We Always Tell the Truth: Our 24 Family Ways #24

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Way 24: We always tell the truth and do not practice deceitfulness of any kind.

Memory Verse:

Who is the man who loves life and loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

Psalm 34: 12-13

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” ~C.S. Lewis

Can you believe we’ve reached the end of our study on the 24 Family Ways? I hope this series has been an encouragement to you!

Gathering my closest local friends for a time to study the word and discuss different issues has been one of the pleasures of my life for many years. Meeting weekly over tea and coffee and snacks and sharing, and then spending 2 hours in the Word, deeply studying what He has left for us to know and understand, has helped me grow and challenged my faith. I want to grow in truth, knowledge, and wisdom until I see Jesus face to face.

Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with your heart, (the center of our emotions, dreams, and all that we value), your mind, (thinking, developing convictions, understanding truth, walking in wisdom), and all your strength”-- (with all of our power, energy, strength, devotion.)

Our Bible study this week was from a number of passages about God's word, wisdom, the counsel of men, and Jesus as the Word and as the Word incarnate.

Christianity is not just a work to be done--

but it is the truth through which we may come to see all of life as it really is--

it is the grid through which we will view all of life's issues.

When we walk as women who have been stewards of our brains--women who think well and clearly, we will then be teachers and leaders of truth and conviction.

Even more, Jesus was and is a real, in-the-flesh person who embodied truth, life, love compassion, and righteousness. Coming to Him, recognizing Him as God in human flesh who was tempted, tired, hungry, and lonely, and watching and pondering through scripture how He lived and responded to life will help us grow closer to Him.

Yet, I have talked to countless women who all say the same thing: "I don't meet many women who know how to think Biblically or who really walk in their personal convictions of God's truth and wisdom being the foundation of their lives. I haven't been able to find a mentor whose life is worth following when I look around me. That is why I love this Bible study group--we push each other to think well and to live by our convictions developed in His light."

Some time ago, I had over 600 comments on a post from women saying they needed a mentor--someone to lead them in truth and wisdom. And yet, most cannot even find one person who is ahead of them and reaching out to them to teach them how to walk with Christ.

No matter what else you are doing, you cannot please God and become closer with Him and understand His ways--so that they will be a light to your path--if you are not studying His word, reading wise people’s words, and thinking true biblical thoughts.

So many women and men I see in this generation want to rely on someone else to tell them what to do--and the thing is, you can almost find any book or authority to give you permission to do whatever you want to do--

But what does God require of you?

How does God want you to live your life? What lies of men does He want you to avoid because you have learned how to think biblically because you are a seasoned student of His word?

Each of us must take responsibility for our minds, because that is an integral part of what Jesus said was the essence of the commandments--to love the Lord our God with all of our mind.

We cannot teach our children to tell the truth, to understand the nuance of God’s heart for truth, to be those who are honest about life if we are not growing in front of them and embodying to them what truth lived out looks like.

And this is one of the best gifts I could give to our children--not to trust in the words of men, not to follow the crowd--whichever crowd they are surrounded by, --but to fill their minds with truth, to wrestle mentally with what is true, to measure life by His wisdom and insight and as C.S. Lewis says, "by it, (the truth, wisdom, insight, commandments, stories) I see everything else in its light.

So, today, make a plan for your mind--choose a course of Bible study, and plan a time every day to do it.

Find books and authors who have truly walked with God and can lead you to think clearly, (C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and many others)

Ask at least one friend to meet with you and to study and discuss together God's word.

Learning to think clearly and Biblically, in order to be able to fight the formulas and ways of other men takes practice and investment of time---and it is the one way all children need to grow--to learn to think well, to learn to see the fallacies, false doctrine and rules that are man made and not in scripture--it requires thinking and being a steward of the word.

They need to see you doing it and be learning from you for them to learn how to be excellent in these skills, but oh how the world longs for purveyors of truth who know how to think.

