A L O N E with T E A

“Have you ever heard the wonderful silence just before the dawn? Or the quiet and calm just as a storm ends? Or perhaps you know the silence when you haven't the answer to a question you've been asked, or the hush of a country road at night, or the expectant pause of a room full of people when someone is just about to speak, or, most beautiful of all, the moment after the door closes and you're alone in the whole house? Each one is different, you know, and all very beautiful if you listen carefully.”

Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

Tea for one during a quiet time of the day can provide respite in the midst of busy days. A quality tea with milk and sweetener feels so good as it slides down one's throat. Adding a sweet or savory treat to nibble on adds to the moment. It's amazing how these quiet moments can provide refreshment and renewed energy to face the daily scenes of life. Alone time at the tea table can be a wonderful way to start the day. The little plum teapot seems to enjoy the ritual.

Madeleines a' la Lavende

Madeleines are small, shell-shaped tea cakes made from genoise cake batter. Scented with lavender and with sweet glaze and a flower to embellish, they are a perfect combination of deliciousness!

3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. dried or 2 Tbsp. fresh lavender flowers
2 Tbsp. plus 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla
1 cup unsifted all purpose flour
Confectioners' sugar

In a food processor with chopping blade, process granulated sugar and flowers until flowers are finely chopped.

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Brush 36 madeleine-pan molds with 2 Tbsp. of the melted butter.

In a large bowl, with electric mixer at high speed, beat eggs with lavender-sugar mixture and vanilla until light and fluffy, about five minutes. At medium speed, gradually beat in remaining 3/4 cup melted butter.

With wire whisk, fold in flour. Spoon a scant 1 tablespoon batter into each mold. Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from pan. Cool on wire rack. Store in airtight container. Just before serving, dust curved bottom side with confectioners' sugar.

The teapot is filled with the tea for the day; Earl Grey Lavender from Adagio Teas. Its sweet, floral fragrance is notably soothing, invoking relaxation. It's perfect for a tranquil tea alone.

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want."

Bill Watterson
Calvin and Hobbes

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness."

Lam 3:23

" Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee."

Psalm 143:8

Since the lavender bud teapot was displaced by the little plum teapot it filled another role. Instead of standing by without purpose, it holds a generous bouquet of fresh lavender. With no water in the pot, the lavender will dry in the shape it holds and will look beautiful and smell fragrant for months ahead.

Now, go. Take on the day!

The Double-Bow

A storm passed through our area last evening. Rain fell in torrents! The wind blew. Huge clouds passed overhead at a rapid rate. Lightening could be seen flashing in the distance. It was amazing! We were driving home from a nearby town, so experienced the storm from the perspective of our small car. The roads were covered with so much water it looked and felt like we were gliding along on a skating rink! But then...there was the calm. As the storm left our area, the gentle patter-patter of raindrops fell. We arrived home just in time to see this beautiful double rainbow. This photo was taken from our front porch. The porch is covered, so we all stepped outside to the gentle rhythm of the rain on the rooftop...and we enjoyed the perfect double-bow.

When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”  Genesis 9:16

After the storm, a generous mug of Tazo Awake just hit the spot! It is a breakfast-style black tea known for it's malty boldness and very bright flavor. It is invigorating and second only to Tazo Joy in the list of favorite Tazo teas I enjoy.

The Secret Ministry of the Frost

"The day is thine, the night also thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun."

Psalm 74:16

Therefore all seasons shall be sweet to thee,

Whether the summer clothe the general earth

With greenness, or the redbreast sit and sing

Betwixt the tufts of snow on the bare branch

Of mossy apple-tree, while the nigh thatch

Smokes in the sun-thaw; whether the eve-drops fall, heard only in the trances of the blast,

Or if the secret ministry of frost

Shall hang them up in silent icicles,

Quietly shining to the quiet Moon.

Forstar Midnight

S.T. Coleridge

Feathers of Silver and Gold

 

"...you shall be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold."  

Psalm 68:13

Everlasting Love

But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children.

Proverbs 103:17

Father and son (also known as "Dad" and "Grandpa") visit on "the point", enjoying the view and relaxing with cups of tea. 

Covered with His Feathers

Thirty-some ago I purchased this small pottery container while sight-seeing in the North Cascades. It has been part of my decor in kitchen and patio, but now it graces a shelf on a hutch in our cabin. The first few years it sat there empty. But, over time, little bits of nature has filled its space. It now holds feathers of all sorts, creating a quirky feather bouquet. Turkey and grouse feathers make up most of this arrangement, but recently I found a bright blue feather from a Steller's Jay. I love its vibrancy and how it adds accent to the feathery cluster. Each time I look at it, I am reminded of God's love. There's a verse found in Psalm 91:4 that says "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be they shield and buckler." It is a promise of reassurance. I value the visual reminder of a promise that brings so much comfort and peace.

