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Day 21: Testimony

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NLT)

Day 21: Testimony

As a teacher, I spent my career taking the broad, complicated goals given to us by the state and breaking them down into more basic, doable parts so that my students could learn step by step, building confidence until they could demonstrate mastery of a skill that at one time seemed overwhelming.  

As adults, we face complicated goals to conquer, too. The most important to me these days, is to live so that my life is a testimony to others. We’ve been given all the standards we need to be successful in God’s Word, but I’m going to be honest with you, like my Second Graders I’ve found myself overwhelmed by the voluminous, complex lessons and instructions within the Bible. Have you ever been there? Our desire is great but our confidence wavers. That’s why we need the Teacher.

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor a yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT)

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 (NLT)

Jesus breaks living our lives as a Godly testimony down into basic, doable parts: Love God, Love others.

When our hearts, minds, and souls are focused on loving God, we begin to try to understand and live out those complex lessons and instructions in the Bible and in so doing that, our lives will bear evidence of that Godly love. Putting others above ourselves, loving them as Jesus loves us will also be a profession of our faith without us having to say a word. 

Is it easy? No. Can we do it on our own? Of course not. But, when we put our confidence in Christ and not ourselves, step by step our lives will demonstrate and express the love the world so desperately needs.  I don’t think it’s a skill we will master in this life but it’s one that we’ll get better at as we put love into practice. 

Love God. Love others. This is our life testimony!

Day 18: Little

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

Day 18: Little

Not long ago, on a fall get-away and a whim, we turned into the parking lot of the “Smallest Church in 48 States.” Stepping into the tiny sanctuary, such a sense of God’s presence immediately permeated my soul. There was a reverent silence within those walls. Soft light filtered through the stained glass windows creating a red glow that flowed across the floor at the alter beneath the cross. A coincidence? I think not. Sitting in a miniature pew I felt God’s peace saturate all of that little space. 

Experiencing God’s presence and peace in my “normal-sized” church happens regularly. Standing in the shadow of a large mountain, at the edge of the vast ocean, or amongst a sweeping forest, I expect to sense God there in the midst of his grand design. But, in a roadside attraction touting its small size? Encountering our BIG God there, took me by surprise.

I’m afraid I’ve been shortsighted in the same way before. When going through major happenings in life (many that throw us for a loop) I take those big cares right to God. After all, He is the no height, width, breadth, depth, east from west God! But, when it comes to little things? I’ve questioned whether our omniscient, omnipotent God has time for those. Things like my lost keys, a stomach ache, vacation plans, missing birds from my feeders, car trouble, or a multitude of other minute details. Maybe you’ve wondered too? Here’s what I’m learning:

“Do not be anxious about anything; but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 (NIV emphasis mine)

Did you catch that? Paul teaches us not to worry, and I’m going to add not to wonder, about anything. And he says, instead take everything, tremendous and tiny, to God in prayer. Isn’t that amazing? We expect God to listen to our monumental needs, but our little ones? That can take us by surprise. But, when we think about it, it really shouldn’t because after all, Jesus came as a little baby, He compared faith with a grain of mustard seed, fed the five thousand with meager loaves and fish, and used a widow and her two small mites as an example of commendable giving. He is the last is first, poor is rich, least is great, God! And it doesn’t stop there:

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

I love how God works? My experience with Him in the “Smallest Church in 48 States” has reminded me, and I hope you too, that He meets us anywhere about anything. Big or little, God invites us to turn to Him not on a whim, but in prayer and thanksgiving. And when we step into His presence? We will feel God’s peace saturate every little space of our being. 

 

Day 17: Together

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together,” Hebrews 10:24-25a (NLT)

Day 17: Together

As an introvert, I don’t mind being by myself. Actually, I enjoy it. But…there are times that I also crave to be together with those I love and care about. There’s really nothing more precious than family gathered around the table, friends huddled next to a campfire, brothers and sisters in Christ raising their voices as one in praise, or co-workers joining to solve a problem. Some of my favorite memories are times of togetherness.

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)

King Solomon’s wisdom in the Old Testament still holds true today. Recently I’ve been going through a book to learn more about a skill I’m interested in and my friend Jane kindly offered to read along with me. We meet weekly to discuss what we’ve gleaned from the pages. Now, I could have done it all on my own. But… this is what I know about myself: most likely I would have procrastinated and put off reading to the end or rushed through to get done and missed some important points. The offer to go through the book together held me accountable, enhanced what I got out of the content, and made it fun to complete. Jane has helped me succeed.

