Category Archives: Inspiration

The Rest of the Story

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“And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.” Galatians 4:3-5 (NLT)

The Rest of the Story

Lend me your ear
I’ll begin where it starts.
To tell you why Christmas
Lives in our hearts.

Young Mary and Joseph
Faced such a plight
But Joseph loved Mary
And did what was right.

In those days Caesar Augustus
Issued a decree
So Joseph and Mary
Had to leave Galilee.

On top of a donkey
Mary rode night and day
Arriving late to Bethlehem
They needed a place to stay.

The innkeepers said, “No,
There’re no rooms around here.”
So Joseph led Mary
To a stable that was near.

The time soon came
For the baby to be born.
She gave birth to a Son
Wrapping him in cloths she had torn.

Mary laid him in a manger
A very meager start
But she treasured every moment
And kept them in her heart.

Now my friends, you might imagine
This concludes my little tale.
But it’s really the beginning of
God’s love for us that will never fail.

“but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy for all  people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David.’ ” Luke 2:10-11 (NLT)

“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love-not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 (NLT)

The prompt at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com was “Conclude”. As we approach the conclusion of 2020 and look back on such a crazy year, let’s not forget that God’s still writing our story with a love that we cannot comprehend! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and as always I’m so grateful you’ve taken your time to stop in.  God Bless and here’s to a little less adventure in 2021!

Beyond Tomorrow~Five Minute Friday

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“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Beyond Tomorrow

As a beginner at photography I’m learning many things; one of the most important being that the lens will only focus on what is directly in front of me, making that which lies beyond, difficult to see. The above picture is a good example. I was looking far off across the street hoping to capture the Christmas Prayer Tree amongst the branches, but as it turns out, the branches in the foreground are about all you can see.

We’re kind of like that, too aren’t we?  Our desire is often to see through today into tomorrow or even further but….ultimately, we can’t see any further than what’s right in front of us in the here and now. Even as one who likes control, I’m certain it’s a good thing we can’t. Just imagine if Mary could have seen the big picture of being baby Jesus’ mother!

“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2: 17-19 (NIV)

What would life have been like for Mary if in that moment she’d been able to see beyond the stable, star, and shepherds? The joys of that night and many others would have surely been blurred by the pain, heartache, and agony to come.

And what about us? We think we desire to know what waits down the road, to “look through the branches and see the tree.” But consider how our lives might have been different had we seen that each day was leading us closer to a pandemic or any of the other challenging things we all face in our lives, for that matter. Would we be able to live each day to the fullest, appreciate the present, or find joy as we waited for the future to come into view? I don’t know about you, but I think catching a glimpse of all that lies beyond today, or even this very moment, would turn me  into a portrait of worry and fear! That’s why I love how The Message shares Jesus’ words of instruction with us about this very thing:

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:34 (The Message) 

Mary had no idea what waited up ahead as she traveled to Jerusalem or when she made her way up the path to Golgotha, but she did know one very important thing. She knew she wasn’t facing the future alone.

“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ ”
Luke 1:28 (NIV)

We my friends, have the very same assurance!

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel which means ‘God with us’.”
Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

Yes, we can only see life as if through my beginner’s lens. What is far off is fuzzy, hard to make out, but we can do our best to zoom in on what is right before us. Only a small portion of the picture is visible to us now and that’s the way it is supposed to be. But someday? Someday, everything will come perfectly into focus so that we can behold the complete picture and finally see beyond tomorrow and on into eternity!

“For now, we can only see a dim and blurry picture of things, as when we stare into polished metal. I realize that everything I know is only part of the big picture. But one day, when Jesus arrives, we will see clearly, face-to-face. In that day, I will fully know just as I have been wholly known by God. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (The Message)

** Seeing beyond tomorrow takes on new meaning as our Five Minute Friday writing group is mourning the loss this week of our great encourager, Joe Siccardi who’s passing no one saw coming. Interactions with Joe always ended with his words, “Keep looking up!” That’s the lesson isn’t it? As long as we’re looking Up we don’t need to worry about what tomorrow holds because we know Who holds it! Please join me in praying for Joe’s family at this most difficult time.

To read more selections about the prompt “Beyond” click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and please know that I never take for granted your being here.  It means more to me than you can know!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grief~Sit in the Light~Five Minute Friday

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“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the LORD. So live as people of light!” Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)

Sit in The Light

Welcome to my view this morning. I know, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet and normally, I wouldn’t have a tree up this early; but this year is anything but normal! I don’t know about the weather where you are, but yesterday just felt heavy. The dark, dreary sky was there when I opened the blinds and remained until I closed them again. The day seemed to hold a hope of rain, but even that didn’t come. Dark, dreary, deferred hope…..sounds an awful like life these days.

