Time

Every year as my birthday approaches my hubby and children ask for gift suggestions.  My mind has been focused on time since the beginning of the new year [its elusiveness and the importance of using it wisely], so when I saw two clock teapots on e-bay, I told my hubby I'd like to have them for my birthday and he ordered them.  They recently arrived in the mail.

I also found some clock demitasse teacups on e-bay that I bought.  I think time would be a thought provoking theme for a tea.  We usually only give thought to time on New Year's Eve as one year is ushered out and a new one enters, but time [and how quickly it passes] is something we need to ponder throughout the year as well. 

Little by little I'm accumulating dishes for a time themed tea.  Pictured below is my collection of clock dishware to date.  They're harder to find than you think.

I mentioned in my January 6th post that I'm reading Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life [2002].   I know that when my time on earth comes to an end, I won't attain Heaven because of my works.  It'll only be because of God's grace and mercy through the sacrificial death of His son, Jesus Christ, the confession and forgiveness of my sins, and my declaration that Jesus is my Lord and Savior.  But Scripture says I will stand before God one day and give an account of my life and how I used my time. Will the things I've invested my time in be categorized as wood, hay or straw [things that don't really matter] and vanish when tested by fire, or will they consist of valuable and meaningful things like gold, silver, and costly stones that are refined by fire? [I Corinthians 3:11-15]

I want my time on earth to reflect my love for God and His great love for mankind.  With that in mind I began my first Bible study in my home yesterday with three ladies [one neighbor and two friends].  We began with the beginning of time in Genesis, and the first woman who walked this earth, Eve.  We spent three wonderful hours together around my dining room table - half of it in God's Word with our Bibles open in study, and the other half enjoying lunch together.  I kept lunch simple - homemade chicken soup with Oyster Cracker Nibbles, tea [of course] - Sweet Royal Delight, a Caramel  and Butterscotch flavored black tea, and Monkey Bread with Butter Pecan Ice Cream drizzled with Butterscotch Sauce.  God blessed our time together and we're looking forward to our next Bible study on January 31st. 

We noted God mentioned placing trees in the Garden of Eden as food for His creation to freely enjoy and partake of - not to sustain life because before Adam and Eve sinned death had not entered the world.  They were purely for pleasure. I hope Heaven [like the Garden of Eden] will be filled with pleasurable things, including tea and tea parties! What a happy thought!  

Because one of the ladies asked for the recipe for Oyster Cracker Nibbles I'm providing it for you as well.

1 box oyster crackers

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 package dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing

1 teaspoon dried dill weed

1 teaspoon garlic powder

In large bowl mix all ingredients.  Toss until well coated and pour onto a jelly roll pan and place in 250 degree oven for two hours, stirring occasionally.  Store in an airtight container. They're a perfect and tasty accompaniment to soup.  Enjoy!