by Cathy Baker | Faith |
When I joined what was then known as the Christian Den’s Writers group, I was told that being published in The Upper Room was something all devotion writers strive for — not because of the pay ($25.00) but for a much more important and far-reaching reason.
This little devotion guide that began in the 1930’s now has a worldwide circulation of over 1,000,000 readers. For someone who is used to teaching a group of twenty-five women, it’s hard to imagine that a “mini-lesson” has the possibility of being read by this many people in one day. I pray God will use this small offering to encourage many for His glory.
One of the most exciting parts of this devotion for me is that it features one of my daughter-in-law’s, Megan, along with her childhood pup. On the day of the devotion (May 5) you’ll be able to log on to The Upper Room’s Web site to not only read the devotion, but to also a picture of Megan with Buddy. I’ll share this link on May 5, but if you’d like to visit their site in the meantime, please click here.
Yes, it may have taken three years from the time I submitted the devotion to publication but if one single mom or dad is encouraged as a result, every day of the wait was worth it.
Will you join me in praying for those who will be reading this May/June issue?
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 6:20 ESV
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
The celebration continues for National Poetry Month.
If you know me, you know I have a penchant for magazines — and Poets & Writers is no exception.
Although it’s advertised as being written for both lovers of poems and prose, I would suggest you save your money if you’re not interested in poetry as this is their primary focus.
Each issue offers informative articles (some pithier than others) and information on contests, so I personally consider it a wise investment.
If you’d like to take advantage of their writing prompts and other opportunities, visit Poets & Writers Web site. It too is one of my faves.
Let’s have a glorious weekend as we tell of all His wondrous deeds through writing, speaking, teaching, and countless other ways — living intentionally for His glory!
I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 9:1
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Brian and I recently had a blast keeping Piper for part of the week while our kids were in Florida. They may have had the Disney passes, but if the truth be told, we felt as if we were the ones on the magical carpet ride.
We played hide-n-seek in her pink tent, read lots of books, and enjoyed the great outdoors together. One of my favorite outings was a mini shopping trip to Target. I’ve always looked forward to taking my grandchildren to pick out a little something special for themselves. (I have my sweet Aunt Shirley to thank for this desire as I’ve never forgotten how it felt when she purchased a baby doll for me “just because” while shopping at a NC mall eons ago. Thank you again, Aunt Shirley.)
So there we were. The three of us strolling the Target aisles. Brian and I took turns picking out toys we thought she’d enjoy. And she did! For about 3 seconds. None of the toys we showed her were extravagant but I’ll admit we did try to choose those we felt would bring a smile of delight.
Among other things, we “offered” her:
- A practically life-sized Minnie Mouse
- Pink push mobile with all the bells and whistles (literally)
- A toddler-sized guitar with real strings to strum
But this is what Piper refused to release after the normal 3 second drop:
Two of the homeliest and cheapest baby dolls Target had to offer.
I couldn’t help but wonder how Piper ended up settling for these two dolls when we wanted to give her so much more.
And yet, all too often I find myself doing the same thing with my heavenly Father. While I’m not a name-it and claim-it kind of girl, there were many years my spiritual pendulum swung too far in the opposite direction, suppressing the joy that came from fully embracing all God had for me as His daughter.
I’m slowly learning that when I settle for the “good enough” blessings in my life I’m not only cheating myself out of God’s best, but I’m also cheating others out of them as well for nothing we receive is to remain in us — they are to flow through us for God’s glory.
Is there an area in your life where you’re settling for the $3.49 blessing even though your heavenly Father stands ready to pour out His priceless gifts to you — not only for you, but for the benefit of others and the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to
those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 ESV
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
In honor of National Poetry Month, a favorite poem by a favorite poet:
Last Night the Rain Spoke to Me
by Mary Oliver
Last night
the rain
spoke to me
slowly, saying,
what joy
to come falling
out of the brisk cloud,
to be happy again
in a new way
on the earth!
That’s what it said
as it dropped,
smelling of iron,
and vanished
like a dream of the ocean
into the branches
and the grass below.
Then it was over.
The sky cleared.
I was standing
under a tree.
The tree was a tree
with happy leaves,
and I was myself,
and there were stars in the sky
that were also themselves
at the moment
at which moment
my right hand
was holding my left hand
which was holding the tree
which was filled with stars
and the soft rain—
imagine! imagine!
the long and wondrous journeys
still to be ours.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
I’m sharing a few favorite pics, mainly because I love them, but also because I’m under the weather, thanks to a multitude of dusty totes being carried from our attic, through the house, and into storage. Gotta love a roof job! Turns out, even if you get three shots a week for allergies, you’re still not immune. Sigh. I couldn’t write a normal post if I tried.
So, here goes with some of my favorite pics from the past week or two:
One of Piper’s favorite things to do when she comes to visit is to play Brian’s mandolin. As you can see, she holds the flat pick just right and plucks away like Brian shows her. My only regret in this picture is that you can’t see the new curl that’s cropped up. A-dorable!
It’s a paci in motion! This little apple didn’t fall from the tree. Lucky for Zach, I don’t have pictures handy from his toddler days where the proof of his love for the pacifier was plastered in a red rash on top of his upper lip. (You do know that’s why parents keep embarrassing pictures of their children, right? This, and their wedding rehearsal slide show.)
Bye-bye Rupert! Our Lhasa is heading to the vet for some special pampering in their TLC boarding section for a few days while our roof is replaced. It’s apparently a very noisy job that would spook Rup for sure — especially if when I escape to Starbucks.
I pray you have a very blessed week. We have much to be thankful for…such as friends and family who take a few moments out of their hectic week to stop by and read my posts.
Thank you!
