by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
The
trunk of the Chaste tree hugged our white picket fence but its branches
shot out in all directions, covering everything in its path. While
preparing to sell the house last September, Brian cut the tree to ground
level so the yard would appear neater for prospective buyers.
This
weekend, while taking a tour of the yard, I spotted a pink patch of
clematis sittin’ pretty as you please alongside the same picket fence. I
planted them years ago but forgot about them. I’d never seen a bloom,
thanks to the gnarly branches of the tree. However, once the debris was
cleared, I could finally see the beauty that awaited. The timing of this
discovery was no “coincidence.”
You
see, since childhood, the relationship with my mom has often been
covered in debris, scattered from a decision made long ago that neither
of us initiated. Its roots spread into deep, dark, hidden places
resulting in hurt, bitterness, and simple misunderstandings.
In
recent years, each of us has grown in our faith, and through this
growth, He has exposed those dark places to the light of His truth,
lovingly reminding me of my own failings as a parent (humble pie is
bittersweet) and how my mom did the best she could do with the
circumstances facing her at the time.
Our
relationship has never been stronger or more vibrant than it is today
for it remains covered—no longer by debris from the past but by grace
and mercy—beauty in its truest form.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus
our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
My Aunt Rose’s Nut Bars were an essential part of family beach trip. Bites of chewy browned sugar left a perfect powdered lining around the lips, my version of sunscreen at the ripe age of 10.
Aunt Rose’s sister, my grandmother, aka Ma-Ma, also served these yummy bars at some of her Garden Club parties. I wish I could share a square with you now but since I can’t, I thought I’d serve up this family recipe, straight from my aunt’s own 1970’s handwritten recipe card. Enjoy!
And just in case you can’t read it…
2 sticks butter
2-1/2 cups plain flour
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 box light brown sugar
1 cup chopped nuts
3 level teaspoons baking powder
Melt butter in a saucepan; to this add sugar, stir and then add eggs. Stir, then add flour, flavoring and nuts. Add baking powder to flour. Cook at 300 degrees until light brown. Cool. Cut into squares and roll in powdered sugar.
This would be a delightful addition to last week’s Sharing Your Treasure Tea celebration, as well as a perfect go-to drop off goody for someone in need.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Our “Secret Place”
We were in our newly created Secret Place, a cave-like
bubble surrounded by ancient shrubbery and dense muscadine bushes. It’s one of
Piper’s favorite outdoor hangouts because it’s quiet and no one can see us.
While dusting our dirt floor, the firetrucks pulled out of their station and turned their sirens on full blast. Wide-eyed Piper asked, “Did you hear that?” I shared with her how I pray when the sirens blare because someone needs help. She smiled and said,
“Okay!”
Living across from a fire department has its drawbacks but it does offer a unique opportunity for prayer. After our exchange in the Secret Place, I realized there are other opportunities for prayer that I pass every single day, such as:
- Churches: For the gospel alone to be proclaimed, as well as wisdom and discernment for their leaders.
- Grocery store: For those who are hungry, asking God to keep my spiritual eyes open to the needs around me.
- Schools: For protection — physically, emotionally (bullies), and spiritually.
- A waving flag: For President Obama and other leaders of our country.
- Neighborhood: For a different home each day, praying for the families (whether I know them or not) to be grounded in much love, unity, and grace.
There’s no sweeter aroma than that of intercessory prayer ascending to the Father. It turns ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities for the kingdom of God.
Can you think of other practical ways to pray for our communities? Please share them in the comment box!
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men. 1 Timothy 2:1
First
of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and
thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, – See more at:
http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Intercessory-Prayer#sthash.eo3jRCeu.dpuf
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
Be careful what you proclaim.
Within a brief time period last year, I distinctly remember hearing myself repeat the same eight words at least three times: “I’m not easily offended. I’m thick-skinned.” I couldn’t help but wonder if my repeated proclamation might come back to taunt me.
