by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
Welcome to the January series All Things New!
Each Tuesday and Thursday, you’ll find a pithy post highlighting something new.
After all, January is the quintessential month for fresh starts and new beginnings. A turn of the calendar, freshly fallen snow, new habits stomping out old ones.
Because I’m a creature of habit (how about you?) I often find myself eating at the same restaurants, pouring the same creamer, driving the same routes, and following the same routines—but I’m ready to shake things up a bit. How about you?
Let’s face it. Trying new things is always more fun when others join in so I hope you’ll make plans to come along on this January journey with me.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old is gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
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| Image Credit: Blogworld |
by Cathy Baker
Happy New Year’s Eve!
To close out 2014 in the blogosphere, I decided to share ten things I’ve learned this year. Hopefully, I learned more than ten (ha!) but it was first come, first serve in the memory bank so here goes (in no particular order):
1. I have two new favorite authors!
Actually, it’s because of Emily P. Freeman that this post exists at all. The idea originated on her site, Chatting at the Sky. Emily’s book, A Million Little Ways, remains at the top of my all time fave books.
Another favorite author is Lori Roeleveld. Her recent release, Running From a Crazy Man (and other adventures with Jesus), forwarded by Jerry B. Jenkins, is a must read for those who are serious about putting the gospel on display. (It’s 1.99 on Kindle right now!)
2. Every choice I make either moves me closer to my goals or draws me
further away from them.
When I consider my self-talk at the brink of an unwise choice it often goes like this: What difference will one frappe make in the big scheme of things? Truth is, that one frappe does make a difference. Every single time I say “no” to an unhealthy choice I’m actually saying “yes” to my goal of becoming healthier.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
{ Day 24 – Christmas Eve }
If your schedule allows, attend a Christmas Eve service in your area. Hearing God’s Word, singing hymns/carols, lighting candles, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other Christ pursuers sets the tone for all Christmas should be: Worship, family, love, and community.
Merry Christmas, friends! May you sense God’s mighty presence among you and your family as you celebrate Jesus—no longer the Babe, but King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords. Revelation 19:16
**If you live here in Simpsonville SC, our church (Summit Upstate) will be hosting our Christmas Eve service in downtown Simpsonville at the Clock Tower beginning at 5:30 p.m. I’d love for you to join us!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
{ Day 23 }
Set aside time to write down 5 reasons why you love and worship Jesus. Here’s the challenge! Resist including those things which He has done for you and focus on celebrating what you simply love about Him.
Wrap it, seal it with a prayer of gratefulness, and put it beneath the tree.
On Christmas morn, read your list aloud, even if Jesus is the only One who hears it. After Christmas, tuck it in with your ornaments so that you’ll be reminded to do it again next year.
What’s one reason you know will be on your list?
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…Ephesians 2:8
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
{ Day 22 }
Christmas is almost here!
As you turn on your lights today, remember that Jesus is the Light of the World. He pierced your darkness, and mine.
Consider whispering “thank You” to Jesus every time your room or tree is lit today. It’s a small yet powerful way to remember the Reason for this season as we prepare for the final days leading into Christmas.
What is one way Jesus has lit up your life?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
{ Day 19 }
Ever considered giving a heifer, a flock of ducks or honeybees for a gift? I’d not either until I received a catalog from Heifer International.
These gifts hold a greater purpose as well as a speedy option for any last minute gift ideas.
There’s something for every budget and burden (food, women, schooling, etc.) Many can’t give an entire pig ($120.00) but most can spare $10.00 to give a share of it. You can also make your donations in honor or memory of someone.
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| Heifer International |
Heifer International is one of the most unique and important catalogs you’ll ever have the privilege to peruse.
Have you ever participated in Heifer International or a similar “outside the box” kind of ministry? I’d love to hear about it!
…the righteous gives and does not hold back. Proverbs 21:26
