Category Archives: Inspiration

Share Four Somethings ~April 2020

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“Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church-a love marked by giving, not getting. Ephesians 5:25 (The Message)

Something Loved

This month I am my something loved! Whether it’s a note left by the full coffee pot when I rise each morning, a bottle of my favorite Dunkin Donuts Iced Mocha Coffee tucked among the groceries (not easy to find in our store), or beautiful spring flowers gathered precariously from the hillside and brought home: I feel loved! 

Because of his offer to do all of the grocery shopping so I don’t have to go out, the prayers said holding hands at the table, and words he’s spoken to encourage my lagging confidence: I feel loved! 

In our almost 37 years we’ve had many ups and downs, but through it all we’ve learned a valuable lesson, one that we’ve been reminded of in these last few weeks: the importance of showing how much we care for one another! And that’s what we try to do. This month as we’ve spent more time than usual together, I’m reminded what a gift God gave me when He plopped me right in the living room of a young farmer so many years ago! There’s no doubt: I AM loved!

 

“Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God-which of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NLT)

Something Read

Oh my goodness! This study has come at just the right time with just the right words I need! Here’s the thing, under normal circumstances I wouldn’t have been able to join in.  Originally, the ladies at Faithfully Following Ministries had planned to study Gideon locally, in North Carolina, where I do not live. But, because of social distancing, they were unable to gather so decided to offer it online. Lucky me! And on top of that, unexpectedly, the publisher has offered the usually costly videos that accompany this study to everyone for free! Everything came together and now we’re about half way through the study. Have I learned so much already! I’ve added it as another “Pandemic Positive” on my list!

 

“I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12 (BSB)

Something Treasured

As I wrote in my last blog post, I received a note from my mom in which she included two letters I’d written to her in 1985 right after our county was ravaged by a deadly flood. Reading them took me right back to that scary, uncertain time and reminded me of all the emotions that accompanied that devastation. Unexpectedly, those letters have been an encouragement to me in this crazy time we’re in. They showed me first of all, how much better off I am now than I was back then. Rereading them has also helped me remember how God saw us through that time when we didn’t have any idea what the other side would look like. That’s why I’m treasuring these letters today; because, they reassure me He is at work, seeing us through this pandemic, too! 

 

“Children are a blessing and a gift from the LORD.” Psalm 127:3 (CEV)

Something Ahead

As an ole retired teacher, my heart has been heavy thinking about all the students who are out of school, especially the Seniors and the very young children. Keeping my two and four year old grandsons entertained is challenging under the best of times, but now their mom and dad are trying to work full time from home too. Needless to say, it’s rather stressful! So, I’ve been trying to help out (long distance) a little. I must admit it’s been fun for me to search out and mail activities for the boys to do.  I’ve even found a few that we’ve been able to work on together via FaceTime. Those are my favorite, of course! The most recent is this little greenhouse we made. Now, even though theirs hang in a window four hours away from mine, I’m looking forward to all the discussions ahead that the three of us will have as we watch our beans sprout and grow! I’m not sure though, which are growing faster, the beans or the boys!

Well, there you have it! My Four Somethings for the month of April and while it’s been an unusual month, I have been blessed in many ways! How about you? What are your Four Somethings? I’d love for you to share them in the comments.  I hope you know how much I always appreciate you being here with me and if you’d like to read what others have found their Four Somethings to be, just click over to http://www.heathergerwing.com God Bless you and be well!

Backward Perspective ~ Five Minute Friday

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”I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12 (BSB)

Backward Perspective

There is much suffering surrounding us today. Many face physical and mental health challenges, financial difficulties, exhaustion, and even death. We are a world that is grieving what has been and the unknown yet to come. I’m so very grateful that for now, my family and I are well and adjusting to this new way of life as best we can. My heart aches for, and my prayers go out to those who are in the midst of much more agonizing situations.

There’s no doubt that living in a very rural area has protected me from many of the effects resulting from this pandemic. That being said, it hasn’t stopped me from at times, becoming overwhelmed by worry and allowing my fears to carry me away into a wave of panic. My thoughts have swirled around the safety of my friends and loved ones, the well-being of my daughter who’s expecting, the miles that separate me from my children, mom, sisters, and grandchildren, the growing case numbers in our state and country, and wondering what our future will look like. The list goes on and I’m sure you could add to it! Under the best of times, I have to fight the current of worry and fear, and in these worse times? There’ve been days when it’s felt as if their weight may just pull me under.

