by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
I LOVE sweet revelations.
Brian: “What would you like for Christmas?”
Me (without hesitation): “Time management sessions.”
Brian: “No, really.”
Me: “Really.”
Little did he know I was referring to sessions with one of the sharpest women I know, Cynthia Owens, of Go With Vision…Simplifying Work and Life. We’ve been friends for years, she leads our CrossNPens writer’s group, and has a stellar reputation in corporate settings.
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| Cynthia Owens |
During a recent session, Cynthia laid two pieces of notebook paper on the table. On one, a list of to-do’s for my part-time job. On the other, my writing projects. It was a heavy work week (training) resulting in sparse writing. I love love love my new PT work at the church but I’d missed my writing time that week.
Cynthia nudged the sheets till they touched and asked, “Why does one get preference over the other?” After a few seconds of silence, she answered, “Because someone is waiting on this,” as she pointed to my work list. “No one is waiting on this,” pointing to my writing projects.
And there it was in all His glory.
I knew what Cynthia meant. More than likely, no one would email or text for updates on my writing projects. It’s a self-motivated kind of calling. While I heard her words, my soul perceived this sweet revelation instead:
Only God knows how many people are “waiting on this” —
your writing.
It may be one person. It may be thousands. Only God knows. All I know—all we know—is that we are to engage our God-given gift regardless if anyone expects it or not.
Oh, the sweet revelations of our heavenly Father, taking mere mortal words and transforming them into heavenly ones.
How great are your works, O Lord!
Your thoughts are very deep!
Psalm 92:5
Note: If you’re interested in seeking Cynthia’s help but do not live locally, don’t despair! Contact her about long distance options via her Web site at Go with Vision.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
I LOVE my local writer’s group, CrossNPens (led by Cynthia Owens), as well as my online group, The Light Brigade (led by Lori Roeleveld.)
I didn’t realize how blessed I was to be part of such amazing groups until my first writer’s conference at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference. When discussing our critique groups, I was the envied one! And rightfully so.
Being critiqued isn’t easy when it’s your heart spilled out in ink. It has an especially vulnerable feel to it, which is why trust within a group is essential. If you have confidence in a person’s intentions—that they desire the best for you—the words can be received, even the “critical” ones. Don’t you find this to be true in our daily lives as well?
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| Some of our CrossNPens group from February meeting. |
Doing life with other imperfect people can result in bruised feelings and messy hands, but it comes down to the heart.
It always does.
Both writing groups have introduced me to some of the godliest and most creative people I know. They’ve also helped to sharpen my skills, spur me on, and kick me in the pants when necessary. I have the footprints to prove it!
You may not consider yourself a writer but truth is, we all need a group like this—whether it’s a life group in our church, a group of young moms who can relate to runny noses and weary souls, or someone to meet with on a regular basis to discuss the deeper issues of life. Even a bona fide introvert, such as myself, recognizes we were created for community. Some of us just have to work at it a little harder.
Your turn! Would you like to give a shout-out to your group of any kind? Who knows, it might just spark an idea for someone else.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but
encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing
near. Hebrews 10:24, 25
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
I LOVE giveaways!
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.
Today, you have an opportunity to win a copy of this story, included in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s most recent release, Hope and Miracles.
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.
Congrats to Bruce Brady, the January winner of Lori Roeleveld’s Running From a Crazy Man, and Other Adventures Traveling with Jesus.
I can’t think of a better way to kick off a new week than sharing a little something special with you.
Don’t forget to leave a comment to enter your name in the giveaway!
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
whom he has redeemed from trouble…
Psalm 107:2
by Cathy Baker | Tiny House |
On this second Friday of Tiny House LOVE (and the day before Valentine’s Day!) let’s focus on the things we love about tiny houses. Those who live in them could surely bring the specifics to light but as an outsider gazing in through the minuscule windows, these things immediately come to mind when I consider what I love about tiny houses.
Seven Things I Love About Tiny Houses
- They look like an adult clubhouse minus the “No Girls Allowed” sign dangling from the door.
- Tiny houses challenge creatives to be even more so in the aspects of design.
- If built on a trailer, they can go on vacation with you.
- If built on a foundation, they’ll be waiting for you when you return.
- Nothing says cozy like a tiny house.
- One could live debt-free or close to it in a tiny house.
- We can live close to those we love. Nothing says “doing life with someone” like a tiny house!
I would share some of the drawbacks but hey, this is the season o’ love so I’m putting on my rosy glasses and choosing to see only the good because let’s face it, there’s a lot of it.
Although I doubt I’ll ever live in a tiny house (where would my books and Brian’s instruments go?) I could definitely see it as a weekend destination.
I wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day, my friend, as you remember that you have One, above all others, who defends you, never leaves you, saves you, takes great delight in you, and rejoices over you with singing. Rejoice! For no one can compare.
“The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
I LOVE Pandora.
Yes, this is an instance where the word “love” is used a bit frivolously but we don’t have a month o’ likeness, so here goes.
Do you listen to music while writing, doing crafts, reading, etc?
There are moments I crave silence but when I hibernate upstairs in my writing nook you can be sure Pandora is playing on my laptop.
My go-to writing music is George Winston’s channel. It’s purely instrumental—perfect for writing. The last thing I need is lyrics competing for my attention.
Get Into The (Writing) Groove: The Absolute Best Pandora Stations for Writers by Script Chix offers some great options for those in search of a channel.
Pandora is free, but with that comes occasional ad disruptions. You have the option to pay double digits and hear music ad-free, but I have no problem hitting the mute button. I’d rather save my few extra bucks for coffee.
So, I’m curious. Do you listen to music while writing or performing other tasks? If so, what’s your favorite station?
“Music takes us out of the actual and whispers to us dim secrets that
startle our wonder as to who we are, and for what, whence, and whereto.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
It may be one person. It may be thousands. Only God knows. All I know—all we know—is that we are to engage our God-given gift regardless if anyone expects it or not. 
