Category Archives: Five Minute Friday

Five Minute Friday~Take

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“Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.” Isaiah 40:26a (NIV)

Take Time to Look Up

Perusing through the photos on my phone, I have realized that lately I’ve been looking up. A lot! Many of my recent pictures are of the sky in one form or another: bright blue, brilliant orange, soft pink, framing the moon, a backdrop for birds, and other scenes above that have captured my attention. Swiping through the images makes me wonder why I’ve been so drawn to the sky. Thinking about it I’ve realized that when I’ve taken the time to lift my eyes upward, everything else around me seems to simply fade away and for those few moments, I find peace as I’m immersed in the beauty above me.

It has occurred to me, that this attraction to the sky is really a reminder that taking time to look up should not just be a photo opportunity, but rather the way I live my daily life. I don’t know about you, but when challenged, facing a problem, or in the need of wisdom, my first reaction is usually to seek worldly solutions on my own. I mean, Google does seem to have an answer for almost everything!  I also look to those around me for advice, read a book, post, or blog that seems to address the issue, and sometimes even try to reason it out in my own little mind. In reality, there’s nothing really wrong with any of these approaches, unless that is… we allow them to block our view heavenward! Living with our sights set down here on only what the world has to offer is like trying to take a picture of the sky from beneath an umbrella. Our vision is greatly limited! **

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.  Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” Colossians 3:1-2 (NLT)

Setting our “sights on the realities of heaven” changes our perspective. When we take the time to look up: to praise, give thanks, repent, worship, seek, and pray; the things of the world begin to grow dim. We find peace as we are captivated by the beauty of grace.  And. We. Are. Changed!  And when those storm clouds fill our sky? Well, God may send us to just the right friend, guide us to a perfect reading, or bring clarity to our own thoughts.  Who knows? Maybe He’ll even use Google to help clear things up. The important thing is that now we’re looking at the world through God’s lens instead of our own and it helps us put our focus on what’s important.

So, the next time you step outside, take time to look up! Notice how the green leaves contrast against the brilliant blue. Wonder at the countless stars that light up the night. Pause as the sinking sun paints with pinks and purples. And then, look up further……..

“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 4:14-16 (NLT)

**five minutes

Joining http://www.fiveminutefriday.com writing community to write to the prompt “Take” today. It’s always fun to see all the different directions each writer takes with the same word! Click on over and see for yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

Well ~ Five Minute Friday

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Well Child Check-Up

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along.” 3 John 1:2(NIV) / Pixabay

Not long ago I came across my children’s little medical record books. Now, it’s been a long time since I’ve had to make an appointment for a Well Child Check-up. But back when my kids were young, we made regular trips to the doctor’s office to confirm all was as well on the inside, as it was on the outside. Our Pediatrician would listen to each little heart, check the reflexes in active legs, test the accuracy of their vision and hearing, and document the evidence of growth. While we usually associate going to the doctor with being sick, the premise of these check-ups was to focus on our children’s good health and preventing problems in the future.

When I schedule an appointment now, instead of Well Child it’s a “Well Senior” Check-up, however the idea is the same. Maintaining our physical health helps us live full and hopefully long, productive lives. But, let me ask a question. What about monitoring our Spiritual health? How long has it been since you or I have had a “Well Child of God Check-up”? I’m afraid I can often overlook this part of my health even though I know that being well with our souls is vital to truly living. Unfortunately, I usually spend less time looking after the me that only God sees than I do on the me that the world sees.**

It’s time to come into the presence of the “Great Physician”. And guess what? No appointment’s needed! He’s always ready and waiting to help us be our best.  So first, He’ll listen to our hearts to let us know if they’re in rhythm with His:

” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ And the second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ ” Mark 12:30-31 (NIV) 

Next, He’ll check our Spiritual reflexes to show us how quickly we respond to His call :

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4: 18-20 (NIV) (emphasis mine)

Then, He’ll help us determine if we have eyes that see and ears that hear:

” ‘Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ” Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV)

” ‘The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.’ ” Luke 8:14-15 (NIV)

And finally, He’ll reveal our rate of Spiritual growth:

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV)

As a young mom, making regular appointments with the Pediatrician reassured me that we were doing all we could to keep my children in good physical health. Daily visits with our “Great Physician” do the same thing.  Through The Word, prayer, praise, and worship, we can have confidence that we are developing fruitful Spiritual health. Taking care of our minds, bodies, and souls helps us live life well, both now and on into eternity where there’ll be no future problems for us to worry about at all!

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

So who’s ready for a check up? I know I am!

