Love… One Sip At A Time // A Valentine Tea Party
I started hosting tea parties in an older home propped as pretty as you please on the corner of a quiet street. A family of four in a two-bedroom, one-bath home made for a tight fit, and tea parties felt downright snug, but no one would change a thing. Some teas were scripture-based, and others celebrated holidays, but every time, the room filled with the scent of scones, floral tea, and...
The Scent of A Scripture-Grounded Whisper
by Cathy Baker One thing I’ve learned about the whispers of God this month is that they cannot be manufactured, only experienced. So when I felt I was coming up empty for a post, I moved outside for inspiration. I inhaled deeply while walking past the scrawny, but intoxicating, Winter Honeysuckle shrub. I thought of my uncle Jim who, in his final months this side of...
When Meals Become the Scent of A Whisper
by Cathy Baker You are loved. It’s the whisper that arose from the meals, texts, flowers, and calls I received last week after my outpatient surgery. The meal ministry, in particular, revealed preconceived notions buried deep beneath my own insecurities. When Carolyn, a longtime friend and former life group leader, asked if I needed meals after surgery I gave my standard...
When a Welcome Mat Spells Out L-O-V-E
by Cathy Baker What is it? the energetic worship service? the smiles that greet you at the door? the attendants waving you into the perfect parking spot? the clear and colorful signage? the way your children are welcomed? the Krispy Kreme doughnuts? (Is there any other kind?) the silky smooth coffee? the compelling delivery of the gospel? The it is...
When a Whisper Sounds More Like A Shout
by Cathy Baker When the breath of God plays in the form of a melody it serenades and soothes a stirred-up soul much like a mother holding a sick child. The unsettled part of us clings and sinks deeply into a place of comfort, the Word. That’s the only way I know how to describe a recent “God whisper” that took place while driving to the local hospital for tests....
Rousing Your Spiritual Gift from Sleep
by Cathy Baker Sometimes they’re obvious. Sometimes not. But they’re always fueled by the Holy Spirit and burn with divine intensity. Spiritual gifts. A quick testimony. For years I’ve used my spiritual gifts both inside and outside the church walls. I’m sure you have as well. When I recently accepted an opportunity at our awe-some church to help with...
The Whisper of An Impromptu Prayer
by Cathy Baker As shared in last Thursday’s post, it’s often those quiet, subtle whispers from God that leave the deepest imprint on our lives, as well as others. Recently, I walked into our local tea bar and ordered an Earl Grey. The young barista was confused. “You don’t want your normal Mocha with whip?” she asked. I quickly told her that my fickle...