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...
Christmas Every Day of the Year
Remember this post from Monday? Children were singing Jingle Bells and handing out little trinkets to all the residents. I didn't know a smile could stretch across a face with such grace as it did on Mrs. White that afternoon, but a sigh soon escaped her notice. When asked the reason for it, she shared how December is always a busy time at the nursing home with visiting church groups,...
Capturing Ordinary Moments
Yes, it's December. It's cold. It may even be snowy where you are (I'm envious!) but regardless of your location, it's the perfect time to bundle up, grab a basket, and head outdoors to search for things to create a holiday table centerpiece. Pine cones Evergreen branches Berries (if there aren't small children in the home) Sculptured bare branches Nuts Acorns Fruit As you walk,...
Hebrews 13:16 in Action
There are a multitude of ways for us to sacrificially give to others this season. A few ideas we may want to consider: Heifer International (Hunger and Poverty) Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child (it's not too late to build a box online) Samaritan's Purse Christmas catalog. We've used this resource for awhile now. It's a great way to get our children involved as some of the gifts are...
The Best Reason Yet to Send Christmas Cards!
One simple way to integrate intercessory prayer during the season is to pray for those who send us Christmas cards. I'd love to hear your ideas on specific ways we can pray for them. A few that come to mind: For their spiritual development—something none of us fully attain this side of heaven. If there's any concern about their relationship with Christ, this is the...
Simple Ways to Share Christ this Christmas
This past week, while finishing up some last minute shopping, I was struck by how relieved surprised pedestrians seemed when I came to a complete stop for them AND smiled in the process. Such a simple gesture. Why wouldn't I always do that? Sigh! The pedestrians expression immediately reminded of a post I did back in 2011, which goes right along with this series. Thank you for allowing...
When God Re-Gifts for His Glory
Her name was Mrs. Adele White. She'd been invited to her son's home for a visit in SC. Up until then, the only home she'd known was an Andy Griffith-like town in VA. He picked her up as promised, but instead of taking her to his home he dropped her off at the local nursing home and rarely returned. I forgot to mention. Mrs. White was blind. When we first met, she was still coming to...
A Season of Anticipation Begins
It's the first day of Advent—a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping. Lit candles, Bible verses and times of quiet reflection sets our focus on the meaning of Christ's birth. If you're not familiar with Advent, this is a great resource. In addition to Mark's devotionals, I purchased Ann Voskamp's new book The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas to accompany me...
Happy Thanks Giving!
I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3 On this day of Thanksgiving, know that I thank God for you, our friendship, and the time you spend with me here. Happy...
Cathy Baker
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