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...

You’re Invited: An Easter Tea Celebration
by Cathy Baker With Easter just around the corner, I thought this might be the perfect week to share some ideas for an Easter Tea Celebration! Although we have the privilege of celebrating our NEW life in Christ every day, I can't imagine a better season to slow down, savor the depth of its meaning, and rejoice with others over a cup of tea. It wasn't until recently that I realized Christ...
When Love is Nailed to A Wall
by Cathy Baker Growing up, one of my favorite things to do at MaMa's (my dad's mother) house was to sneak into her walk-in pantry, reach up as far as my tippy toes would take me and snatch a cherry lollipop from the Lollipops For Good Little Boys and Girls box nailed on the wall. Lime pops were always tossed back, of course. MaMa, to hear my dad and uncles tell it, was a strict disciplinarian...
5 Friday Favorite Links You Don’t Want to Miss!
by Cathy Baker 5 Reasons Why You Should Start Writing Morning Pages - Right Now! by Nicky Hajal "For years I’ve wanted to write daily but been unable to. The proof is 5 or 6 journals filled with just a single entry. Then, I came across Morning pages in The Artists’ Way, by Julia Cameron. The idea is to wake up and immediately write three pages about anything, simply transcribing...
When Encouragement Travels in a Tea Cup
by Cathy Baker Tea and encouragement. I prayed God would weave them together for a greater purpose. I'd hosted tea parties in my home but sensed God shaping my desire into something even more personal. One day, while browsing an antique shop in Myrtle Beach, SC, I spotted the answer to my prayer sitting on a shelf, painted in delicate blue/yellow stripes and shaped like a petite one-cup...
In Search of the Perfect Prayer Bush
by Cathy Baker Do you sometimes go to a particular spot to pray? I have a friend, Dee Dee, who lives in the NC hills. Actually, a hollow. When introducing me to her several years ago, Beth used the words prayer warrior. Now I know why. Many a day, Dee Dee has headed outdoors to her prayer bush on my behalf or that of my family. At times she places a ribbon on the bush as a reminder of a...
When Heaven’s Portals Peek Open
by Cathy Baker I wonder if she peeks over my shoulder on days like this. Days when I comb my granddaughter's hair like she once combed mine. Soft and slow, watching each strand snap back into place. Days when my granddaughter takes off running for the daffodil patch in hopes of finding one to pluck from its hiding spot. Days when I sit with my baby grandson on one knee and a "big girl"...
Psalm 125:2 Tea Gathering Ideas
by Cathy Baker As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. Psalm 125:2 Welcome to the makings of a Psalm 125:2 Tea Gathering! The purpose of this particular gathering is to surround a person with love, encouragement, and prayer. The honoree may be currently going through a difficult time or will soon be facing one. Consider ahead of...
When a One-Liner Becomes a Game Changer
by Cathy Baker I love one-liners, especially when they're girded with truth. As our community Bible study group closes out the Gideon study I'm reminded of the testimonies we've received. Spiritual eyes opened, forgiveness forged, and callings confirmed. May the fragrance of Christ continue to invade our lives and captivate those around us. 15 one-liners from our study: Today's...