by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Perhaps you remember my post When Wonder Taps on Your Window from last summer?
In it, I shared how an older woman tapped on my car window at the least expectant moment. I’d not seen her in years but she quickly filled the gap with questions. It went something like this: Cathy,
do you remember the basket you made for me and Keith? (Her husband
was terminally ill at the time.) You had little gifts in it and each one
had a Scripture verse that matched the gift. Some women in my church
would like to start making the same baskets for hurting people in our
church. Could you write those down for me?
Below are a few of the gifts that were tucked in Keith’s basket that day. Each includes a suggested tag along with a Scripture verse.
- A pocket-pack of
Kleenex (Pier One has colorful options for less than a dollar.) Taped to the pack, a tag read: Not one of your tears has gone unnoticed by
your heavenly Father. He cares…and so do I. You have kept count of my wanderings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? (Psalm 56:8)
- Mini-loaf of bread.
Tied with a pretty ribbon, the tag read: Jesus, the bread of
Life, is the source for all your needs — emotionally, physically, and
spiritually. Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)
- Votive candle. I dropped the votive in a small
clear bag and tied the top with a simple cord or ribbon, with a tag that read: You’re not alone during this difficult time. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Know someone in need of a little encouragement this week? The gifts above are practical and inexpensive but they point to an extravagant Love.
If you have an idea to add to the list, I’d love to hear more. To God be the glory!
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father
of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Every other Wednesday, you’ll be greeted with a NEW gathering idea. Most times, the focus will be on tea gatherings but I’ll be sure to include girlfriend gathering ideas along the way as well. On Wednesdays in between, you’ll find favorite recipes, along with thoughts and ideas on hospitality in general.
Today, I’d like to begin by sharing some basic tips on planning a tea party, with our main focus on relationships rather than hosting the so-called perfect tea. Keep your gathering as simple as you’d like. Feel free to choose none, one, some, or all of the tips below!
- Prayer is to our gathering what a tablecloth is to a tea party—foundational. Everything else is built upon it. From the get-go of our preparations, let’s begin praying for those God would have us invite. We never know what God has up His divine sleeve! By immersing our time in prayer we provide an opportunity for an unforgettable God-glorifying gathering.
- Invitations. Is there anything more inviting than a handwritten note? With the big picture in sight, any type of invite will work (yes, even a call, email or texting) but taking the time to write a note is pretty special these days.
- Music. Choosing instrumental selections for background music is ideal. Piano, harp, Windham-Hill, etc. Play it lightly. If guests are having to raise their voices, even a tad, it’s too loud.
- It’s nice to keep in mind that not all care for tea (gasp!) so we’ll want to offer an option such as coffee, hot cider, etc., based on the season.
- Non-scented candles are always a must. Some, like myself, are allergic to strong aromas and trust me, the last thing we want is Frasier fir mixing with Earl Grey. 🙂
- Greenery. If snipping from our yards, we’ll want to be sure to give it a quick spray in the kitchen sink to remove any pesticides or bugs that may want to crash our tea time. Nothing says Welcome! like a spider creeping over a cup.
- And last, but not least, there’s the empty chair. Leaving one chair empty at our table is a tangible reminder to everyone that Christ is present and desires to fellowship with us.
Do you have a tidbit or two you’d like to share? I welcome the opportunity to learn from you.
Questions? Feel free to leave it in the comment box area, email, or message me via Facebook. If I don’t have the answer, I’ll try to find it for you!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Lucky for Brian, I’m not into vase-filled flowers but I don’t mind sharing that he does owe me a $40.00 Strawberries and Cream Hydrangea (hyperlinked just for you, hun!), purchased with birthday money a few years ago. Let’s just say his lawn mower gave it a big warm hug…twice. As the fellas on Duck Dynasty would say, “It gone!”
Speaking of Valentine’s Day, I have to agree with those who say it’s commercialized (more than one florist is sweating this snowmeggedan!) but alas, it still offers a plethora of opportunities to not only show our love, but more importantly, God’s love, on this special day.
