by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Future gathering ideas will include friends, family, neighbors, etc., but since the quality our time with others is directly impacted by the time spent with our heavenly Father, I can’t imagine a better place to begin this journey than with God as our ever-present guest.
With a plethora of posts on ways to make the most of our quiet time with the Lord at our disposal, I’ve chosen to keep this gathering focused on the simplicity of our time with Him.
First, let’s consider how we feel when in the company of someone we love.
- Are words always necessary?
- Is there a sense of ease?
- Do we slip on our happy mask or bask in the freedom to be who we really are?
- Do we dominate the conversation or is there pleasure in listening to him/her?
- Does it feel more like a ritual/duty or pure delight to be in their company?
Before the cup is poured, consider: Do the above questions reflect how we feel in the presence of our Maker? If not, perhaps we have a skewed view of God. Yes, He is to be revered, but that doesn’t negate the fact that he describes Himself as our heavenly Father – and is there a more tender relationship than that of a child and parent?
With this in mind, let’s find a comfy seat for ourselves and pull up an empty chair, representing our ever-present Father.
As we sip our choice o’ beverage, let’s keep Psalm 46:10 before us: Be still and know that I am God.
[Stillness is an intentional act that many of us have to initially “force” ourselves to do. It doesn’t come natural to our flesh but in stillness, our souls soar.]
He desires to be known. The God of the universe who set this world spinning desires for me (and you) to know Him personally. I can’t wrap my head around this truth, but I fully embrace it with every drop of gratitude possible.
[The Hebrew verb know in this verse means something much more intimate than the word used in everyday language. It’s means to experience at the deepest level. It’s knowing more than mere facts. It’s experiential knowledge at its best.]
With cup in hand and the empty chair before us, be reminded just how very near our heavenly Father is in the midst of our ordinary days. Exhale, for it’s usually here I forget to breath. How to take in such awe-inspiring truth?
Linger a little longer and simply close in prayer, preferably aloud.
Oh, the beauty of this gathering of two.
Only to sit and think
of God,
Oh what a joy it is!
To think the thought, to breathe the Name
Earth has no higher bliss.
Frederick W. Faber
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman rests comfortably in my top ten favorite reads — for a multitude of reasons. In this post back in January I shared one of many sections highlighted throughout the book.
In many (perhaps a million?) ways I think Edie Melson and Vonda Skelton could’ve collaborated on a similar book as their wise counsel over the years often mingled with Emily’s.
One such moment occurred on page 138, where Emily shared how we may not be the first to say it, write it, create it, or believe it—but our saying it may be the first time someone finally hears.
“There is no new truth, dear. All truth belongs to God. Sometimes you simply need to hear someone else say it.” -Steve Lynam
Plagued with self-doubt most of my life, I struggle to believe anyone would “hear” anything I had to say when so many others weave words like well spun silk. Yet, I know God has called me to bang the keys and pick up the pen for a purpose.
Could it be the words He places on my heart benefit “only” a handful of people? If so, I accept it with gratitude. It’s how I prepare lessons to teach, pen words for an article, and mold prose into poetry. My responsibility is to write, releasing the harvest to God’s safekeeping. (1 Cor. 3:6-9)
So in those moments of self-doubt, I remind you as I remind myself: Our calling isn’t confirmed by the number of “likes” on a Facebook post, the number of hits our blog posts receive, the awards that hang on our walls, or contests won.
There will always be others who do things better than we do. Praise God! But let’s not discount how He has uniquely created us to share the good news—perhaps in a way someone has never heard, seen or experienced before. The gift is from Him and the glory is all His, so go ahead — say it, write it, and create it!
“Were you made on purpose? Is there a unique blend of interests, desire, wisdom, quirks, insecurities, and loves that are within you? Can we agree those things are not a coincidence? Could it also be that there are things in you that aren’t in anyone else? That the way God has attached himself to you is a unique way he wants to display his glory to the world?” – Emily P. Freeman, A Million Little Ways
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Wrap the habits of your soul in the sweet lavender of your Lord’s character. -Meyer
Habits. We brush our teeth, pour the coffee, buy new notebooks before filling the last one (or is that just me?). But what about the habits of our soul—those choices that breathe life into our spiritual journey? While there are many, I chose three I’m currently highlighting in my own walk.
Chew, don’t swallow. These days, there’s much to do about eating clean (unprocessed) foods to ramp up energy and kick start our metabolism. Why would we feed anything less to our souls? God’s Word is pure, active and alive (Hebrews 4:12). Try choosing one or two verses to focus on throughout the week. Don’t swallow it whole. Chew on it—ask God questions, search out His answers, and watch with anticipation to see how He makes Himself known.
Embrace solitude. If Jesus made it a priority, why wouldn’t I? He knew what many of us are still learning: Solitude energizes the soul. Jesus intentionally withdrew from people in order to commune with the Father, listen without interruption, and rest. With so much noise clamoring for our attention today, it’s imperative that we too become intentional, even if only for a few moments each day. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Be Your Story. Yes, we need to tell our stories but sometimes we’re only seen, not necessarily heard. We pass people in our cars, ride their bumpers, stand a few buggies behind them in the store, interact with our spouses and children in public, etc. What do others learn about us when seeing us from a distance? I can talk all day about how I’m supposed to be kind, patient, slow to anger, etc. but is that what my actions, even my expressions, are revealing to those I may never have the opportunity to talk to? I fail often, but I want the sweet waft of Christ to be evident to all who see me, as well as hear me.
Do you have a habit of the soul to add? I’d love to learn more!
