As Christian women, we often spend so much time caring for others that we forget to care for our own souls. Just as our gardens need water and sunshine to flourish, our souls need regular times of refreshment. One of the simplest ways I have discovered to care for my soul is to schedule a gentle teatime practice...
Sometimes the simplest moments become the most meaningful ministries. For me, many of those moments begin when the kettle sings. The sound of boiling water and the whistle of the kettle signals that something good is about to happen. But for me, it also carries the memory of special times with my English mum. She believed most of life's problems could be solved with a cup of tea...
That weekend, we discovered a truth more beautiful than any home tour. Yet God restored that joy too— A simple wooden rocking horse became a symbol of the quiet miraculous ways God brings lost things home...
The spires, stained glass windows, and vaulted ceilings with unparalleled artwork were meant to draw our eyes and hearts heavenward in worship of God. Yet now, in many of the churches, the gaze is now downward onto smartphones, with long lines of tourists missing the true reason these houses of God were created.
This time of the year can seem very dreary, and with each new snowstorm or tornado warning, the days of spring and summer seem so far away. All the dead trees and the brown lawns don’t give much hope of seeing any flower bulbs popping up soon. But, slowly, as the days grow longer (we gain about 2–3 minutes a day), we begin seeing the sun more often, and our hope is restored … spring will soon be here.
Halifax, Nova Scotia—a city long on my bucket list— finally became a reality for me this past month. But its historical significance, particularly regarding the Titanic, adds a unique depth to its allure. In April 1912, Halifax played a pivotal role in the recovery efforts following the Titanic’s tragic sinking, a connection that made my visit even more meaningful.
by @SaundraDalton Smith in Leading Hearts magazine
THE MORE DOORS GOD OPENS IN MY LIFE for ministry and leadership, the greater my understanding of Paul’s comment in 1 Corinthians 16:9:
“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries” (KJV).
As leaders, our peace is constantly under attack. Busy schedules and family obligations daily vie for our attention. Rest becomes an afterthought, and our time with God is sacrificed for doing more work for God. It takes courage to set healthy personal boundaries. It takes strength to have a plan for ongoing self-care.
By Penelope Carlevato @teatimepen in Leading Hearts Magazine
A FEW YEARS AGO I HOSTED A GOING-AWAY TEA FOR A CO-WORKER. WE HAD ENJOYED WORKING TOGETHER FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND ALWAYS PLANNED ON GETTING TOGETHER “ONE OF THESE DAYS.”
Well, that day never happened until it was time for her to move. As we sat around the table and enjoyed our tea and scones, we regretted not making time earlier for fellowship. We talked about the people God had put into our lives we wanted to connect with but didn’t take the time.