Wordless Wednesday - Snuggle Bunny

Unpacking our Internal Bags

This week’s “Wow!” moment in Jonah:

“We can pack our internal bags just as quickly as Jonah packed his and be on a boat headed in the opposite direction of God’s will even while we are in the throes of everyday life.” - Priscilla Shirer

Would you agree that running from God is easier to spot if buying a ticket to Tarshish, but a bit more difficult when it’s our heart/mind that’s doing the packing?

I may not hold a ticket in my hand, but I am, unfortunately, much like Jonah when it comes to mentally running from God. Perhaps we're not alone in this boat?

• We properly position our bottoms, Bibles, and bible studies for quiet time—all the external necessities in place—without realizing that our heart, the one internal necessity, is playing hooky.
  

• We go to church, but rather than expecting God's presence to be active, alive, and eager to speak, we perceive a faint mental click in the background, signaling the proverbial ✓ being placed in the “I went to church this week” box instead.
  

• God prompts us to speak truth, shift priorities, __________ (fill in the blank), but instead of running towards God's desires, we choose instead to get busy, avoid prayer and other believers, or dive into a new addiction (do Junior Mints count?).
  

To unlock the internal luggage, we simply need to confess to God the specific ways we've tried to flee (He already knows!), ask for forgiveness, receive it, and head for the Ninevah God has planned for each of us. No luggage required!

I begin this week with a fresh appreciation in knowing there is no place—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—that my heavenly Father is not already there. (Psalm 139)

How about you?

- Photo courtesy of Lifegroup413.org

My Friday Fave - This is the Day The Lord Has Made

Evening is my favorite time within the twenty-four:

• A cup of hot brew in my whoo-owl mug (especially so with a steady beat of rain melodically playing in the background)

• Prime reading time (no doubt we’re empty nesters, eh?)

• Sometimes it’s Piper time (who needs to read?)

• Exercise behind me...white fizz time before me (Seagram’s ginger-ale soaked in crushed ice)

These are just a few reasons why I enjoy our evenings here at the Baker home—but one new nightly ritual has particularly won me over: Brian reading aloud from William J. Bennett’s, The Book of Virtues, while I’m curled up nearby with my oh-so-soft vintage blanket and Rupert, our white fluff bucket.

The book is a treasury of great moral stories, as promised on the cover. Bible stories, childhood tales, poetry (such as this one), and short stories come alive with one click of the reading lamp.


So, is there a particular time within the twenty-four that you're especially enjoying these days—or do you find the hours quietly sifting into the next day without notice?

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Answering the Demon of Can't

Can't is the worst word that's written or spoken;
Doing more harm here than slander and lies;
On it is many a strong spirit broken,
And with it many a good purpose dies.
It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning
And robs us of courage we need through the day:
It rings in our ears like a timely sent warning
And laughs when we falter and fall by the way.

Can't is the father of feeble endeavor,
The parent of terror and halfhearted work;
It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,
And makes of the toiler and indolent shirk.
It poisons the soul of the man with a vision,
It stifles in infancy many a plan;
It greets honest toiling with open derision
And mocks at the hopes and the dreams of a man.

Can't is a word none should speak without blushing;
To utter it should be a symbol of shame;
Ambition and courage it daily is crushing;
It blights a man's purpose and shortens his aim.
Despise it with all of your hatred of error;
Refuse it the lodgment it seeks in your brain;
Arm against it as a creature of terror,
And all that you dream of someday shall gain.

Can't is the word that is foe to ambition,
An enemy ambushed to shatter your will;
Its prey is forever the man with a mission
And bows but to courage and patience and skill.
Hate it, with hatred that's deep and undying,
For once it is welcomed 'twill break any man;
Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying
And answer this demon by saying: "I can."

-Edgar Guest

Wordless Wednesday - Can You Spot the Bee?

Interruption or Divine Intervention?

I’m not a fan of the interrupted life (unless your name is Piper, of course!) There it is. I said it.

