by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
Here’s why I’ve decided to participate in Myquillyn Smith’s (The Nester) 31 DAYS writing challenge to blog every day during the month of October:
- I love to blog. It’s that simple. Putting my thoughts out there for all to see is a bit scary but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
- The challenge offers a unique opportunity to meet other bloggers. Who doesn’t enjoy meeting others willing to undertake similar challenges?
- Structure is my friend. Having said that, I’ve decided to blog every day in October except Sundays.
- Because it’s where I am right now. The theme for my October blogging is “Join In The Dance…Staying in Step with the Spirit.”
Later this week I’ll be sharing the “why” behind the topic. In the meantime, if you enjoy blogging, it’s not too late to join in the fun!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
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| A Blue and White Tea for Two |
by Cathy Baker
During the frenzied search for my diamond a couple weeks ago, Piper spotted a stack of blue and white china tea cups set aside for posting on Craig’s List. Picking up a tea cup ever so carefully, Piper let out a giggle and asked if we could have a tea party.
Now, I’ve dreamed of tea parties with granddaughters for years but I didn’t
expect my first opportunity to occur while frantically searching for
such a sentimental stone. It was, however, impossible to turn down such a delightful invitation so I set aside the search and began washing tea cups.
We put the kettle on, listened for the perky whistle, and buttered a little bread, excited about our impromptu tea party.
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| Notice whose cup is empty first! |
I stood in the kitchen waiting for the perfect shade of English to appear in our cups while Piper set the tea tray. Within moments, I caught sight of the diamond lying upside down on the kitchen counter, only inches away from our cups.
This happens so often in life, doesn’t it?
What we need—what we really need—often emerges during a time of waiting.
- We wait for test results.
- We wait for deep needs to be met and understood by those we love most.
- We wait for loneliness to subside.
- We wait for answers to questions that may never be resolved this side of heaven.
- We wait for the tea to brew.
I’m not a fan of waiting. Divine works, however, seem to thrive where a willingness to wait exists. Not the twiddling-my-thumbs kind of wait but one that’s willing to trust in God’s strength and sovereignty, regardless of the outcome. His courage is ours for the taking!
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Psalm 27:14 ESV
Leave it to a grinning granddaughter with a teacup pinched between her fingers to serve as a reminder that oftentimes our greatest blessings are discovered in the waiting.
What’s one thing you’ve discovered during a time of waiting?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
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| Our view from the Portofino IV deck in Garden City, SC |
by Cathy Baker
If you know me, you know my vacation actually begins when pen hits paper a few weeks prior to our departure. Yes, the list could be saved on a Google doc but there’s something about starting with fresh paper and bright ink each year that makes me…well, downright happy.
This year, however, I felt the tinge of a holy adjustment coming my way every time I glanced at the words “lap top” on my list.
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| Moonlight skimming the ocean. |
I knew with three grandbabies on the trip there would be no desire to peruse the internet, check email or write blog posts during the day but I admit I thought it might be the perfect way to close the evening before heading to bed.
And then I came across Emily Freeman’s post Why Rest Takes Courage. Her final paragraph clung to my soul, refusing its release:
The details of soul rest may look different for each of us, but
probably includes some combination of silence, solitude, nature, your
people, and the willingness to come into the presence of Christ and
simply be ourselves.
The Holy Spirit was as clear as the moon on our first night at the beach—I was to leave the lap top behind. And I did, resulting in a few discoveries along the way:
- I was ambushed by the uneasiness that crept in as our departure day drew near. What did I think I’d really miss in 7 days?
- A new-found freedom emerged as I carried out my beach days with little to no thought of the lap top. I felt no obligation to check Facebook or email. I tried to rest in the fact that if someone didn’t receive an immediate response from me, all would be well in the end.
- I lost nothing by leaving my lap top behind but I did gain a liberty I didn’t know existed, time I can never recapture and a renewed appreciation for God’s promptings.
I’m not suggesting everyone should leave their lap top behind, but I don’t ever see it reappearing on my family beach trip list again. Ever.
So, how about you? Is there one thing in particular you most appreciate about God’s promptings in your life?
Taking time off is not a punishment or a dare or a rule.
It is a gift.
-Emily P. Freeman
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
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| Springer Mountain Farms Organic Chicken + Ziploc freezer bags = A perfect duo |
Frozen chicken.
What could poultry possibly have in common with the fragrance of Christ? I wondered too until I considered this:
As a renewed member of Weight Watchers, one of my favorite go-to meals has become organic greens topped with chicken, carrots, broccoli, a few almonds and a pinch of Craisins.
Not so long ago, I purchased ready-to-go rotisserie chickens from Bi-lo. One chicken equaled three salads, max. However, once the broccoli boosted my brain power, I realized I’d be better off (as would my cash envelopes) if I purchased the six-pack bag of Springer Mountain Farms organic chicken.
Now, I broil all six pieces of chicken at once, cut them into bite-size chunks, weigh out 2.5 points worth, and freeze them in individual bags. In the morning, I transfer the single bag to the fridge and voila! The chicken is thawed and ready to be devoured for lunch.
There are a multitude of reasons why making savvy food (and money) choices contributes to a life lived more wisely for the Lord. Yes, I want to be around to dote on our grandchildren for many years to come but ultimately, the main purpose is to serve and glorify Christ for as long as He sees fit. Basically, a healthy body produces a healthy servant.
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| Weight Watchers Electronic Food Scale |
Only God could take organic chicken, a few veggies, a Weight Watchers food scale and zip-lock freezer bags and use it for His ultimate glory.
I never tire of watching Him peel back the practicality of life revealing the underlying power of the moment.
So, how about you? How have you recently seen God transform the practical into something powerful?
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded,
set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the
revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to
the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is
holy, you also be holy in all your conduct…” 1 Peter 1:13-15
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
Once upon a time, a friend named Joyce Ann opened her exquisite home to a woman with a waterproof writing pad and purple pen.
The woman was greeted by a warm breeze, an embrace she’d known all her life, and a waterfall with two toads singing a chorus of smiles.
The
woman with the waterproof writing pad and purple pen made her way down
to the dock via a curved cobblestone pathway more than once that day.
Each time, soaking in all the lake had to offer, including the water.
She was thankful for her waterproof writing pad. (
Mast General Store)
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| Lake Hartwell, Clemson SC |
After reminiscing with her life-long friend over
Southern Pecan coffee, the woman with the
waterproof writing pad and purple pen scurried down the cobblestone path
to catch one last glimpse of sun-glazed water.
She
sat on the dock immersing herself in the sounds of a father teaching his
son to fish across the way, dizzy dragonflies zigzagging by and calm waves hugging the red clay bank.
As she made her way back up the steep hillside one last time, she discovered a petite triple-coned twig, a mini-masterpiece of God’s handiwork, reminding her of why she was there. What began as a research trek for an upcoming project matured into praise.
Thank You, Father, the One who truly makes “happily ever after” an eternal reality.
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| Lake Hartwell Bidding Farewell to the Day |
Where is your favorite writing getaway?
by Cathy Baker 