Our 24 Family Ways (2010)

By Clay Clarkson

Tea Time Tuesday: Why We Should Rejoice

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“If you are cold, tea will warm you;
if you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are excited, it will calm you.”  – 

William Ewart Gladstone, 3X Prime Minister of the UK

Welcome to Teatime Tuesday. Please grab a chair, a cuppa something that soothes and comforts and let’s have a chat. What fun I have had the past weeks really thinking about the magic of hospitality—not in big ways to hundreds, but in small, beautiful ways to those who sleep under the same roof as me, neighbors I see every day, friends I have known for a lifetime. All of these deserve my attention, my love, my giggles, my hearing ear and my grace. And of course, I do agree with Gladstone—tea is magical—whatever you need, warmth, cooling down, cheer, calm or peace—you can find it in a few moments where you take time to sit quietly and care for your soul.

So many things I wanted to share today! Lots of pondering this week.

*My Christmas party for women in my Bible study and how we shall celebrate life together tonight.

*Two Recipes that are easy for this season: Red Hot Apple Cider and toasted, salted Walnuts to please all

*Ideas for pursuing your people to have the right to mentor them—heart opening times

*3 Relationship princinciples to open hearts:

1. Be a Safe Person, trustworthy to toddlers to adults

2. Regularly give them a rhythm of personal time in order to build the relationship so it will become strong.

3. Study their personality, issues, eyes, needs, so that you can actually relate to them as God has made them—don’t judge their motives for their behavior—look behind their actions.

*In dulci jubilo The Real Story Behind Good Christian Men Rejoice: Angels invitation for us to Dance and leave our burdens in God’s hands. I’ll never sing it the same way again.

Quotation and Book: The Castle on the Hill by Elizabeth Goudge

That day when she had had tea with Mrs Heather and realized that it was in cottages like this one that the idea of home would be kept safe. The Castles would be destroyed, but the little homes hidden like Peter Rabbit’s among the tree trunks would tend the flame.

For all who want to hear In dulci jubilo now that you know the story, find Midwinter Carols, Volume 2 by Joel Clarkson wherever music is streamed. You will love the song even more once you know the story.

Have a lovely week, my sweet friends.

The Wisdom of Cultivating Joy This Christmastide

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When we call home, we always ask Nathan how our Darcy Dog is doing. Over years, she has brought me joy at no cost—just ready to play, love, and give all of us lots of joy. Today, I wanted to create a podcast and blog post that would bring a smile to the midst of your busy day—just like Darcy always did for me.

Sometimes, I think mamas need someone to read them a story that fills the heart and soothes the moments of the day. Today, I read a really fun portion from December in The Lifegiving Home and share some of my favorite joy passages with you. I hope it will encourage you. I don’t know about you, but daily, I look for ways to keep my soul alive by what I am reading and pondering.

Recently, I have been deeply studying the concept of joy in scripture. We all know that it is a fruit of the spirit. But think about this, it is also good medicine, Proverbs tells us. And there are so many more treasures I found in my study that I will share with you—some today in the podcast, and some in my membership: https://lifewithsally.com

The reason I titled this blog post, “Cultivating Joy” is that it doesn’t just come naturally. Cultivating was originally a farming term that indicated preparing the land, planting seeds, causing the earth to be productive through preparation and planting. And so it is with joy. Though it is actually an essential part of who God is—a part of His very being, we must plant our thoughts, seek to live in the strength of His spirit, spend time with Him and dedicate our lives to growing in His joy. Living in joy is cultivating a way of seeing all of life—looking for the light and beautiful places.

As many of you know, a number of years ago, over many years, my life had become so burdened with difficulties, demands, disappointment, and drudgery. (I had fun doing all the d’s! ) I realized that I was drained to the core and the result was darkness in my thoughts, and dread in my heart.

After some deep soul-searching times, I realized that I did not want to be a victim in life but an overcomer. And so I wrote a book called, Dancing with My Father, and started my first blog named “I Take Joy.” I realized that as a woman, I had agency—the ability to decide how I was going to respond to the circumstances of my life. And I realized that I wanted to stay faithful to the Lord every day, (as much as possible and some times of regrouping) and be found a person of faith when I saw Him in reality, face to face.

