Tea & Tragedy

 Tea and reading on a stormy day . A little contemplation too . The teacup is a gift from Linda Sue , one of my first blogging friends .Linda Sue lives in Texas. She and her husband Skip prayed for my family during some very difficult times and I believe we're friends though I've never met her or her husband in person. Linda Sue's beloved husband Skip is with the Lord now and she continues to be an encouragement to me . The book on top of my Bible is one Linda Sue is reading and I am thankful for her recommendation .This book references Job and his pain & suffering as written in the Bible. Ever read the book of Job in the Bible ? Until a few years ago I thought it a depressing book to read ( avoid ), but when crisis and tragedy struck our family and seemed to keep on coming with no happy ending in sight I found myself taking my cuppa and my Bible down to the table by our pond and reading...and reading. I discovered the book of Job in the Old Testament , a book of sadness and almost unbelievable tragedy, was also a book of encouragement in a dark time.

The teacup is Majestic by Royal Grafton . I think it is a classic beauty . Thank-you Linda Sue !

"Suffering leaves our idols in pieces on the ground. It puts us in a position to see that God sent His Son not only to suffer in our place but also to suffer with us. Our merciful friend has been through it all...And while He may not deliver us from pain and loss , He'll walk with us through it. " Hebrews 4:15-16 Tullian Tchividjian 'Glorious Ruin ' .

 

I am linking to these lovely ladies of the teacup for Tea-Time Tuesday :

 

Terri at Artful Affirmations *

Martha at Martha's favorites *

Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage *

Surprises For Me! Tea Time Tuesday

Don't you love GOOD surprises? Unexpected gifts in the mail are GOOD surprises!

I received this elegantly beautiful teacup from LindaSue of Buhl-a-land*, The cup and saucer are made by Royal Grafton, the pattern is 'Majestic'. I think the name fits, the color is a rich red embellished by gold, on white. Perfect especially for the Christmas season~

LindaSue writes a delightful blog about the life she shares with her beloved husband and their animals in Texas. She says life is always good on Buhl-a-Land* because of God's abundant blessings! Another gift arriving by mail is a lovely miniature of 'The Old North Church' , made for the New England Village Series, in 1988. I received it from Mildred at Mildred's Photo For The Day* , and it is very special as it once belonged to her beloved Mother. Mildred knew I would appreciate it after reading another Tea Time Tuesday post in which I featured this church on one of my teacups. You can click here to read it, Liberty Blue Tea Time*. Mildred is a very special and sweet lady who shares her life with her beloved husband , 3 cats, and Harriet...although Harriet is a dog, she is not JUST a dog. You have to read Mildred's blog to know a bit about Harriet! They live in a beautiful home called The Circle Of Love. I made an Oslo Kringle (recipe here*) and had a few pieces with my tea while I thought about the Christmas decorating and gift wrapping. I really do like this time of year. Oslo Kringle is very easy to make, especially if you need a quick and tasty treat to serve unexpected guests. The candy kisses and sprinkles are optional, but so festive, don't you think? Thank-you Mildred and LindaSue, for your thoughtful gifts AND especially your friendship!

To read more wonderful tea time blogs please stop in a visit these ladies~

• Lady Katherine at Lady Katherine Tea Parlor*
• Martha at Martha's Favorites*
• Terri at Artful Affirmations*
• Pam at Breath Of Fresh Air*
• Wanda Lee at The Silken Purse*
• Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage*

"There is a mystery to the ways of friendship. Even when two people are willing, friendship doesn't always blossom. Still, when we see a door to friendship open with someone who is already in our lives, we miss by not stepping through. After all, finding a friend is like discovering a treasure. Finding a friend in someone you already love is like finding a treasure in the rafters of your own attic-one of life's most joyful surprises." Emilie Barnes 'The Twelve Teas Of Friendship'