Guess what? I just wanted to sit and wallow in my own gloom. Disappointment, grief, frustration, fear, stress, exhaustion….we are all experiencing things that have us feeling downhearted and that’s exactly where I was. So, searching for a little joy, I decided to put up a tree and this morning, here I am sitting in the light. Can you see where this might be going?

“Why am I so discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God!” Psalm 43:5 (NLT)

“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness.’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NLT)

I needed this tree to remind me and maybe it’s reminding you, that no matter what the day is like, what happens or doesn’t, or how dark it feels, we have The Light! He is our Hope, Joy, and our Power!

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have that light that leads to life.” John 8:12 (NLT)

I pray that you and I sit and walk in The Light this week. (No tree needed) And guess what? When we do, we can then BE the light for those in darkness around us!

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Joining again this week with the others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com writing to the prompt “Grief”. There is so much grief right now, even for those like me who’s life hasn’t changed that much as a result of the pandemic. These verses encourage me, I pray they do you, too. At this time of Thanksgiving and always, I’m ever so grateful for your presence here! 

Cancel ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10a (NLT)

Hope is not Cancelled

As much as I loved teaching (and that’s a lot), I also loved the saying: “There’s no day like a snow day”! Receiving the early morning call notifying me that school was cancelled because of snow often led to a little celebratory dance that, if I do say so myself, rivaled any ever performed in an end zone! Those first moments were filled with anticipation about what I would do! Maybe I’d bake, watch movies, craft, or something else fun and relaxing. What I wouldn’t do was my normal housework or grading papers. There was just always something extra-special about the gift of an unexpected day at home!

Fast forward to 2020. We’ve had a few too many unexpected days at home, haven’t we? We find our normal life has been cancelled but there’s no celebrating and any anticipation has been replaced with anxiety as we wonder what we’re going to do.  Gather with family and friends? Take that trip we’ve been planning? Attend in-person church services? If you’re like me, these decisions and many others like them have taken the fun right out of my days and are anything but relaxing! That’s why I’ve had to remind myself of what I’m NOT going to do: give up hope!

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God!”
Psalm 43:5 (NLT)

“Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying.”
Romans 12:12 (CEV)

These have felt like cold, dark days and winter hasn’t even arrived yet. It’s hard to find our way as we slog through all the conflicting information, daily number updates, and just everyday life in the midst of a pandemic; but…the storms of life don’t cancel our Hope! Yes, we’ve had unexpected days at home and yet, if we stop and look, there have been times when they’ve been a gift, too. We may not feel like dancing, but we can try and be patient, never stop praying, and praise Him again because… There’s no day like…well, today, to put our trust in God’s plan.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Today’s post was written to the prompt “Cancel” shared at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com I’m looking forward to clicking over and reading what others have written.  I know you’d enjoy it too! I never know where these prompts will take my little mind but it seems I always end up with a lesson I need. These are difficult times and like everyone else I find myself discouraged.  I hope the scriptures today will encourage you as they have me! Thank you for stopping in.  I appreciate it more than you can ever know! 

    

 

Skipping Ahead

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“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NASB)

Skipping Ahead

Have you ever been reading a book that’s so exciting or mysterious, you can’t wait to see how it ends and so, you skip ahead and read the ending before you’ve actually read the rest of story? I must admit, I’ve been guilty of fast-forwarding to the end a time or two myself; but, what I’m  really guilty of, is creating endings to my own life stories before any of the other pages have been written. For example:

Genre: Chick Lit- Scene one: A friend doesn’t respond to my text message when I think she should. So,
I quickly flip to the back of “my” book: I’ve done something to make my friend mad or hurt her feelings, and now, she doesn’t want to talk to me, maybe our friendship is over! Cue the regret!

Yep, I automatically skip over the “pages” that may tell of her busy schedule, that her phone died, or maybe she’s not feeling well.

~~~~~~~~~

Genre: Travel- Scene One:  I’m about to drive alone on a several hour trip. So,
Before leaving, I fan the pages to get to “my” ending of the story:  which may include a flat tire, being lost, or getting in an accident! Cue the anxiety!

You guessed it, I fail to consider the parts I’ve missed that get me to my destination on time and in one piece after a pleasant journey.