Ecclesiastes 4 goes on to say that together, there’s always a helping hand to lift one another up and it reminds us how much easier it is to feel warm and comfortable when we are side by side. And isn’t that the case with us? On our own, this world can be a cold place offering us much to fall prey to. But….together…

“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)

Whether it’s the love of family, support of friends, prayers of our church, solutions from those we work with, or yes, even a book buddy, face to face or “back-to-back,” being together improves our good times and bad. But…adding One more makes everything better!

Day 16: Delight

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Day 16: Delight

It’s “leaf peeper” season here in the mountains and that’s just what I’ve been doing. What a most delightful day just sitting outside and “peeping” at the leaves. Golden yellow, bright orange, and deep red are replacing the green of just a few weeks ago.

Did you know (I was just reminded thanks to my very smart hubby) that the bold fall colors now adorning the trees are always present in the leaves? It’s only when the green producing chlorophyl begins to break down because of shorter days and colder temperatures, that the green fades giving way to the vivid autumn shades hidden within.

Did you also know that our true colors are waiting to be revealed too? We can be a little “green around the edges” in life thinking we can hang on in the world by our own effort, that we know  all we need to get by, or that this is as good as it gets and that’s enough for us. This way of life is bitter and short!

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

Just as chlorophyl deteriorates to expose the brilliance within, so must our “old self ” fade away. When we accept a life in Christ, His bold, bright light shines in and through us, revealing what God knew was there all the time. 

As in nature, showing our true colors is a process but, day by day, season by season, we will begin to look different to those who take a “peep.” Christ’s bright light and a bold love will show through. And when God looks upon us?

“For the Lord takes delight in his people;”
Psalm 149:4a (NIV)

Day 12: Born

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.” Psalm 78:7 (NLT)

Day 12: Born

Since I was born up until now, there have been a lot of changes in the world. I could list many things that I used everyday growing up that are now obsolete and have been replaced by new technology. But, even with all the advancements I’ve experienced in 63 years, I don’t think it compares with what my grandparents’ generation witnessed! 

Stop and think about it. Those born in the early 1900’s as my grandparents were, went from no electricity to automated everything, horse powered transportation to space travel, and limited communication to access to the world. 

My grandpa used to like to tell stories about what it was like during his growing up years. It was important to him to share his life experience. We knew that with each visit there’d be tales of the “olden days.” I wish I would have listened more carefully back then, as I’m sure I missed out on much wisdom that I could sure use now. What I did come to realize through those tales though, was when my grandpa was little he couldn’t even imagine the things that were now normal life to him as an adult. No one in his generation would have guessed how drastically life would change. It’s not the same for us. I don’t really think that we’d be surprised by anything that may be developed today: life under the sea or on the moon, flying cars, robots, you get the idea. We CAN conceive the things to come.

Being able to picture the future isn’t always a good thing. Along with creating advancements to make our lives easier, we’ve also created a world that has become more challenging and it sometimes feels like things just keep getting worse and worse. I don’t know about you, but I worry about what my grandchildren will face in their future and often, I don’t want to try to envision it at all.

That’s why we need to be like my grandpa and make sharing stories of Life with those around us a priority. 

“I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD. I will tell everyone that you alone are just. O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.”
Psalm 71:16-18 (NLT)

Grandpa’s stories taught us about the past and how far things have come. God’s stories reassure each of us we’re not alone right where we are and share the good news about where we’re going. Experiencing life with God through the good times and bad teach us what we need as we grow in Him. The prayer of the Psalmist should be ours too: “Let me proclaim your power to this new generation.” Those are exactly the stories we should feel are most important to tell our children, their children, and all those who come after us. And if like younger me, they don’t listen carefully? Well then, we tell them again; because hearing wisdom born of God now, makes life better than we ever imagined!

PS My grandpa is the boy to the far right. This family photo was taken in Aug. 1920.

Day 6/31: Crave

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:41 (NLT)

Day 6: Crave

If I were to tell you some things that I’ve been known to crave the list would include: Lay’s potato chips, Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee Mocha, pumpkin pie, time alone, being with my grandsons, and a water view to name a few. There was one time though, that my craving got way out of control.

