Purging the Heart & Mind

Vacations provide so many benefits! I find one specific thing seems to always take place. God takes the first day or so to help me purge my heart and mind. I already knew my next trip would be a challenge for me because I have hypersomnia (select the hypersomnia link to learn more about this chronic illness) so knowing that God would also use the time to clear out my heart and thinking would be another challenge in itself.

After visiting with friends on my vacation, I headed out on the open road toward Eugene, OR to stay at an organic farm. They have a wonderful and eclectic cottage on the farm that would be perfect for unwinding. It was there that God began his work. The innkeeper of the cottage told me a story about having a business woman stay there. She had to encourage her guest to take time to rest even for just a little bit. She suggested to her that if she had to work on vacation then to at least go and do it in the hammock! That guest ended up sleeping for three hours rocking in the hammock and enjoying the outside air. When she woke she thanked the innkeeper and said she hadn't realized how tired she had been. Often we are going so habitually hard core that we don't even see the gas tank light of our body blinking that we are running low.

I continually need reminders not to get pulled into the world of being rushed and worried. So I decided to rest, journal and eat organic, simple food before falling asleep. Sometimes we need reminders that it's OK to take care of yourself and it's not OK or healthy to live your life completely by your calendar. As one of my favorite books says, "Even God rested." He did it to set an example because he knew we'd need it!

When was the last time you had some real rest? Maybe it's time...God can use it to pull you close, purge some bad roots, and refresh you heart. You deserve it! Below are some photos from the organic farm & cottage for you to enjoy too.

Bury the Hatchet

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13

Some of you may not know why my adventure suddenly presented itself. Well, it kind of started with the desire to knock something off my dream list. The last item from the original list I had created years ago included having a cheetah adventure. My hope was that for my 38th birthday this year I could cross off this dream, a dream I've had since 7th grade. Looking at the prices though for the cheetah adventure in Oregon, it became obvious this trip would be too expensive so I worked on getting resolved to try another time.

A few days later, my best friend's husband called me one afternoon at work and I picked up immediately thinking something might be wrong. Her husband and I hadn't really been on the best terms. What happened, you ask? Well, let's just say that because we are so different in personalities, or most likely so alike, that we have never naturally click. So we talked. Since it's a private conversation, I'll spare the details but during this phone call we made peace and he asked if he could help fly me up to Washington state to surprise his wife for her birthday.

I agreed and by the next day, I had booked the WHOLE trip! Well, I had already been doing research, after all. *grin* Because of all this, not only could I see my best friend, who I had not seen in over 2 years and get to see their new 6 month old baby girl but with the money it saved me, I could also have my cheetah adventure! Go God!!!

Yet, my friends, let me tell you something. As exciting as it all was...I know what made God happiest about the whole situation. It wasn't the surprise for my best friend, or that I'd get to see the baby, or that I'd have a vacation or cheetah encounters. It was the reconciliation. This is what made God smile. You see, I am convinced God is thrilled about the forgiving hearts of others because we are acting as He does...merciful and forgiving.

How about you? Anyone you need to 'bury the hatchet' with in your life? I am not even talking about a grievous sin here...maybe there is someone you are just not fully reconciled with because of something. I'm not promising you a trip of a lifetime because of it but I do know without a doubt it pleases God to have you carry a heart willing to forgive and be at peace with people.

Here are some other verses to encourage you:
Matthew 6:14 & Matthew 6:15
Matthew 18:21-22
Mark 11:25
Luke 6:37
Luke 11:4
Luke 23:34

Below are a few photos from my trip...may they also inspire you to be set free and forgive anywhere there's a need...

The God That Knows Us

I have returned from my adventure...and what an exciting time it was for me! I encountered cheetahs, a strange man from Canada and over 864+ miles of road - all while traveling solo. Plus, I reconnected with distant friends, one of whom I met when I strayed off my original path. He was from my childhood and his name is Jacques. More about all those things in the days to come! Out of the many things God set into the fibers of my heart during this trip, one resonates deeply...God knows us. As I gather my thoughts and posts together, I wanted to start off with a poem I wrote on March 1st about why I travel. It was inspiring that I saw each line come to life as I journeyed! 

I travel to encounter God in unique earthly locations & within my own uncharted interiors.
I roam to bond with the biblical explorers I read about in the sheets of my bible.
I journey for the sake of my spiritual, mental, and physical health.
I voyage to remind myself that God created me heroic and resilient.
I escape because I know we are mistaken in our worship of industry.
I wander to gain wonder.

Secondly, I wanted to share what I read for my time with God the morning I left for vacation. It just happened to be my birthday and I always read the same scripture each year. Psalm 139. This year, I read the NLT version and, as always, I can totally see God moving perfectly in what is going on in my life. It reads, "You (God) see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do... You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head...You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed...Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life."

In the next few days, I'll be sharing stories with you about my trip and all that I've learned. I hope you will join me!

On an adventure!

I'll be back soon & will write when I return.
Now you have time to read through some of the older posts. :)
Blessings to you!

My newest adventure shirt.
Wonder what this is all about? Check out these posts:

Destination Diva

Your Dream List

Nourish My Soul

Antique sewing table w/granite top & chair for less than $180!

When I was little, one of my favorite new school items was a "Mead: Trapper Keeper." Not only would it have a pretty picture on the front, like a rainbow or kittens, but I could actually stand it up at my school desk and create a sanctuary. 

As I've gotten older I still create special sanctuaries. I know for many women it's important to be surrounded by beauty and inspiration so that we can cast aside the woes of the world and focus on what nourishes our souls.

