Panting for God---our relationship and suffering and ministry

Larry Crabb writes (in the book that is mentioned in the post below), about a book called The Impact of God, by Iain Matthew--which speaks about a 16th century monk. Crabb talks about how this book has affected his life. Here are some of the things he says that I felt I have been learning also and that are worth thinking about:

"So often our relationship with God is not about knowing Him, but using Him. As a psychologist, I have felt for years that most of us in American Christianity use God to solve our problems. In contrast, John of the Cross used his problems to find God.'

"Whatever the problem might be, the most natural thing for a Christian to do is to go to the Bible and ask what biblical principle will help us straighten out our situation."

"When finding a biblical principle that will solve our problems becomes our number one priority, it is far less healthy than it may seem. What it really amounts to is using God to make our life on earth more pleasant. But that's not what God has promised. Hebrews 7:19 explains that keeping the law (doing everything right) to make life more pleasant has been replaced by a better hope. That is to say, there is much more to the life of a Christian than making life work.

"Trying to figure out a biblical approach to dealing with a problem is basically like coming to God and saying, 'All right, You're the Santa Clause; You're the emergency-room physician. I don't want to know You, I just want to use Your Resources."

"John of the Cross exemplified a very different approach to the spiritual journey........His basic thought was, "God, how do I get to know You? I'll pay any price for that!' Here was a man who lived it; he didn't just talk about it. He came to the conclusion that God can literally be experienced at a level of satisfaction that exceeds that of getting our lives straightened out..."

"God introduced the gospel in order to create a race of people who would proclaim to the world that knowing Him is more valuable than anything else. knowing God is the basis of our joy whether He gets us out of prison or leaves us there, keeps us from having cancer or lets us die from it, or keeps our kids off drugs or allows them to become serious addicts. Those things are important, but they're secondary. Primary is knowing Him, and that's the reason for the gospel. Our joy then develops a stability. God is always available though certain blessings may not be.'

"Matthew's book is so important because it presents a clear illustration of a man who lived his life, by no means perfectly, but with the hunger for knowing God dominant in his mind and soul. John of the Cross's life is an example of 'As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God' (Psalm 42:1), and 'One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD and to seek him in his temple' (Psalm 27:4). We modern Christians have changed it to, 'One thing I seek, that you would fix my life and tell me what to do so I can do it to make sure my marriage works.' Perhaps we have misunderstood the
Christian life and therefore read the Bible to glean only principles to make life work."

"When suffering comes, there is a price to pay if we are to discover joy. That price includes discipline and the decision to rest and remain faithful, repenting of all demands that life be different. This simply will not happen without the Spirit's speaking through His Word to quiet our hearts. If we maintain our fast-paced, get-in-quick little devotions in the morning, and quickly run off to church on Sunday morning, the likelihood of developing a deeply spiritual relationship with the Lord is about zero. We have to find time when we can look into our heart and discover that beneath our fast pace, beneath the business deals were closing and the money we make, beneath the good things we do, our hearts have deeper longings. And we will not do that without quietness, silence, and solitude......I am suggesting that you recognize the importance of solitude by scheduling time away. "

"When somebody spiritually directs me, I want that person to direct me not toward figuring out how to be a better husband or a better dad--that is all secondary, though it is important. I will not be a better husband or a better dad until I learn to enjoy God more. Otherwise, I would be doing it out of my own strength and in the energy of the flesh. Nothing transforms a person other than encounter with God"

So now one of the main ways he counsels--is to get people to draw near to God--become more intimate with God--not turning to God so God will do things for them, but to enjoy Him. ..and to address the idolatry we have of believing God is not the best thing going--but a solid marriage is or wonderful kids--he tries to deal with the core issue of idolatry in a depraved soul--and to encourage that we "would become consumed with knowing God for His glory and for our satisfaction rather than using God to make our lives more pleasant."