~~~~~~~~~

Genre: Health/Wellness- Scene One: As hard as I try to contain it, a cough escapes from my lips. So,
I immediately open that back cover to get to “my” conclusion of this volume: I have COVID, I could get a severe case, and what if I infect those I love! Cue the panic!

Once again, I’ve jumped over the details that tell about other causes of coughing like allergies, dust in the air, or just a plain, old tickle in the throat.

~~~~~~~~~

As you can see, I am an author of endings. In the story of my life, I’m sure I know what’s going to happen before it’s ever played out and so I skip ahead. You may have already noticed this, but when I get there? It’s rarely ever a happy ending either. You, and yes, even I know, that  jumping ahead to dire conclusions only leads to unnecessary worry and precious time being wasted.

“So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.” Matthew 6:34 (GNT)

“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matthew 6:27 (NLT)

Jesus, the true Author and Perfecter of our faith, is saying to me, and maybe you too, that we need to stop borrowing trouble and creating unnecessary anguish.  Instead we are instructed:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Turn our worry into prayer! Oh, how I need these verses under normal circumstances, but especially in the uncertain times we’re facing today! As much as we’d like to, we have no way of knowing what life will bring our way. The truth is, letting our (my) imaginations run wild with plot twists leaves out the most important thing. God is in control, of every word, line, and chapter of our days.  So, the challenge for me today, and maybe I’m not alone, is to once and for all, let go of ” our pen” and  begin to fully live the story He is writing.  After all, He is the One who writes THE happy ending!

“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’ ” Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT)

Cue the everlasting peace!

 

I’m joining the folks over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com today, writing to the prompt “Ahead” . I’ve already read a few of the offerings and I urge you to click over and read them, too! As always, I’m grateful for your presence here.  I pray the scriptures today are as much an encouragement to you as they are to me.

 

 

 

Who Do You Choose?

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“We have only one God, and he is the Father. He created everything, and we live for him. Jesus Christ is our only Lord. Everything was made by him, and by him life was given to us. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (CEV)

Who Do You Choose?

A crowd gathered, their fists raised in protest and keeping time with boisterous voices joined together in jeers and wrathful chants.  The air hung thick with anger, fear, and yes, hatred as the jostling mass grew more agitated and violent. Demanding to be heard, the protestors had no intention of stopping until they got what they wanted.

Sounds like a report straight from our daily news doesn’t it? Actually, this outraged mob gathered together in Jerusalem over 2000 years ago.

“Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people. He told them, ‘You brought Jesus to me and said he was a troublemaker. But I have questioned him here in front of you and I have not found him guilty of anything that you say he has done. Herod didn’t find him guilty either and sent him back. This man doesn’t deserve to be put to death!

I will just have him beaten with a whip and set free.” But the whole crowd shouted, “Kill Jesus! Give us Barabbas!’ Now Barabbas was in jail because he had started a riot in the city and had murdered someone. 

Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, so he spoke again to the crowds. But they kept shouting, ‘ Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!’

Pilate spoke to them a third time, ‘But what crime has he done? I have not found him guilty of anything for which he should be put to death. I will have him beaten with a whip and set free.’

The people kept on shouting as loud as they could for Jesus to be put to death. Finally, Pilate gave in. He freed the man who was in jail for rioting and murder, because he was the one the crowd wanted to be set free. Then Pilate handed Jesus over for them to do what they wanted with him.
Luke 23:13-25 (CEV)

Pilate had the power, position, and opportunity to release one man. The crowd had a choice; they could receive Jesus or Barabbas. Despite Pilate’s prompting and Jesus’s innocence, the demanding crowd voted to set Barabbas free and send Jesus to his death.

Picture that increasingly agitated group: louder and louder they yelled, pushing, shoving, and losing control. I wonder what I would have done had I been there? Would I have been swayed by the crowd mentality and like Pilate, given in to the fury fueled by hate instead of love, anger instead of peace, lies instead of the truth? Would you have been?  Who would have gotten our vote?

The world and people haven’t changed much across the centuries. We can still be influenced by the crowd, act out of hate, and react with anger.  We’re easily convinced to ignore the truth because following what’s popular seems easier. We may also be afraid of what we might lose if we speak out and of course, we don’t want to appear different from those around us.

“But if you don’t want to worship the LORD, then choose here and now! Will you worship the same idols your ancestors did? Or since you’re living on land that once belonged to the Amorites, maybe you’ll worship their gods. I won’t. My family and I are going to worship and obey the LORD!”