I’m linking up with the other talented writers at Kate Monaung’s site http://www.fiveminutefriday.com This week’s prompt is “Well”.  What does that bring to your mind? Share with me in the comments.  I love to hear from you!

**Five minutes

 

 

 

 

Promised ~ Five Minute Friday

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Promised

“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13 (NIV) / Pixabay

We don’t have to look much further than our social media feeds, tv, or magazines to find lofty promises of a better life! Pills that will let us lose that extra weight WITHOUT dieting or exercise. Creams that will give us back the skin of our youth. Investments that are sure to make us wealthy. Books and classes that will reveal the solutions to our problems. It seems that all these promises have something in common: they can be ours for…..a price.

Now, I must admit that I have been quick to succumb to one or two of these tantalizing offers myself over the years and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to improve and be the best that we can be. But, here’s a question to ask ourselves: are we as quick to seek the promises of God to help improve our spiritual selves and be the best Christians we can be, as we are those worldly promises? I’m afraid my answer hasn’t always been “yes”.

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

God’s promises fill the Bible. He promises us rest, wisdom, strength, peace, forgiveness, and the list goes on and on. All these promises have something in common too, they are ours for….a price; but this price was paid when Jesus went to the cross carrying our sins. Wait, there’s more! God’s promises aren’t just for this earthly life but they continue into life eternal!

“And this is what he promised us – eternal life.” 1 John 2:25 (NIV)

Although younger skin, a fit body, or more money in the bank might be nice; the truth is they are all things I’ll have to work for to achieve, not things found through a quick fix infomercial. I’m continuing to learn, slowly but surely, that the temporary, worldly desires of my heart are nothing compared to what God desires for your heart and mine! And He’s already done all the work for us! All we have to do is accept His gift.  So, let’s try to eat a little less, apply some sunscreen, and spend more wisely to help us live our best physical lives. But more importantly than that, let us always feed on His word, apply his teachings, and spend time gaining His wisdom, so that our spiritual life leads us right into eternity just as He has promised!

The prompt this week at  http://www.fiveminutefriday.com is “Promise”.  I’ve already read a few other posts and are they ever good! I encourage you to click over and read for yourself.  I actually thought I’d stick to the five minute time limit this week, but nope….went over again.  Oh well, there’s always next week!

 

 

Opportunity ~ Five Minute Friday

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Just hopping on here for a short time as I wait for my daughter, son-in-love, and two grandsons to arrive.  I need something to distract me from watching the clock! Today’s Five Minute Friday prompt is “Opportunity” and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to read what other wonderful writers have to say about it, so click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

Smile Opportunities

“May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT) / Pixabay

Looking through the Bible for last week’s post, I was amazed at how many times it’s recorded that Jesus touched people and changed their lives! Of course I knew of the familiar stories, but the more I looked, the more I found. As I was thinking about today’s prompt, I wondered how many opportunities we have to touch people’s lives? We of course, can’t make the blind to see or raise someone from the dead, but we can touch others in a way that does make them smile!

I’ll be honest, there are many days when I’ve been grumbling under my breath, focusing on worried thoughts, or feeling frazzled in all I have to do, but then someone catches me by surprise and in the midst of whatever was bothering me they cause me to smile. I don’t know about you, but those small almost imperceivable acts can change my outlook in that very moment. I remember vividly a time I was traveling by myself and my car broke down.  Luckily it was in a well lit, public place but needless to say I was scared and frustrated.  As I sat with my hood up waiting nervously for AAA, a gentlemen strolled by. He caught my eye and smiled a most reassuring smile. I couldn’t help but smile back and I’m telling you in that instant I felt so much better. If another person can take the opportunity to touch our lives then it’s important to remember that we mustn’t miss the opportunities we have ourselves, to touch the others around us, too!

Smile opportunities aren’t complicated. They don’t require a great deal of work,  a lot of money, or even a commitment of too much of our time. Here are just a few that I’ve thought of off the top of my head:

*Allow someone to go in front of you in line
*Return another person’s grocery cart to the stall
*Hold the door
*Send a card 
*Write a note (my husband leaves me one by the coffee pot so my days always start with a smile)
*Give a hug or pat on the back
*Compliment a stranger
*Compliment someone you know
*Pay for someone else’s meal anonymously 
*Leave a larger tip than necessary
*Be polite
*Smile at the people you stroll by

These are just a drop in the bucket. The list is limitless! Just think of the difference we might make if we’d set out every day to act on the smile opportunities that come our way!  I’m reminded of those old song lyrics that say something like when you’re smiling the whole world smiles with you!  I believe a smile is contagious,  don’t you?