This explains how the persecuted Christians in China, India, Nigeria, etc are willing to linger and die in prison --it is because their intimacy with God is the preeminent thing in their lives.

Poem that spoke to me

This book called Indelible Ink is so wonderful--it asks 22 Prominent Christian Leaders to discuss the books (other than the Bible) that shaped their lives. It is so good that I keep wanting to put it down to go read the recommended books! Near the back it also lists tons of other books that have inspired others.
Here is a poem in this book that is written in Luci N. Shaw's discussion:


"At West Beach, Lummi Island"



My boots crunch down the slope, clamber over
the bleached bones of trees. I conquer a tide of pebbles;
at wave edge I stoop and finger one, another,


fondling their flecks and facets, their skin soft as peaches.
Their colors burn my retina. Uninvited words leap into my throat.
I am astonished; from what pleat of brain tissue did they spring?


Schist, agate, gneiss, shale, scree, granite, quartz--they use
my lips to utter their abrasive syllables. God is in these
crystalline names, in the mineral click, the stony rattle


of gravel under the scrolling breakers. God speaks the language
of stones. I am a polished stone myself, and he is speaking
my name. With every ripple, every spit of rain that wets a pebble


into its real color, he tells me, I am washing you with salt,
I am grinding you smooth to my touch. With rain I caress
your oval shape, your apricot silk, and show you your true self."


I like that analogy--it makes me think of the polished rocks we brought home from the lake in Montana--now I will look at them as signifying a lesson for my life ;-).

Perfect Day

This is a gorgeous day in SC--it was in the 50's last night and high 70's low 80's. Usc is playing now and then Clemson at 3:30---beautiful weather for football. I have a Mitford Ham cooking in the oven and the house is full of a wonderful fragrance. If it comes out as well as is smells I will post the recipe on my other blog later today. My sweet potato casserole is also cooking in the crock pot--so what could be better than this perfect Fall moment.

Well now--a little while later and the Ham is done--this is a picture of My Mitford Ham!! The pic of the game was from flickr

Show and tell Fridays

Kelli at http://kellishouse.blogspot.com/ does a show and tell Friday--go there to register and others can view your show and tell!!

The above pics are memory makers--these are murals my oldest son did for me in our house. The little bird and nest are over a door in the dining room. The lighthouse--ocean pic is a section of a mural over my bed in the "master" bedroom ;-). I love having things the kids have done in my house--it makes it a home--a family place and it just makes things special and full of memories for me!!

apron

Well I just bought this apron from Tracy at http://unlessthelord.blogspot.com/ I tried to do the link thing , but it said I had to do some kind of enclosure or something!! so you can just click on that http thingy. She is going to make more--I bought her first one TADA!! Hopefully she will make ones for all different seasons and holidays!! She has an etsy shop on her blog on the sidebar.

et hem--coffee cup incident

Well as some of you know --I love coffee cups--this photo is for Ginger http://enchantingcottage.blogspot.com/ who said she would love to see some of my coffee cups. I was pouring my coffee this morning (and it must have had something to do with a Ginger weirdness thing) but this is what happened Ginger!! It split in half and the coffee went everywhere (at 5:30!!!!am ) --what a hilarious way to start my day!!! Oh and someone told me how to do my posts without doing all tht http stuff---I will have to do it when I get some time to follow the directions!!! hm'mm, maybe I should do this for my show and tell Friday--I'll think on it!!

you tube video-Christ's death

If you haven't seen this music video about Christ's death--then pause and do so--it is a rich blessing to think all he has done for us: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NaSROohLzs praise him and worship!! Oh and listen to the very very end--they give some scripture verses--great

Sweet Potatoes--Yeah!

Thanks Ya'll for your Thankfulness

Wow --that was fun (speaking of my post below for the 25th) and when I get time I will have to respond--even to my old friend from Bugbee Lane!! It is so wonderful to give thanks constantly and wow it raises my heart in praise to read the things you are thankful for--THAT WAS AWESOME-we have sooo much to give thanks for.