Luckily, this week I’ve had a change of perspective and it came in an unexpected way. Opening my post office box, I was surprised to find a note from my mom. Inside the envelope I found she’d enclosed two letters I’d written her in November of 1985, days after we’d experienced a deadly flood. (She’d been “isolation cleaning” and found them tucked in her desk.) As I removed the pages from the envelopes addressed in my own handwriting and began reading the raw, emotional words within them, I was transported back to a devastating time in my life. Those were days where it was hard to speak because there were no words and nights where the only sound was the raging river that made its way where the road once had been. No electricity. No water. No heat. No communication. No way in and no way out. Everything had changed overnight and there we were: isolated.

So how did reliving those heart wrenching, sorrow-filled, scary, uncomfortable months change my perspective? First of all, it reminded me how much better off I am in isolation now than I was back then. Even with the restrictions, I have everything I need right at my fingertips! More importantly though, looking back has helped me remember that as difficult as that time was, we saw God at work in many unexpected ways and received blessing upon blessing in the midst of all the challenges.

Sometimes, a backward perspective can help us move forward.

As funny as it sounds, those words I wrote thirty plus years ago helped me realize that I. Am. Here! Even though the flood of 1985 was something we never expected to experience and at the time, couldn’t imagine what life would hold in the future, I’m now living that future. I made it through! And that, my friends, gives me hope for today! I pray it brings some to you, too! Yes, life changes, but I’m learning that remembering God’s faithfulness in our past can help us trust in His unchanging love now and in whatever the future holds.

I’ve decided to keep my letters where I can see them for a while so that if I find myself beginning to sink back into worry or fear, they’ll prompt me to change my perspective, stand firm, and remember, “I am here!” Thanks be to God!

“Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”
Psalm 103:2 (NLT)

Today’s prompt at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com  is “Perspective”. I don’t know about you, but I need to change mine more often than I’d like that’s why I think these old letters have made such an impact on me.  If you’d like to read what others have written on the subject, just click over and enjoy! Please know that I am so grateful for your presence here. If you have a prayer request please leave it in the comments and I will be honored to pray for you. God Bless and stay safe!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Other Side

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

The Other Side

One of my favorite projects I did with my Second Graders was our Life Cycle of a Butterfly unit. Each Spring, the children, my husband, and I would set out on a hunt through the tall Milkweed stalks hoping to find a treasure trove of Monarch Caterpillars. Usually within a week, my trusty, large, glass pickle jar was full of leaves and the emerald colored caterpillars who ate them. With hand-made journals out on our desks, we’d watch closely for changes throughout the day and then, record all our observations.

One of the most fascinating behaviors I noticed over the years was the closer each caterpillar came to the stage of becoming a Chrysalis, the more they would struggle! Hanging upside down, their rippled bodies would writhe back and forth, swinging side to side as if they were actually fighting against what they were going through. We’re like that too, aren’t we? Changes in our lives can cause us to also struggle and fight. Right now, we’re wrestling with this new, unfamiliar stage of pandemic life.

The fact is, in order for a caterpillar to become a chrysalis, they must let go of who they’ve been and enter into a confined, limiting space. They don’t understand it, don’t know for how long, and have no idea how it will all turn out. In many ways, we find ourselves in exactly the same position.  It’s difficult to understand all that’s going on and to accept that our boundaries are much smaller. Our where, when and with whom have been greatly constrained. We’ve also been comfortable with defining who we are by the jobs we do, activities we’re involved in, the achievements we’ve made, or what we see in the mirror. But now, living a “cocoon-like” life has each of us questioning all that and maybe we’re even finding ourselves squirming a bit! We ask, who am I really? How long will this last?  What will life look like when we make it to the next stage? We’re left hanging, waiting for the answers.

I wish I could tell you that I know what comes next, but of course, you and I know that I can’t; but, I DO know where we can find some much needed encouragement for such a time as this. It’s been recorded in God’s Word!