“Since we live by the Spirit let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Every other Wednesday, you’ll be greeted with a NEW gathering idea. Most times, the focus will be on tea gatherings but I’ll be sure to include girlfriend gathering ideas along the way as well. On Wednesdays in between, you’ll find favorite recipes, along with thoughts and ideas on hospitality in general.
Today, I’d like to begin by sharing some basic tips on planning a tea party, with our main focus on relationships rather than hosting the so-called perfect tea. Keep your gathering as simple as you’d like. Feel free to choose none, one, some, or all of the tips below!
- Prayer is to our gathering what a tablecloth is to a tea party—foundational. Everything else is built upon it. From the get-go of our preparations, let’s begin praying for those God would have us invite. We never know what God has up His divine sleeve! By immersing our time in prayer we provide an opportunity for an unforgettable God-glorifying gathering.
- Invitations. Is there anything more inviting than a handwritten note? With the big picture in sight, any type of invite will work (yes, even a call, email or texting) but taking the time to write a note is pretty special these days.
- Music. Choosing instrumental selections for background music is ideal. Piano, harp, Windham-Hill, etc. Play it lightly. If guests are having to raise their voices, even a tad, it’s too loud.
- It’s nice to keep in mind that not all care for tea (gasp!) so we’ll want to offer an option such as coffee, hot cider, etc., based on the season.
- Non-scented candles are always a must. Some, like myself, are allergic to strong aromas and trust me, the last thing we want is Frasier fir mixing with Earl Grey. 🙂
- Greenery. If snipping from our yards, we’ll want to be sure to give it a quick spray in the kitchen sink to remove any pesticides or bugs that may want to crash our tea time. Nothing says Welcome! like a spider creeping over a cup.
- And last, but not least, there’s the empty chair. Leaving one chair empty at our table is a tangible reminder to everyone that Christ is present and desires to fellowship with us.
Do you have a tidbit or two you’d like to share? I welcome the opportunity to learn from you.
Questions? Feel free to leave it in the comment box area, email, or message me via Facebook. If I don’t have the answer, I’ll try to find it for you!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing… 2 Corinthians 2:15 NASB
If you’ve read my blog over the years you know my Grandmother Knighton and I shared a love for heirloom plants, such as the early 1900’s jonquil above. According to her, heirloom flowers have a stronger scent than some of the more modern varieties. I suppose that could be debated but one thing is for certain:
No one had to tell
the jonquil treading water in my vintage glassware to release its
primitive perfume. It couldn’t do otherwise!
I think of Jesus and how the fragrance of heaven’s glory exuded from everything He said and did, drawing men, women, and children near to His Father.
When I lowered the polka dotted glassware to my two-year-old granddaughter’s level, she drew closer. A smile erupted as she inhaled deeply,
which led to a hearty, “Mmmmm!” Before I could lift the glass back
to its place on the windowsill she reached out, wanting one more whiff of loveliness.
When the living Spirit indwells, one can’t help but release His sweet aroma as it knows no bounds, emitting the character of Christ through every pore of our being—pleasing the Father, and ushering the presence of His love to mankind.
Though I falter, my greatest desire is the fragrance of Christ’s presence to be released through every aspect of my life. As ink flows to pen, I pray He will be glorified in every blog post, article, journal entry, poem, etc.
I’d love for you to join me on this NEW journey as we discover fresh and creative ways to become more intentional in seeing Jesus in the details of our ordinary days. Each week, posts will highlight specific ways to stir the sweet aroma of Christ through prayer, Scripture-based tea gatherings, hospitality ideas, and serendipitous moments. At times, you’ll also meet guest bloggers whose presence is like a breath of something beautiful for God.
“The apostle wished that his life might be a sweet perfume, floating on
the air, reminding me, and above all reminding God, of Christ.” (Meyer)
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by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Pride forgets. Humility remembers.
Priscilla Shirer, Gideon
I distinctly remember singing along with Babbie Mason’s After All as a relatively new Christ follower back in the early 90’s, lyrics barely audible for the tears. By the time I reached the final verse, my heart cry was Lord, please don’t ever let me forget my past.
It’s not that I wanted to focus on my past but I didn’t want to forget it either, for it was there I came to know Christ, smack dab in the pit of my own making, i.e., rock bottom. Because I know my propensity for pride and self-reliance when
circumstances improve, my heart cry remains the same today after all
these years—especially after all these years.
I don’t want to forget. Therefore, I choose to remember:
- The ugliness of my sin – and God’s breathtaking blanket of grace that covered it all.
- The depth of my shame – and God’s startling and awe-inspiring unconditional love.
- The bondage of my sin – and God’s freedom, loosening me from its grip for an eternity.
- The stumbling of my flesh – and now, because of Christ, I’m able to stay in step with the Holy Spirit.
May I never forget.
After All, by Babbie Mason
I heard You calling
I felt You knocking
But I drew further from You
Everyday
I knew better
Still my heart grew colder
And I just kept on going my own way
But after all that was said
And done with me
After all my pride
And my fall
I was so amazed
To still find You there
After all I’ve done
You still love me
After all.
Your eyes said welcome
Your arms were open
How could I ever doubt
Your love was real
You never mentioned
All my past rejections
Words can’t express the way
That makes me feel
CHORUS
To freely forgive
It’s so hard to do
But You completely forgave me
And I will spend
My whole life with You
After all,
Forever and always.
Thank You Jesus, for loving me…after all.
What’s a particular song God has used to remind you of His grace and mercy towards you?
