For February, enjoy this selection from Tea Lover’s Devotions to Go!

Today’s Featured Teas

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”  Proverbs 25:11 (NIV)

            Last February I chose a President’s Day theme for my tea party. I served three different teas as part of our patriotic celebration: red rooibos, white tea, and blueberry tisane.  It’s not unusual for the hostess of our tea group to serve several varieties and give us choices at our tea parties. We all enjoy the different flavors and complements to the menu as we proceed through the savories and sweets.

            Our cupboards at home store the varieties that we can enjoy depending on our mood and inclination on any given day. We may prefer Lady Gray with its orange zest and subtle taste of bergamot; green tea for its health benefits; a chamomile to relax us; or a berry flavor with a little zip to energize.   Each is distinctive and seems to fit a need at the moment.           Proverbs 25:11 reminds us of distinctive words; words that are keenly responsive and unusually appropriate for the moment.  A word from a friend may encourage us when we feel defeated. She may bring healing words for our spiritual and emotional health or offer a scripture as reminders of God’s promises and comfort. Conversations with my tea friends while doing something fun alleviate stress and offer a ray of sunshine.  A humorous e-mail “forward” has me laughing out loud as I sit alone at the computer. A friend’s words can spur us on when we don’t have the self-confidence or an overwhelming life menu to continue.  Just last week, an invitation to lunch was exactly what I needed to get me out of my slump. Words aptly spoken by a good friend are like the tea selections from my pantry and served at my parties: always appropriate, exactly what I need, a complement to the menu, and featured as today’s special-tea. Sometimes those words stand out and can change my day.  They may even change the direction of my life. They are like apples of gold in settings of silver—enriching and totally appropriate.

Opportuni-tea for reflection:  Has someone had a life-changing conversation with you? Have you offered words like apples of gold to someone recently? Write your experience in your reflections and offer a prayer for them.  Is there someone you can call today to share a cup of tea and give her enriching words—words that she needs to hear? What relationship can you enhance?  Is there someone whose stress you can alleviate? Get out your calendar and set a date to meet with that person.

© Marilyn Nutter All rights reserved. 2007

Two Minute Pie

I have my daughter Heather to thank for this recipe. It really only takes two minutes to prepare!  What  a perfect quick recipe to accompany a cup of tea and enriching words--real gifts to a friend!

1 large package vanilla instant pudding

1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained

2 cups sour cream

Mix all ingredients well and pour into a 9” graham cracker crust. When ready to serve, spoon on Cool Whip and sprinkle with coconut.