by Cathy Baker | Faith |
It seems only appropriate to close out this week in the same I way I closed out each day at Blue Ridge.
After a full day of walking, meeting, learning, sipping, praising, and talking, I’d come back to my quiet room, prepare for bed, turn off the lights, sit on my bed, put in my earbuds and sing along with my favorite David Crowder’s song, “Only You”:
Take my heart, I Lay it down
At the feet
of you whose crowned
Take my life, I’m letting go
I lift it up to You who’s throned
And I will worship
You, Lord,
Only You, Lord
And I will bow down before You
Only You Lord
Take my fret, take my fear
All I have, I’m leaving here
Be all my hopes, be all my dreams
Be all my delights, be my everything
And It’s just you and me here now
Only you and me here now
You should see the view
When it’s only You
As I sang this song to the Author of all my hopes and dreams each night, my soul rejoiced in knowing that mine and His were one in the same.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
We all had our goals last week…
and this was one of mine!
After a delectable breakfast, Latan and I would inevitably find our way to the on-site Cloud Cafe for some hot java — and being the goal oriented person that I am, I did the honorable thing each day by making my way back to the cafe for another card punch — and, um… a Java Chip Frappe Freeze, whipped up by my favorite BRMCWC barista, Ms. Barbara.
As you can see, my goal was met by departure time on Friday.
I love it when a plan comes together. 🙂
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Vonda & Edie
In Sunday’s post, several highlights were shared from last week’s conference. Today is all about our fearless leaders:
- During Vonda’s key note speech last week, she shared the number of rejections she’d received before being published (60+). She could’ve given up at least 60 times — but she didn’t. Vonda continued pursuing her God-given calling, and as a result of her persistence, many others were motivated to do the same and were sitting in the audience that night. Many conferees shared how Vonda and Edie have made (and continue to make) an impact on their lives.
Barnabas Edie reminds me of a generous man found in the book of Acts. His name stands for “son of encouragement” (or in this case, “daughter of encouragement”). As busy as she is — and that’s putting it mildly — she always finds time to help and encourage other writers, especially newbies. This year, she was asked to help co-lead BRMCWC and she did an amazing job! I was proud to know her… but especially proud to call her my friend.
- Lori, the truly fearless leader of our online group, “The Light Brigade”, has the heart of a shepherdess. She not only created this group, but she also leads it with strength and transparency, laced with much grace. We are not only better writers as a result of her leadership — we are better Christ followers.
- And last, but certainly not least, I can’t close this post without mentioning Beth. She has been my greatest cheerleader (after Brian, of course!) and has helped me to keep the big picture in mind while having the time of my life. She is also responsible for introducing me to two women last week (Dee Dee and Latan) that are sure to be lifetime friends. This adventure wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without you, my friend.
Writers are often told to “show not tell” — and that’s exactly how these ladies live and lead. They live out what they believe to the best of their ability and as a result, many lives like mine have been changed forever.
Thank you, ladies.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Dr. and Mrs. Donn Taylor
I’d met Dee Dee only minutes prior to her asking how she could pray for me during the week of our conference. (I knew we’d be friends for life at that moment.) My response? Confirmation.
Although my writer’s group had graciously affirmed my writing efforts, the Lord knew I was seeking His affirmation above all in hopes of redeeming His time and energy in the best possible way.
An hour prior to my critique session with Dr. Donn Taylor, I spoke to a friend who’d just finished meeting with him. The feedback she’d received left her feeling a bit flustered and disappointed. So I did what any positive thinker would do and made the hike (and I do mean hike!) back to my room for tissues in preparation for my appointment with him.
Thankfully, there was but one moment my tissues were necessary during my time with Dr. Taylor, and that was the moment the Lord confirmed my calling to write. The win on awards night was an unexpected — but an oh-so-delightful cherry on top!
My heavenly Father not only affirmed this daughter’s desire to write — He also did it in a way she would never forget.
Are you asking God to confirm something in your life today? If so, I encourage you to stay open to His ways and to His timing — neither will come a moment too soon… or too late.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
I will be found by you,” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 29:13
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
While gathering hydrangeas this morning, I was reminded of a few similarities between this beautiful bunch of flowers and the friendships cultivated at Blue Ridge last week.
- Some flowers take root quickly while others require more time. I had the joy of experiencing both while at Blue Ridge. Newly forged friendships with Dee Dee and Latan were effortless. Meeting my online writer’s group in person was much like a family reunion and existing friendships with Beth, Ellen, Celeste, etc., plunged deeper and grew stronger as a result of our time together. Still others, whom I met while waiting for an appointment or around the dinner table, may require more time. God creates them all.
- Flowers don’t actually bloom where they’re planted (as the saying goes) — they bloom if they’re planted properly. Don’t believe me? Try planting a day lily in a heavily shady spot and you’ll find a wimpy plant with few blooms or vivid color. Last week, I was able to see our two fearless leaders, Vonda and Edie, in their element — blooming in the sunny spots where God has placed them — and their group is forever grateful.
- Without fertilization, flowers may survive but they’ll rarely thrive. Enter our Upstate Fellowship of Christian Writers group and the amazing online group, The Light Brigade, led by Lori Roeleveld. Words of affirmation, nurturing hugs, and fervent prayers describe this group of people who have enriched my life beyond measure.
At the banquet last Thursday night, hundreds clapped after my name was read for the award, but none as loudly or more sincerely as those sitting around our table that evening. They were my greatest cheerleaders and I was theirs.
Each flower
immersed in its own unique aroma of Christ
can saturate an entire field
when mingled among one another.
Ellen, Latan, and Celeste
I look forward to reading Dee Dee’s books to my grandchildren.
She is one amazing woman.
Lori and Julie — Light Brigade!
A night to remember…
