by Cathy Baker | Faith |
A strap on my favorite pair of shoes broke a few weeks ago so I did what any instant-gratification lover would do: I googled “shoe repair Simpsonville SC” and chose the closest location to me. I wanted it stitched back together but this particular shoe repairman insisted that glue would work just fine. It was instant gratification at its best. I waited 5 minutes and paid 3.00. A dollar for each day the glue lasted.
Today, I drove a mere two miles down the road and discovered Simpsonville’s best kept secret in quality workmanship — it’s AAA Shoe Repair. He stitched my strap together in a matter of minutes and only charged me $5.00. He actually offered not to charge me because of the bum deal I’d gotten from the other place, but I insisted on paying him. His work was worth it.
Why did I settle for a $3.00 glue job when I could’ve had it properly repaired with a stitch for only $2.00 more? Instant gratification at its worst.
I have no problem passing a number of coffee places on my way to Starbucks—and now I’ll have no problem passing by the most “convenient” shoe repair place in Simpsonville to visit AAA just down the road a bit.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
When you’re reading, writing, exercising, driving — what do you prefer to have playing in the background?
My curiosity is piqued as I’m convinced what plays in the background can often influence what is being lived out in the foreground of our daily lives.
For me…
Reading/Studying: Silence (perhaps the sweetest sound of all?) allows me the privilege of absorbing each word, “chewing” it well, and inviting it to settle in my heart. Hearing extraneous words reminds me of a drippy faucet. It’s a nuisance and certainly a distraction.
Writing: My new best friend? Pandora. It was a free option on our new DVD and it’s a pure delight! I set up my own station to play all piano instrumental, with much of it being George Winston/Windham Hill. Instrumental music tugs at my heart and often takes my ideas a step deeper, all while refusing to compete for attention.
Exercising/Cleaning house: Ah, my two favorite activities in the world. (Thankfully, there’s no lightening in the area this morning) It has to be 70’s, hands down. Brian has said he’d like to hide a camera to see me in action. It’s not pretty—but I get the job done and burn a few boogie oogie oogie calories to boot!
Driving: Teaching from some of my favorite pastors via 106.9: Chip Ingram, James MacDonald, Greg Laurie, and Chuck Swindoll. It feels like one-on-one mini sessions. What a treat!
So what’s playing in your background? Is it spurring you on or shutting you down?
“…for in Him we live and move and exist…” Acts 17:28
-photo courtesy of Can Stock Photo
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
- Synergy takes place where true community exists. My “4 Corners for Christ” group has decided to publish a Christmas e-book this year. Please keep us in your prayers as we sense the Lord leading the way. We’re very excited…stay tuned!
- God uses frustration, delights, waning or increasing desires, and anything else He chooses to get us where He wants us to be.
- Weight Watchers isn’t so bad now that watermelon is in season (“0” points).
- Dark rooms with little sunlight look amazing painted in creamy yellow—to which my hall can now attest.
- Don’t tell the cashier at Trader Joe’s it’s your first visit unless you want a cow bell clanging in your ear and people turning their heads to gaze upon your startled face. 🙂
- Trader Joe’s organic strawberry jam is divine!
- Twilight Zone marathons never grow old.
- A person can never own too many notebooks (and all Target stores breathe a collective sigh of relief).
- Afternoon storms are a given in the South. sigh.
- Prayers are just a text away.
- It’s not enough to have a smoothie maker. One must wash it, fill it up, and flip the “on” switch to bring the desire to fruition.
- Patience is not only a virtue—it’s a must as a writer.
- Brian and Jim (Sarah’s dad) are in deep trouble. Tammy (Sarah’s mom) and I met for breakfast this morning at Cracker Barrel—and then proceeded to stroll through the baby clothes. The “oohs” and “aahs” suggested we’ll need our own “g-baby” budget soon.
Happy Birthday, United States of America!
-photo courtesy of Can Stock Photo
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Today my husband will be playing trumpet for the funeral of a young man in our church who was killed last week while para sailing in Florida during a family vacation.
Just two years ago, my husband played trumpet for his wedding.
As we stood in the visitation line last night, I couldn’t help but think this had to be the last place his sweet wife of two years ever expected to be this weekend.
Life is precious and oh so brief—regardless of the years God gives us—which begs the question: How are we using/investing/squandering away our 1440 minutes a day?
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17
Thank you for praying for the Sieradski family today.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
A reading gadget called Thumb Thing!
On a recent outing to one of my favorite bookstores in town, Mr. K’s, I came across this nifty invention. Choose a size, slip in your thumb, and you’re ready to go!
When you see simple creations like this, don’t you wonder like me “Why didn’t I think of this?”
I have a feeling I’ll get my money’s worth ($2.00) at the beach when the breezes begin blowing and the pages begin flipping at rapid speed.
Between this gadget for hardbacks and a Kindle for others, easy reading is all mine. As my “Four Corners” writing group often proclaims: Wheeeeeeeeee!!!
