by Cathy Baker | Faith |
One could rephrase a familiar bumper sticker—”Pen’s don’t write poems; poets do”—but the pen or pencil or typewriter may have a large role than just recording the writer’s inspirations; it may foster, encourage, or stimulate creativity by its feel or its familiarity.
Try writing in a different place than usual—a kitchen, a porch, an attic or basement, a diner, an airport, a library, a vacant stadium. -John Drury, Creating Poetry
Do you have a particular pen, ritual or perfect perch responsible for kick-starting your creativity?
I admit it — I do. Fountain pens, owl-shaped coffee mugs, Pandora music, and comfy writing spots often invite my muse to join in the dance.
One of my favorite Pinterest boards is entitled “Dreamy Writing Spots”. It’s teeming with unique places to write—nooks, crannies, closets, and wide-open spaces. My most recent add is Pier 1 Imports Daisy Outdoor Swingasan™.
It’s not in my budget, so when I say dreamy, I mean dreamy…but couldn’t you picture yourself curled up in this delightful daisy cave?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
May Days! May Days!
What are some favorite May days?
Mother’s Day (May 13) – If you knew my Mom, you’d know why this is a celebrated day. She is an overcomer, encourager, ageless (hope that’s in the gene pool!), Lord-loving woman — and I’m very thankful to call her Mom.
National Day of Prayer (First Thursday in May) – Prayer awareness raised throughout our nation, with Dr. David Jeremiah serving as NDP’s Honorary Chairman this year. Click here to read the 2012 National Prayer.
Word Weavers (Second Thursday in May) – A gathering of like-minded word lovers, focused on sharpening one another’s skills while soothing the inevitable ouch of disappointments.
Family beach trip – Where to begin? Swimming with Piper, conversations about the new little one on his way, four generations of family time, slabs of sunscreen, fresh seafood, and trips to the Yum-Yum shop.
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference – I’m arriving a day early to spend some one-on-one time with some friends, and then meeting many members of an online writer’s group face-to-face for the first time. I can’t wait, Light Brigade! Edie is once again offering attendees a plethora of workshops and classes—how’s a girl to choose?
Memorial Day – God bless the men and women serving in our Armed Forces, and their families. May we never forget the sacrifices made on our behalf.
So, what’s your favorite May day?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
“No exercising!”
Do you know how long I’ve waited to hear those words?
Seriously, it wasn’t the diagnosis I’d hoped for, but until the back pain subsides, the doctor’s orders stand.
Fighting the weight battle without the option of exercising is a daunting task, but the Lord quickly put my pity party into perspective when Mrs. H, an elderly friend, ambled into the same waiting room for x-rays.
Cancer spots her bones but a smile blankets her face.
Mrs. H and I finished up at the same time, so I sat a spell with her on the park bench while waiting for her daughter to retrieve the car. She shared how she’d taken her best friend, who recently passed away, for her cancer treatments last year—and how she was now the one sitting in the same exact seat her friend once occupied.
Her eyes puddled, but her voice strengthened as she proclaimed with full assurance that God had it all under control.
I was thankful, convicted and humbled by the unexpected but oh-so sovereign encounter I had with Mrs. H, a living breathing tower of faith.
The power of a story. God’s story.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Piper gives the term “bang the keys” a whole new meaning, don’t you think?
When we moved this piano from my grandparents home to ours, I pictured our grandchildren one day enjoying it as much the previous four generations.
As Piper played away, I caught a glimpse of Mama and Papa’s picture that’s propped atop the piano…and smiled. They would be so proud of this little great-great-granddaughter of theirs.
The video is short, but oh so sweet.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Summit Church Mauldin celebrated their five-year anniversary today with an outdoor baptism and picnic, following the second service, with the congregations from Cherrydale and Spartanburg joining in the massive celebration.
The food was delish, the community, teeming with energy — but it was the baptism that served as the highlight. How could it not? Sixteen people of various ages publicly celebrating a wondrous salvation that’s already taken place inwardly.
A few weeks ago, Jason Malone, one of the pastors at Summit, gave THE best sermon I’ve ever heard on the subject of baptism, which you can listen to here.
Since our church search began back in August ’11, we’ve had the opportunity to visit several outstanding churches, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lord leads us to call Summit “home” very soon.
Happy Birthday, Summit Church!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
In honor of one of my favorite flowers and poets…
Peonies
This morning the green fists of the peonies are getting ready
to break my heart
as the sun rises,
as the sun strokes them with his old, buttery fingers
and they open —
pools of lace,
white and pink —
and all day the black ants climb over them,
boring their deep and mysterious holes
into the curls,
craving the sweet sap
taking it away
to their dark, underground cities —
and all day
under the shifty wind,
as in a dance to the great wedding,
the flowers bend their bright bodies,
and tip their fragrance to the air,
and rise,
their red stems holding
all that dampness and recklessness
gladly and lightly,
and there it is again —
beauty the brave, the exemplary
blazing open.
Do you love this world?
Do you cherish your humble and silky life?
Do you adore the green grass, with its terror beneath?
Do you also hurry, half-dressed and barefoot, into the garden
and softly,
and exclaiming of their dearness,
fill your arms with the white and pink flowers,
with their honeyed heaviness, their lush trembling,
their eagerness
to be wild and perfect for a moment, before they are
nothing, forever?
-Mary Oliver