I wanted to record something from Barnes' Commentary I read this morning so I can think about it later:

"Meekness produces peace. It is proof of true greatness of soul. It comes from a heart too great to be moved by little insults. It looks upon those who offer them with pity. He that is constantly ruffled, that suffers every little insult or injury to throw him off his guard, and to raise a storm of passion within, is at the mercy of every mortal that chooses to disturb him. He is like the troubled sea that cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."

Thought that was a good point to think about.

Now more things to give thanks for:

A sparkling day (like diamonds on leaves of a tree in its brilliancy)
Christian books
C.S. Lewis quotes
sweetness
the clean soap smell
the power of God's Word
a bowl of chocolate kisses
not to worry-the act that God is always enough
God's mercy
the incarnation
the beauty of wrinkles on the faces of the aged
a cat romping
words in old hymns--like majestic sweetness sits enthroned
the noise of the clothes dryer
books of prayers
the gentleness of a cat cleaning himself
the morning bird songs (awesome)
the smell of coffee
the orange color of pumpkins
the dropping of fall leaves
spontaneity
humor
the wide range of personalities
getting to see people's creative side
the neat aspects of women as reflected in their blogs
weirdness/uniqueness
the tic/toc of old clocks
time for reflection!

Thankfulness again-smiling in the heart

OK......as I was having devotions this morning I started thinking of some things that make me thankful or bring a smile to my heart. Here are some of them and I CHALLENGE YOU WHO READ THIS TO MAKE A COMMENT HERE AND ADD A LIST OF THANKFUL THINGS ON YOUR BLOGS. (If you don't comment then you are toooo sad :-) ).

the softness of old worn sheets

cool fall morning air

old orange auction candle

boxes full of surprises found at auctions

dancing babies

squeals of delight

the aroma of hot maple syrup
warm colors for the fall

laughing with friends

delighting in the Lord

crisp Macintosh apples

Greatgrandma's humor

preparations for the Christmas concert (starting now)

the wonder and expectation of holidays

old wooden candle stick holders

the business of fall spiders

the antics of squirrels in the fall

the flashes of red from Cardinals (birds)

budding of the camellias

warm cocoa at bedtime

staying up to midnight to decorate ;-)

pulling out old tablecloths or candles and seeing them as warm memories

the kir- plunking of acorns falling on the patio furniture

cream cheese with orange marmalade on toast

glass table tops

fake feathery birds

soft warm sunshine

being surprised by a God-wink

the warmth of old wood floors

childhood books

cinnamon sprinkled lavishly in coffee

the little yellow butterflies in fall who fly at me while watering the vinka plants

the smell of bacon cooking in a casserole (yesterday '-)

the fun of finding things to give thanks for!

Some things accomplished from my Loveliness Thing

Well, Greatgrandma and I did make the Maple cookies mentioned in the earlier post. They tasted really quite good--I had to cook them for the full time. I actually only got to taste the icing since I can't have flour. But my hubby and greatgram said they were good. I put them in this glass pumpkin---however does anyone know if this will keep them fresh?

I also managed to pick some flowers and I have been guarding them from the cat; which means placing them in and out of the frig when I leave the area!!

Also the picture of my shirt is for Eowyn to show Rhianwen--and SHE BETTER DO THIS, KIDDO!!

Loveliness Mondays

"It's time for another Commitment to Loveliness! This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life!" Her site is http://charmingthebirdsfromthetrees.blogspot.com/ ( This is a quote from Emma--)she usually posts this on Sunday night or Monday. So 5 things for me:

1. Continue finding things to Thank God for in every situation (this has been so much fun and brings me so much joy that I have to keep doing it--it is really training me!!)

2. Try out the Maple cookie recipe I found on Kelli's blog at http://kellishouse.blogspot.com/ (I still don't know how to insert this without putting the whole address in ;-).

