Philippians 1:3 Archives

5 Ways to Love a Warrior and My February Giveaway! (Hint: Herbal Rose Tea)

by Cathy Baker | Faith, Prayer | 13 comments

By Cathy Baker @cathysbaker

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!

When Trials Awaken An Attitude of Gratitude

by Cathy Baker | Faith | 5 comments

As I bring this month of gratitude to a close, I want to share one final act of thankfulness. It will also explain why I’ll be taking a break from blogging during the month of December.

In September, I had a CT scan. It was to be a straight-forward procedure to help the surgeon who performed my gall bladder surgery earlier this year view the scar tissue, as the site was giving me some pain.

The site turned out fine but the scan did reveal a mass, which turned out to be multiple fibroid tumors. The surgeon remarked on how, if it had not discovered, it would’ve more than likely become cancerous. While not excited about what was found, I couldn’t help but thank God all the way home, confident He orchestrated the unfolding of circumstances.

As I write this (early November) I’m scheduled for surgery on November 19th. If I’ve not replied to comments as quickly as normal, this is why. I’m recuperating on my comfy couch with my spoiled rotten pup and a hard-to-put-down book nearby, Lord willing.

Blogging in December is one of my favorite things to do. I will miss it — I will miss you — terribly. I thank God for the friendships He has allowed me to forge through this ministry, and for those He has deepened.

I pray you and your family will be richly blessed as you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

I look forward to returning in January! In the meantime, feel free to stay in touch as I would love to hear from you. I especially thank you for your prayers.

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

Every single time, my friends.