My life has not been easy—just like yours hasn’t been. There have been difficulties beyond what I ever imagined and sadness, the broken-hearted kind in deep disappointments. Yet, my commitment to keeping a grid of joy has carried me through and allowed me to get up, time after time, to live one more day worshipping Him right in the midst of my story.

What brings you joy through your days?

Happy Monday.

Books Referenced in this Podcast:

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• Share with others. My prayer is that this podcast brings encouragement to women and families, and I would be honored for you to tell others about it.

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Time to Turn My House into Christmas Wonderland!

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament.  Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

When God prepared the garden as a first home for his first children, He did not make it merely utilitarian, but a place of color, variety, and eye-pleasing design-- a place of visual, emotional, intellectual, and physical comfort for His first son and daughter. There was fruit of every sort, probably at the peak of sweetness, with spices, herbs, nuts, grains, trees, flowers--the reflection of His own artwork in every square foot of garden.

A part of God's inherent nature was to create and provide pleasure to His creatures through what He made.

And so, as a co-creator, made in God's likeness, we extend beauty, creativity, and pleasure within the confines of our own realms, too.

Over the years, cultivating seasonal beauty has become a pleasure for me  and a gratifying one, too, as our home feels like the most wonderful place in the world for my children to be because of all the heart -strings we have tied by sharing in the atmosphere through life-giving moments and traditions over many years. Even now, when we live in different places, we love to come together and enjoy the decorations and accoutrements to many years of celebration whenever we can!

I do not buy much, as I have used mostly things passed down or purchased one at a time over many decades of marriage. I have lived in tiny apartments and sprawling old homes, but have found it is God's beauty expressed through you through your own design that matters. Sometimes a small candlelight in a cozy room is all that is needed to create a place of rest and a sense of haven.

So many words have been crafted about whether we devalue the beauty and simplicity of the Christ story through all of the contemporary ways we have marketed and made Christmas into a secular holiday. Should we celebrate with Christmas trees—and if we do, are we validating pagan ways? I have prayed and pondered over all of these issues, myself.

Yet, there has never been any confusion in our home with our own children. We are not pagans--we love Jesus in front of our children every day of the year. We have used our tree as a symbol that God is eternally the same--the evergreen is a picture of His never-changing nature and ever present love throughout eternity. We talk about the lights, and how beautifully they sparkle as a picture of our need to bring light to a dark world. We have spent hours and hours of memorable "discipleship" moments sitting in our lit room, candles flickering, sharing hearts and growing closer.

The Christmas story is the most important way in this season that we celebrate God's beauty, life, love, and goodness. Home should be a haven, a storehouse, for creativity and the glory of workmanship that shows the divine spark of our ability to create an atmosphere that breathes the life of Christ. Home should encompass all that is good, inspirational, true, comforting, loving, and real for our children.

The world around us holds temptation and darkness. That is why we all long for a place of comfort, a retreat of rest, a sanctuary of life where we may find a haven in which to restore the light in our souls.

When we, as women, create an atmosphere that invites and welcomes our children, husbands and families every day, they will always see our home as a place of restoration, a haven in the storms of life. It is one of the glories of womanhood to craft home into that place that warms the hearts, stills the fears, and captivates the imaginations of those who live there, for the glory of God.

Creating a beautiful haven gives all who enter a place for their work, play, creating and living of life. And so, though the work is long, we seek every day, to create the beauty of His presence, not only in our words, but also in the atmosphere that supports our messages.

Peace to you this day, and I pray your own Christmas—fying is a joy! :)

We Exercise Self-Control: Our 24 Family Ways #23

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Way #23

We exercise self-control at all times and in every kind of situation.