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  James 1:2-4 (NLT)

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

“And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:17-18 (NLT)

Finding joy, clinging to hope, and waiting for glory to reveal itself in times like we’re in doesn’t come naturally. Honestly, I fling back and forth! I might do well one day and then swing backward the next. Maybe you can relate! So, let’s return to my butterfly project for what I pray will be a little more reassurance for us all. Time passes and after spending what seems like an eternity suspended between who it was and what it’s becoming, the chrysalis becomes dark as night; and just when you begin to think it didn’t make it, out from its confinement emerges a beautiful, bright orange butterfly!

Yes, things for us feel upside down and dark right now and there’s a real chance we’ll have to let go of life as we’ve known it.  But, here’s why I think this old school project has come to mind again at this time.  It’s reminding me and I hope you too, that God has a plan! A perfect plan where His amazing transforming power takes any struggle we face, and in time, makes it beautiful on the other side!

“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT)

This was always a miraculous Science lesson I loved sharing with my Second Graders. How God-like that now in this place and time, years later, it’s a miraculous Life lesson He loves sharing with you and me!

Let’s pray together:

Heavenly Father,
We come to you in the midst of a difficult and challenging stage of our lives. There are many burdened with grief, illness, fear, worry, and so much more.  Be with us LORD as we struggle. Help us to look to You and trust the promises given in Your Word. We know You work all things for good. Remind us of that when we so easily forget. Thank you for the blessings that we can see coming from a changed world and for your grace, peace, and love that are always with us. Let us share those with others, being Your bright light in a dark world. And finally, please enable us to take our eyes off our present situations and look forward to the other side where Your glory outweighs all our troubles.
In Jesus name,
Amen

As always, I am grateful for you taking your time to stop in here. I wish I had more wisdom and insight to offer you. Please know that I’m praying for our world and if you have a specific need and feel comfortable leaving it in the comments, I will be honored to pray for you. Stay safe and be well, Cindy

 

 

 

 

 

Another ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:18

Another

I open my eyes
What day is this?
One seems to blend with another.

The scenery’s the same
The company, too
I miss my grands and my mother.

I close my eyes
So many needs
I lift them one after another.

The fear’s the same
The worries, too
I pray that we’ll soon recover.

I open my eyes
And look for the good.
I list them one, then another.

The helpers, the healers,
The sacrifice, the love
Opportunities to serve our brother.

I close my eyes
But before I sleep
I count blessings, another and another.

The world has changed.
I hope we have, too.
New priorities for us to discover.

Yes, I open my eyes
What is this day?
A gift! Let us be grateful for another!

“This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
 Psalm 118:24 (NLT)

It’s April, Poetry Month, and I haven’t written one poem so figured today was a good day to do it!  Joining with my friends at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to write to the prompt “Another”. I’m pretty sure there will be lots of inspiration and encouragement there! Click over and see for yourself! I hope you are safe and well! Thank you for stopping in! It means a lot to me!

Do It Now ~ Five Minute Friday

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“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog-it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” James 4:14 (NLT)

Do It Now

Someday, I’m going to forgive him….

Do it now!

Someday, I’m going to tell her how much she means to me…..

Do it now!

Someday, I’m going to do more for my church…..

Do it now!

Someday, I’m going to publish a children’s book…..

Do it now!

Someday, I’m going to be a better Christian, daughter, wife, mother, MiMi, friend…..

Do it now!

Someday, I’m going to stop striving for perfection, control, attention, worth…..

Do it now!

Someday, I’m going to live as the one God designed me to be, not who I see in the mirror…..

Do it now!

Someday, I’m going to trust….

Do it now!

Someday, I’m going to stop saying someday…..

Do it now!

Someday I’m going to  _________….

For whatever you’ve filled in the blank with, join me in saying:

Do it NOW!

Living in this unexpected, uncertain time has already taught me many things. I’m sure it’s the same for you. One of the most significant for me, is that we don’t know what the future holds, not even tomorrow!  And here’s the funny thing, I’ve never known; and yet somehow, I thought, and maybe you have too, that I did. So in the midst of nothing but the unknown, I’m challenging myself to learn to stop being a “someday” gal and instead, live seeking God’s direction and then: Do it now!
Anyone want to join me?

