Category Archives: Five Minute Friday

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.

Days 10/11: Between and Idea

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'” Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

Days 10/11: Between and Idea

We spent this weekend visiting family. It’s always hard to leave and today was no different. Traveling toward home we reminisced about the fun we’d had, planned for the week ahead, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery passing by outside the window. When we pulled away this morning our intention was to make the four hour trip straight through to home with only a short stop for a bite to eat, but about midway I was asked to think about altering our route.

I’ve written before of my dislike for change. Big changes or little, makes no difference to me; I’m not a fan. My mind had already set its navigation course toward home. My timetable was in place. I was comfortable with it all so why modify anything? After all, if we got home as planned there were things we could get done. But, that little voice inside my head (who I often try to mute) urged me to say, “yes” to veering off the beaten path and taking an unexpected jaunt. And I’m so thankful we did!

The tires crunched as we turned onto the gravely, leaf covered road and for a moment I just wanted to turn around but… I soon discovered that someplace between where we’d been and where we were going, beauty, peace, and joy awaited. Oh, what I might have missed! Bright, fall leaves dancing against the backdrop of a crystal-blue sky, the relaxing song of the gently flowing river, and crisp air tempered by the afternoon sunshine all would have missed had I chosen to stick to my own agenda. Not to mention, the gift of sharing God’s beauty and extra time with one another! And to think I almost missed it all.

The idea of sticking to our own agendas despite hearing a voice that says otherwise isn’t a new one. Matthew tells us in chapter 9, verses 57-62 about some men who are called to follow Jesus but whose minds were set on their own course and did not want to deviate from it. Oh, they had good reasons for not wanting to change directions, but, what would they miss as a result? Verse 10:16 answers that question. Matthew reports that those who turned onto the rough road of being a disciple, “returned with joy.”

Another person who I can relate to is Martha. Like me, she was very good at seeing all that needed to to get done instead of stopping to listen.

“Her sister, Mary, went and sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him teach. meanwhile Martha was anxious about all the hospitality arrangements.
Martha: Lord, why don’t You care that my sister is leaving me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to get over here and help me.
Jesus: Oh Martha, Martha, you are so anxious and concerned about a million details, but really, only one thing matters. Mary has chosen that one thing, and I won’t take it away from her.”
Luke 10:39-41 (The Voice)

A call to volunteer. A plea for prayer. A little voice asking for a story to be read. An offer to attend church on Sunday morning.  An invitation to spend time with those we love. A request to mentor a young person. A prompting to witness to others. How many times have I, have we, silenced Jesus’ voice and missed out as He’s called us to take a “jaunt” with Him because of a “million little details” we think are important? Here’s what I’m reminded, someplace between where we’ve been and where we’re going, there are opportunities for finding beauty, peace, and joy when we say, “yes” instead. Let’s not let our calendars, watches, or our own plans keep us on the beaten path, rather, let’s turn onto the One Way, the Only Way that really matters. There’s no doubt we‘ll be grateful we did!

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)

Spontaneous Detour ~ Five Minute Friday

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Spontaneous Detour

We’d driven by it more times than I can count and now, here we were approaching it again. The same question tumbled around in our minds that we’d asked over and over. “What is it?” But this time the words didn’t need to be spoken because instead of passing it by and wondering, this time we were going follow where it lead us. That brown, familiar sign along the highway with large, bold letters saying “Big Muskie Bucket” was just ahead and we were bound and determined to solve the years-long mystery.

I wasn’t sure where this spontaneous detour would take us, but I was excited to find out! The twists and turns of the old country road seemed to be a route to isolation. The bright blue sky was in stark contrast to the fields of dull, lifeless, scrub brush and dried corn stalks that lined the way. The further we went, the more we wondered if we were going the right way, but the anticipation of what we’d find at the end kept us moving forward.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t greet a spontaneous detour in my everyday plans with the same enthusiasm as I did in our travel plans. We’ve all been there, cruising along the road of life when, SCREEEEECH…things take a sharp turn for the worse and we suddenly find ourselves on a journey we never thought we’d take. Questions whirl in our heads. “What is this?” “Where is it taking me?” “How long will I be on this road?” “What will I find at the end?” 