Joshua 24:15 (CEV) (emphasis mine)

Yes, I’d like to think I would have sided with Jesus back in Pilate’s courtyard. You too? There’s no way to ever really know, but honestly, it doesn’t matter because each one of us has the very same choice to make today. Like Pilate, we have loud, conflicting information coming at us from every direction and we must determine who we will listen to and serve. God? Self? Others? Worldly gods?  The time IS “here and now“…..  We each must decide. As for me? I choose the LORD. Who do YOU choose?

I am joining once again with the great group of writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where the prompt this week is “Vote”. I am looking forward to reading all their creative work. Just click on the link to join me! As always I so appreciate you stopping in here and reading my ponderings. God bless you!

 

 

Unexpected Storms

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I am honored to have written this post as part of the “Unexpected Series” at http://www.sisterhoodministries.com
You can click over and read more stories that share how God is always with us in the unexpected. I know you’ll be encouraged!

“You are a refuge from the storm..” Isaiah 25:4

Unexpected Storms

We’d been planning for months and it was finally coming all together. Surveying the room, I mentally went through my list:

Candles? Check.

Flowers? Check.

Music? Check.

Taking it all in, my gaze settled on those helping us, each holding a special place in our family. My carefully contained emotions began to overflow: my throat tightened, heartbeat quickened, and then suddenly, everything went black!

You thought I fainted, didn’t you? It wouldn’t have surprised me if I had; instead, out of nowhere, on the eve of my daughter’s wedding, a “historic” wind and rain storm called a Derecho raged through our area, knocking out power for days, downing trees, blocking roads, and stripping roofs off buildings. We never expected the weather to impact our well-planned indoor wedding, but impact it, it did! 

No one knew what to do. “How could this happen?” we asked each other. Remember the scared Disciples on the lake? Looking back, as I stood inside the dark sanctuary while the fury of the storm continued outside, I’m afraid my reaction was an awful lot like theirs as the fury of my heart pleaded, “All our plans are going under! Don’t You care?”

“As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.’ But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’  When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ ” Mark 4:35, 37-40 (NLT)

Even though the storm had moved on by morning, I still didn’t think it would be possible, but I’m happy to say that against all odds and with a lot of help, the wedding went on. It was held in a different venue miles from our hometown, later in the day, and with fewer people in attendance. Even so, vows were said, cake was cut, and the newlyweds set off on their honeymoon. 

Let’s face it, life’s not all smooth sailing.

Storms blow in when we least expect them. I don’t think any of us anticipated we’d be capsized by a pandemic right now, but even without that, illness, relationships, finances, disappointments, and so much more can come crashing at us out of nowhere. I find myself easily knocked off course and my faith struggles to stay afloat. Maybe you know exactly what I mean.

Will you step back into the boat with me one more time? The wind and waves battered the small vessel. Like we often are, the Disciples were holding on for dear life and they struggled to find their “faith-footing” in the midst of the storm. Then, they remembered they weren’t traveling alone and they went to Jesus. That changed everything!

God is greater than any storm! 

Our lives are filled with lists to check, plans to make, people to love, and dreams to fulfill. Most of the time we cruise along; but then sometimes, out of nowhere, a storm rages making waves that we’re not prepared for. We suddenly find ourselves in the dark, not knowing what to do. Sisters, that’s when you and I must remember that we’re not traveling alone either:

“ ‘LORD, help!’ they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor!” Psalm 107:30 (NLT)

We can expect God to be with us in the unexpected.

When I now look through the pictures from that hot, frantic, stressful day, I see beauty, blessings, and love. I like to retell this wedding story because today, it serves as a reminder that through it all: the storms and the stillness, the planned and the unplanned, the expected and even the unexpected, God is always with us because He does care. And knowing that? Well, it changes everything for me. I hope it will for you, too.

Reflection Questions

~Once we’re on the other side of a storm we can often begin to see evidence that God’s presence was in the midst of it. Looking back, have you been through a challenging time when you now know God was with you through it all?

~While writing this post I came across a verse that’s new to me that I know I will go back to for reassurance. Zephaniah 3:17 says,  “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears.  He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (NLT) What are your go-to scriptures when you’re trying to keep your “faith afloat” or you need encouragement?

Father, Thank you for loving us so much that you don’t leave us on our own. Let us feel Your presence, especially in the midst of the unexpected. I pray for any sister who may be standing in the dark right now, wondering what to do next. We know that You are greater than any of our storms. We call on you to calm our hearts, minds, and fears. Help us look for You in all our circumstances and know that through them, You’re guiding us to Your safe harbor. Amen

 