3. Continue putting fall stuff around the house.

4. Pick some more flowers for the house and hide them from the cat.

5. Pray about how I spend my money--ask God for wisdom.

Thoughts about money

It is cool how God teaches us at times by speaking to us in our hearts about something and then hearing it again in a sermon or book. This happened again today. Last night my hubby and I were discussing our use of money. ... How much we should give away, how to use the money we have, etc.... The Balance in living--where we are spending and if we should stop in certain areas. (for example cutting back on cable tv, eating out, fitness center...etc...these were under consideration along with other things --Then what was the sermon on today?? Luke 16:1-13 about the fact that He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much...If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous money, who will entrust to you the true riches? And the passage that "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money"

The Challenge to us of whom do we really serve--it does provoke thinking and I need to think more about all of this.(flickr-banks picture ;-0)

We won , we won!!

Yup--we were winners---this picture was taken a few months ago, but she was cheering even then!!! Yes--CLEMSON GO GO GO!!

Show and tell Friday

On Keli's blog at http://www.kellishouse.blogspot.com/ she has a show and tell Friday. You sign up at her blog and then post her site and show your stuff on your post!

So here is my picture. This is a picture of my childhood Heidi book and Heidi doll. It is one of my favorite books and the doll is one I received one Christmas--she is probably about 48 years old and still has her original dress. If you stand her up and you hold her shoulders her feet and legs can swing forward like walking.

How many of you have read and enjoyed Heidi--if you haven't then you must!!

wonderful rain freshness

Well this picture is not coming out right!! But....the breeze is blowing the lace curtains in the dining room and I love the feel of this!! The fragrance from the rain is stupendous!! And the feeling from seeing the curtains blowing is sooooo refreshing......but my camera has a 3 second thing and I can't quite catch it because the curtains continue to blow in and out --but you get the idea---blessed refreshment of spirit!!!

Ok--here is the real one

Here is the real pic of the broken fan mentioned on the post below (FOR EOWYN WHO HAD TO SEE THE REAL THING ;-) . This is taken without the globe on it--you see one of the paddles is missing.

Pursuing Thanks and Catastrophe!

YIKES____Well--a funny thing happened this morning. I got up at 5:30 instead of 5, but I had been awake for part of the night--so I was a little groggy and had on my mind the cholesterol test I had to be at at 7 (with no coffee,,,ugh). Anyways I was shaking the Afghan that is on our bed in order to fold it (and do not ask me how I did this) , but when I did so it hit the ceiling fan and something went flying!!! It was one of the blades--the fan then went berserk because of the missing blade and I had to quickly shut it off (which was hard to do in my grogginess!!). I was so disappointed--the fan has been one of the few in our house that works wonderfully and with no sound---It is very old and now we will have to replace it and the new ones often do not do well!!!

BUT I WAS THANKFUL THAT THE BLADE DID NOT HIT ME OR BREAK THE ANTIQUE MIRROR IN OuR ROOM--so I did find something to give thanks for in the situation!

I would post the picture of the broken fan , but hubby is sleeping ;0) . So the pic is from flickr shymuse

Free Music

My son sent me this address and it is wonderful: http://www.slacker.com/ It has free listening music--The only part I have tried listening to and I am listening right now is the classical station--really great music. So check it out. (photo by sbblackly at flickr) Oh they also have Christian music of different types--so you click on it and click on the Christian music and it plays all kinds!

Loveliness

HMM I BELIEVE IT IS TIME for the commitment to loveliness thing, but I don't see it up yet on charmingthe birds from the trees at http://charmingthebirdsfromthetrees.blogspot.com/ But here are the 5 things I commit to this week:

1 Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let my requests be made know unto God.

2. Continue to develop thankfulness (man it sure does open up the gates of joy!)

3.Weed my rose patch

4. Tell my husband specific things I appreciate about him or what he has done.

5. Figure out someway of improving my chests that are near the bed.

What wonderous love

Ps. 68:19 "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden,
The God who is our salvation.
35 O God, Thou art awesome from Thy sanctuary,
The God of Isael Himself gives strength and power
Blessed be God!"

