by Cathy Baker | Faith |
In this cabin sitting atop a steep mountain in the Saluda mountains, gas logs roared, laughter erupted, prayers arose, tears trickled, hot spiced cider simmered, and creativity stirred during long writing sessions.
I was reminded that:
- God is sovereign. Things didn’t turn out exactly as we’d planned, but we bowed the knee, embraced His plan, and left the mountain with inexplicable peace.
- While we may not know what’s going on in the heart of another, God does—and He provides. As His eyes, arms, lips, and legs we simply need to stay attuned to how He wants to use our whole being to love on others.
- One can get a lot of writing done on a screened-in porch, sitting on a puffy chaise lounge with a furry blanket and a hot cup of cider.
- Nature provides some of God’s greatest ideas and highest praise. Care to join for me for a walk outside today?
- Some of the best gifts come via techies. Someone in the group surprised us by compiling weekend photos and making a video. The background music? “You’ve Got A Friend in Me”, by Randy Newman. Classic.
- Never shout “Hey, Buck!” when someone has just taken a big sip of Coke. (Sorry, I know you had to be there, but this will be worth it to the spewer in the group.)
- The steepest
driveways climbs in life can provide God’s most glorious moments.
Have you considered planning a mini-getaway with friends? Dollars and distance can make for a nice weekend, but it’s only when we invite the greatest Friend of all that it becomes an unforgettable one.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Gifts of all types abounded during our long weekend getaway:
- Time with the hubster. We enjoy each others company even more twenty-two years later.
- The cabin. Shiny hardwood floors, bright, clean, quiet, and equipped with a flip-switch fireplace, an oversize comfy chair, and the perfect reading lamp (yes, this is an important detail!)
- The back porch. Views of a well-grazed pasture, kaleidoscopic-colored leaves, and a pure white peacock that made this 50 year-old heart skip a beat when it flew off the back roof (Did I mention I was standing directly beneath the roof at the time?)
- Newly discovered yummy places to eat. Visiting the Flat Rock or Hendersonville area? These two places are a must: Mean Mr. Mustard’s Cafe (BEST grits ever!) and Flat Rock Village Bakery (fresh pizza made with fresh herbs and sauces).
- Quiet time. Our yearly ritual on this particular getaway is to spend a half day to ourselves. Brian usually heads up to Asheville to check out vinyl record collections while I stay at the cabin soaking in the scenery via pen and paper.
This year, because of the big 5-0, my anniversary/birthday gift from Brian is a dining room makeover. While antique shopping on Friday, I ran across the “perfect” corner cabinet at Architectural Warehouse in Tryon. Well, perfect in every sense of the word — except financially. It would’ve eaten up the entire budget for the room, so we headed back up the mountain to settle in for the night. I was disappointed but realistic. The Craig’s List search continued.
The next morning, however, when we returned home, I walked through the front door to find this sitting in the corner of my dining room:
Instead of heading to Asheville Saturday morning (as he’d said), Brian drove in the opposite direction, purchased my cabinet, and delivered it to our home almost an hour away, making it back to Flat Rock in time for our anniversary dinner.
The gift itself was the best surprise ever — but the fact that Brian would go to that much trouble and give up his fun day for me came as no surprise at all. He is truly the kindest and most selfless person I know—just one of a trillion+ reasons why I am still head-over-heels with this man twenty-two years later. Thank you, honey!
Also, a tremendous thanks to those of you who called, emailed, texted, sent cards, and wished me a “Happy Birthday!” via Facebook. You have no idea how much your thoughtfulness meant to me. More importantly, how much you mean to me.
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
A beautiful day on the Flat Rock NC farm,
wouldn’t you say?
Sitting here
pastoral panoramic views envelop.
Listening to
the melodic tunes of George Winston.
Playing
with all my senses.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
With 50 just around the corner, every moment becomes increasingly meaningful, and two such moments gave me pause for praise this week:
Piper’s first steps in our home (15 sec)
A stack of birthday cards from the Tuesday night Community Group presented to me last night at the end of our six-week study. I plan to wait and open them on Sunday as I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate one’s birthday. Thank you, friends!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Around here, October is referred to as the month o’ love for a few reasons:
- Brian and I celebrate our anniversary on the 20th (year 22 for us this year!)
- What is there not to love about this season? Scarlet leaves twirling mid-air, Honey Crisp apples, soft fuzzy sweaters, and one of my personal favorites — no mosquitoes!
- And then there are the mountains — a place we travel to as often as possible, especially in October. I can’t put my finger on it, but in many ways those winding roads feel like home.
Yesterday, we woke up early and headed to Lake Lure, one of our favorite destinations. The leaves had not yet dressed for the new season (as you can see above) but it was beautiful nonetheless.
On the way home, we were surprised to find one of our favorite antique stores open. By the time we left, however, I’m pretty certain Brian had wished otherwise. I picked up a small vintage ceramic Christmas tree, a small handmade bench, and an early 1900’s picture in its original frame. I love scenic pictures and this one did not disappoint. Snow, church steeple in the distance, and a small boy on a farm scene. Who knows? It may inspire my first short story!
As much as we missed church yesterday, it was nice getting away, especially since I’d not seen Brian on Saturday. We’re heading up again this weekend for our anniversary and my big 5-0 (yikes!) and then I’ll be in the mountains with a few writing buddies on the last weekend in October, so I won’t be posting Sunday Snippets until November. (In the meantime, I do plan to listen to the podcasts of our services. Hope you’ll join me!)
What do you most love about this season?
