Tag Archives: Pam’s Tea And Testimonies

Christian Growth, Devotionals

I’m A Little Tea Pot!

Tea pots are very special to me! The children’s song, “I’m A Little Tea Pot” is a tune I remember clearly from kindergarten. Even the motions involved to act out the song remain in my memories. The lyrics have a profound message within the simple words:

“I’m a little tea pot, short and stout,

Here is my handle, [place one hand on hip] here is my spout [other arm held out straight]

When I get all steamed up, hear me shout

Just tip me over and pour me out! [Bending over, arm bent, as pouring from spout]

At home my mom often offered a fresh pot of tea on the kitchen table during meal times. The pot held no monetary value, constructed from simple aluminum, practicality made it appreciated. The tea pot brought out special feelings of comfort and relaxation.

As an adult I became a contented tea drinker. When I reached my mid life years, I began to collect tea pots, starting my collection with a gift from my daughter. She later lived in England, with her husband and sons at Lakenheath AFB, near Cambridge. During two visits with her family I had the treat of enjoying the most delicious tea I ever tasted!            

 I am blessed to own a gold trimmed white porcelain tea set, given as a 50th wedding anniversary gift to Grandma and Grandpa Ford. It is a center piece attraction on my dining room table, and cherished in my heart.      

Now, back to our song… As a Christian I can be a vessel for service, “God’s Little Tea Pot.” I am “little,” at five feet tall; that is a match. Am I “stout?” I’m trying to avoid middle age spread; so, I’ll skip that one! I guess the “handle” would represent my hands to be reaching out, to touch, and give to others. What about my “spout?” That would represent a life open, and free of sin, allowing God to work through me. The “steam” is a picture of God’s glory, just as smoke filled the temple. What do we hear when the tea begins to boil? A whistle is our signal, to remove the pot from the stove. I desire my life to express the melody of joy, praise and music. Those around me may be led to “give a little whistle!”

Now, for the finished product, it is time to “pour me out!” Our lives should be a living sacrifice. “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship (Romans 12:1 NAS).” We should be poured out and empty of selfishness, allowing the Holy Spirit to take control, flowing into the lives of others. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering (2 Timothy 4:6a NAS).”  I’m a “Little Tea Pot;” and it is always tea time! Won’t you join me?

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Devotionals

Rocking Chairs

I began writing this article sitting comfortably in a rocker glider. I have been a rocking chair fan most of my life. My mom placed one in our living room; and there were rockers on my grandparent’s porches. I believe babies are to be loved, fed, diapered, bathed, and ROCKED! I started babysitting at age eleven; and I have happily rocked many babies.

After our first child’s birth we picked up an old wooden rocker. A couple of years later I gave birth to our next child.  One Christmas my husband’s parents gave me a beautiful small white rocker, with a cushioned back and seat. I could not have been more thrilled! In the past forty years there have been many rockers, some holding special memories. I enjoy old movies, especially from the 1930-1950’s era. One of my favorite Christmas classics is “Christmas in Connecticut,” starring Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan. In one scene he demonstrated different methods and reasons for rocking. It’s a keeper!

The “Britannica World Language Dictionary” explains rocking in ways such as: “moving back and forth, to sway…to soothe, as to put to sleep.” We sing “rock-a-bye lullabies!” Now I understand the appeal of rockers; it is soothing to rock! The dictionary defines soothe: “to restore to calm, to a quiet or normal state.” Jesus, who “calmed” the raging sea, (Mark 4:39) is my Rock. He soothes me as He rocks me in His arms!

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Devotionals

Audit the Books

The holiday classic “It’s a wonderful life” pulls at our heart strings each Christmas. We can identify with the life problems and the characters involved. The crisis at the family operated savings and loan mushroomed with the arrival of the bank examiner. The audit of the books revealed missing cash. If the books don’t balance every penny must be accounted for!         

Many times we feel like our entire life is under the scrutiny of an audit. Do we add up? Have the stresses of life subtracted from our plus column? In a ledger do we show up in the red or in the black? It can be very unsettling to imagine the books opened for inspection!

A good auditor uncovers even small errors, if recorded intentionally or in carelessness. If we were to audit the open books of others, what would we find?…   (Love) “does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered (1 Corinthians 13:5 NAS).” The accounts would balance; and no errors would be found! In love we would not keep track, or take into account any errors against us! Love not only looks over errors; it covers them up! “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8 NAS).” Dust off the books and begin a new chapter today!

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