by Cathy Baker | Faith |
DAY 7: SILENCE
God often chooses to reveal the wonder of Himself in quiet moments. Sit in silence for twenty unbroken minutes. Set an alarm, if need be, so you know how much time has passed. Keep paper and pen nearby to write down any fluttering thoughts. Embrace the silence then invite God to speak. Reflect on what you hear in this posture of listening. Pray that God reminds you of people for whom you can pray. Ask God to bring scriptures to mind that he wants you to consider. Enjoy the wondrous silence of just being in God’s presence.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
DAY 6: FORGIVENESS
Unforgiveness holds us back from fully experiencing God’s wonder. Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself. Take fifteen minutes to prayerfully consider any things for which you’ve had a hard time forgiving yourself. Record them on a blank sheet of paper. Then take a few moments to forgive yourself for each one.
After you forgive yourself, rip up the sheet of paper as a sign of keeping no record of wrongs. Allow yourself to celebrate the forgiveness God offers you through Jesus. You are a wondrous child of God! Spend some time thanking God for the way he created you and the redemptive work he’s doing in your life, and walk in the wonder of forgiveness.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
When I saw these Butterfly Snacks on Facebook (compliments of Juggling With Kids) I couldn’t help but think of our own boy’s summer vaca’s.
As an only child, I was happy slapping mud pies into tin plates on my grandmother’s back steps for my imaginary customers, so coming up with summer ideas for two little boys didn’t exactly come naturally.
But I wanted to create good memories for our boys so I sought reinforcement via Focus on the Family. I purchased 4 books that are now out of print but were priceless at the time.
Thankfully, the internet now offers a plethora of resources for moms like me. In addition to Juggling With Kids, here are some more to enjoy with your children/grandchildren:
- Thriving Family: A FREE summer activity calendar (takes only a moment to register)
- Summer Ideas for Kids on Pinterest (awesome craft and food ideas)
- 100 Summer Fun Ideas for Kids and Parents
- Devo Kids, Summer Butterflies
Just like first impressions we’re given but one opportunity to create meaningful moments with our children. Let’s redeem the time!
DAY 5: CREATION
Creation beckons us to open or eyes to the wonders of God. Look for a place outside where all you can see is God’s creation. If you’re in an urban area, consider visiting a park and lying down under a tree where all you can see is its branches and slivers of sky above. Spend fifteen minutes simply sitting or resting in the place. Pay attention to the details-the textures, the colors, the intricate care with which God formed creation. Allow yourself to spontaneously respond to God in thanks and worship, celebrating the wonders of creation all around.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
DAY 4: HOPE
Nothing awakens wonder inside us like breathing hope into the hopeless. This morning ask God to awaken you to someone who others have given up on. Prayerfully consider how God may want to use you to impart hope and encouragement in this person’s life. As you drive down the block, consider each neighbor. As you pass through a downtown area, consider every person hustling to and from work. As you walk through a park, consider the single parents playing with their children. Ask God to rouse you to the needs of those around you and use you to bring the wonder of restoration to others.
Where do you sense God is rousing you to bring the wonder of restoration to others?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Goldenrod
On roadsides,
in fall fields,
in rumpy bunches,
saffron and orange and pale gold,
in little towers,
soft as mash,
sneeze-bringers and seed-bearers,
full of bees sand yellow beads and perfect flowerlets
and orange butterflies.
I don’t suppose
much notice comes of it, except for honey,
and how it heartens the heart with its
blank blaze.
I don’t suppose anything loves it, except, perhaps,
the rocky voids
filled by its dumb dazzle.
For myself,
I was just passing by, when the wind flared
and the blossoms rustled,
and the glittering pandemonium
leaned on me.
I was just minding my own business
when I found myself on their straw hillsides,
citron and butter-colored,
and was happy, and why not?
Are not the difficult labors of our lives
full of dark hours?
And what has consciousness come to anyway, so far,
that is better than these light-filled bodies?
All day
on their airy backbones
they toss in the wind,
they bend as though it was natural and godly to bend,
they rise in a stiff sweetness,
in the pure peace of giving
one’s gold away.
What’s your favorite line?
DAY 3: BEAUTY
Look for wonder through a camera lens throughout the day. Carry a camera or your camera-equipped cell phone to snap photos of God’s beauty, grace, love, peace, and joy all around you. Share these beautiful moments of wonder with others.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
DAY 2: TIME
Reflect on the wondrous gift of time. Pull out a calendar or day planner and spend fifteen minutes considering all that’s on your schedule for the upcoming two weeks. Consider marking which activities fill up your time versus those that fill you with life and provide opportunities to awaken to the wonder of God all around. Prayerfully consider what changes—including cuts and additions you need to make to your schedule—to awaken yourself to the wonder of rest and a healthy rhythm in your daily life. Make sure you have time build into each day for the remaining days of your challenge.
Do you think you’ll be cutting from — or adding to — your schedule?