But what if my perceived interruption is actually divine intervention? Enter the study of Jonah.

Becky Kirby and I are eager to meet and greet the 25+ women who’ve signed up for this study, which kicks off Tuesday night. Below is but a nibble from the smorgasbord of truth that awaits:

Power-packed principles:

• Interruptions only become positive when we consider the person or circumstances to be more significant than what currently occupies our attention.
• A life interrupted by a holy God is a privilege.
• Your story begins with God’s call. It is not your legacy or lack thereof that makes you significant. It is God’s call and your willingness to obey it.
• Making sense of what God has asked or feeling compelled to cooperate cannot be the prerequisite for choosing obedience. His Word must be enough.
  

The quote that plunged the deepest through my steel-toed shoes: If you find yourself balking at God’s instructions in your life, it is an indication of the importance you place on God and His will.

Our final word of encouragement to attendees (and ourselves) as we approach Tuesday night: Come anticipating -- fully expecting -- God to speak, to move, and to divinely intervene on your behalf.

It's never too late to join us!

My Friday Fave - Downton Abbey

It's a Masterpiece. Downton Abbey, that is.

The one year wait for Season 2 to begin seemed to never end, and now it comes to a close this Sunday night. Sniff, sniff.

One character I particularly enjoy is Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham, played by Maggie Smith. This matriarch leads her family with a stern, but loving kind of dignity that when mixed with a tad of meddling and a quick wit, cannot help but remind me of Ma-Ma, my dad's mother. How could I not love this character? Perhaps this is why I'll miss it so.

Farewell for now, Downton Abbey, my Friday Fave.

The Wandering Reader Delivers

"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
And miles to go before I sleep."
- Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, Robert Frost

While difficult to pinpoint a favorite Frost poem, Snowy Evening nears the top of my list, which is why this handcrafted/customized necklace was the perfect Valentine's Day gift.

Everything about The Wandering Reader is impressive: customer service, craftsmanship, and did I mention the affordable pricing? Erin saw me through from beginning to end with ease, so it came as no surprise when this delightful box landed on my doorstep...just in time for the big day.

Do you have a quote from a favorite poem, song, or book you'd like to share via a beautiful handcrafted necklace? Stop by The Wandering Reader, Handmade Gifts and Jewelry for the Bookish today!

(Click on picture above for a closer view.)

Reasons, not Roses

A half-dozen reasons why I LOVE my heavenly Father:

• He is in the details, not the devil. (Genesis-Revelation)

• He is a constant and ever-willing source of wisdom. (James 1:5)

• He is creative and delights when His children point to Him and say to admirers, “I learned it from my Dad.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

• He is the Father of spacious places, continually exposing His children to new opportunities and exciting challenges—refusing to allow a ho-hum existence. (Psalm 18:19)

• No matter what I do. Or say. Or think. Or feel. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He’ll never change the way He feels about me. Never. (Hebrews 13:8)

• Every morning, when He wakes me up, He whispers fresh compassion awaits you today. (Lamentations 3:22, 23)

I invite you to share one reason as to why the Lord has your heart today and everyday.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Delightful Days

Tickled Pink Piper

Grammy's grateful gaze

My Friday Fave - Two Creative Mags!

The latest issues of Where Women Create and Artful Blogging are ready for pick up at the local Barnes and Noble. (Let's show some love for our brick & mortar bookstores.)

Both issues would be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates breathtaking photographs, creative ideas, and inspiring testimonies. You need not be a blogger (or even consider yourself crafty) to enjoy either book-zine.

Read on!

What Defines Our Week?

"Define your week by obedience, not by a number on the scale."
- Made to Crave, Lysa Terkeurst

Lysa's excerpt hits home (am I alone?), which is I'm heading over to Lynn Blackburn's post for her review of Made to Crave, Satisfying Your Deepest Desires with God, Not Food.

Anyone else up for a bite of inspiration?

