by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Ordinary is often the disguise of the divine. – Priscilla Shirer, Gideon
I love how Jesus [the angel of the LORD] met Gideon in the midst of his mundane task of beating out wheat. (Judges 6:11, 12)
Jesus didn’t meet me on the threshing floor (or in a wine press!) this past week, but He did encounter me in some ordinary ways:
- A blanket of snow [the importance of stillness, Psalm 46:10]
- Coffee with a friend [the blessings of friendship]
- Spotting a cardinal atop a snow-laden branch while washing dishes [beauty]
- Walking through my home [thankfulness]
- Family time in the snow [sheer joy]
- Smiles on my grandchildren’s faces [gifts from the Lord, Jas 1:17]
“Having your spiritual radar up in consistent anticipation of His presence—even in the midst of the joyful chaos and regular rhythms of your everyday living—is paramount in hearing God, because sometimes the place and manner you find Him is the least spectacular you’d expect.” -Priscilla Shirer
How have you encountered God in the midst of an ordinary day? I’d love to hear about it!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Lucky for Brian, I’m not into vase-filled flowers but I don’t mind sharing that he does owe me a $40.00 Strawberries and Cream Hydrangea (hyperlinked just for you, hun!), purchased with birthday money a few years ago. Let’s just say his lawn mower gave it a big warm hug…twice. As the fellas on Duck Dynasty would say, “It gone!”
Speaking of Valentine’s Day, I have to agree with those who say it’s commercialized (more than one florist is sweating this snowmeggedan!) but alas, it still offers a plethora of opportunities to not only show our love, but more importantly, God’s love, on this special day.
For those of us experiencing historic snowfall this week our options may be limited but not everyone is snowed in, and most everyone wants to be remembered—especially on Valentine’s Day—so here are a few ideas that may brighten someone’s Friday:
- Visit a nearby nursing home. Your face in a lonely place is a gift, period, but if you don’t want to arrive empty-handed, bring some Valentines Day cards. It’s especially fun and meaningful if you have children who could join you. Many residents are widows or widowers and need to be reminded they’re not forgotten.
- Remember those who’ve lost a mate, especially if it’s a more recent loss. Share Hebrews 13:5 — and sign the card from God or Jesus. It’s not credit we’re seeking, but comfort, and what greater comfort is there than to be reminded that He is ever present and will never leave or forsake them?
- Pray! God may want you to send a card, leave a box of candy, or simply give someone a hug that you would’ve never considered otherwise. We can know that when we ask Him to open our eyes to those around us, He will deliver.
And for those of us snowed in, there’s always social media…unless our power goes out. 🙂
But let’s face it. A heart-shaped candy-filled box is simply a reminder to love. February 14th neither defines or confines our ability to love others extravagantly, selflessly, and unconditionally. Any time. Any where. Any day.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
How might the LORD want to use our hands and feet to draw others closer to Him this Valentine’s Day?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
It took bravery on my part to take the first step, so tonight is not the winning step. The winning step was the first one. – David, runner up for The Biggest Loser 2014
Perhaps it was the timing of his statement that caused me to drop my 3 point-worthy Bagel Thins and pick up a pen instead. Thanks to Vonda, Dave Weiss’ post Your Muse is DEAD has been raising its hand for my constant attention all day long.
Inspiration is not something to wait for, it’s something to seek. It’s
not some whispy goddess who capriciously decides to withhold your
creativity. The muse is dead, actually she was never alive. Most of
inspiration is work. -Dave Weiss
Though Dave’s post is directed to writers, it’s true for any area of life. Whatever that looks like for each of us, the truth is, it all begins with the first step:
- stocking our pantries with healthier foods. And yes, bagel thins should be one of them. Don’t forget the blueberry cream cheese. It’s a lovely 2 point shade of lavender. 🙂
- lacing up the walking shoes (after I find them)
- creating budget envelopes in order to become a better steward of finances.
- fill in the blank _________________
Could you use a little inspiration today? Don’t wait on it. Your first step awaits!
God is not withholding from you. When He has something for you to do, He
will make it clear. In the meantime look to what He’s previously given
you that you left unfinished and start working on that. -Dave Weiss
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
While encouraging Piper’s coloring skills last week, the word popped out without warning. I’d promised myself to keep the word Perfect! under wraps, especially with my grandchildren, but there it was in all its glory.