“Never boast about tomorrow. You don’t know what will happen between now and then.”
 Proverbs 27:1 (GNT)

The prompt this week at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com is “Now”. Pretty timely right? I’d love for you to share in the comments so things you want to do now instead of someday. Hope you know how much I appreciate you joining me here and if you’d like to read more offerings just click on the link above. God Bless and stay safe!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share Four Somethings ~ March Gifts

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Time is funny. It seems Christmas was just yesterday and yet it also seems we celebrated it long ago.  So much has happened since then. And March? Goodness what a month! But here we are on the last day and as I’ve pondered on my Four Somethings, I realized something important! March has given me many good gifts:

Something Loved~Unexpected Gifts

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)

In the midst of this unstable, uncertain, un-anything time, I’ve been trying to be aware of all the good things happening which wouldn’t have, except for the fact that “normal” life has come to a standstill. And guess what? I’ve found many wonderful things occurring in my family and in families across the country! One of the most special to me so far, is our first “Girls Zoom Meeting”. My mom, sisters, nieces, daughter-in-love, daughter, and I all joined together for a coffee chat that lasted over an hour.  Stories were told, lives updated, memories shared, and we laughed…..A LOT! I loved spending time with these women and it would have never taken place if everyone was immersed in their regular day to day lives. Unexpected gifts….what a blessing!

Something Read~Gift of Words

“Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.” Proverbs 22:17 (NLT)

I read several blogs, but I have a couple that are my favorites.  I eagerly watch for each new post  on those, so I’m sure not to miss their wisdom. This past month, I’ve been especially inspired by the encouragement written by Julie Lefebure! She recently shared that she’s felt God leading her to offer hope to others this month through her writing. And has she followed His lead faithfully! Julie’s relatable, creative, faith-filled words are a gift to her reader! They truly have touched my life in a most positive way! You can find her at http://www.julielefebure.com

Something Treasured~Gift of Hope

“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)

In the process of building our new house I lost all my spring blooming plants, that is until NOW! Last summer as I was packing up and getting ready to head home after visiting my family, my sister came along and with a swing, she plopped a big (and I mean big) bag of daffodil bulbs into the back of my car. I asked her what I was to do with all those bulbs and she simply answered, “Plant them.” I thought it a little extreme at the time, but plant them I did. Fast forward to March. Green leaves began emerging from the ground, pushing their way up between the dried, crunchy leaves of winter.  Soon, stems with buds joined the new leaves. Before I knew it, sunshine bright, yellow blooms began opening up all around my yard. Am I ever grateful I have a sister who goes to the extreme for me!  I treasure each beautiful golden gift; gifts of hope, promise, and renewal.  Something I think we all need right about now!

Something Ahead~Gift of Life

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 13-14 (NIV)

March has given me many gifts; but the biggest, most wonderful one of all, is learning I’m going to be a MiMi to a third grandson in August!  Talk about something to look forward to! I can’t wait to see his little face and personality! The gift of life is so very precious and honestly, I think that’s what March has been trying to teach me all along!

“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)

What about you? As you look back over the month what gifts have you received? I’d love for you to share them in the comments! You can find others sharing their Four Something over at http://www.heathergerwing.com  And I always want you to know what a gift you are to me!  Thanks for joining me here today!

The Three Mirrors ~Adjust ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly.” Mark 8:25 (NLT)

The Three Mirrors

Back in the dark ages when I was in high school, Driver’s Ed. was required before you could get your license. I remember nervously awaiting my first time behind the wheel. When it was finally my turn, was I ever disappointed because we didn’t go anywhere! We never even turned the key. The lesson was spent in preparing to start the car: sliding the seat to where the distance to the pedals felt comfortable, positioning the seat back, fastening the safety belt, monitoring the lights and gauges, and coming last but not least, looking into the three mirrors.

The three mirrors….  My teacher stressed the importance of adjusting them, so as the driver, I could see clearly behind me before ever moving ahead. I was also taught to glance often in each one in an effort to remain aware of what was behind me, but not to spend too much time looking back. And then, I learned how their use could help me safely change lanes when the need arose.  Lessons from so long ago ( I won’t tell you HOW long) and yet I still use them today, each time as I travel down the road.

