you will keep them. Become a woman that others can trust.
Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary.
CHINESE PROVERB
The LORD has done what He purposed; He has accomplished His word.
-LAMENTATIONS 2:17
I often have an instinctive feeling that something isn't right, that I should do this or that, but I usually pass over this because peer pressure tells me my inner feelings should be ignored. The older I become, however, the more I realize that living from my heart has value.
I don't want to get into the trap of following everyone else because it's the group thing to do. I want to live a life that is meaningful to me and my family. I want my decisions to be based on my Christian values. To help me make major decisions, I want to use these values, not what TV, Madison Avenue, or popular newsstand magazines tell me to do or think.
In order to live intuitively one must have some quiet times to read and think. Hectic lives don't permit one to hear the heartbeat of the soul. When we are too busy we don't”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“Father God, I am working to make room in my life for more of the things that please You. I want my daily activities, priorities, and choices to reflect my love for You and my commitment to You. Give me a discerning mind so that I make space for
family, prayer, devotion, worship, and caring for others and myself. Amen.
HEART ACTION
Take back control of your time and your days. Flip to your calendar and make three white spaces just for you. You'll be on your way to a new sense of freedom and peace.
The effect of tea is cooling and as a beverage it is most suitable. It is especially fitting for persons of self-restraint and inner worth.
Lu Yu”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“Wisdom comes from knowing God and understanding His will for our lives. The Holy Spirit assists us in our quest for wisdom by enabling us to view the world as God perceives it. From an early age we can seek God's wisdom. We don't have to wait until we are old to figure out this puzzle of life. In Psalm 111:10 we read, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever."
Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. A wasted lifetime is a shame. Go to the cross of Jesus and trust Him with the simplicity of childlike faith.
PRAYER
Father God, I don't want to wait until I'm very old to exhibit Your traits of wisdom. I want a whole life of trusting You and Your Word. May I also be able to transmit this desire to my family. Bless me as I put my faith into Your hands. Amen.
HEART ACTION
Decide what you need help with today. Give that specifically to God. And allow yourself to ask for help from others. It's a big step but an important one. Your chance to help someone else will be just around the corner. Learn to receive and give with great faith.
Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.
THEODORE RUBIN”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“A LOVING RECIPE FORA PERFECT CUP OF TEA
• 1 willing friend who loves to sit and share
• 1 grateful heart to have a friend that cares
• 1 beautiful garden to show us God is near
You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.
-PSALM 51:6
Recently I was driving down one of our busy freeways in Southern California, when a sign suddenly appeared before me that read, "What the fool does at the end, wise men do at the beginning." I don't know how I was able to glimpse this since I was driving by, but my mind affirmed that this slogan has so much meaning.
We live in a day when humanity has sold out to secular materialism, a day when many people have put God on hold. The attitude of "I can do it myself; I don't need help from anyone-especially from a God I can't see or touch" rules. But as time goes on, many older”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“HEART ACTION
Plan a tea party to gather together some old or new friends. Even having just one person over for a cup of tea and good conversation will create a time of hospitality and connection. Make it simple so that you enjoy it and can focus on sharing your heart with your guests.
A TEA PARTY HAS ITS OWN MANNERS
Serving tea is a wonderful excuse for sharpening etiquette around the table. Mothers can use this time to teach their young daughters about the importance of learning and practicing good manners.
• The server of teas and all liquids will serve from the right. The person being served will hold their cups in the left hand. You may adjust this if the person receiving is left-handed.
• To prevent from getting lipstick on your teacup, blot your lipstick before you sit down at the serving table.
• Scones and crumpets should be eaten in small bite-sized pieces. If butter, jam, or cream is used, add them to each piece as it is eaten.
• Good manners will dictate proper conversation. The goodies are theatre, museums, fine arts, music, movies, literature, and travel. The baddies are politics, religion, aches and pains, deaths, and negative discussion. Keep the conversation upbeat.
• A knife and fork are usually used with open-faced sandwiches and cakes with icing.
• Milk or cream is always added after the tea is poured.”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional

“PRAYER
Lord, Your model prayer has come to me in the night on several occasions and has given me great comfort. Your prayer has become my prayer, and I enjoy reciting it often when I think of You. Amen.
HEART ACTION
Trust the Lord each day for your provision.
Let me live according to those holy rules which thou bast this day prescribed in thy holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy sight, and therein to delight, open the eyes of my understanding, and help me thoroughly to examine myself concerning my knowledge, faith and repentance, increase my faith, and direct me to the true object, Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life.
GEORGE WASHINGTON”
― Emilie Barnes, The Tea Lover's Devotional