Where is your sanctuary? Are you like one of my best friends who enjoyed going to a special lake to talk to God and see cranes? Is there a mountain you climb for inspiration? Do you have a garden to wander or a park trail to jog? Or do you, like me, create your own sanctuary in some special corner of your home?

I traded the large folder system popped out on a table for a little art room that is fresh with light and energy. It is the place I paint, exercise, write, relax and feed my soul. One whole wall is full of windows while the opposite walls embrace my creative corner that is full of things to call my focus back to a simpler self. Recently, I created an inspiration area on one wall. By taking a large, empty picture frame, hanging it on the wall, and taping up whatever refocuses me and feeds my soul, I have a creative space that's ever changing and fun.

Sometimes having a special place is the perfect thing to get your mind and heart focused back on the Lord. Hopefully, one day when I'm in heaven I can talk to some of the early disciples and ask them where they sat to write about Jesus or where they went to remember God and be creative. I can't wait! 

If you have a photo of your special place and want to share a sanctuary idea, then email it to aimsbaker@yahoo.com.

Trust & Gratitude: Lessons from a Ragdoll

This is my Ragdoll cat. His name is Manna. He jumped up on the bed the other night and I began thinking how many lessons God has taught me through him. I'd like to share a few.

Trust -
Just like most people, I've learned the common sounds around my house. I know what walls creek and pop. I know all my cats' sounds as they look out the windows and "hunt" birds. I recognize my neighbor's voice as he talks outside on the phone. I am very familiar with hearing the children laugh and be on pretend adventures when outside at the school across the street. So imagine my surprise then I was sitting on the couch, watching a movie, and I heard a "Squeak!" My three cats had been playing together in the front room and I knew that wasn't a normal cat sound. I jumped up and ran in there to find that Manna had gotten himself tangled in the mini-blind cord. It's amazing how quickly thoughts run through your mind. I remember preparing myself for the challenge of getting him loose as I saw him flip around wildly. I got myself ready for the claw and bite marks I'd nurse later yet as I reached in to pick him up something unexpected happened. Manna totally relaxed in my arms. You see, that's why Ragdoll cats have their name. They tend to go limp when picked up, just like a rag doll, and he did just that! It was as if I picked him up and he went into "trust mode" and I was able to gently untie the cord from around his stomach and set him down.

Psalm 33:4 says, "For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does." Later I reflected on how I want to be more like Manna when troubles come my way. I want to let God take care of me, pick me up, simply relax in His might hands and trust in Him.

Gratitude-
Manna is a gentle giant. Although he just turned one year old, he's already 12 lbs. A full grown Ragdoll male can average about 21 lbs. and the biggest Ragdoll ever recorded was 35 lbs! They are just big boned and are the second largest breed of domestic cat. Yet he's not a bully. In fact, by nature he's so uber sweet I just find myself shaking my head in disbelief sometimes. First of all, this cat is a purring machine. The first time I laid eyes on him in the shelter he looked at me through the glass, flopped over on his back, started kneading his paws in the air and purred. Often he'll jump up next to me and just begin purring. I don't even have to give him affection. He's just so happy that he'll sit there and purr continually. Also, when it's time for treats he doesn't normally eat them right away. When I set them down he must rub up against me (purring of course) about three times. After he's done 'thanking' me then he'll go eat his treats.

Colossians 2:6-7 reads, "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Overflowing in thankfulness! Each time Manna goes along, just acting like himself, I find myself stopping and being convicted. I want to 'purr' with thankfulness and praise God so much that people turn to Him. I want to be grateful for any blessing before I even take them. And, I want to be grateful just to be in God's favor without him doing anything more for me.

These are just a few lessons I've learned from my little, well big, kitten. The word Manna according to my dictionary means, "something unexpected but welcome" and I find that this cat and the lessons God teaches me through him are just that.

Look for the Doors

Crocheting. This is something creative I like to do in the winter. In a lot of ways it's a lost art and you might be surprised to learn that a grandma is not the one who taught me.

One day I was on a campus watching people in our college ministry play volleyball. As I walked up to a group, I noticed a young lady with a very puzzled look on her face that turned to a bored expression. I introduced myself and joined to listen to the conversation. The women were sharing about their wonderful time at camp and who could blame them?! Unfortunately, they were speaking in a lot of church lingo. Ah, now I understood the young lady's confused, bored look. She had no way to join the conversation.

So I turned to her and asked what she did as a hobby. She shrugged and said, I like to crochet. "Really?!," I said. This young lady was only about 18yrs. old and was very alternative with a punk'ish style so this was not exactly the hobby I expected. I love it when people surprise me! So I began asking her more questions and asked if she'd ever taught anyone. You should have seen her come out of her colorful shell! Right then and there, we set up a time to get together. It was decided. She'd teach me how to crochet a blanket and I'd teach her about God.

We had so much fun together. Although, she decided that she didn't want to follow God at that time, I am hopeful about the seeds God helped me to plant. And I use the lesson she gave to me too! I still make blankets and usually donate them to people that are sick or in hospice. Each time I make a blanket, I remember her and try to pray for her.

This is just one tiny example of how I've seen God open someone up when I look for their passions, or what I like to think of as the doors into their heart. I forget to do this too often, so instead of working to pull people into my world, I'm strive to connect more with them within their passions.

Let's face it, we get talked AT all the time, sometimes we just need people to ask us questions and listen. I've broken down more walls with my ears than with my hands. Here's to making a decision to look for the doors!