by Cathy Baker | Faith |
A package arrived on our doorstep Saturday morning. It was my favorite kind of package… plain, brown… and with the words “Live Plants” plastered all over the side! The problem is, when I placed the order for it last November, I had specified it to be shipped after April 15 (the supposed last frost date in our area). I also noticed that the package appeared to have been re-taped and it seemed a bit dry.
So, this morning I figured I had nothing to lose by taking a minute to call Jackson & Perkins, letting them know about the condition and to see if it was okay to plant the rose in our freezing temperatures. I spoke with a horticulturist on staff, Steve, who should win awards for customer service. He was extremely helpful by sharing what I needed to do with the rose until I could plant it later this week (when the evening temps climb a bit). As we were getting ready to hang up, he told me he thought I should get a brand-new rose and that I could keep the one that arrived on Saturday free of charge! Two roses for the price of one. Ah, the Lord is good.
Check it out. It’s an antique rose by the name of Zephirine Drouhin. I will be planting one on either side of the pergola that will one day sit in its reserved spot. Until then, the roses will get a jump start climbing to around 8′. They’re a beautiful shade of pink, very fragrant, and practically thornless. Three of my favorite features!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Since the first planting season at this “old” house, I’ve kept a gardening journal, which includes information on each plant, it’s origin, and where it was planted in the yard. The first year tallied well over 125 perennials and shrubs. The second year, 100, and this past year it was around 75. Obviously, I’ve lost my share, but it’s still hard to believe that number of plants exist in our yard.
I’ll never forget pulling up to look at this old house for the first time. Brian was checking out the house. I was checking out the yard, which was… well, downright depressing. It was rather small, and totally barren except for weeds, some unruly shrubbery and one rose bush (which died).
2009, however, will be much more about maintaining and much less about purchasing or building hard scapes, for a variety of reasons. But that’s a good thing. It’s necessary and it’s also rewarding. Don’t get me wrong, this novice gardener becomes weak in the knees when I spot old-fashioned roses or hydrangeas (okay, basically any plant), but this Spring/Summer will need to be more about mulching, weeding and finishing the projects we began last Fall.
Am I still daydreaming about the plans Brian drew up for us last summer? You bet! But when the gardening fever hits (and it will!), I’ll grab my hoe instead of my Visa.
But hey, a girl can reminisce, right?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Today was our second Sunday in the “40 Days of Love” church-wide series at FBC. It’s been a very practical and powerful study (the best kind!)
Last week’s lesson in our C4 class (all Sunday classes work in conjunction with Randy’s messages) focused on how love is a choice — and the importance of loving others, regardless of how we feel (1 John 4:7,8)
On Monday, I received an email from someone in the class that set me ablaze with thankfulness throughout the week. You see, this person has struggled for quite some time with another person in the church (and can I add, understandably so?) She has avoided this person at all costs. That was, until Sunday, immediately following our class. Who do you think God placed in her path on the way back to her car? Yep. You’re right! In obedience to what she had just learned in the Word, she chose to not only speak to this person, but to do so out of genuine love as his sister in Christ. Granted, the “liking” factor is still in the works, but she took a GIANT step forward in her faith and I could not be more proud of her. That is LOVE in action!
Now, speaking of action, I can’t close out tonight’s blog without mentioning three words I’ve been longing to hear for the past few months, which are… BOOGITY, BOOGITY, BOOGITY!!!! Yes, NASCAR is back in action and I couldn’t be more delighted. Today’s race was a let down as it was rained out with around 60 more laps to go — and the guy who won had led only ONE lap — but it was the most important one… the final one just prior to the rain delay. As I type these words, I can’t help but be reminded of the criminal on the cross with Jesus. It wasn’t until his final few breaths that he accepted Christ, but those were the most important breaths taken as they were heavy-laden with faith in Jesus. He entered Paradise on the “final lap” of life.
I close out tonight with a very thankful heart — thankful for the ability to see love in action (God glorified!) and thankful for the gift of time which has allowed me to “run the race” for almost twenty years.
Thank You Lord!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
1 new pound cake pan + 9 ingredients + 1 cohort in the kitchen =
One Amazing Poundcake!
Angie Prout and I had a blast today cooking my first pound cake in the new pan. She is an awesome cook so I knew my chances of success would greatly increase with her by my side.
After popping the cake in the oven (and licking the batter from the bowl), I was introduced to the Prout’s new Wii game. Words cannot express just how grateful I was that no one was there to watch us Hula Hoop. We were getting ready to bowl when the timer went off. With Angie’s convection stove it took no time at all!
Check it out:
We used Janet Langley’s Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake recipe. The cake is yummy, but the glaze is especially sweet. Our family likes lemon, but in the future, when I begin making them on a regular basis, I’ll stick with a basic buttermilk pound cake just to be safe.
Needless to say, our cooking collaboration was a success — and a whole lot of fun!
Thanks Angie!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
One of the things Brian and I look forward to the most on New Year’s Eve/Day is the Twilight Zone marathon. Rod Serling was the man!
Any TZ fan has their favorites. These are my top 5
(it wasn’t easy)… and the take-away:
Nothing in the DarkRobert Redford stars – need I say more?
(Brian always teases me by saying that if that is what death looks like, I’m probably ready.)
Book lovers should always keep an extra pair of glasses on hand… and a bank vault.
We feel your pain, Mr. Henry Bemis!
If you’re a Twilight Zone fan, I’d love to know your favorite(s)! Here’s
a list of episodes to help.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
This is the word I would use to describe my upcoming week. Here’s why:
Next Sunday, I’ll be teaching my first lesson at First Baptist Simpsonville. I’m very excited and humbled by Sherri’s invitation. Obviously, pulling the details of the lesson together this week will require much preparation.
On Wednesday night, I plan to prepare the room. Thankfully, it only has one window to darken. I remember the Temple Baptist days with 8 windows. Not a lot of fun, but it certainly adds to the ambiance for a “candlelit Christmas celebration”. I’m planning to set up the tables, add the tablecloths, candles, greenery and small dishes of myrrh and frankincense.
Time spent preparing the lesson itself is always a wise investment — especially if you have as much to learn about the Word as I do. I want to handle it accurately and for me that requires quite a bit of “set-aside” time.
Time spent preparing the room is “icing on the cake”, in my opinion. It’s not necessary, but I do believe it is a tool that can be used to awaken our God-given senses, such as:
- sight – lit candles in a darkened room
- smell – the aroma of frankincense and myrrh
- touch – hand-held candles/frankincense and myrrh
- sound – music playing quietly in the background
God gave us our senses to enjoy. I can’t imagine a better time or place to use them!
The most important (and dare I say the most difficult?) preparation must first take place in my own heart. If I’m not careful, I can easily become entangled in the joy of preparing a lesson and neglect the preparation of my own heart and mind. James talks of how the prayers of the righteous (not perfect – but right with God) are powerful and effective. I believe this truth translates to our service as well. I’m fooling myself if I think unconfessed sin, bitterness, unforgiveness, etc., doesn’t hinder God’s effectiveness through me — so self-preparation is a must.
Maybe it comes as no surprise that one of my favorite Christmas songs also includes the word “prepare”.
Prepare A Place
Prepare a place, while you’re waiting.
Prepare a place for the coming One.
Prepare a place and be patient.
While you wait for the coming One.
Chorus:
Wait for the coming One!
While you wait for the coming One!
Prepare your heart, while you’re waiting.
Prepare your heart for the coming One.
Set time aside and be quiet.
While you wait for the coming One.
– written by Michael W. Smith and Christine Dente, “Gloria”