In his life, Jesus went from place to place, looking for those in need. When he found them (or they found him), he didn’t hesitate to make their lives better.  Guess what? In our lives, we’re encouraged to do the very same.

“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need.  These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:15-16 (NLT)

So, let’s challenge ourselves to be on the look out for smile opportunities as we move through our days. And you want to know the great part of accepting this challenge? Taking advantage of the opportunity to make others smile can’t help but to make us smile too!  It’s a win-win challenge!!!! How often does that happen?

I’ve got the pantry and fridge stocked with the kids’ favorite foods and some fun treats waiting for them. I can’t wait for them to get here and see their smiles! Who have you helped find a smile today? I’d love for you to add to my quick list!  Please share in the comments ways that you like to take the opportunity to make others smile. Because you know, the longer we make our list, the more the world will be smiling and I think we need all the smiles we can get, don’t you?

“We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”
Mother Teresa

His Touch ~ Five Minute Friday

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“One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17 (NLT)/ Pixabay

His Touch

His touch introduced sound to the deaf;
They had speech to understand.

His touch revived a daughter,
By simply holding her small hand.

His touch gave the gift of sight,
To those who could not see.

His touch cleansed the leper’s skin
And set the lame man free.

His touch now scarred by our nails,
The price He had to pay.

His touch that changes everything,
He offers us today.

His touch mends our broken hearts
And forgives us of our sins.

His touch takes us from death to life
His touch: where healing truly begins!

“Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone.  He put his fingers into the man’s ears.  Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue.  Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly!” Mark 7:33,35 (NLT)

“The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying.  Holding her hand, he said to her, ‘Talitha koum’ which means ‘Little girl, get up!’ And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed.” Mark 5:40-42 (NLT)

“Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes.  He told him, ‘Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam’. So the man went and washed and came back seeing! John 9:6-7 (NLT)

“Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him.  ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.’ Jesus reached out and touched him.  ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be healed!’ And instantly the leprosy disappeared.” Matthew 8:2-3 (NLT)

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT)

On this last Friday of April, I’m joining once again with the wonderful writing community at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com  

Today’s prompt is “Touch”. I’ve already read some of the posts and you won’t want to miss them! Just click on over and enjoy! It’s also the end of Poetry Month so of course I had to try and write my offering today in rhyme.(Definitely took me longer than five minutes) I hope you can feel the touch of Jesus in the words I’ve shared. And just a reminder, you’ll never know how “touched” I am that you take time out of your busy lives to join me here. God Bless You!

Next ~ Five Minute Friday

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What Happens Next?
An Easter Poem
Based on Matthew 21:1-11, 26:1-28:10, John 19:30

 

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – but anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” Romans 6:5-7 (NIV) / Pixabay

Upon the back of a donkey, Jesus rode slowly by,
Beneath waving palm branches being lifted high.
He was exalted as a King, by the growing crowd,
A chorus of Hallelujahs were joyfully offered aloud.

Envious of all the praise and cheers
The Chief Priests plotted to ease their fears.
They had a plan to be rid of the One
The people believed to be God’s son.

Oh no! What happens next?

Thirty pieces of silver was all that they would pay
For a kiss upon the One, Judas would betray.
They came into the garden, arresting Jesus that very night,
The disciples were afraid and ran, hiding out of sight.

False charges were made; they spit in His face,
The sent Him to Pilot to finish the case.
“Are you King of the Jews?” he wanted to know.
Jesus answered simply, “YOU have said so.”

Don’t stop! What happens next?

Pilot said, “He’s committed no crime I can see.”
But the crowd still chose Barabbas to be set free.
Pilot washed his hands not knowing what else to do,
“This innocent man’s blood is not on me, it’s on you!”

Dressed in a robe and a crown of thorns forced on His head,
They beat Him and beat Him, then laughed as He bled.
Step by agonizing step, they dragged Him up the hill,
Jesus knew this was all a part of His Father’s perfect will.

I can’t stand it!  What happens next?

They pierced Jesus’ hands and feet, with every powerful blow,
His cross was lifted between two thieves, as the guards gambled below.
From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness filled the sky,
Then, “It is finished.” Jesus said, as He prepared to die.

Jesus gave His spirit up and the earth began to shake,
Mary and Mary fell to their knees as their hearts began to break.
Joseph wrapped Jesus in linen and laid Him in his tomb,
Then rolled a stone to close it, as His followers were filled with gloom.

Wait! That can’t be the end! What happens next?

Returning to find an empty tomb, the women were distraught!
Someone had stolen His body, at least that’s what they thought.
An angel appeared and told them, He had risen and wasn’t there,
They ran joyfully to tell the others, the news they had to share!

