I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light. -Helen Keller
A handful of women gathered around the planked table in the back corner of the local coffee shop. Teas, lattes, and hearts, were stirred.
Some asking God to answer specific prayers, some seeing God answer prayers in spectacular ways, and others patiently waiting for heart-wrenching prayers to surface⎯yet, all are joyfully confident that their God is mightily at work in their lives.
It’s a powerful moment when we realize we’re surrounded by warriors.
As I drove home that morning, I thanked God for these friends but somehow, I felt as if God was calling me to action. To be thankful for someone is great, but to act on that gratitude can be a game changer.
So what do we do in those moments when imperfect, tenacious lovers of God cross our path?
1. {Thank God for her} “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3
2. {Ask, “What can I learn from her example?”} Desiring to have a teachable spirit enables us to resist the comparison trap, and instead, embrace the truth that we are to spur one another on! It’s biblical, it’s beautiful, and it is gospel-driven. Iron sharpens iron, sisters.
3. {Keep her off a pedestal of our own making} Sometimes we don’t realize we’ve put a person on a pedestal until they trip up…and we’re surprised.
4. {Pray for her, as well as her family} The prayer of a righteous {not perfect} person is powerful and effective. We know that’s the last thing the enemy desires so it’s only supernatural that prayer warriors are often under attack, as well as their families.
5. {Love her} Be present when needed. Send a card, sharing specific ways God has used her to bless our lives. Offer to pray specifically for her/family.
Is there some way I can pray for you today, my warrior friend? Are you feeling more like a weary warrior these days? It’s okay. You’re not alone. I welcome the opportunity to pray for you.
Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up… 1 Thessalonians 5:11
If you’ve never tried Herbal Rose Tea, you’re in for a treat!
Imagine sipping tea in a rose garden. {No fancy gloves required!} Because this is one of my all-time favorite teas, I had to share a canister with you in this month’s giveaway.
To enter, simply leave a comment on today’s post sharing your favorite flavor of tea, or ways I can pray for you, or both. {I’m assuming you’re a tea drinker if you’ve read this far.} Next Wednesday, March 2, I’ll announce the winner of the random drawing done via Random Name Picker. For each comment you leave between now and next Monday’s post, I will add your name to the list for drawing. Thank you and good luck!
Last week, I shared in this post how God’s redeeming power took a seemingly hopeless situation and brought forth a story thirty years later that I pray will inspire others.
To enter your name in the giveaway simply leave a comment! I’ll draw a name via random.org on Friday, 2/20, and post it on Facebook as well as this blog.
Flowers will be delivered, chocolates devoured, and dinners dimly lit by candlelight will be enjoyed.
Others will enter empty, hushed homes Saturday night. And it’s here where my heart stirs and longs to reach outward.
Oh yes, His presence is there with them, but we are His hands and feet.
In years past, I’ve made cards to send to those without a Valentine but this year I purchased a pack of 8 at Target. Because I sign them from Jesus, our true Valentine, it’s important to find appropriate text inside printed cards. For instance, the pack I picked up this year says: Today is all about matters of the heart…and you totally matter to mine. Happy Valentines Day.
My cards will go to singles, two widows, an elderly woman, and a lonely warrior. I don’t share these specifics for an “attagirl!” I simply want to focus our attention on ways we can put the gospel on display this Valentine’s Day, especially to those who may need it the most this time of year.
So, does anyone come to mind? Act on it and see what God can do.
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:19
I didn’t go in search of such a book. In fact, I was looking for a new Ravensburger puzzle when the cover caught my eye. Once inside, however, I was immediately drawn to the clean lines, white space, and content.
Books on organization of all types line my shelves but I knew this one offered a unique twist. After all, this New York Times Best Seller has sold two million copies worldwide. Maybe there was hope for me after all.
In all fairness to the author, I don’t want to give away all her secrets but one small, yet significant suggestion she makes is to touch everything when deciding what to do with it. If that particular thing doesn’t spark a sense of joy, out it goes!
Lucky for Marie Kondo, the idea of a tidy, uncluttered home did indeed spark a sense of joy within. It’s a keeper.
I’m not going to vacuum until Sears makes one you can ride on. -Roseanne Barr
The best time for planning a book is while you’re doing the dishes. -Agatha Christie
Your turn! What area is in most need of organizing in your home? (If you say books, you’re not alone.)
Beginning Monday, February 2nd, we’ll explore all things pertaining to love. Every weekday I’ll share a snippet of something I love in hopes of stirring a spirit of gratefulness, especially for the little things within us both.
On Wednesdays, the focus shifts to the extravagant love of our heavenly Father, the One True Love.
So, why the topic of love five days a week for an entire month?
Because love surrenders a fragrance of delight in its wake.
Sometimes the release is minute, insignificant to others, but fragrant to our souls all the same. And isn’t that the sweetest fragrance of all?
I look forward to sharing this journey o’ love with you!
As we usher in this new series would you consider sharing one attribute you most love about Jesus, Love defined?
We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Cathy Baker
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By Cathy Baker @cathysbaker