What wonderful love--that He DAILY BEARS OUR BURDEN, DAILY!

HE is awesome--and not only does he bear our burden HE HIMSELF gives strength and power--no wonder the psalmist responded--BLESSED BE GOD! You can see why I want the following Hymn sung at my funeral!


What Wondrous Love Is This By: American Folk Hymn


What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this
That caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down Beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, Who is the great I AM,
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free I’ll sing His love for me,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity I’ll sing on.


If you are not familiar with the tune go to http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/w/w247.html
and the tune can be played--it is a wonderful old American folk hymn.

look a like

This is amazing--my grandbaby looks so much like her mom did when her mom was one!!!! Grandchildren really are a blessing from the Lord. It also helps us see the wonder of the world , of life and all it holds when we experience it again through the eyes of a child. Just think of the excitement and fun of rocking!!! So many things to be thankful for!!!

More Thanks

As mentioned below in another post--I want to cultivate thankfulness---cultivate--practice it until it is just flowing out ;-). An Amazing thing happened this morning--the first thoughts upon waking were thankful!! Wow! The very first thoughts. As I have been reading other blogs, many of you have been expressing thanks for the first inklings of Fall weather. I have seen by your statements how refreshing this time of the year is--and I give thanks for times of refreshment from God and seasonal changes which work this refreshment into our hearts. The following hymn came to mind this morning and it expresses so much that we are thankful for!!


For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour,
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon, and stars of light.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of ear and eye,
For the heart and mind’s delight,
For the mystic harmony
Linking sense to sound and sight.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise.

For each perfect gift of Thine,
To our race so freely given,
Graces human and divine,
Flowers of earth and buds of Heaven.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise."

So I am truly thankful for all of the above! (pic above from flickr djpic)

Thankfulness ;-) ---Giving Thanks

As one of the loveliness challenges for me this week--I had a goal to think of 5 things I am thankful for the first thing when wakening. This has now branched out and I want to constantly be thankful. The picture above is of a wonderful little book that just lists things in neat ways that the author jotted down over many years (not from a Christian perspective--but still good). Here are some examples from her book:

a romantic walk to look at Christmas decorations,

just-picked vegetables and fruits,

rosy mornings,

a surprise burst of joy,

the cooing doves of morning,

pets in line for the fire hydrant,

laughing as you remember good times together,

mouthwatering descriptions,

studying in the library,

blueberry jam, white place cards,

the sense of promise inherent in the start of a new year,

cotton shirts,

autumn feasts.......

ANYWAYS SHE LIST 14,000 things. So each day I think I will post at least one thing--that will be my challenge. Above I have showed two things. My coffee cup from the top of Mount Mitchell in NC--it is hand made and it always makes me think of one of the highest places east of the Mississippi ;-) ; and the beautiful creation exhibited there and the greatness of our God. The bottom picture is an old pillow I got second hand---maybe at an auction? Love the birds and the pillow just fits in the small of my back for wonderful comfort!! OK--anyone who reads this must at least do this today---post something to give thanks for!!!

More for Chip-o and Sarah!!! love you guys

Also guys look at the lower post for some of Chip's pictures ;-)

Well here are some more pics for Chip and Sarah since you can't be here. The flowers (peach colored--hey---for CLEMSON) are glorious. Also try taking a break with this tea since you are in WA--isn't that cherry country? not sure. This tea is wonderful!! ps. Skip is home for the weekend!

For my son

These are for my son--I've hung your winter and fall pictures--since I am missing you and love you and it is approaching the seasonal change. Also a change in kitchen attire for the new season ;-)--love you.

Show and Tell Friday

On Keli's blog at http://www.kellishouse.blogspot.com/ she has a show and tell Friday. You sign up at her blog and then post her site and show your stuff on your post! So here is my picture:

This is an old clock that has been in my family for a very long time--it belonged originally to my Great Aunt Mable I think!! We had it fixed about 8 years ago and it works very well and has a nice tick tock and quiet chimes!!