For those of us experiencing historic snowfall this week our options may be limited but not everyone is snowed in, and most everyone wants to be remembered—especially on Valentine’s Day—so here are a few ideas that may brighten someone’s Friday:
- Visit a nearby nursing home. Your face in a lonely place is a gift, period, but if you don’t want to arrive empty-handed, bring some Valentines Day cards. It’s especially fun and meaningful if you have children who could join you. Many residents are widows or widowers and need to be reminded they’re not forgotten.
- Remember those who’ve lost a mate, especially if it’s a more recent loss. Share Hebrews 13:5 — and sign the card from God or Jesus. It’s not credit we’re seeking, but comfort, and what greater comfort is there than to be reminded that He is ever present and will never leave or forsake them?
- Pray! God may want you to send a card, leave a box of candy, or simply give someone a hug that you would’ve never considered otherwise. We can know that when we ask Him to open our eyes to those around us, He will deliver.
And for those of us snowed in, there’s always social media…unless our power goes out. 🙂
But let’s face it. A heart-shaped candy-filled box is simply a reminder to love. February 14th neither defines or confines our ability to love others extravagantly, selflessly, and unconditionally. Any time. Any where. Any day.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
How might the LORD want to use our hands and feet to draw others closer to Him this Valentine’s Day?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
While encouraging Piper’s coloring skills last week, the word popped out without warning. I’d promised myself to keep the word Perfect! under wraps, especially with my grandchildren, but there it was in all its glory.
It’s a seemingly innocent word but it can wreak havoc in our psyche if we’re not careful.
From a writing standpoint, this word has left me paralyzed more times than I’d like to admit.
If the “perfect” word doesn’t come to mind, I can’t begin the poem.
If the “perfect” word picture doesn’t happen, how can I finish the devotion?
And on and on.
So pages of uncompleted work scribbled between two thin blue lines remain scattered among our library, shelved by perfectionism.
Perhaps it’s for this reason I can’t get enough of Emily P. Freeman’s book, A Million Little Ways. Asterisks, underlined words and phrases, Wows!, and several exclamation marks find their way on practically every page. Yes, it’s that good.
One favorite chapter Offer includes this wisdom:
When I hoard my gifts and my gifting under piles of doubt, perfectionism, and demand for appreciation, I forget the six pots in Cana filled with dusty water, the ones holding nearly thirty gallons each. I forget how Jesus takes small offerings and turns them around to glorify his Father.
A salty splotch of water mingled slowly with underlined words as I read this paragraph for a second time. Never had I associated my perfectionism with hoarding God’s gifts. All along, I’d considered my finished piece of work as an offering to the Lord—but now I see it’s because of Christ’s finished work that I can find rest in offering my best, but far from perfect work, for His glory.
If you’re struggling to climb out from beneath piles of doubt, perfectionism, or a demand for appreciation, I would welcome the opportunity to pray for you (and ask that you pray for me, as well.) I have a feeling we’re not alone on this journey!
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
What does God want me to know or learn through this situation?
When Carole, a godly woman in our life group, shared how she often asks herself this question, it was obvious why wisdom follows her wherever she goes. This one question befriended her through the untimely death of her husband a few years ago and a host of everyday situations since.
It’s a simple but profound question grounded in two truths:
- God wants us to know Him and His ways. (John 17:3) It’s proclaimed throughout scripture and most vividly seen through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Because of Him, we can enjoy a relationship with our heavenly Father.
- There is purpose in all things. (Romans 8:28) We won’t always understand situations but knowing that God allowed it to sift through His loving hands for our good and for His glory brings unspeakable comfort and peace.
When we ask God the question What would You have me to know or learn through this situation? we are revealing that our feet are firmly planted in truth, our heart is bent towards His, and that our arms are lifted high in praise, confident that our heavenly Father will not only answer but will do so generously.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
Go ahead. Ask—and then wait and watch expectantly! (James 1:6)