The further the detour takes us, the more lost and alone we feel.

Not sure of where we were or for that matter, where we were really going, we were just about to give up when we came around yet another turn and there it was, a mighty giant on the horizon. The Big Muskie Bucket, once part of the world’s largest earth moving machine, able to scoop 325 tons of earth in search of coal sat on a rise overlooking the beautiful Ohio valley. We’d made it, the mystery was finally solved, and the detour totally worth it! 

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” James 1:2-4 (The Message)

Spontaneous detours are a part of this broken world. When life sends us on an alternate route the journey can be grueling. We may not like what we see along the way and want to shift into reverse. As we try to navigate all the curves and turns, it’s easy to feel defeated and unable to go any further, and truly, we can’t, until that is, we look to our Mighty God.

“Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message)

God is with us. God is in control. He’s the one who keeps us moving forward in the right direction. And let’s remember that with God it’s no mystery, we’re assured that what’s ahead, twists and turns and all, is worth the trip every time! 

“Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.”
1 Peter 4:12-13 (The Message)

Why don’t you be spontaneous and click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and read more!

Generous in the Little Things ~Five Minute Friday

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“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)

Generous in the Little Things

Family traditions: I love them! From the time our children were little there have been things I’ve done year after year to celebrate every holiday. Gifts, food, activities, and more, some of which I remember my mom doing for my sisters and me when we were little.  Now that I am a MiMi, a new tradition I’ve come to truly cherish is my daughter taking our young grandsons shopping and allowing them to pick out anything they’d like to give us as a Christmas gift. 

Those packages wrapped with lots of paper and way too much tape have become the ones I most look forward to, not because I’m expecting something grand, but because the little things inside were chosen with me in mind and show how known and loved I am by the generous, little givers.

As much as I hate to admit it, I don’t always treat God the same way. After all, I know He is powerful and can do anything. He’s performed miracle after miracle, so when I ask God for something I most often expect Him to give me something BIG. Maybe it’s healing, a new job, a relationship restored, or any of the myriad of things we put on our “grown-up wish-list” to pray for. 

And that’s just what I’ve been doing lately, praying for some pretty extravagant things and yet, I find myself still waiting for God to wrap everything up neatly for me like I’ve asked him to do. Despite knowing better, I’ve begun to wonder if He’s even heard as I’ve shared what weighs heavy on my heart. 

In the midst of my BIG and heavy I also decided on a whim this week to pray for my favorite birds that have been absent from my feeders all summer to return. I know it sounds like a silly, little prayer, especially with so much trouble everywhere, but I prayed it just the same. 

Not even 48-hours later, looking out the window I couldn’t believe my eyes! There, scurrying down a branch toward the feeder was a Nuthatch, my favorite of all the birds. A Nuthatch that hadn’t been to my feeders in months! A Nuthatch that I thought was gone for good. 

Why did God answer my silly prayer instead of the big ones I’ve been waiting on I wondered? It was then that I thought of those gifts from the boys. Tears fell and are falling again now as I type this because I’m certain that the Nuthatch, a little thing, was chosen with me in mind as a reminder that I am known, heard, and lavishly loved by the most Generous Giver and it has left me looking forward to more!

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11 (NIV)

Are you like me, waiting for God to give you something BIG but feel like it will never come? That silly Nuthatch was an “a-ha” moment, a prompting to begin to look for the little things. It has shown me, and I hope you too, that because our God is generous in the little things, He can also be trusted in the BIG things. He sees, hears, and knows our every desire. 

Yes, we may think we know the what, when, and who’s we want from God, but “how much more” will we receive when we wait on the good gifts He wants to give us of His outcome, His plan, and His timing, and not just given at special times, but offered to each of us day after day, month after month, and year after year, for eternity.

Read more on generosity at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com