Fall update

Hi--I've been inspired by all the bloggers to get ready for fall so here are a few things I did!! (even though it is still in the 80's here!)

Love my grandbaby!!!

chicken primaveria

This recipe made a great stew (and it is raining here--YES).---but this can also be served on fettuccine --this is very good. You can make half this recipe--but I am giving it to you doubled--the picture is the way I doubled it and the recipe is doubled except for the red pepper--I did not double that!! This would also be good served with a special kind of grill cheese sandwich (which would not be low fat!!) . You can use country style white bread, spread a little Dijon mustard on one side, put a slice of white VT. cheddar on top, 3 slices of cooked bacon (turkey bacon is good), and thinly sliced golden delicious apple). Top with bread and grill it--cheese side first.

Chicken Primavera (from an American Heart Association Low-salt cookbook)

2 tsp of olive oil

2 medium zucchini, chopped (about 2 cups)

2 medium yellow summer squash, chopped (about 2 cups)

1 Large red onion, chopped (about 1 cup)

1 cup or more or sliced fresh mushrooms (more)

4 medium cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tsp bottled minced garlic--fresh is better)

2 14.5 cans no salt added diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup chicken broth --low salt or homemade

2 tsp dried oregano crumbled

1/4 tsp or more black pepper

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

4 cups cooked cubed chicken (I just used one whole 3-4 pound chicken that I cooked ahead)

1 and 1/2 cup frozen peas

fettuccine (as much as you want--or none if serving as soup)

Heat a large pot over med heat. Add oil and swirl to coat bottom. Cook zucchini, yellow summer squash, onion, mushrooms, and garlic for 3-4 min , or until veg are tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.

Add tomatoes with liquid, add broth, oregano, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over med/high heat. Reduce heat to med/low and cook covered (if soup) or uncovered (if serving on fettuccine) for 15-20 min or till flavors are blended, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile cook fettuccine. Add chicken and peas to soup mix and heat a few minutes until heated through.

Ginger Snaps

This is a recipe I haven't made for years. We made them at Grams yesterday. It comes from an old lower fat; lower cholesterol book. This recipe uses vegetable oil instead of shortening so it is a bit better for you. These are full of flavor and make the house smell absolutely wonderful!! They are moist and chewy--I don't know what they would taste like if you over cooked them.I am on a gluten free diet so I can't taste it--have to go by what others said and by the aroma which is fantabulous! They really expand while cooking. Full of Fall aromas!!!!

Ginger Snaps

2 cups unsifted flour

1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

2 tsp ground ginger

1 and 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 cups vegetable oil (liquid kind)

2 eggs

little bit of white sugar for sprinkling tops

Stir together first 7 ingredients. In large bowl with mixer at med speed beat together sugar, oil, eggs about 2 minutes or until well blended. With spoon stir in flour mixture. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2" apart onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with white sugar and bake 350 oven 8 to 10 min or until bottoms are brown. Cool 1 min . Remove from cookie sheets; cool on rack. Makes 2 and 1/2 dozen large cookies, or 5 dozen small cookies.

well Chris made it!

My weird son made it to Seattle--driving all the way from Charlotte, N.C.--this is how he celebrated !

His fiancee is there too................
There must be something weird about the air there--I mean there is no other explanation for this weirdness, is there? (He is doing some work for Microsoft). Oh maybe that explains things?

Getting ready for Fall

I am getting ready for fall by drinking some wonderful peppermint tea in my favorite cup by rossanna (at rosannainc.com)--along with a very interesting book. After I read more I will comment on it. The peppermint drives my cat nuts---worse than catnip!! OH and look at the pretty box that comes with the cups.!! I showed some of these cups further down on another post.

Anyways--peppermint tea is a good way to get ready for fall!!!