by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Reading. A true summer delight! In celebration of Read-A-Book Day, here are five of my recent, and not so recent, faves:
1. The Book. No other book was breathed into existence by a living and active God. Here are 23 creative reading plans.
2. Ordering Your Private World, Gordon MacDonald. Many books are written about organizing our time and schedules but this book focuses on maintaining spiritual order within. It’s a classic that’s sat on my shelves for years. I’m reading it now for the fourth time. (I’m a slow learner.)
3. Carolina Reckoning, a NEW release by my friend and gifted author, Lisa Carter. I plan to pick up a copy at her book signing on Saturday, October 19, from 10-12 noon at LifeWay Christian Supply on Haywood Road, Greenville SC. If you live in upstate SC, please plan to stop by!
4. For my poet friends…Poemcrazy, by Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge. It’s filled with ideas, techniques, and inspiration.
5. The Creative Call, by Janice Elsheimer. I know, I know. I’ve mentioned this book more than once in the past, but it’s THAT good. It can be read/studied as a bible study — something I’m praying about leading in 2014.
Now it’s your turn. What book will you read in celebration of Read-A-Book Day?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Last week’s family beach trip created many “favorite” moments and life-long memories. Piper’s first swim with grammy and pappa, late night set-back card games, boisterous boardgames, a-mazing seafood and seeing this sweet face first thing in the morning.
My favorite time with God occurred one early morning when I ventured out alone to the shore, plunked down into my low-to-the-ground beach chair, and soaked in the sights and sounds of my surroundings.
Jeremiah 31:35 ESV took center stage as I fixed my sight on the ocean, trying to drink in its vastness, while praying for friends and family facing sea-sized trials, “what-ifs?” and heartache. May they know—and rest in—the knowledge that the same God who fashioned the waves to roar is the very same One moving on behalf of His children.
Thus says the Lord, who gives the sun for light
by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night,
who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord of hosts is his name. Jeremiah 31:35 ESV
Psalm 139: 17,18 sifted through my spirit as I scooped up a handful of sand, full of wonder and gratitude to the One who chose gritty grains to describe how often He thinks of us. How are we to wrap our minds around such love and attention?
How
precious concerning me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of
them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.” Psalm 139: 17,18
As our time drew to a close, I clicked my iPod to Satisfied, a song my son co-wrote and sang on his first CD, Dialogue. With hands raised to the heavens and salty tears flowing, I couldn’t help but sing my favorite lyrics: “Lord, take my heart, my wants, and my desires. Lord, take all of me. Jesus alone satisfies.” It’s a moment I wanted to freeze in time.
When scripture and sand meet, blessings flow but thankfully sand isn’t a requirement to experience God in the daily doings of life.
What have you seen just today that reveals God’s power, love, or grace?
Praise. I can’t imagine a better way to begin the week.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
As we prepare to enter the final month of summer, here are five ways we can squeeze the last drop of summer from our calendars:
1. Eat summer foods. Fresh tomatoes, watermelon, and other fruits and veges will soon be gone. Enjoy them now and freeze some for the winter too.
2. Enjoy the lazy days of summer. Grab your favorite book and head for your favorite place of relaxation—or invite friends over for glass of lemonade on the front porch and make the most of your time together with humidity as your back-drop. (Can you tell I’m not much of a summer person? 🙂
3. Pour your favorite summer beverage like this one from Better Homes and Gardens. Sip slowly…for a new season is just around the corner.
4. Take a hike. It’s still officially summer but here in the south a light breeze begins to tease us, making us yearn for cooler days and kaleidoscopic leaves. It’s the perfect chance for a hike, a game of Frisbee golf, or a nice stroll through town.
5. Find the closest swimming hole and dive in! Many pools close in our area on Labor Day but lakes, mountain rivers (for wading), and other places invite you to one last swim for the season.
Now, for those of you who know me, you’re well aware that I won’t be doing some of the things I shared above but I love it for those who savor this season (like my hubby.) My favorite season is fall, so be prepared!
What’s your favorite season? Do you have another “fun in the sun” idea we could add to the above list?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Egrets
Egrets as inevitable
As turtles and rare
As turquoise snakes
Sang along currents
Of solitude
Sand solicitously
Entreating attentive
Reflection
Sinking through shadows
Penetrating waters
Pale as March
Like lead they fell
Splitting water
Like pine logs
’til motionless the water
Deep and sharp
Straight to the heart
Arising again death
Gripped spun up
Like a cockcrow
Breaking night.
– Karen Lucci, Beach Dogs, A Collection
– photo courtesy of www.lazyrivercruises.com
