by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Ever met someone for the first time but instead it felt more like a continuation of a lifelong friendship? This happens often with sisters in Christ, and it describes my friendship with Susan Stilwell. I learned about her amazing blog via Vonda Skelton over a year ago and we’ve stayed connected ever since.
But here’s the best part. We’ll meet face to face for the first time at our upcoming writer’s conference at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference. I can’t wait to give this Hokie a big hug!
In the meantime, I’m delighted to be guest blogging @ her site, I Hope 4 Him, today. We’d love for you to stop by for a visit. 🙂
Thank you, Susan. See you soon!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Edie Melson, Jamie Britt, and Vonda Skelton
For this Friday Fave my focus turns towards one of the sweetest and most encouraging young women I know, Jamie Britt. Her physical sight may be impaired but the insight God gives her certainly is not.
Awhile back Jamie asked if I would be a “Friday Friend” on her awesome blog
Encouraging Women. I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough. (Thanks, Jamie!)
So, today, would you consider dropping by Jamie’s blog to read our interview? You can read it
here.
Thank you!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Taking a cue from today’s post over at The Budget Maven, I thought I’d give this a try.
This past weekend:
- Skipped over to Barnes & Noble on Friday date night to pick up the latest issue of this favorite magazine and a new picture book for Piper.
- Caught two American Masters episodes, featuring Louisa May Alcott and Harper Lee. Informative and inspiring! It’s been years since I’ve read To Kill A Mockingbird but thanks to the documentary, I plan to read it again very soon.
- “Worked” on plans for our study introduction next Tuesday night. The Lord sparked an idea that I cannot wait to experience with the other ladies.
- Began filling my bowl after a stirring presentation on Sunday from the ministry Rice Bowls, which helps to feed orphaned children around the globe. You simply fill up the plastic “bank” and return it to the church in exchange for another empty one. Our monetary change brings transforming changes to these little boys and girls. Read more about this amazing ministry here.
Right now:
- Like Allison, we’re also gathering goods for a possible yard sale this weekend.
- Working on new writing goals. I have a head start on September!
- Fixing a smoothie, ignoring the frappe.
- Starting to journal my prayers again. I’d taken a break…but it’s good to be back on track.
- Praying for the Christian Communicators Conference taking place this week at The Cove—especially for Vonda, Carolyn, Latan, and all those attending.
- Thanking the Lord for YOU. I appreciate your taking time from a busy start-of-the- week to read this post. God bless you!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
This week, I decided to join
The Writer’s Plot, a local group led by the amazing Pam Zollman. The group meets on the third Saturday of every month — and the timing could not have been better! Tomorrow, Saturday, July 21, The Writer’s Plot will host
The Story Continues, a writer’s conference to be held at Furman University.
It’s not too late to join us!
10% discount for TWP members for all prices
Harold Underdown – consulting
editor, former vice president & editorial director at
ipicturebooks, former editorial director at Charlesbridge, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books
Edie Melson– social media marketing expert, author of best-selling ebook, Social Media Marketing for Writers and a devotional, Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle
Vonda Skelton – author of Seeing Through the Lies (for women), three Bitsy Burroughs Mysteries (for children), and numerous magazine articles for adults
Patricia Thomas – author of 7 picture books, including “Stand Back,” said the Elephant, “I’m Going to Sneeze!” as well as numerous magazine articles and short stories
Pam Zollman – award-winning
author of 40 children’s books, hundreds of short stories and articles
(for adults and children), and former editor at Highlights Magazine
Alan Gratz – award-winning author of six children’s and YA books, short stories, magazine articles, plays, and several episodes of A&E’s City Confidential
Jessica Alexander – Associate Editor for Peachtree Publishing
Katya Jensen—Editorial and Subrights Coordinator for Peachtree Publishing
Diana Flegal– Literary agent with Hartline Literary Agency
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Would you talk to your friends the way you talk to yourself?
When Tracy, our Weight Watchers leader, posed this question to our group, an arrow doused in truth punctured the bullseye encircling my heart.
The truth? If I spoke to my friends the way I “speak” to myself at times, I’d be friendless.
I can’t imagine telling someone I care about that they’re overweight, lacking in talent, or less of a person because a degree isn’t packed away in their attic—yet I have no qualms with speaking those things into my own life.
Tracy’s question awakened a reality within me that often dozes off when tested: Words—spoken or unspoken—do but one of two things: build up or tear down.
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” James 3:9,10
When we tear down ourselves, speak lies into our being, God’s greatest desires for us can be sabotaged, and what’s worse, we insult the One who made us in His likeness.
Sisters, this should not be.
“Friends, let’s make a promise today not only to cultivate the inner beauty God desires to see in us, but also to search for the beauty in each other. After all, we’re family, and families stick together.” – Vonda Skelton, Seeing Through The Lies