For several years, I served on a programming team for a past church where six to eight people, along with the pastor, met on Tuesday afternoons to throw out numerous ideas for our services, stages, and series. If you didn’t have thick skin, you’d either (1) never share original ideas or (2) run out the door after someone crunched your toes through unintentional criticism. Not being overly sensitive continues to help in the writing realm as well. How else can I grow without honest feedback?
These experiences bolster my ability to allow concrete words to crumble before ever reaching my heart—that is, when they’re expected. It was when hurt showed up as an unexpected guest knocking at the back door that my thick-skinned proclamation was tested and deemed a failure.
This particular “testing” didn’t come in the form of a curt word or action, but rather, an overall sense that something just wasn’t right between us. This person had (nor has) any idea that she tested my thick skin and won. I’m usually quick to slam the door on the enemy’s ability to wedge himself between Christ followers but this time I sensed I needed to remain silent. It was something I needed to work through,not her. Regardless, forgiveness was released—for her, and also for myself, as God revealed how I’d contributed to my own testing.
The heel that strikes the violet is oft unaware of its misstep—and so are we.
At times, we’ll be the one to unknowingly tread upon another, and vice versa. The question is, when this happens, will we choose to diffuse the fragrance of Christ in the form of forgiveness or not? If a violet can do it, surely we can too.
“When it is just me who has been wronged,
my lips should most often be silent.
And I must see to it in the hidden person of the
heart there is always the gentleness of Christ.
Words of complaint can be so destructive.
Let this be my rule: Silence, unless the reason for
speech, still bear the searchlight of Eternity.”
-Amy Carmichael, His Thoughts Said… (Joni’s Favorite Quotes)
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
“Friendship is born at that moment when one man says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought that no one but myself. . .'” -C.S. Lewis, The Four Love
Today’s celebration is the “Sharing Your Treasure” Tea.
I hosted this tea for my life group ladies. It’s been several years now, but the memories from our time together still linger.
“Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. “Pooh?” he whispered.
“Yes, Piglet?”
“Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s hand. “I just wanted to be sure of you.”
―
A.A. Milne,
Winnie-the-Pooh
And our most faithful Friend, Jesus:
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Some people are dangerously near compromising their faith. A word of encouragement from you may put them back on track. – Chuck Swindoll
Chuck’s words strike a chord because I’ve experienced that kind of encouragement firsthand, and perhaps you have too.
Biblical encouragement – the kind that stirs the soul – isn’t fluff that soothes momentarily.
Biblical encouragement is grounded in scripture, offering sincere words and actions that linger, creating a spiritual boost only God can measure. I continue to learn how to shift from giving surface-type compliments to offering genuine soul-stirring encouragement. Here are a few things I’m learning along the way:
Focus on the internal. What actions are we seeing in others? Do we see a servant’s heart? If so, we need to share the specific ways we see Christ-in-action through their lives. And if it’s done in front of someone they respect, even better.
Celebrate! Maybe it’s someone in our youth group, small group, neighbor, or co-worker. Did they conquer a hurdle in their lives? Receive a promotion? Graduate? It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate with them! Send a card, give them a call, or share a small meaningful gift to remind them of God’s hand in their celebration.
Be present. We all fall short of God’s glorious standard. It’s not a matter of if sin happens, but when. So here’s the question: When this happens to someone we love and they refuse to face it, will we choose to quietly fade into the background because it’s the easiest, cleanest thing to do? Or will we, instead, choose to come alongside that person, love them unconditionally, and continue to point them back to Jesus? We may be the only representation of Living Water they know during their driest season.
In Acts 4:36 NIV, Luke translates Barnabas to mean “son of encouragement.” The original Greek word for “encouragement,” paraklesis, means consolation, exhortation, and comfort. Apparently, the apostles who gave Joseph the name Barnabas saw these qualities in his character.
When Jesus sees us, does He see these qualities? Could we be called a daughter of encouragement?
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us
and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort
you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17 NIV
