by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Goldenrod
On roadsides,
in fall fields,
in rumpy bunches,
saffron and orange and pale gold,
in little towers,
soft as mash,
sneeze-bringers and seed-bearers,
full of bees sand yellow beads and perfect flowerlets
and orange butterflies.
I don’t suppose
much notice comes of it, except for honey,
and how it heartens the heart with its
blank blaze.
I don’t suppose anything loves it, except, perhaps,
the rocky voids
filled by its dumb dazzle.
For myself,
I was just passing by, when the wind flared
and the blossoms rustled,
and the glittering pandemonium
leaned on me.
I was just minding my own business
when I found myself on their straw hillsides,
citron and butter-colored,
and was happy, and why not?
Are not the difficult labors of our lives
full of dark hours?
And what has consciousness come to anyway, so far,
that is better than these light-filled bodies?
All day
on their airy backbones
they toss in the wind,
they bend as though it was natural and godly to bend,
they rise in a stiff sweetness,
in the pure peace of giving
one’s gold away.
What’s your favorite line?
DAY 3: BEAUTY
Look for wonder through a camera lens throughout the day. Carry a camera or your camera-equipped cell phone to snap photos of God’s beauty, grace, love, peace, and joy all around you. Share these beautiful moments of wonder with others.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
DAY 2: TIME
Reflect on the wondrous gift of time. Pull out a calendar or day planner and spend fifteen minutes considering all that’s on your schedule for the upcoming two weeks. Consider marking which activities fill up your time versus those that fill you with life and provide opportunities to awaken to the wonder of God all around. Prayerfully consider what changes—including cuts and additions you need to make to your schedule—to awaken yourself to the wonder of rest and a healthy rhythm in your daily life. Make sure you have time build into each day for the remaining days of your challenge.
Do you think you’ll be cutting from — or adding to — your schedule?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
“Ask God to awaken your ability to see and savor His sweet presence and recognize His divine handiwork. Then live eyes wide open to the ways God answers.” – Margaret Feinburg, Wonderstruck
Since learning of our community study Wonderstruck, Awaken to the Nearness of God, (which begins TONIGHT!) some of you have asked if I’d share tidbits from the study here on the blog—but I’m going to do one better.
You’re invited to join us for our 30 days of Wonder Challenge. Margaret designed it to awaken our ability to see God at work in our lives in ways we may have never considered… or slowed down long enough to appreciate.
Beginning today, a brief and doable challenge will be shared each morning at 7:00 a.m. I encourage you to stop by before you begin your day, if possible. On the days when other subjects are posted (Wed/Fri) you’ll find the Wonder Challenge located below that day’s post.
Ready for the challenge? Prepare to stand in awe of your awe-inspiring God.
DAY 1: REFLECTION
The wonders of God surround you. Prayerfully spend some time reflecting on those things that prevent you from awakening to the wonder of God. Write them down, and then ask God to remove those obstacles that prevent you from experiencing Him more. Ask God to make you supernaturally aware of the Spirit’s presence and leading over the next thirty days.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Searching for a great summer read?
Back cover: From Robert Louis Stevenson to Mary Shelley, Alice Munro to Stephen King, Your Creative Writing Masterclass guides you through:
- finding your style
- generating story ideas
- creating vivid characters
- constructing powerful plots
- crafting your ideal writer’s life
This resource is packed with insight from the masters but what I most appreciate, practically speaking, is the layout. Brief informative chapters lend itself to an enjoyable read.
It’s perfect for summertime. Read straight through or skip around. It matters not. You’ll learn something with each viewing.
“Write down the thoughts of the moment.
Those that come unsought for
are commonly the most valuable.”
– Francis Bacon, Sr.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Our country celebrates its independence once a year. Christ followers have the privilege of celebrating our DEpendence on Him with every intake of breath.
Sweet Desperation
Of all the gifts
I know our loving Father brings
The answered prayers,
Protection from all things unseen,
The peace within your heart,
The small, simplistic things.
That cry from deep within your soul
Will bring the greatest joy of all.
He hears the anguish in your call.
The sweetest gift
There is of all
Is desperation.
When there is no place else to run
But to His grace,
To fall upon your knees
And seek His gentle face …
There is no fear He does not know
No wound He cannot bind
And so
The sweetest gift of all I know
Is desperation.
Sweet desperation
Brings you to your Father’s throne.
Surrender all
And be assured you’re not alone.
In your darkest times of need
His light illuminates all things.
Come to Him broken and be healed
With His shed blood you have been sealed.
Find comfort in His love so real
And know …
The sweetest gift of all
Is desperation.
–Submitted by About.com member, Susan L. Condrey.
I am the vine; you are the branches.
Whoever abides in me and I in him,
he it is that bears much fruit,
for apart from me you can do nothing.