Many years ago my husband received a large container of chocolate covered almonds as a business gift.  As soon as I saw them I knew I was in trouble and so with all the strength I could muster I suggested that he hide them somewhere I was sure not to find them, otherwise I knew I would eat every single one of those delectable treats. And so he did as I asked.

The next morning once I was alone, I sat drinking my coffee when something came over me. I literally could smell those chocolate covered almonds! Soon they were all I could think about and the frantic search ensued. I was like a bloodhound on a recovery mission. Sniff! Every cupboard was opened. Sniff, sniff! Closets were rummaged through. Sniff, sniff, sniff! Dust bunnies under the beds were displaced as my arm reached as far under as possible. The longer I searched the more I desired what I couldn’t have and in the process, turned my whole house upside-down trying to satisfy my yearning. This is a perfect example of what James warns us about:

“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away..”
James 1:14 (NLT)

The truth is, chocolate covered almonds aren’t the only craving that’s lured me with a scent of satisfaction. The world offers so much that promises to meet our longings, and when we catch a tempting whiff we’re drawn to seek them out. Maybe you know exactly what I mean. Whether it’s a desire for attention, companionship, escape, comfort, power, or anything we crave, our frantic pursuit of it can drag us away from what we know is best and turn our whole world upside-down. That’s exactly why Jesus taught us to pray, “lead us not into temptation.” (Matthew 6;13)

So what are we very human “bloodhounds” to do? Follow our “knows.” That is, Who we know, and what we know:

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 2:14-16 (NLT)

Day 5/31: Other

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Day 5: Other

Time spent visiting my mom is always special and leaving is always hard. Being the procrastinator that I am, it’s easy to stretch out the packing and loading up process. Eventually though, the good-bye must happen. Words are shared, hugs given, and tears shed. Then, I wait for mom’s message of caution: “be careful,” “keep me posted along the way,” and “look out for the other guy.” 

That last one seems more important today than ever, as it appears there are more cars and less common sense on the road. Mom is reminding me to be attentive to those who go roaring past while encroaching the middle line, the ones cutting in front of me with no warning into what they think is space left open just for them, those who ride my bumper hoping I’ll change speeds, and yes, the oblivious who putt-putt along in the fast lane, going anything but fast and slowing up progress along the way. “Look out for the other guy” is a warning given out of love, meant to help me make it safely home. 

Do you know that the Bible offers us the same message of caution? It also reminds us, to be careful and look out for the other guy. 

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

The “other guy” we need to look out for as we travel on the road of life is Satan. He races to catch up with us and then proceeds to try and inch over as close as he can get without us moving away. He’s also known to perceive an opening, a space we don’t think is a problem, and without warning he’ll slide right in.  The devil is a master at pushing us to go faster and further than we want to or to block our way keeping us from where we want to go. “Look out for the other guy!”

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I heed this warning and sometimes I’m not as careful as I should be. I might convince myself that even though he’s getting closer to me than I’d like, I’ve got a grip on the situation. Or, I realize that I’ve made space for fear, worry, self-centeredness, envy, or a varied plethora of things and don’t think about the fact that those are just the spaces that welcome the “other guy” to slide right in. There are situations we know we should steer clear of but we feel him pushing us along. We’ve all know times when we see where we should go, but Satan slows us down, blocks our way, keeps us from completing the journey we were to take. “Look out for the other guy!”

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)

How are we traveling? Are we being careful, checking in with the Lord along the way, and remembering to look out for the other guy? We should be. After all, the messages of caution offered through God’s Word are given out of love and meant to help each of us make it all the way Home.

Day 4/31: Never

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and what for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

Day 4: Never

I never thought it would happen, but here it is! I’ve been not so patiently watching and waiting and watching and waiting. Mixed in midst of all that watching and waiting there was also something else. Disappointment. This very plant was heavy with blue, pink, and lavender flowers last year, but not this season.

All summer my hydrangea grew bigger and rounder than its ever been before and didn’t stop until it covered one entire end of the flower bed. The crazy thing even encroached its way onto the sidewalk. While the dark green lush leaves outdid themselves filling the ample branches, not one single blossom formed on the entire bush, not one! I gave up and stopped watching.