Breathing In

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It’s been a while since I’ve written….don’t ask, but today I’m back at it and doing double duty writing to the http://www.fiveminutefriday.com prompt “Breathe” and sharing “My Four Somethings” over at http://www.heathergerwing.com in the same post. Feel free to click over and see what others have to say.  I know you won’t be disappointed!

Breathing In
September Share Four Somethings

Something Loved

“For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4 (NLT)

I’m not a fan of hot weather. There’s just something about the summer air that feels stifling. My mind, body, and soul seem to always be gasping for refreshment; but September has offered the respite I’ve been longing for. Fall has arrived here in the mountains where I live, and coming along with it are the cooler temperatures I love.  Bright blue skies, open windows, leaves dancing on crisp breezes…. I’m breathing Fall in!

Something Read

“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. Psalm 139:14 (NLT)

As I wrote last month, I’ve had an avoidance of reading and it has followed me from August into September. But I’m determined to change that and this is the book that’s going to do it! Most people who know me would NOT say that I’m an Introvert, but I am. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always done my best to try and act like an Extrovert. Just a guess, but it’s probably been an attempt to be “like everyone else”. (We all know how that goes, don’t we!)  Trying to be someone you’re not is exhausting! Anyone out there know what I’m talking about? The words on the back cover of this new book resonate so with me:

“Holly Gerth shares everything you need to know to… help you beat your struggles and maximize your strengths so you can live with clarity, courage, and confidence in a world that needs what only you can give.”

“What only you can give”…God didn’t create us to be someone else and I’m anxious to learn more from “The Powerful Purpose of Introverts”. Who knows?  Maybe I’ll finally begin (at 61) to marvel in the authentic, wonderfully complex me! I’m breathing possibility in!

Something Treasured

“And now, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign LORD, it is an eternal blessing!” 2 Samuel 7:29 (NLT)

Being together with those I love, anytime, anywhere is wonderful; but oh, how I treasure the times we gather here at home! The end of September found our house full of activity, noise, and pure joy as our kids and grandkids gathered to celebrate family birthdays. Even my Mother-in-love got in on the fun! Four generations together: catching up, telling stories, eating, and laughing, and playing. This house and all those in it were blessed. I’m breathing gratitude in!

Something Ahead

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Looking ahead, it’s still not easy to do in these uncertain times. I must admit that I’ve struggled a bit this month. Even though I recognize how truly blessed I am, discouragement and defeat have tried to blindfold my mind’s eye, strangle my heart, and smother my soul. I need reviving! Can I get an “Amen”? Wouldn’t you know, that at just the right time this new study has come along. “Praying for Revival” begins next week and I’ll be joining in. A God wink for sure! I’m looking ahead and I’m breathing in HOPE!

“Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 150:6

What about you? What has your September brought? What are you “breathing in”? I’d love for you to share in the comments! As always, I so appreciate you being here with me and my rambling thoughts. God Bless!

 

If You Could ~ Five Minute Friday

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“The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.” Proverbs 20:29 (NLT)

If You Could

Have you ever answered one of those fun survey questions like:  “What one thing would you change about yourself?” or “Which superpower would you want to have and why?” Recently, I came across a post that asked, “If you could sit down and have a talk with someone who’s no longer living, who would it be?” As usual, I began pondering.

Many interesting people came to mind: authors, world-changers, musicians, and the like, however, those choices were fleeting. Very quickly, I knew exactly who I’d love to have one more conversation with, my grandparents!

I’m very blessed that when I was young, we moved to be closer to my grandpa and grandmas. Many weekend visits, holiday dinners, and special occasions were spent with them. Family stories and moments in their histories were often shared, unfortunately, back then I didn’t appreciate the privilege and importance of hearing them as much as I should have. (I’m pretty sure eye-rolling was involved.)

Once I was grown and moved away, our time together became limited, but bringing my own children “home” to my grandparents was always a precious time! The funny thing was, as my little ones listened to those same old stories I’d heard over and over again, they suddenly began to grab my attention, too. Those small glimpses into their lives are such gifts to me now!

“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?”
Job 12:12 (NIV)

Time passes quickly and my grandparents have been in their Heavenly home for many years. I’m so thankful for the time I had with them, but oh, how I wish I’d soaked up every word they had to offer when I had the chance! Now that I’m a “MiMi” myself, I’m finally beginning to fully understand the value of the shared experiences of those who’ve gone before us.