Memory Verse: 

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." -Proverbs 29:11

 As many of you know, my daughter Joy recently received her PhD from Saint Andrews. However, in my podcast yesterday, I talked about the most important way that she was able to acquire her PhD. It wasn’t about being brilliant or superior to her peers.

But it was about the character quality of being self governed, practicing faithfulness, learning to work hard and thoroughly as a young child. Steadfast work and self government to keep going is at the heart of all great accomplishments.

A sweet mom recently came over for tea and said she felt like pulling her hair out.  (Don't we all at times?)

When she described her situation, I understood that she was afraid to train or discipline her children at all for fear they would not like her, so she rarely required an honorable response from them. This resulted in some quite stressful and chaotic times in their home.

Often, moms allow unruly behavior, calling their lack of response “grace”.  Yet children who are not directed or taught to practice becoming stronger little by little, ruling over their impulses actually become unhappy and frustrated with themselves. Getting their own way all the time does not satisfy a child's longing for security and self- control..

.Self-government is defined this way: a person learning to command his impulses, build good habits, healthy emotions, working hard to form a strong intellect, and talents, and rule over his will in a productive way. We can all grow stronger in this way, bit by bit.⠀ Children can begin this at a very early age, and I have found this skill to be of utmost importance to adults, too, as one cannot be a mature believer unless one has mastered self-government, self-control, and patience--or at least be growing in that direction!

The idea behind self-government is that all of us have power and authority over our own lives. This power comes from within, and can help us master problems, surmount obstacles, and achieve great things. Self-government doesn’t mean working out life all on our own effort, without the power of God, but instead affirms that we have a moral character that can be strengthened by our will, through practice. The person who has cultivated this kind of strong character is useful and productive in every area of life.

This quality helps a believer exercise faith, courage, and perseverance in the midst of trials. It is what helps a pianist to practice long hours, an athlete to exercise rigorously in order to become a champion, a missionary to master a language and remain faithful in a foreign country until there is a multiplying ministry, a wife to bear up with grace when married to an immature husband, a mother to continue over and over to practice patience with a sick or rebellious child. It is the unseen power of governing life by mature, faith-based choices as opposed to temporary, self-centered feelings.

Self-governing isn’t the natural default of a child’s behavior, of course. We taught it to our children intentionally. We can see the biblical principle for self-government in this passage from Deuteronomy: “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

God tells the Israelites to obey Him, and if they do, they will be blessed. If they don’t obey, they will be cursed–there were consequences to their decisions. In life all choices have consequences. Our children need to understand that they will reap what they sow.

I used to say to my children over and over again: “Daddy and I cannot make you into great people. You have the power to determine how strong you become by how you exercise your will. We can train you and teach you how to be good and how to be righteous, but you have to decide to obey, and you have to decide that you want to become a person of godly character. God made you such a wonderful child, so I hope you will decide to do your best to become all that you can be. It is in your hands. It is yours to decide to respond correctly, but I am praying and hoping that you will.”

When we appeal to our children’s hearts for excellence and choices of good behavior, then we are giving them the will and desire to be excellent for themselves. Their desire comes from within and their motivation is from the heart. But if we train them behaviorally by always forcing them to do what we want them to do because they might get a spanking or some other kind of threatened discipline if they don’t, their motivation is to avoid spanking or harshness, not to please God or to please their parents by having a good heart and responding in obedience.

My desire as a mom is that my children would internalize all the precepts we have taught them over the years. I want them to love God and obey Him because they earnestly love Him and desire to please Him. This foundation will carry them throughout all the decision-making processes they will face for the rest of their lives.

If you have the desire to go deeper today, feel free to complete the reflection and application below:

• "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.” Deuteronomy 30:19

It’s our job as mamas to set before our children life and death—and to encourage them to choose life! What are you doing to draw your children toward life?

• “Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.” Proverbs 25:28

What a frightening picture this was at the time this scripture was written! A city without walls had no protection; no vantage point to watch for enemies; no means of defense. And so we are, when we have no self-control. Is self-control an area in your own life that could use some work? How can you build your own “city walls”?

