Love… One Sip At A Time // A Valentine Tea Party
I started hosting tea parties in an older home propped as pretty as you please on the corner of a quiet street. A family of four in a two-bedroom, one-bath home made for a tight fit, and tea parties felt downright snug, but no one would change a thing. Some teas were scripture-based, and others celebrated holidays, but every time, the room filled with the scent of scones, floral tea, and...
I’m Heading to the Hills!
Remember this post? My favorite word in the title is "almost." This weekend, I, along with hundreds more, will be heading to the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. Some of the things I'm most looking forward to? Seeing friends and making new ones. Catching a glimpse of Becky Gansky's sweet smile. I don't know her well but when she enters a room, you immediately sense the...
When Grace is Discovered Beneath the Debris
by Cathy Baker The trunk of the Chaste tree hugged our white picket fence but its branches shot out in all directions, covering everything in its path. While preparing to sell the house last September, Brian cut the tree to ground level so the yard would appear neater for prospective buyers. This weekend, while taking a tour of the yard, I spotted a pink patch of clematis sittin' pretty...
Aunt Rose’s Nut Bars – A Family Tradition
by Cathy Baker My Aunt Rose's Nut Bars were an essential part of family beach trip. Bites of chewy browned sugar left a perfect powdered lining around the lips, my version of sunscreen at the ripe age of 10. Aunt Rose's sister, my grandmother, aka Ma-Ma, also served these yummy bars at some of her Garden Club parties. I wish I could share a square with you now but since I can't, I...
5 Ways to Pray As You Pass By
Our "Secret Place" We were in our newly created Secret Place, a cave-like bubble surrounded by ancient shrubbery and dense muscadine bushes. It’s one of Piper’s favorite outdoor hangouts because it’s quiet and no one can see us. While dusting our dirt floor, the firetrucks pulled out of their station and turned their sirens on full blast. Wide-eyed Piper asked, “Did you hear that?” I shared...
Forgiveness with a Hint of Violet
by Cathy Baker Be careful what you proclaim. Within a brief time period last year, I distinctly remember hearing myself repeat the same eight words at least three times: "I'm not easily offended. I'm thick-skinned." I couldn't help but wonder if my repeated proclamation might come back to taunt me. For several years, I served on a programming team for a past church where...
A Treasure Tea Celebration
by Cathy Baker "Friendship is born at that moment when one man says to another: 'What! You too? I thought that no one but myself. . .'" -C.S. Lewis, The Four Love Today's celebration is the "Sharing Your Treasure" Tea.I hosted this tea for my life group ladies. It’s been several years now, but the memories from our time together still linger. “Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind....
3 Ways to Move From Complimenting to Offering Soul-Stirring Encouragement
Some people are dangerously near compromising their faith. A word of encouragement from you may put them back on track. - Chuck Swindoll Chuck's words strike a chord because I've experienced that kind of encouragement firsthand, and perhaps you have too. Biblical encouragement - the kind that stirs the soul - isn't fluff that soothes momentarily. Biblical encouragement is grounded in...
5 Ways to Infuse Poetry Into Your Life
by Cathy Baker April is National Poetry Month so let's celebrate! 5 Ways to Infuse Poetry Into Our Daily Lives Put a poem in a letter: "It's always a treat to get a letter, but finding a poem in the envelope makes the experience extra special." Celebrate Poem in Your Pocket Day: "The idea is simple: select a poem you love, carry it with you, then share it with co-workers,...
Cathy Baker
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