This wasn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of saving grace!
Through His life, His death, and resurrection, Jesus did our sins erase.
What happens next? It’s up to you, just like it was for me:
I’m praying though, you’ll accept God’s gift, and live eternally!

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” 1 John 5:11 (NIV)

I’ve written this poem to join in with the writing community at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com The prompt was “Next”.  In addition to writing to the prompt I also am writing poems as part of National Poetry Month.  These words came together in such a way that I know God was guiding them.  I pray they touch you as they have reminded me of all Jesus went through because of my sins!   It’s because of God’s great love for us that we can wait expectantly on this Good Friday knowing that Sunday is Coming!!! Hallelujah! Happy Easter!

 

Lack ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1 (NIV) / Pixabay

What Do I Lack?

I don’t lack in clothing.
My cupboards are filled with food.
I don’t need more gadgets.
But, what about more gratitude?

I don’t lack the space
For nice, comfortable living.
Friends and family abound.
But, do I abound in thanksgiving?

I don’t lack in opportunity
For making the most of my days.
Time is mine to offer.
But, do I offer praise?

No, I don’t lack in life’s blessings
Neither contentment nor in love.
What I DO lack is always remembering
To thank God above!

Easter is a reminder that,
My many blessings cannot compare,
To the gift of Jesus upon the cross
With all my sins to bear.

The price he paid for each of us
Is one we can never pay back.
For no other reason than this alone,
In praise and gratitude to Him, we should NEVER lack!

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

 

It took a while, but finally finished this poem for the link up at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com The many creative writers over there have also written to the prompt “Lack” this week.  I know you’ll enjoy reading their posts! Inspiration is just a click away!

 

 

 

 

 

Offer ~ Five Minute Friday

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What Do I Have to Offer?

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)/ Pixabay

What do I have to offer?
What could I possibly bring?
Fitting for the Savior,
Who offered ME everything!

I wish there was obedience
I could lay down at his feet.
If only my fears and failures
I could once and for all defeat.

Strength in every situation
Is what I’d like to give,
But weakness is the lowly place
Where I most often live.

What do I have to offer?
I’ve no riches nor sweet perfume.
No gift that could repay my debt
To He, who walked from the tomb.

Oh, to sing like the Angels,
Songs of praise He deserves to hear.
Or eloquent words of thanks spoken
With a voice so confident and clear.

Instead here I stand empty-handed,
With nothing to impart.
When a still small voice reminds me,
Grace is a gift from God’s own heart.

This gift to us was given
When Jesus hung upon that tree.
Because our God so loved the world,
We who believe are eternally debt free!

Now that the burden’s been lifted
What we have to offer comes from above.
Faith, hope, and mercy,
But the greatest offering is love!

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 (NIV)

I’m privileged to be joining the other gifted writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com To see what they are “offering” up today just click on over.  I know you won’t be sorry!

Measure ~ Five Minute Friday

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Measuring Stick

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT) / Pixabay

“Compare measurements of an object over time”. This was one of the many new math standards my Second Graders had to master during their school year.  At first, I struggled to think of a way to help them achieve this goal, that is until an idea came, as often happens, in an unexpected way: the gift of an Amaryllis bulb! Every year at Christmas time my mom would send one of these fast growing plants to me for my classroom. I finally realized it was the perfect way for my kids to measure change!

What about us? How do we measure change over time? Oh, not physical growth, but more importantly, our spiritual growth! Do we compare ourselves with others to determine how we’re doing? Unfortunately, I know I’ve been guilty of doing just that! “Well”, I’d tell myself, “I have a long way to go to catch up with her but just look at me!  I’m towering over her!” Anyone else play that game?

“Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How Ignorant! 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NLT)

Looking at others as our standard gives us an unrealistic view of where we are, how far we’ve come, and where we still need to go. The only thing actually being measured when we compare ourselves to those around us is our pride and Paul tells us quite clearly “how ignorant” doing that, really is! Instead we need to be focused on God’s standards and on growing to be more like Christ.

“This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children.  We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching.  We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” Ephesians 4:13-15 (NLT)

An Amaryllis starts as a dormant bulb but once placed in the soil, given water and light, it grows quickly. Buds form and soon burst open to reveal their inner beauty. It seems to happen almost over night!  Maturing spiritually however, is a much slower process. Like a bulb though, on our own our potential lies stagnant. The full measure of who we can truly become started with Jesus on the cross. When we are planted in His gift of salvation, receive the Living Water, and live in the Light of the Son, we begin to change over time. Inch by inch, day by day, challenge by challenge, grace upon grace we grow “in every way” to be more like Christ and soon our inner beauty, which is an overflowing of God’s love, is revealed to the world.