Education of morals, habits, character and faith determine the foundations upon which a life will be built. Strong foundations lend themselves to vast structures. Make a plan today about how you will build those foundations into your own life and that of your children!

Our 24 Family Ways: A Family Devotional Guide

By Clarkson, Clay

Tea Time Tuesday: Preparing Room In Your Heart For Friendship

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One of the reasons I love the Christmas season is that it reminds me to make time for those I love and cherish. Making time for meals, tea times, where I plan on seeking out the one in front of me—to look into their eyes, to discern the weights they carry, to leave them with the fragrance of love and acceptance—these are some of my goals when I make time to share life over a cup of tea or coffee.

Last night, I was typing away to create a blog out of the podcast I had been struggling to record for almost 2 hours. A gentle knock on my door temporarily distracted me.

“Can I come in?” Joy quietly asked.

In her hands were two mugs of foamed milk, sprinkled with brown sugar atop—(A holiday touch)—and filled with decaf spicy bedtime tea. A surprise that absolutely delighted me. Someone had thought of me—someone had spoiled me—a rare treat.

Have any of us ever had too much love or encouragement? Too many words of appreciation? Too many acts of kindness? I know I haven’t.

We all long for kindred spirits — those with whom we could spend hours dreaming, laughing, and sharing our heart’s troubles. But many people I know struggle to find those kindred spirits. Living our busy lives, we hope that lifelong friendships will fall into our lap, or come knocking at our front door. But over many years of struggling with loneliness myself, I’ve found that the best way to cultivate a true, deep-rooted friendship is to commit to seeking them out, intentionally going out of our way to invite a new friend over for a cup of tea and a deep discussion. And so, many years ago, a weekly appointment for cups or tea or coffee with my “besties” or my children became a lifetime commitment.

It is my tea time friendships that have built deep connection with those who know me and still love me. Make this month a time of thoughtful connection with your own tea time friends. The photo above is one in which one of my tea time friends prepared a memory for us together over tea.

Lessons of a PHD with Dr. Joy Clarkson

Why we need advent: Sarah Clarkson

Scripture: A Joyful Heart is Good Medicine—when one of us is very happy, it spreads the happiness to all of us.

Favorite Christmas Album: Midwinter Carols #2, Joy to the world is my favorite Song of the week:Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room—prepare for those you love that they might feel His love. Also, the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. (Oh Little Town of Bethlehem)

Meal: Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Noodles

Quote of the week: “Understanding that influence is best cultivated through love and friendship, I sought to deepen my sympathy for what was going on in their hearts, to understand their personalities, to affirm their intrinsic worth to me, to God and to others, and to encourage them on a daily basis.” Sally Clarkson

FOR MORE

• Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

• Leave an iTunes Review These are so important as they help our podcast reach more women with messages of encouragement.

• Follow on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

• Share with others. My prayer is that this podcast brings encouragement to women and families, and I would be honored for you to tell others about it.

• Join my friends and me in membership at Life with Sally, a place for me to share more teaching from the Bible and messages on education, motherhood, discipleship, and more!

Hope in Christ, The Foundation of Our Faith

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Tonight, (Sunday night) I experienced one of the most wonderful advent services. Merton College, one of the schools that is part of the Oxford system, held an advent service last night that touched me to my core. Sitting in the darkness with no lights, we strained our ears to the choir reminding us of Christ coming as light to the darkness. Holding our own candles, eventually we lit them, one person to another, and the room was filled with glory and beauty. Eventually after scripture readings, songs, hymns. we were ushered into the foyer slowly to stand shoulder to shoulder, a gathering of hundreds of people where our candles were burning bright, the organ was boldly filling the room with rich notes, but even more splendid and surprising, the bell ringers, over a hundred feet above us, were pulling the ropes and ringing in the hope that Christ brings.

(Look at the very top of my snapshot—you will see the dark figures of 3-one in the middle, one on either side, ringing in the hope of Christ as we begin to celebrate Advent. Oddly, I was thinking about how hidden the bell ringers are—but how important their job—ringing out hope through their faithful labor—kind of like us!)

