by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Imagine my delight while watching the Winter X games last weekend when this commercial appeared.
Two favorites in one:
- Jeep (I’m spying “new” vehicles and a Jeep Sahara caught my eye last week.)
- Robert Frost—especially where Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening is concerned.
Commercials will be in the spotlight this Sunday night but as far as I’m concerned, the winner has already been decided.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |

Her name is always on my list—you know the one—the list that numerous bible studies prompt its participants to make: In the space below, write the names of those who’ve had the greatest impact on your Christian walk.
(Whose names do you record?)
Twenty years ago, God allowed my path to cross with an amazing Precept teacher, Kay Chandler—and my life has never been the same.
Many people impact our lives, but here’s why Kay’s teaching has landed her name on my list every single time:
She…
- Boldly employs her spiritual gifts—trusting the results to God.
- Possesses a fervor for the Word and its Author that’s rarely cooled by circumstances.
- Is authentic. No room for pretense here.
- Is both a student and teacher of the Word, choosing to “feed” others from a Living stream rather than a stagnant pond stocked with her own opinions.
- Loves. Truly and deeply.
Kay’s not perfect (she’d be the the first to say it) — but she is a woman who’s impacted my life, and countless others.
What about us? Are we allowing God to impact others through our gifts and talents? Do our expressions/words/actions give evidence of the delight we experience through Christ? Do others see the real us or simply someone we’d like to be when we grow up?
Bottom line: When others are posed with the above bible study question, will our names be on their list?
“Wake up, O sleeper,rise from the dead,and Christ will shine on you.”
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:14b-16
by Cathy Baker | Faith |

Blooming now in my yard: Pink Winter Daphne
by Cathy Baker | Faith |

Handling Mistakes: Though it may be embarrassing to get a name wrong or draw a complete blank, such lapses aren’t rude—just very human! -excerpt from Emily Post’s Etiquette 18th Edition
Emily’s book goes on to share the protocol for those of us who draw more blanks than Vanna White turns on Wheel-of-Fortune.
This updated version of Emily’s classic (done so by her great-great-grandchildren) is drawing rave reviews – and rightfully so with its relevant chapters on communication, technology, social life, and much more.
The book itself is crisp with plenty of white space, allowing the reader to breathe between tidbits of advice, but what makes my personal copy special is my mom’s handwritten inscription. No wonder it was one of our favorite Christmas gifts!
Let’s face it, prim and proper comes and goes, but learning how to be courteous and prepared for life’s situations benefit both our personal and professional lives.
Thank you Mom and Steve.
-photo courtesy of The Style Umbrella
by Cathy Baker | Faith |

What do we do when God interrupts our lives? Many times, like Jonah, we run! In this 7-session Bible study, Priscilla redefines interruption and shows that interruption is actually God’s invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams. When Jonah was willing to allow God to interrupt his life, the result was revival in an entire city. -Jonah, Navigating a Life Interrupted, by Priscilla Shirer
How do you suppose our lives would change if we chose to see daily interruptions as divine opportunities?
I look forward to finding out, beginning Tuesday, February 21st, as the Ladies’ Community Bible study group gathers in a beautiful turn-of-the-century home in downtown Simpsonville to study the book of Jonah over a hot cup of coffee and sweet fellowship.
Throughout the week, participants will have a small amount of daily study time in the workbooks. On Tuesday nights, 6:30-7:45 p.m., we’ll come together to discuss the truths we’ve learned (no one is put on the spot to share). Lifeway has plenty of workbooks in stock ($11.95). You’ll want to have the first week completed prior to our first gathering on February 21st. The study will be completed by the end of March.
Becky Kirby and I will be co-leading this session and we invite ladies of all ages to come join us!
We’d love to see you there!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |

During Brandon’s CD Release Party last night, I enjoyed:
- the worship — especially how Brandon ended our evening together. Powerful!
- laughter with friends of almost twenty years. The husband braved many a day on the b-ball courts mentoring Brandon as a teen.
- sitting next to my cousin, who’s always been more like a sister, and watching her hubby post B’s pics on Facebook. The fact they drove from Spartanburg meant even more.
- peering over to see the blossoming “friendship” between two young people. He’s been a tremendous friend to Brandon over the years and she’s the daughter to two special friends of ours.
- meeting the wife of an amazing young man, who lost both parents by the time he was in his early twenties.
- a sweet time of fellowship with my mom and her incredi-hubby, Steve, who could be the poster-child for step-parenting.
- observing a local FCA group worship — and chatting with one of their leaders, the daughter of a dear friend. She didn’t realize that Brandon was in fact “my” Brandon.
- hanging out with two great friends, who just happen to be Piper’s other grandparents. 🙂
As Brandon played my favorite song from his CD, Surrounded, I marveled at the relationships and connections represented in the room, very much aware of God’s abiding presence surrounding us as one—and grateful for every moment.