Rhyme and Reason

Four years ago today, I posted my first blog. I had no idea what I would write, or quite frankly, who would care. It was a bit overwhelming until a blogging-guru buddy shared this piece of advice: Write as if you’re sitting across the table from a friend with a cup of coffee in hand. Now that, I could do.

While much has changed since pouring the first cup, my blog design has not -- that is, until today!

I wanted something fresh, whimsical, and meaningful. Searching for the perfect title helped me tap into the very reason for this blog’s existence: to glorify Christ through my love of words, each birthed and measured by the one true Word, whether it be poetry or prose.

When the answer came, it hit hard and fast at our Word Weavers’ breakfast. Thankfully, a plate of grits with two slaps of butter were waiting to soften its blow. Within seconds of my blurting out Rhyme and Reason, Edie suggested I capitalize “SON” in the word “reason.” (Thank you!)

From there, Brian created the illustration and brought it to life, as you can see from above. (You’re amazing, Brian!)

While there are days I still struggle to hit “Publish”, there are few places I’d rather be than sitting here, across from you, with coffee in hand.

Delectable Words in a Pink Plastic Heart

Pink plastic hearts in the Target $1.00 bin were purchased with the intention of filling them with delectable candy for my three “Corners” (writer’s group). Or so I thought.

In a flash, I recalled the whiteboard in our Psalm 119 study. As a group, we’d listed on the board those things which we know to be true about the Word. I contributed “edible.” Strange, I know, but true according to Jeremiah 15:16:

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.

I could choose to fill their stomachs for a moment—or feed their souls for an eternity.

Seven scripture verses on God’s love were chosen, typed, printed in red ink, cut, and carefully folded.

Each day for a week, a delectable verse will slip from their pink plastic hearts and be ushered directly to their heart, where it will shift into action to accomplish its mighty purpose in their lives.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalm 119:103

Captivated

Luke 5:1-11

Numerous (and more in-depth) takeaways were shared in Sunday morning’s Bible class, but one jotted down in my mini-red moleskin: Jesus knew how to catch His disciples’ attention—and He knows how to capture ours as well.

At times, He uses:
unexpected blessings (like a sinking boat, v. 7)

or
interruptions during the mundane tasks of daily life (v. 5a)

or
anything else He desires.


What's He done lately to capture our attention?

Friday Fave - A Jeep on a Snowy Day

Imagine my delight while watching the Winter X games last weekend when this commercial appeared.

Two favorites in one:

• Jeep (I'm spying "new" vehicles and a Jeep Sahara caught my eye last week.)

• Robert Frost—especially where Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening is concerned.

Commercials will be in the spotlight this Sunday night but as far as I'm concerned, the winner has already been decided.

Are We On Somebody's List?

Her name is always on my list—you know the one—the list that numerous bible studies prompt its participants to make: In the space below, write the names of those who've had the greatest impact on your Christian walk.

(Whose names do you record?)

Twenty years ago, God allowed my path to cross with an amazing Precept teacher, Kay Chandler—and my life has never been the same.

Many people impact our lives, but here's why Kay's teaching has landed her name on my list every single time:

She...

• Boldly employs her spiritual gifts—trusting the results to God.
• Possesses a fervor for the Word and its Author that's rarely cooled by circumstances.
• Is authentic. No room for pretense here.
• Is both a student and teacher of the Word, choosing to "feed" others from a Living stream rather than a stagnant pond stocked with her own opinions.
  
• Loves. Truly and deeply.
  

Kay's not perfect (she'd be the the first to say it) -- but she is a woman who's impacted my life, and countless others.

What about us? Are we allowing God to impact others through our gifts and talents? Do our expressions/words/actions give evidence of the delight we experience through Christ? Do others see the real us or simply someone we'd like to be when we grow up?

Bottom line: When others are posed with the above bible study question, will our names be on their list?

“Wake up, O sleeper,

rise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:14b-16

Wordless Wednesday - Fragrant Winter Blooms

Blooming now in my yard: Pink Winter Daphne