by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Attending the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is rewarding in countless ways, but here are my top ten:
- Group times, key note speakers. Mornings and evenings bring times of refreshment through music and words of encouragement.
- Informative
classes. Sitting in a room with like-minded people who are eager to
learn is contagious. Add a speaker who is passionate about sharing
his/her knowledge, and an unforgettable experience awaits.
- Reconnecting with friends. Last year, I left BRMCWC with new friendships that will last an eternity. I cannot wait to give them a big hug.
- Making new friends. BRMCWC
is a welcoming, friendly community. Unless you attend determined not to
meet anyone new, you too will more than likely arrive home with
lifelong friends.
- Eating yummy food. The cafeteria offers both healthy and heavier meals — both delicious! Their staff is the best.
- Beautiful campus, fresh air, rocking chairs. Need I say more?
- Critique
time. What better way to learn? I look forward to learning from the
master, Dr. Donn Taylor, one of the most humble and wisest teachers I’ve
ever had the pleasure of meeting.
- Evening gatherings after group time. Oh my! Comfy couches with beautiful surroundings in the Mtn
Laurel lobby is the backdrop for late night laughter, tears, readings,
etc. Some of my best memories from last year originated here.
- Banquet. Celebrating the success of others is a highlight of the week for us all.
- Sipping
Starbucks at the Cloud 9 Cafe. Little ladies graciously volunteer their
time to serve others and they do so with a smile. Of course, the coffee
isn’t bad either.
A special thanks to Edie Melson and Alton Gansky who work tirelessly to make this conference such a success.
May 20th cannot come soon enough. Hope to see you there!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
After seeing pictures of my yard in past posts, some have shared how they’d love to stop by for a tour. But if they did, they would be sorely disappointed. Yes, there are pockets of cottage charm here and there, but lurking around every corner are crowded beds, unruly wisteria, and planters filled with crispy bygones from last fall. For sanity’s sake, let’s just say they’re not, well, photogenic.
While focusing on a charming pocket of blooms this morning, I was reminded of how much easier it is to expose only the photogenic areas of our lives.
For years, I kept my fears and phobias neatly tucked beneath a thousand excuses. No one knew except for family, a few close friends, and a cognitive therapist. I trusted Christ in one breath, and struggled with fear in the next. I continue to battle with the less photogenic me. But now I’m beginning to realize how vital it is to be transparent, flaws and all.
Consider the implications if writers were limited to write only those things which bring the readers pleasure—the easy, expected, and colorful side of life, while avoiding the failures, deep pitfalls, and dark days. Not only would it be a poor representation of the gospel but countless souls would also be deprived of the blessing found in 2 Corinthians 1.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Cor. 1:3-5
Who might be comforted today in knowing they’re not alone in their struggles?
Only God knows, but it begins with us refusing to tuck our less-than-photogenic selves beneath a thousand excuses.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
As Piper and I chatted today about her first beach trip in May, I couldn’t help but recall the memorable moments from my own childhood trips to the sand and the sea.
Growing up, our entire family—grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—would rent a large beachfront house in Garden City SC. It was perfect for my grandfather, whose favorite pastime was rocking on the back screened porch, taking in the salty spray of the ocean for all it was worth.
In the mornings, dad and I would sneak out early and hunt for shark’s teeth that had been stirred up and spit out overnight.
In the afternoons, we all hit the beach, jumped waves, and searched for seashells.
Evenings were always fun. Fresh seafood, putt-putt games, trips to the Yum-Yum ice cream shop (blue bubble gum with real chewy pieces churned inside out), numerous rounds of set-back (card game), and unending laughter. As an only child, this was the only time of year I felt more like Cindy on the Brady Bunch.
Although I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time, having an extended family made me feel loved and a part of something much bigger.
Our family isn’t as large now, but I look forward to introducing Piper to the yearly “Scott” beach trips I’ve enjoyed all my life and carrying on the tradition of lots of fun in the sun (with 50 SPF zinc-oxide protection, of course).
Let us savor these moments with our families, for they will emerge as memories not soon forgotten by our children and grandchildren.
[Is that “The Way We Were” I hear playing in the background?]
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
It’s no surprise that Alicia Silverstone’s video of pre-chewing her 10 month old’s son’s food, known as pre-mastication, went viral last week. For most of us, the thought of transferring food from our mouth to our child’s, like a mother bird, makes us cringe a bit.
Many of us would never consider trying it. Yet, when it comes to our spiritual walk, we may find it quite tempting.
One indication that we may be practicing pre-mastication is when we find ourselves depending on a pastor’s sermon as our mainstay of spiritual food. After all, he’s done the chewing — praying, studying, preparing — throughout the week. Surely showing up once a week, opening our mouths Bibles and swallowing listening is sufficient.
What if we depended on one meal a week to sustain our physical bodies? We’d survive, but lack strength and endurance to accomplish all God has planned for us.
So how can we avoid spiritual pre-mastication?
- Study the Word for ourselves. Local Christian bookstores offer a plethora of studies. When we spend time going deeper in the Word’s meaning, truth is transferred from the head to the heart, it’s digested, and lives change.
- Consider taking notes on Sunday mornings. Engaging two senses instead of one increases the likelihood of our being able to recall the truths heard — not only that day, but throughout the week and beyond.
- Meditate and memorize the Word. Meditating doesn’t require a sandy beach, loose fitting clothes, or music playing softly in the background. We choose one verse a day. Write it down. Keep it with us throughout the day and re-visit it often, asking the Lord what He would have to teach us through it. When we meditate, we memorize, and when we practice these disciplines, we’re digesting the living and active Word of God into our very being.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESV
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Not once have I listened to this song that my heart did not explode with gratitude or the tears forget to flow. Not once.
The title says it all. Were It Not For Grace, by Larnelle Harris. It’s old-school but few songs move me as much as this one does. Perhaps it’s because I know how barren my life was at the age of 27 before that night in the tiny duplex when I fell to my knees and “gave up” the mess I’d made up to that point. Oh, the freedom that flooded my soul in those moments…and in the years to follow.
I can’t imagine where I would be today, or my boys, if not for the glorious intervention of grace.
I pray my eyes will never remain dry when I think of all Christ accomplished for me, my family, and the world, that glorious Easter morn. Thank You, Jesus!
Were It Not For Grace
Time measured out my days
Life carried me along
In my soul I yearned to follow God
But knew Id never be so strong
I looked hard at this world
To learn how heaven could be gained
Just to end where I began
Where human effort is all in vain
[Chorus]
Were it not for grace I can tell you where Id be
Wandering down some pointless road to nowhere
With my salvation up to me I know how that would go
The battles I would face
Forever running but losing this race
Were it not for grace
So here is all my praise
Expressed with all my heart
Offered to the Friend who took my place
And ran a course I could not start
And when He saw in full
Just how much His would cost
He still went the final mile between me and heaven
So I would not be lost
Forever running but losing this race
Were it not for grace