Be Enriched

Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to God.

2 Cor. 9:11

*Tea themed table runner stitched by my mom.

His Compassions Fail Not

 

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. 

Lam. 3:22 - 25

Blessings on this beautiful day! 

Flowers from Grandpa's early spring flower garden.

Prayer and Hope

 

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lam. 3:22 - 25

Please join me in praying for Ann and her family today.  Her precious four-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia yesterday.  He is now at Children's Hospital in Dallas, Texas.  And pray for my friend, Connie, who's father passed away early yesterday morning.  He was a wonderful man and I know we will meet again someday.

Greet the Day with Love

I will greet this day with love in my heart.
And how will I do this?
Henceforth I will look on all things with love
and I will be born again.
I will love the sun for it warms my bones;
Yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit.
I will love the light for it shows me the way;
Yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars.
I will welcome happiness for it enlarges my heart;
Yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul.
I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due;
Yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge.
Og Mandino


Be very careful, then, how you live -
Not as unwise but as wise,
Making the most of every opportunity,.
Ephesians 5:15, 16 NIV

Photo:  Elm Street Antiques

Glory Crown

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:  and with all thy getting get understanding.  Exalt her, and she shall promote thee:  she shall bring thee to honour when thou dost embrace her.  She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace:  a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

Proverbs 4:7 - 9

I was blessed by this verse today.  It speaks of wisdom and how to embrace it.  As I thought of the words in this scripture, I was reminded of a beautiful crown that is on display at Maryhill.  Sometimes an object helps reinforce words, and this crown does that for me.  This is the crown of Queen Marie of Romania.  She was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria of England.  If you haven't read about her, I think you might enjoy learning about her life here.  And may you be blessed by this verse as well.  Get wisdom.

His Song

 

‎"Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." 

Psalm 42:8

~ Singing are Madison, Morgan, Sheri, & Jeff Easter; Ryan Seaton ~

The Whole Child

‘The popular method of filling the student’s mind with that which is not practical and hurrying him through a certain course, in order that he may obtain a diploma, is not true education. True education begins on the inside, at the core, with that which is practical.’

Goodloe Harper Bell, Review December 26, 1882

* * *

I love this quote because it exhibits the need to develop the whole child.  Too many times parents and educators compartmentalize a child's development, keeping intellectual learning separate from vocational skills, musical expression or physical ability.  Seeing the child as a whole person and helping them develop in all facets of their being establishes the core of what true education really is.

Sea

So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.  Psalm 104:25

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.  
Psalm 96:11

Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.  
Isaiah 42:10

Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:  
Jeremiah 31:35  

~ Bandon Beach, Oregon ~

Covers the Sky with Clouds

He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.

Psalm 147:8

Take Delight

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires.

Psalm 37:4

Kindness and Faithfulness

"It is good to say thank you to the Lord, to sing praises to the God who is above all gods. Every morning tell Him, 'Thank you for your kindness,' and every evening rejoice in all his faithfulness."

Psalm 92:1 - 2 TLB

*Smell-o-Blog features would be awesome this morning! The lilacs are smelling wonderfully fragrant. Walking under the lilac trees is like walking into a perfume bottle!

Gathering the Pieces

"Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." John 6:12

I'm reading a little book that was my mothers, especially enjoying the segments that she felt so meaningful she highlighted them. This morning's reading was about pieces; how life is like a quilt where new is created by rearranging the pieces of the old. It goes on to include this paragraph that says so much:

"It is quilting theology. God takes the pieces of our lives and stitches them back together, working His will for the good of those who love Him. With His handiwork, life isn't limited to one square. It is a pattern of squares where beauty depends on variety and no single square tells the whole story. They must be seen together --- like a quilt." [Quilted with Love by Goodwin]

That paragraph says it all, doesn't it. And while on the subject of how God takes the pieces back together to create wholeness, would you please pray for a friend today? She and her family are going through the broken effects of an accident and I know your prayers would be cherished. Please pray for healing and wholeness, just like a quilt.

Be blessed today!

Cattle on a Thousand Hills

Encouraging words from Psalms ~

. . .for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it. . .call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.

Psalm 50:10 - 13, 15 NIV

Busy Hands

Busy Hands

A woman shall be satisfied with good
by the fruit of her mouth:
and the recompense of a woman's hands
shall be rendered unto her.

Proverbs 12:14 KJV (modified)

Photo: a cozy quilt shop nearby