It’s a seemingly innocent word but it can wreak havoc in our psyche if we’re not careful.
From a writing standpoint, this word has left me paralyzed more times than I’d like to admit.
If the “perfect” word doesn’t come to mind, I can’t begin the poem.
If the “perfect” word picture doesn’t happen, how can I finish the devotion?
And on and on.
So pages of uncompleted work scribbled between two thin blue lines remain scattered among our library, shelved by perfectionism.
Perhaps it’s for this reason I can’t get enough of Emily P. Freeman’s book, A Million Little Ways. Asterisks, underlined words and phrases, Wows!, and several exclamation marks find their way on practically every page. Yes, it’s that good.
One favorite chapter Offer includes this wisdom:
When I hoard my gifts and my gifting under piles of doubt, perfectionism, and demand for appreciation, I forget the six pots in Cana filled with dusty water, the ones holding nearly thirty gallons each. I forget how Jesus takes small offerings and turns them around to glorify his Father.
A salty splotch of water mingled slowly with underlined words as I read this paragraph for a second time. Never had I associated my perfectionism with hoarding God’s gifts. All along, I’d considered my finished piece of work as an offering to the Lord—but now I see it’s because of Christ’s finished work that I can find rest in offering my best, but far from perfect work, for His glory.
If you’re struggling to climb out from beneath piles of doubt, perfectionism, or a demand for appreciation, I would welcome the opportunity to pray for you (and ask that you pray for me, as well.) I have a feeling we’re not alone on this journey!
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Hand me a staff and cloak ’cause I’m feeling like Moses today.
Remember Exodus 4:10-12?
Moses said to the Lord,
“Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the
past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and
tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
Recently, I was asked to lead a workshop, Writing to Heal, for a one-day retreat specifically designed to minister to parents who’ve lost children.
I’ve journaled for years but I thank God I have no experience in this specific area of grief. Soon after accepting the opportunity, concerns began cropping up. What do I say? How can they relate to me? Where do I begin?
I feel so inadequate. And the truth of the matter is, I am.
But while studying Exodus 4 this morning, six words climbed from the Book and curled up snug against my concerns: Now go; I will help you…
My responsibility is to prayerfully prepare while resting in the knowledge that it is through my very weaknesses that God will be strong, and above all, glorified.
You will be known by your adequacy. God will be known by your inadequacy.
Cal Jernigan
Is God calling you to do something outside of your comfort zone today? Please share so I can be praying for you and I appreciate your prayers as well!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
A prayer-filled friend is a powerful foe—not to the befriended—but to the father of lies, the deceiver, the sly one.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
I
recently met with Kay, a godly mentor of twenty years. I’d not seen her in awhile but during an extended time of prayer the week before, I sensed God prompting me to ask her to meet me. I’d been on a roller coaster ride for six months, and trust me, there were no Mickey ears in sight.
I knew from the moment our meeting was penned on her calendar Kay would begin praying, but I was especially humbled to learn how on that morning, she covered us in prayer from 5:00-6:15 a.m.
After returning home, I phoned another friend who was aware of my meeting with Kay. Before I could share all God had accomplished, she said God woke her up at 4:30 a.m. to begin praying.
An unspeakable appreciation swelled in my spirit as I thanked God for these friends, and those like them who I know would drop everything, wake up early, or stay up late to pray on behalf of others.
God used my prayer-filled friends to wield the weapon of truth in the face of my enemy that morning and life took a different direction as a result. Prayer-filled friends are incredibly powerful foes, which is why we so desperately need each other in the battle. I plan to share more about my non-Mickey roller coaster ride in the near future, but until then, please know this:
Prayer-filled people are not perfect people. They are, however, people who know who they are in Christ, have a clear understanding of Who they are praying to, and have faith that God has the power to accomplish His desires for those being lifted before His throne of grace. Prayer-filled people also tend to repent quickly and find deep abiding joy in their community with other Christ-followers.
Is there any doubt why James tells us that their prayers – those who are “right” before God – are powerful and effective?
Let us appreciate our prayer-filled friends — but may we also seek to be one ourselves.
“Prayer strikes the winning blow; service is
simply picking up the pieces.” S.D. Gordon
“I would rather teach one man to pray than ten men to
preach.” Charles Spurgeon