I was talking to a couple of my children in the past couple of weeks. All of us agree that we have felt discouraged in our faith, weary in our hearts. We all want to keep our faith alive, we all desire to serve Christ, but honestly, with no church, no regular connection with people and events, with all of the negative news and political conflict between families and friends, the storm of life has left many of us depleted. Have you felt that way—emotionally distant in faith, but thoroughly committed in character. Talking about it together is so important. Being friends and helping one another has been so important for us.

Yet, feeling discouraged is a part of the experience of so many people throughout history, especially the history of Israel. Advent is a break of light into darkness, hope into discouragement. Mary found favor with God because she was cherishing hope in the midst of a dark time. Now is the time for us to kindle our hope, encourage one another and to stay fast as we live faithfully—be it done according to your will—and tell a story that in eternity will ring true of the behind the ways He was always at work in our lives and in the world.

I hope you will be encouraged by my podcast today.

FOR MORE

• Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

• Leave an iTunes Review These are so important as they help our podcast reach more women with messages of encouragement.

• Follow on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

• Share with others. My prayer is that this podcast brings encouragement to women and families, and I would be honored for you to tell others about it.

• Join my friends and me in membership at Life with Sally, a place for me to share more teaching from the Bible and messages on education, motherhood, discipleship, and more!

A Little Thought of Home ... A Place of Grace

"Home is the place where the whispers of God's love are heard regularly, the touch of His hands are given intentionally throughout the day, the words of His encouragement and affirmation pointed to lay the foundations of loving relationships."-The Mission of Motherhood

Home is indeed a place of grace—where we can be ourselves, cuddle up to familiarity, count on food we are used to, love that is always and forever unconditional. I hope you enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving! I’m sure it’s been such a busy time, and so today, I simply want to leave you a little thought for your weekend on the importance of home. It is such an honor that God has trusted each of us mothers to be cultivators of beauty and life-givers within the walls where our loved ones reside. Perhaps you've lived in your house forever, watching all of your children grow up. Or maybe you've just moved to a new place, and are feeling exhausted in the midst of so much transition.

Whether you've spent years in your home or are just starting over, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by work when we think about home. This weekend, I challenge you to be inspired by all of the amazing, beautiful, lively moments that can and will happen in your home.

Home is the place where chairs are rocked...

where relationships are nurtured and prioritized ... where souls are refreshed ... where hands are held ...

Home is the place where you are able to bring hearts together though meals, prayers, memories, laughter, and conversation.

What will you do with your home this weekend?

We Ask Before We Act: Our 24 Family Ways #22

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Our 24 Family Ways #22

We ask before we act when we do not know what is right to do.

Memory Verse:

He who walks with the wise is wise. A companion of fools suffers harm. 

Proverbs 15:20

"By walking in integrity at home, my children received from my life, training for battles that were ahead of them. By walking through the obstacles and curves of our lives, trusting God, living by faith, choosing to endure, our children became familiar with what it looked like to walk with God in the midst of their own challenges." -Sally Clarkson, The Mom Walk

When your children walk with you, are they walking with a wise person?  Can they look at your seasoned responses, your insightful understanding of people, your fortitude in difficult times as they walk the moments of your daily life? Children watch us, listen to us when we are talking to others, hear us behind closed doors as we talk to our husband, see us in public. Our lives are the walk that our children will imitate.

When your children are not sure which way to do, how to respond, or what is right or wrong, do they come to you for guidance? Do they know that you are the one to ask for wisdom in difficult moments?

We are in a generation and culture that has turned our children's training grounds into a battlefield. With relative morality, confusing voices, compromise of ideals, secular media values, and opposing opinions, where will our children find clarity and strong, secure values to embrace?

As mothers, we must be ready and equipped with steady feet and strong souls to lead the way for our kids with integrity. We will give them confidence as we walk, staying close to them, holding their hand, and showing them sure footsteps to follow.

