by Cathy Baker | Faith |
New study begins in September! Before you start thinking this study is about how we appear to others or anything else pertaining to self, read what Publisher Weekly had to say about it:
A title like this leads a reader to think that this will be a book about body image. However, it’s more about understanding beauty and acceptance in the context of God’s unconditional love, a poignant message that many women will appreciate. “A good man can be wonderful,” writes Thomas, a motivational speaker and mother of four. “But he can never be ENOUGH, and he can never make you WHOLE. You and I were made for even more. We were made for God.” She builds a persuasive case for God as a pursuing lover who delights in each one of his daughters, even when they feel unlovable. She speaks honestly and with cutting humor about how Christian women appear to be all smiles, but “are dying on the inside.” She also does an especially fine job of drawing on the prodigal son parable from the New Testament to demonstrate that although women sometimes feel like the prodigal and sometimes like the unappreciated elder son, God is waiting to receive them with open arms.
I love the focus: Only God can make us whole. Men, friends, nor fancy houses can complete us—only Jesus!
Dates: Tuesdays, September 23 – October 28.
Time: 6:15-7:30 pm
Location: Becky’s home in Simpsonville. Address shared via email list.
If you live in the Greenville, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn SC area and would like to be added to our email list with all the information and updates concerning our community studies, please leave a comment, find me on Facebook or via Twitter @cathysbaker.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Welcome!
How was your weekend? Ours was eventful, in a good way. We had the opportunity to attend the wedding of Jim and Kayla Slice, two of the sweetest and godliest people we know.
When I attend weddings, my own marriage tends to come to mind—especially during the exchanging of vows. Am I unconditionally loving Brian for better or worse? Am I submitting to him in a way that pleases the Lord? Am I allowing Christ to mold me into the wife Brian needs (not the wife I think he needs)? Am I communicating the deep respect I have for him as his wife and best friend?
This year, Brian and I will celebrate 24 years of marriage. I don’t want to become complacent or take what we have for granted so although I see no weddings in my near future, I plan to continue asking the questions that matter.
Heavenly Father,
When others see how we treat one another,
how we interact with one another,
how we love one another,
do they see and hear You?
Father, will you steep Your Word deeply into our soul?
“Be completely humble and gentle; Be patient, bearing with one
another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit
through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3
Is there one particular word from the above scripture you feel
led to “sip” on, meditate on, throughout this week?
———————————–
I choose the word “every” this week — as in every effort. My lip will bleed from the biting, and misunderstandings are sure to crush at times, but I need to do what it takes to keep the unity of the spirit in all relationships, especially my marriage.
As we bring our time to a close, is there one tangible way to “pour”
out His truth in response to the word(s) chosen above?
Whether married,
divorced or single, the marriage ceremony is a sacred celebration and
perhaps, the perfect opportunity to reflect on what matters most.
Thanks for stopping by today at Sharing Life Together…One Sip At A Time. Would
you consider joining in the conversation by leaving your “word” in the comment box? Blessings!
He
does not delight in the strength of the horse; He does not take
pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those
who wait for His lovingkindness. – See more at:
http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Delight,-God-Expressing#sthash.MnlQbRF6.dpuf
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made
them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his
father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become
one flesh’ ? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has
joined together, let man not separate.” Matthew 19: 4-6
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
The Right to Write by Julia Cameron has been my constant companion over the past few months. It’s a perfect fit for my purse while waiting for friends or appointments. Practically every page is dog-eared, underlined, or asterisked. Several weeks ago, I shared this post on Morning Pages as a result.
Today, I’m sharing a tool called Evening Notes. After all, not every one is a morning person, right?
It goes something like this: Ten minutes before you fall asleep, jot down a few simple sentences about your day. Julia uses this as her example:
“Today was productive but uphill. I seemed to be fighting a depression but I took good actions anyhow. I’m really stewing over my friendship with Michael. I wonder what better can be done on the project at work…”
From these sentences, extract a single question to consider before falling asleep. Julia chose What can I do about the project at work?
Simply pose the question and don’t worry about the answer. Thanks to our brilliantly and divinely designed minds (thank You, God) many of our answers begin to emerge at some point.
I’ve experienced similar circumstances when doing something “mindless” like walking, taking a shower, or taking my dog out for a potty break. Ideas and answers to questions long forgotten find their way to the surface when least expected. No doubt, a different part of the brain is at work here and it’s awe-inspiring when it happens.
Julia Cameron encourages those who try this tool to be alert, to notice and tabulate small, positive changes or answers.
Practicing both Morning Pages and Evening Notes is optimal but on those mornings when even a third cup of liquid caffeine refuses to rally a creative bone, it’s nice to know we have an evening option.
How about you? Are you a morning person? Do you tend to write more in the mornings or evenings?
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands (Psalm 19:1).