So, that’s my answer. If I could, I’d sit at the table for as long as possible with my Grandma P. and my Grandpa and Grandma Stevens, and I would listen, really listen, as they offered their insight, advice, and wisdom about life. I most certainly would gain much!

“Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.” 
Proverbs 3:13 (NLT)

Tomorrow is Grandparents Day. If you are blessed to have yours still here with you, let them know how important they are to you and take every opportunity to learn from them now while you can, and not only “If you could…..”

“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.”
Proverbs 19:20 (NLT)

I’m joining with the other writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com . The prompt this week is “Could”. I’m looking forward to reading all the different perspectives on one word. You can read them too. Just click on the link above. I am always so very grateful for your presence here. I’d love for you to share some of your favorite grandparent memories in the comments. I’ll leave a couple of mine there as well. Be Well and God Bless You!

Share Four Somethings ~ August 2020

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August 2020 Share Four Somethings

August 23rd….In some ways it doesn’t seem possible that we’re this far into 2020 and then again, it feels like it’s taken a long time to get here! But the end of August is where we are: a time of back to school ads on TV, towering sunflowers in the garden, and Share Four Somethings right here! My month was rather quiet and status quo and that’s a good thing these days; but let me share with you just a few highlights….

Something Loved

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Our church Christmas tree is large and difficult to move. Each year we struggle to get it in and then struggle to get it back out of the sanctuary.  It takes many hands. This year, for several reasons we were short handed, and so, the tree stood there unadorned in the corner. Then Covid 19 hit and we could no longer go to church.  That’s when I decided to take a little piece of church to our congregation. So far, this Christmas tree has become an Easter tree, Patriotic tree, and everything in between.  (This is our August Summer tree) I’ve loved decorating it with a monthly theme and then sharing pictures and a greeting with our members through our FB page and email. It’s brightened my mood to see it come to life and I pray that, even though we aren’t together, it’s helped make our church family feel just a little closer, too!

Something Read

“Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. The Scriptures train God’s servants to do all kinds of good deeds.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17(CEV)

Books are stacked on my bookshelves and side tables and yet, for some reason I just haven’t picked one up to read in a long time. (Too much Netflix binging maybe) Despite not having a book to offer you, I have been participating in an online Bible Study called “Arise: Seeking God as Your Hiding Place” at http://www.faithfullyfollowingministries.com Each day they offer scripture to read and study, a free journal to keep notes in, and insight into each day’s subject. So far my take-aways have been: “Arise and Refocus on Him, Arise and Follow in Hope, Arise and Let My Heart Sing, Arise and Shape My Worries into Prayer, and Arise and Release.” I’m inspired and encouraged through the women who share in this study and am grateful for the wisdom and words they offer. I’m looking forward to all I’ll read and learn in the next week as it finishes up.

Something Treasured

“Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.” Proverbs 22:6 (GNT)

There are lots of blessings that come with being a teacher, but one of my favorites is watching my little Second Graders grow up and move on into the world. Even better, when they reach out and let me celebrate with them. This year in addition to announcements, I received a thank you note that included words that I’ll treasure as they warmed this ole teacher’s heart and brought tears to my eyes. It reminds me how important all our interactions with others are. We never know how God will use us to touch others or how He’ll use them to change us!

Something Ahead

“Grandparents are proud of their grandchildren, just as children are proud of their parents.” Proverbs 17:6 (GNT)

Well, we’re down to days until the arrival of our new grandson and I’m ready to pack up and go as soon as I get the call! Every day as a MiMi has been a gift and I’m looking ahead to all the reading stories, singing songs, baking, playing, cheering on, and making memories with THREE grandsons! MiMi X 3 = Love, Love, Love!!!! (and maybe a little exhaustion added in)

Well, there you have it, a glimpse into my August in a few paragraphs.  Now it’s your turn! I’d love for you to share your Four Somethings for the month in the comments so we can help celebrate your month with you. Oh, and as we move into September, best of luck to everyone playing a part in starting school. May your year be blessed!

I so enjoy this practice of Sharing Four Somethings! If you’d like to join in or read more just click over to http://www.heathergerwing.com I look forward to seeing what September offers us.  It’s my prayer that we find our new normal and move forward with our confidence in God who is in control of all our months. As always I’m so blessed to have you here with me. It means more than you can know.