The Taste and See That the Lord Is Good Series. Part I

The morning sunlight filtered through floral draperies as if painting the room in warmth, and the gentle clink of fine china echoed like a whisper of peace. Every corner of the tea room seemed to hold a quiet reminder that beauty is a gift meant to draw our hearts toward God. And from the very first sip of Snowflake Tea, I could almost hear the Lord saying, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Life has a way of becoming loud—not just externally, but in the deepest parts of us. We navigate the pressures of the holidays, carry unspoken burdens, and often find ourselves stretched thin in ways we cannot easily explain. That is why this Tea Time series exists: to offer gentle pauses where our hearts can return to the simplicity of God’s goodness. Scripture tells us, “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” (Psalm 34:8) yet tasting requires slowing down long enough to savor. In a world that demands constant rushing, sitting with a warm cup of tea becomes a sacred act—an invitation to rest in His presence.

She spent over twenty-five years in security sales—a path that seems far removed from vintage teacups and Victorian wallpaper, yet God was preparing her heart long before she knew it. Her love for estate finds, yard sales, and PBS Masterpiece Classics became seeds that would bloom into something beautiful.

One day, while attending an estate sale, she walked into a home that was nearly collapsing under its own weight. Most people would have turned away, but Teresa felt something stir deep within her spirit. She impulsively asked whether the house was for sale, and within a month, the home—rotting roof, failing porch, missing ceiling and all—belonged to her. What followed was nearly a year of renovation, restoration, and countless decisions guided by prayer. While removing ornaments from her Christmas tree, she held a small green chandelier ornament trimmed with crystals, and the name came instantly: The Emerald Chandelier. What began as a plan for a small café unfolded naturally into a full tea room, and Teresa often marvels at how God directed her steps even before she understood where He was leading.

Over time, The Emerald Chandelier Tea Room has become something Teresa never expected: a quiet ministry hidden in plain sight. Many guests arrive carrying grief, worry, or heaviness, yet they leave feeling uplifted in ways they cannot always articulate. Teresa shared stories that gave me chills—moments where God made His presence unmistakably known. One family gathered to honor their late mother brought her china with them, covering the table with photographs as they shared memories. As they settled in, her favorite song began playing through the speakers entirely unprompted—a gentle, unmistakable God wink. Another couple entered the tea room celebrating their fiftieth anniversary, only to hear their favorite song from Somewhere in Time drift overhead the moment they sat down. These small miracles remind Teresa that God’s hand rests on this place, turning a tea room into something sacred.

As we talked, I couldn’t help but notice how present everyone seemed. Unlike most restaurants, no one had their faces buried in their phones. People looked into each other’s eyes, shared laughter, celebrated milestones, and savored moments together. Teresa nurtures this atmosphere intentionally—declining to give out the Wi-Fi password when children ask, encouraging them instead to savor the experience. In a culture where we are constantly pulled away from one another, The Emerald Chandelier fosters connection, presence, and joy. It is a space where beauty becomes a balm to the soul, and tea becomes a doorway into peace.

Together, they create a flavor that feels like Christmas morning wrapped in a teacup. It is more than delicious—it is an experience that gently reminds you to pause, breathe deeply, and taste the goodness of the Lord.

As I left the tea room, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the ways God meets us in the quiet. Sometimes He shows up in Scripture or prayer, and other times He appears in soft music, warm tea, and the kindness of a stranger who followed His call. My prayer is that this series leads you back to moments like these—moments where your soul can rest, reflect, and delight in His presence. You do not have to rush through this season. You do not have to carry everything alone. God is inviting you to taste and see His goodness, right where you are.

If this series blesses you and you’d like to help support the writing, photography, and time that goes into creating posts like this, I would be grateful for your support through Buy Me a Coffee. Your generosity helps me continue sharing stories, testimonies, and encouragement that point hearts back to Christ. Thank you for being a part of this journey—and may your next cup of tea remind you of God’s endless love.