"O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart." -Psalm 15:1-2

No matter how old your children become, you are the example for them. They will always be looking at you to see integrity, ideals, and how you interact with God. And the longer you provide your children with wisdom based on truth, the more they will quickly consider your advice as they walk their own adult journey. Still, on a daily basis, I am walking with my adult children. They learned to trust their "path guide" on the trail of life we walked together, day by day.

We must lead the way and set a solid foundation for the paths our children will follow. Teaching our children to walk truly never ends.

Are you walking in wisdom today? Is your life one you want your children to follow? Is your pathway in your life with God getting brighter and brighter? May God lead us on His path with integrity in each step.

What are some of the ways you make each day a focused moment of a loving relationship as you walk the days with your children?

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day

Proverbs 4: 18

A Time to Catch a Breath: Seek a Peaceful Life

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Tea Time Tuesday

Isn’t this teapot a hoot? Some busy woman thought, “If I could have 2 spouts, I could pour tea faster and get my work done more quickly!”

This week I was thinking how important it is to make time to catch your breath: seek a peaceful life.

As I am writing this post and thinking of all of you, I wish you could be here next to me and see the new pink roses I just bought for myself at the store. Or taste the delicious vegetable soup (veggies, sweet basil, garlic, onion, salt and pepper, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, simmering that warmed us to our toes. Sweet conversation around our table—every night forever and always and listening and paying attention to each one seated with me—that is what I wish I could do with you.

Tea time by its very nature calls us to take a deep breath, sigh, get all the “hurries” out, and breathe. To really enjoy tea (or coffee or chai or hot chocolate) one must consciously take time to sip, to taste, to make it last. a slurped-down cup of tea is a waste.

Many of you have the Thanksgiving feast to participate in or to cook yourself—but to go into it with peace, you have to have made the way, you have to have taken time. The messes will still be there—maybe your elves can help you flurry a quick clean-up. The “should be done” will also still be there. But now, you are precious and I wish I could spoil you a bit and take care of you—but it is ok to rest or watch a sweet movie, put your feet up—this life we are called to is a marathon. Listen to what Leo Tolstoy said.

“A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people to whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to have it done to them; then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one's neighbor — such is my idea of happiness.”
― Leo Tolstoy, Family Happiness

Listen to what Paul said. This advice is just as important as any other he gave—accomplishing some great feat is no more important than living a quiet life if it is done in relationship with Jesus—who lived small, quiet, personal.

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12 Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.

I Thess: 4:11-12

One thing I have noticed is that my life has never slowed down, people have never quit needing something from me, deadlines have never ceased, and everyone keeps eating and wearing clothes that will need to be washed…again.

But, I have thought about this a lot over the years and especially this week. And I have set some boundaries, had to cancel some things, just so I can live a little bit more of my values this week.

Imagine that Tolstoy, so very famous and popular and from a very different time as ours, still focuses on what is good and true. A secluded life—one that is not too crammed with too many people—hidden away from opinions, pressures, the lure of being engaged in activities that steal from your energy and life. To be in nature and feel the beauty and calm. To have time to take a nap, to actually read a book straight through and ponder it, to listen to or play music—to have time and focus to really love one’s neighbor—and not make excuses for why you have to hurry away. This is what he considers a happy life. I am inclined to agree.

My own life speaks to me every day, all day long of the should, the things I could do and need to work on, the demands that are just outside my door that I might be able to fulfill. But, I resist. Say no, and am choosing to do things that are releasing, deeply refreshing to me as a way of life. I don’t want to miss what is important—and being in the moment is important.

I will be jostling in a small car with pies, peas, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and stuffing for two hours to Sarah’s house where I will get to kiss, hug, and play with my grandchildren on Thanksgiving day. I plan on eating too much—spending as much time as I can kissing and playing—and it will be the most important thing I do this week.

Praying you will have some quiet cups of tea, amidst your week and remember that you are quite precious and loved just as you are.