My students used their rulers to help them observe and compare the progress of our class plant. As we monitor our spiritual growth, we don’t have to worry about how we compare to others, instead we must examine how our lives align with God’s standards.  Thankfully, we can look to the life of Christ to guide us and help grow our faith and with confidence, know that He is the only measuring stick we’ll ever need!

Joining in (a little late) with the Five Minute Friday Community to write on the prompt “Measure”. I know there will be many wonderful posts on this subject.  If you’d like to read more just click on over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

 

 

Reward ~ Five Minute Friday

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Birthday Reflections

“You have let me experience the joys of life and the exquisite pleasures of your own eternal presence.” Psalm 16:11 (TLB) / Pixabay

I just celebrated my 60th birthday. Milestone birthdays like this one can be challenging; at least they have been for me. Maybe you, too.  As this big one approached, I found myself reflecting on my past significant birthdays:

Thirty:  This seems to be the first birthday we dread.  I think it’s because we feel as if we’re leaving youth behind and facing adulthood square in the face.  That was the least of my worries on my thirtieth birthday, though!  On the day I turned thirty I was almost two weeks overdue with our second baby, on bed rest, and my thoughts were not on myself but instead totally focused on that new little life.

Forty:  As difficult as it seems to turn thirty, becoming forty somehow feels worse! We think of our parents being forty, not us! I can honestly say I wasn’t looking forward to it at all! Then, the boxes began arriving…..Every old age gag available filled box after box. Black balloons, Oreos on a “40” plate, a giant ear with hair growing out of it! The list goes on and on.  My sister took a day I was dreading and turned it into a time of joy and laughter!

Fifty:  Ok, let’s face it, the big 5-0 is tough to handle! I had friends who crossed over to the dark side before me, so I was already hearing the horror stories of how your teeth and feet are the first to go. Our house was an empty nest, my internal thermometer was on the blink, and I felt adrift. Celebrating was not on my agenda but love changed my plans! My sneaky family orchestrated a huge surprise party and surprised I was!!! I laughed. I cried. I. Felt. Treasured. Suddenly, turning 50 didn’t seem so bad. Love changed that for me, too.

That brings us to yesterday….

Sixty:  You should know that I’d been struggling with the thought that I was going to be sixty. SIXTY! I can remember my grandma telling me two things that I now relate to: 1) The older you get, the faster time passes (so true) and 2) That even though her body looked her age, she still felt like a young woman on the inside (ditto!) It just seemed so weird to think that I could possibly be sixty years old but the more I began to think about my life and after a few pep talks and devotions that seemed written just for me, God reminded me that 60 years is a gift worthy of celebration! Life itself is a gift worth celebrating! And I’m living a great one! Yesterday was made so special by the wishes, messages, cards, and gifts that I received and to tell you the truth: sixty feels pretty good!

Looking back has a way of putting things into perspective and I have found that each decade has taught me a lesson about what it means to be not just alive, but alive in Christ! My thirtieth birthday came and went without anguish because my thoughts were focused on someone other than myself and isn’t that how we should live everyday?

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others.  Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT)

Facing forty seemed overwhelming but once laughter was added, suddenly I was able to find  the joy and the dread faded away.  Life offers us plenty to dread, but what we do with it makes all the difference, not just for ourselves but also for those around us. Counting our blessings has an amazing way of helping us focus on what’s most important!

“We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.  And the other nations said, “What amazing things the LORD has done for them.” Psalm 126:2 (NLT)

Love. It changes everything!  We are called to love…our neighbor, ourselves, and even our enemies! On my fiftieth birthday love was a light in the darkness! What a great reminder that we are to be that same light of love in the world.

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 (NLT)

And finally, the lesson I’m learning right now as I type this: I am blessed to have been given the gift of these 60 years! Turning 60 isn’t something to regret, but something worth celebrating, something to embrace! It’s true for whatever year you’ve been gifted with!

“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 (NIV)

My birthday reflections have shown me that it isn’t the number of candles on the cake that we should count as important. What we’re going to do with the number the Giver has gifted us with is what really counts. Living out these birthday lessons by putting others first, finding joy in all situations, loving those we come in contact with, and recognizing that each day we’re given is a gift help us celebrate not our birth but our rebirth. The reward that awaits us as we live in Christ is the best present we can ever receive!  So with that in mind I say, Hello sixty! I can’t wait to see where you take me! And if it’s God’s will, look out seventy! Here. I. Come!

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)

I’m joining the writing community at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com today on the prompt “Reward”. I’m looking forward to reading what others have written  If you’d like to join me just click on over. You won’t be sorry!