by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
As shared in last Thursday’s post, it’s often those quiet, subtle whispers from God that leave the deepest imprint on our lives, as well as others.
Recently, I walked into our local tea bar and ordered an Earl Grey. The young barista was confused.
“You don’t want your normal Mocha with whip?” she asked. I quickly told her that my fickle gallbladder had ushered in a new way of eating AND drinking.
As I made my way to the table with my cuppa tea, a woman who’d been waiting for her tea while I ordered, walked by. We exchanged pleasant goodbyes as she walked out the door.
I saw her get in the car, start it up and sit there for a second. The next time I looked up she was walking back through the door towards me.
“I was sitting in my car getting ready to leave but the Lord told me to come back in and pray for you. Do you mind if I pray?” she asked as she bent low, near my ear.
I don’t remember the last time that happened to me but let me testify now — it was a moment I won’t soon forget. I thanked her, and I thanked God. Her, for the obedience required in doing what God called her to do in that moment, not knowing how I would react. And I thanked God because only He knew how much I needed prayer as I quietly sipped my tea.
A quiet whisper. The woman heard it and obeyed. And because of her whisper of prayer, I was blessed. And because I was blessed, I desire to be more aware of those same whispers from God so I can bless others in the same way.
How about you? Have you had someone pray an impromptu prayer for you or someone you love? Is there some way I can pray for you today?
And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 1 Kings 19:12
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
Four Friday’s into the month of February and I’m still LOVING tiny houses.
At first glance, I’m a bit underwhelmed by today’s selection.
I
don’t know if it’s the weathered look or the slightly cluttered feel of
the setting, but the only thing here that visually appeals to me is the
fact that it’s a tiny house on a wooded lot.
|
| Pic 2 |
Then, the door opens
to this {2nd pic.} A light, airy space never suspected from the
outside looking in. White boards, shiny floors, and my oh my, the
books.
|
| Pic 3 |
As you move through the room, one can’t help but notice the turn-table and leaning vinyl {3rd pic.} Sold!
And finally, {4th pic} the warm woody feel of the attic lends itself to the perfect music room (or reading nook?)
Would you have ever guessed this bright clean space was hiding behind the weathered exterior? Me either.
All
too often, houses aren’t the only things I judge at first glance. I’ve
driven past restaurants because of their appearance, determined a person
can’t sing in a TV contest because they don’t “look like the type that
could sing.” Whaaat?
What’s worse, I’m sometimes quick to judge
people based on their outward appearance, a particular facial gesture,
or the way they ride my bumper.
So with this final shout out to Tiny Houses I’m reminded that many of us can relate with the first impressions and how they can lead us astray.
What do you think? What most surprised you about behind the doors of this particular tiny home?
As we wrap up our February series on all things LOVE, I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to spend time with me here @ Fragrant Ink. I especially appreciate all the participation. What a blessing!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
One of my favorite accounts in the Bible is found in 1 Kings 19.
A discouraged Elijah flees to the wilderness despite the fact God had just used him to silence the lies of Baal in a magnificent display of Yahweh’s power. One would think after such a victory he’d be dancing like David before the LORD but instead he flees under threat to the wilderness, overcome by discouragement.
Along the way, God cares for him in seemingly small ways but through each one, especially the last one, he restores Elijah in a beautiful way.
Let’s see.
- He prayed for God to kill him but he was one of the few men who never actually died.
- God provided for His physical needs, and then his emotional ones.
- God provided a broom tree for Elijah to rest under.
- God allowed Elijah to fully voice his frustrations.
- Then, God graciously reveals Himself to Elijah. As he stood at the cleft of a cliff, He sent wind, an earthquake and fire, but it was in a still small voice (a gentle whisper, if you will) that Elijah sensed God’s presence and was awe-struck.
Initially, the theme for March’s series was going to be wind. After all, it goes hand-in-hand with the month. But then, 1 Kings 19:1-21 reminded me how often it’s the scent of subtle, quiet “whispers” that take place in our lives that produce our most powerful moments in life.
So, I hope you’ll make plans to join me on this journey. I plan to post twice a week, beginning Monday, March 2, for this series and would love for you to share your own “whispers” along the way. And did I mention a very sweet giveaway at the end of the month? Oh yes.
And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 1 Kings 19:12 ESV
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
“Tell her the child is with Me and that she will see him again one day.” -Steve
When I heard Steve’s words spoken to me thirty years ago, I knew of Christ, but I didn’t know Him personally as my Lord and Savior. (An eternal difference!)
I wasn’t overly surprised by his assurance that I would one day see the miscarried child because, after all, I was a “good person.” Of course I’d be in heaven! My concern was for the baby.
And then I came to know—really know—Jesus Christ in a tiny duplex on the outskirts of Spartanburg. Now, as I reflect back on Steve’s words spoken to me that day in the hospital, I stand in awe of God’s sovereignty, mercy, and grace.
God knew I would be with him in heaven one day…
but on that day in the hospital,
I was far, far away from him.
I realize the above post will be more fully understood after you’ve read my entire story but for today, I simply praise God for His sovereignty — for knowing all things from beginning to end. And that love is, and always has been, His motivation.
“Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.”
Psalm 115:3
Care to join in the praise? How have you seen the sovereignty of God in your life?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
I LOVE anything with the hint of pencil shavings except, of course, jelly beans. (Yes, this exists.)
The office supply section at Target has a gravitational force that sucks in nerdy lovers of all things paper with little resistance. And when that paper item just happens to be paired with anything tea related? Bye bye necessities!
Today, I’d like to share last week’s Target find with you. Literally. But first, the specifics. I love the size. It fits in a pocket or purse. The kraft paper is the perfect backdrop for the steaming cups of tea. Pages are lined and ready for pen in hand!
Here’s the fun part:
If you (or your wife) would like the opportunity to receive this find (along with a cup of tea!) in your mailbox this week, simply leave a comment letting me know how you might use it — journaling, jotting down noticed quirks for your next novel, poetic ideas, grocery list, etc.
I’d love to share this with you! Enjoy!
“If you wish to forget anything on the spot, make a note that this thing is to be remembered.”
Edgar Allen Poe