Then, out of nowhere this small blossom appeared. It took its sweet ole time waiting until Fall to finally arrive. It certainly wasn’t the outcome I expected, but honestly? I think I appreciate that little flower more than I have any of the others.

This out-of-season late bloomer is a good reminder for us. We often find ourselves in times of waiting and watching for something to happen in our own lives or in the lives of those we love. Maybe you’re there now. There certainly are some things in my life that to me, seem a long time coming. 

We pray, we watch, we wait. We pray, we watch, we wait. And in the midst of all that? Disappointment, discouragement, helplessness, confusion, fear, anger can join in. When the answer doesn’t come when we want it to and it makes sense to us that it should, we begin to think it will never happen.

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)

Just because WE think it the right time for something, doesn’t mean God does. Have you ever had a “Garth Brooks moment”?  You know, “Thank God for unanswered prayers?” Or have you received a different answer that was different but much better than what you were expecting? The Bible tells us in Isaiah 55:8 that God’s thoughts and ways are nothing like ours. He knows exactly the what’s and when’s we need. 

There’s no doubt we’re encouraged to pray for the things on our hearts, but, we may have to wait for the right season to get an answer. What I’m learning though, is that in waiting we must keep watching with anticipation. Pray, wait, watch. Pray, wait, watch. Because as the NLT puts verse 8, God’s ways are “far beyond anything you could imagine.” I don’t know about you, but that tells me that we need to be on the look-out for those out-of-season outcomes we never thought could happen, just like a little hydrangea blooming in the Fall.

Day 3/31: Coffee

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23

Day 3: Coffee

Recently in the news I read studies are showing that drinking multiple cups of coffee each day is beneficial for your heart. I’m glad to learn this because one of my favorite things about being retired is to be able to linger each morning. Most days my routine remains the same. I wake on my own (no alarm is another plus to being retired), get up, open the blinds so I can see what’s happening around me, adjust the thermostat for comfort, and pour myself a hot, rich cup of coffee. I then enjoy a second one and sometimes even another. I savor the aroma, warmth, and flavor of every sip. I must admit, I’ve become quite protective of the time I devote to my coffee consumption and now I can reassure myself it’s OK because my heart health depends on it.

Guess what? There’s something much more important to my (and your) heart health and that is lingering with God, drinking in His presence.

“Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.” Psalm 86:11 (NLT)

So, here’s the bold, full strength, dark roasted question: Am I as devoted to protecting the time I spend in prayer, the Word, and praise, as I am to my coffee? Are you? We each need to answer for ourselves, but for me, I need to adjust my priorities.

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Matthew 6:21 (NLT)

Day 1/31: Way

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'” Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

Day 1: Way

Just down the road from my house, majestically rising from the ground, are the Seneca Rocks. Rock climbers from all over the world come to ascend their sheer fins. They can often be seen standing on the very top, silhouetted against the backdrop of only the sky. I want to make it clear, I am NOT one of them!

Thankfully, there’s another route to enjoying the view from the heights of the rocks, one designed for non-climbers like me. Many years ago I took that trail with our church youth group and while the path is easily navigated, I found the steep slope and my lack of physical fitness challenging. At the same time that I was huffing and puffing, one of our youth who had physical limitations declared she needed to rest. I knew there was NO WAY I was going to make it without stopping, so I “generously” offered to stay back with her and continue on when she was ready. And that’s what we did together: climb a bit, rest a bit, go a bit further, sit for a few minutes, start again, and then pause until we finally conquered what we didn’t think we could. 

This story is a good reminder for all of us that the same is true in life. We will face many challenges and some will leave us feeling as if there is NO  WAY we can make it to the end. The thing is, we don’t have to push through on our own huffing and puffing under the weight of it all.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’”
Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT)

We all know that standing in the valley looking up at the mountaintop can feel overwhelming. The weight of our circumstance makes taking another step, let alone a step up, seem impossible. That’s when Jesus generously sits with us, offering rest when we need it the most. While still difficult, the journey becomes doable by uniting with Him, sharing the load of our worries, anxiety, grief, or whatever we face. Together, we climb a bit and rest in Him, make it a bit further and sit with Him, begin again and wait with Him until we conquer what we didn’t think we could. Where to us, there seemed to be NO WAY, He doesn’t just make one, He IS the One!

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’”
John 14:6a (NLT)

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