by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
If you’ve attempted to balance simplicity with trying to create Christmas memories for the loved and lonely, maybe you’ve found (as I have) that it’s not as easy as it seems. We’re all wired differently, but for me, intentionality is the game changer.
As mentioned in a 2008 Christmas post, we kept a Nesquik® Chocolate yellow box nearby when our boys were growing up. If they behaved, they got to pick one, sometimes two, activities from the box that afternoon. We never knew exactly what we’d be doing that evening but we were intentional about it—and our family created some meaningful memories as a result.
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| The blue hand painted tray is a fave of mine. |
Our boys are now adults with families of their own. Life changes, but wherever we find ourselves this year, it’s never too late to embrace the season in all its beauty and simplicity as we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth.
In this same spirit, beginning Monday, December 1st, I’ll be posting one brief, simple way to infuse a meaningful moment into your day during this wondrous season.
I’m excited about this journey! I hope you’ll make plans to join me.
[I know, I know. After this post
from a week ago, it may seem a bit odd that I’m writing about a new Christmas series when we’ve not yet celebrated Thanksgiving, but I’m
taking a blogging break next week. And December will be here before we
know it!]
So from my home to yours, I pray you and yours will have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100: 5, 6
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
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| My favorite Hallmark Christmas Movie |
by Cathy Baker
I’m perfectly content siding with the those who are not prepared for Hallmark Christmas movies beginning in October or brushing up against fake-o tree limbs in the aisles of favorite stores while fumbling for the candy corn. No, not yet!
I mean, what happened to the celebration of Thanksgiving?
Could it be that merchandisers don’t begin displaying turkey platters two months in advance because of money, or lack thereof? Let’s face it, tons of turkeys will give their gobble-laden necks to fill our feastly tables, but other than food, what else do people purchase for this particular holiday? Exactly.
Growing up, I was blessed to experience Thanksgivings reminiscent of Rockwell renderings. As an only child, I relished the warmth of a big family as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins surrounded the holiday table. The sound of familiar laughter, the telling of fondly remembered stories, and the faces of my family surface every Thanksgiving. We could’ve made our own Hallmark movie.
This year, with our family going in all different directions, I’ll be serving food on Thanksgiving to our community through a ministry Summit Upstate sponsors, Feast for All. If you’re available and would like to serve in some capacity, please email me (click the “e” button on the sidebar.)
So, while I plan to enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies come December, this month I will intentionally focus on the holiday grounded in gratitude.
How about you?
Giving thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…Ephesians 5:20
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
What to give Jesus for His birthday?
When the boys were younger, we’d bake a birthday cake for Him and at other times we’d create new ways to give Jesus a gift, i.e., buying for someone in need, or we’d all write out our gift (being more patient with others, an act of kindness, etc.) on a slip of paper and put it on the tree.
While these celebrations, acts of service, and growing desires to be more Christ-like are certainly pleasing to the Lord, He’s clear as to how He defines love, His love language, if you will:
In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands.
And his commands are not burdensome… 1 John 5:3
With this in mind, what gift of love we can Him today in the form of obedience?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
This past week, while finishing up some last minute shopping, I was struck by how relieved surprised pedestrians seemed when I came to a complete stop for them AND smiled in the process. Such a simple gesture. Why wouldn’t I always do that? Sigh!
The pedestrians expression immediately reminded of a post I did back in 2011, which goes right along with this series. Thank you for allowing me to share it with you once more:
I’m a bonafide multi-tasker.
Who else could belt out Joy to the World while nearly mowing down a couple exiting the local Bi-lo?
The expression on their faces coincided with a gentle shoulder tap from the One who didn’t become flesh to hear me sing about Him—but rather for Him—by remaining in tune with the Spirit.
Since that fateful night in the Bi-lo parking lot, I’ve been reminded just how powerful the practical can be when I am:
- Igniting
my prayer life before the engine, asking God to reveal divine
opportunities in living out His joy, mercy, and love to those driving
too slowly, the rude and weary waitress, or the woman who plops down 20
items in a 10 item lane.
- Stopping
for pedestrians at the malls, Target, Walmart and alike. (No doubt the
couple wished I’d been enlightened on this one a bit sooner.) Better
yet, stop and smile as you wave
them on, assuring them they’re not an intrusion on your day, but a
divine appointment. It’s also the perfect opportunity to pray for them
as they make their way ever-so-slowly by your car.
- Going
the extra mile for Salvation Army bucket volunteers by picking up a
bottled water for them in addition to your donation. If it’s nippy
outside, consider delivering a hot cocoa from a nearby place, thanking
them for their willingness to volunteer for the benefit of others.
- Smiling. Sharing a warm hello. We never know who needs it the most, but God does (the beauty of God’s providential prompts!)
It
matters not if any of the above actions are reciprocated. What matters
is that we take every opportunity to impart God’s joy instead of simply
singing about it.
How about you? Is there a simple way you’ve found to share the love of Christ with others during this holiday season?
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Colossians 4:5