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Welcome!
Can you believe we’re almost in August?
I heard my entire life, and perhaps you did too, that the older you get the quicker time seems to pass.
A recent run-in with one of Brian’s past co-workers who retired several years ago painted the picture of time in a whole new light for us. Brian commented that he still had fifteen years to go before retirement. Without hesitation, the man solemnly looked at Brian and said, “I’d rather be fifteen years younger and working.”
One, looking forward to not having to work 40+ hours a week, and the other, ready to trade that benefit in an instant to be Brian’s age again. It was obvious the retiree had given much thought to his declaration.
I don’t know about you, but too often I find myself waiting for that next benchmark in life to do, feel, or say something but none of us are promised that next reference point.
Today is the day to do, feel, and say.
Heavenly Father,
Your Word tells us to number our days,
for when we do, we grow in wisdom.
Thank You for those who unexpectedly cross our path,
reminding us to take hold of life where we are today—
to enjoy it, and to thank You for it.
Amen.
Father, will you steep Your Word deeply into our soul?
What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:14
Yet
you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a
vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. – See more
at:
http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Life,-Brevity-Of#sthash.0hz3HHro.dpuf
Is there one particular word from the above scripture you feel
led to “sip” on, meditate on, throughout this week?
———————————–
I choose the word appears. It reminds me that I’m simply a sojourner, a mere dot on the line of eternity. Life is like a blink of the eye regardless of the years lived.
Before
we bring our time to a close, you may want to consider one tangible way to “pour”
out His truth in response to the word(s) chosen above.
Thanks for stopping by today at Sharing Life Together…One Sip At A Time. Would
you consider joining in the conversation by leaving your “word” in the comment box? Blessings!
He
does not delight in the strength of the horse; He does not take
pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those
who wait for His lovingkindness. – See more at:
http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Delight,-God-Expressing#sthash.MnlQbRF6.dpuf
So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
(A special thanks to Lori Roeleveld for her help on today’s title. Visit her insightful blog @ Lori Roeleveld.)
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
I’ve become a bit jaded when it comes to buying devotion books. There, I said it.
I’m weary of girly-fluff and feel good remedies. Give me Truth and if you must add a human perspective, bring it fresh and creatively, like Jon Bloom’s Not By Sight…A Fresh Look At Old Stories Of Walking By Faith. Jon is co-founder and president of Desiring God, and apparently, a very gifted storyteller:
“These meditations are not your ordinary exposition. These are stories. Really good stories.” -John Piper
“Creatively and winsomely invites us into the realities of the Gospel accounts—to hear, feel, see, smell, and taste.” -Nancy Guthrie
“Vivid, nourishing sketches of Bible characters learning to live with their sometimes startling Lord.” -J.I. Packer
This book does not disappoint. Prepare to catch story-driven glimpses of what it means to walk by faith.
“When the storms of life hit, they almost always appear
stronger to us than God’s Word. It is crucial for us to remember that
our perceptions can be deceptive. When circumstances strike fear into
our hearts, the question we must ask ourselves is, where is your faith?”
(p. 25).
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Welcome, friend!
Please, pull up a chair and make yourself comfy while I pour us a cuppa tea.
So, how was your weekend?
I have to say, our Saturday was downright delightful. An entire day with two grands! We played in puddles, gobbled down princess-inspired Goldfish, and discovered new toys to enjoy. (We missed you Liv and Judah, our “soon” to be adopted grand.)
I looked forward to having grandchildren long before they arrived, but my appreciation for this role grew by depths after leading a writing workshop for a local group of mom’s who’ve lost children of any age. One mom eloquently summed up the experience by saying that when a person loses their parents, they lose a part of their past but when a child is lost, they lose a part of their future—including grandchildren. Talk about putting things into perspective.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the blessing of children and grandchildren.
Thank You for every child who skips across our path.
Our calling to be a godly influence is not limited to a particular role
but rather, it is boundless with opportunity to bring You glory.
Help us not to take this calling for granted.
Amen.
Father, will you steep Your Word deeply into our soul?
Only be careful,
and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your
eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live.
Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV
Is there one particular word from the above scripture you feel
led to “sip” on, meditate on, throughout this week?
———————————–
I choose the word “teach.” Teach by living out, speaking about, and praying, especially for our children, grandchildren, and all children under our influence. What a blessing!
Before
we bring our time to a close, you may want to consider one tangible way to “pour”
out His truth in response to the word(s) chosen above.
Thanks for stopping by today at Sharing Life Together…One Sip At A Time. Would
you consider joining in the conversation by leaving your “word” in the comment box? Blessings!
He
does not delight in the strength of the horse; He does not take
pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those
who wait for His lovingkindness. – See more at:
http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Delight,-God-Expressing#sthash.MnlQbRF6.dpuf
But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it
would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his
neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6
