by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
I LOVE giveaways!
Last week, I shared in this post how God’s redeeming power took a seemingly hopeless situation and brought forth a story thirty years later that I pray will inspire others.
Today, you have an opportunity to win a copy of this story, included in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s most recent release, Hope and Miracles.
To enter your name in the giveaway simply leave a comment! I’ll draw a name via random.org on Friday, 2/20, and post it on Facebook as well as this blog.
Congrats to Bruce Brady, the January winner of Lori Roeleveld’s Running From a Crazy Man, and Other Adventures Traveling with Jesus.
I can’t think of a better way to kick off a new week than sharing a little something special with you.
Don’t forget to leave a comment to enter your name in the giveaway!
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
whom he has redeemed from trouble…
Psalm 107:2
by Cathy Baker | Tiny House |
On this second Friday of Tiny House LOVE (and the day before Valentine’s Day!) let’s focus on the things we love about tiny houses. Those who live in them could surely bring the specifics to light but as an outsider gazing in through the minuscule windows, these things immediately come to mind when I consider what I love about tiny houses.
Seven Things I Love About Tiny Houses
- They look like an adult clubhouse minus the “No Girls Allowed” sign dangling from the door.
- Tiny houses challenge creatives to be even more so in the aspects of design.
- If built on a trailer, they can go on vacation with you.
- If built on a foundation, they’ll be waiting for you when you return.
- Nothing says cozy like a tiny house.
- One could live debt-free or close to it in a tiny house.
- We can live close to those we love. Nothing says “doing life with someone” like a tiny house!
I would share some of the drawbacks but hey, this is the season o’ love so I’m putting on my rosy glasses and choosing to see only the good because let’s face it, there’s a lot of it.
Although I doubt I’ll ever live in a tiny house (where would my books and Brian’s instruments go?) I could definitely see it as a weekend destination.
I wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day, my friend, as you remember that you have One, above all others, who defends you, never leaves you, saves you, takes great delight in you, and rejoices over you with singing. Rejoice! For no one can compare.
“The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
I LOVE Pandora.
Yes, this is an instance where the word “love” is used a bit frivolously but we don’t have a month o’ likeness, so here goes.
Do you listen to music while writing, doing crafts, reading, etc?
There are moments I crave silence but when I hibernate upstairs in my writing nook you can be sure Pandora is playing on my laptop.
My go-to writing music is George Winston’s channel. It’s purely instrumental—perfect for writing. The last thing I need is lyrics competing for my attention.
Get Into The (Writing) Groove: The Absolute Best Pandora Stations for Writers by Script Chix offers some great options for those in search of a channel.
Pandora is free, but with that comes occasional ad disruptions. You have the option to pay double digits and hear music ad-free, but I have no problem hitting the mute button. I’d rather save my few extra bucks for coffee.
So, I’m curious. Do you listen to music while writing or performing other tasks? If so, what’s your favorite station?
“Music takes us out of the actual and whispers to us dim secrets that
startle our wonder as to who we are, and for what, whence, and whereto.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
Ah, the fragrance of God’s redemptive power. Breathe in deeply for its potent scent is costly and its deliverance, swift. It redeems souls, gives trials eternal purpose, and hope in what seems to be a hopeless situation. I should know.
Almost thirty years ago, a miscarriage left me with a multitude of questions and seemingly nowhere to turn for the answers. But God came to my rescue in a way I never expected, as told in my story that’s included in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s newest release, “Hope and Miracles.”
When the painful story
unfolded all those years ago I had no way of knowing it would one
day be shared with thousands of readers.
Only God could take such dark days and bring them to light many years later. I pray my story, “A Green and White Dixie Cup,” will encourage and inspire those with a similar loss. To God be the glory!
How has God redeemed one of your darkest moments?
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
Flowers will be delivered, chocolates devoured, and dinners dimly lit by candlelight will be enjoyed.
Others will enter empty, hushed homes Saturday night. And it’s here where my heart stirs and longs to reach outward.
Oh yes, His presence is there with them, but we are His hands and feet.
In years past, I’ve made cards to send to those without a Valentine but this year I purchased a pack of 8 at Target. Because I sign them from Jesus, our true Valentine, it’s important to find appropriate text inside printed cards. For instance, the pack I picked up this year says: Today is all about matters of the heart…and you totally matter to mine. Happy Valentines Day.
My cards will go to singles, two widows, an elderly woman, and a lonely warrior. I don’t share these specifics for an “attagirl!” I simply want to focus our attention on ways we can put the gospel on display this Valentine’s Day, especially to those who may need it the most this time of year.
So, does anyone come to mind? Act on it and see what God can do.
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:19
To enter your name in the giveaway simply leave a comment! I’ll draw a name via random.org on Friday, 2/20, and post it on Facebook as well as this blog. 
Congrats to Bruce Brady, the January winner of Lori Roeleveld’s Running From a Crazy Man, and Other Adventures Traveling with Jesus. 