Why bring up my schooling of yesteryear?  Because I’m realizing that during this strange time of isolation and social distancing, like the three mirrors, my own vision is also being adjusted. Waiting nervously to have this behind us, I’ve begun to see that in the midst of this uncertain, challenging time there are lessons I may need to learn:

  1. When the waiting is over, clearly look back on this experience before moving ahead.  Prepare before just proceeding back into “normal life”. I don’t want to slide back into being comfortable and taking the little things of life for granted. I do want to position myself to best see what needs lie ahead that I might meet, and I want to move through my world a little more safely by monitoring the mark (or germs) I and others might leave in our paths.
  2. Don’t live in fear by spending too much time dwelling on all that’s happened. With #1 being said, it would be easy for me to let anxious thoughts prevent my moving on and out. While looking back is important for learning, staying there will get me nowhere. And,
  3. Be aware of the positive things that have resulted from this time of slowing down and staying in, then, make the changes needed to proceed. I’ve loved hearing and reading about parents interacting with their children, projects being done, dinners eaten together, books being read, games being played, neighbors helping neighbors! All these wonderful things happening and even some in my own life too, that never would have occurred under normal circumstances. I want to be watching for ways to help those kind of things continue!

Yes, my eyes have been opened and I’m seeing a little more clearly that I have a lot to learn! These are just a few lessons I’ve been taught as a result of what’s going on today. Ones I hope I’ll now remember and use everyday as I journey down this road called life. What about you? What are you learning as you travel through this time of uncertainty and accommodation? I’d love for you to share them in the comments!

I hope you are staying safe, doing well, and when this is behind us, if your vision, like mine, is being adjusted, then I pray that together we might just be the key that puts us all on the road to a better way of life!  Oh, and let us not forget to check those mirrors! God Bless!

Even though it’s not Friday, I’m writing to join the others who have participated at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and shared their ideas about the prompt “Adjust”. I’m late, but there’s definitely still time for you to click over and read some great thoughts! As always, I thank you for being here!

 

 

 

Spacious Place

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Spacious Place

There are lots of things we’re afraid of and try to avoid. For me, a big one is any seemingly small, tight spot. Whether it’s a cave, elevator, crowded room, or even a kayak, when I feel trapped, anxiety sets in. I quickly feel short of breath and my heart races. Maybe you know just what I mean! That’s why this has become one of my favorite verses in Scripture. As a gal who needs plenty of room, the thought of God bringing me to a SPACIOUS place is such a comfort!

In this time of living lives that have suddenly become small and confined, it’s easy to find ourselves feeling bound in the uncertainty, a need to escape the overcrowded media, and breathlessly awaiting some sense of control to return. If you’re feeling hard pressed today, join me in crying out to God and letting Him show our troubled hearts the spacious place of His love. Let us be reminded to breathe deeply in His presence, exchanging our fears, for the freedom of peace that only He can give.
Amen

As we begin another week of social distancing, what verses of scripture are you clinging to? Encourage us by sharing them in the comments!

Fixed Focus ~ FMF Tomorrow

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“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Fixed Focus

Filled with excitement, I walked into the studio for my first ballet lesson. Wearing my new purple leotard, I felt gracefully light on my feet. We lined up in front of a mirrored wall and music filled the room. I pointed my toe, what form! I stepped this way and that, what poise!  It was when we began to spin, as ballerinas do, that things began to go wrong. What dismay! Without warning, I suddenly found myself lying on the floor, the room whirling around me.

Our instructor quickly untangled my feet, helped me stand, and proceeded to use me as a teaching opportunity. She explained the importance of a dancer picking a focal point and keeping their eyes on it instead of trying to see everything around them as they spin. Fixed focus results in better balance and control of the direction the dancer is moving she told us. As you might have guessed by now, my dancing career was alas, short lived.

Life has become somewhat like my ballet lesson of long ago, hasn’t it?  We’ve been moving this way and that, smoothly through our days, when without warning, everything began spinning out of control and now we find ourselves floored at what’s happening. I feel certain I’m not alone when I tell you that my mind has been whirling and twirling: “COVID-19.” “Social distancing.” “Stay at home order.” “Essential services.” What dismay!

We want to know what will happen tomorrow, next month, with our bank accounts, with our temperatures, with our loved ones, and our neighbors. The oh-no’s and what-ifs fill our minds. Taking it all in is dizzying and can easily put us into a tailspin!

Thankfully, we have an “Instructor” who will untangle our thoughts and help us stand in this, and in any challenging time. His Word teaches us that to finish the race (or the dance) we must stop trying to envision everything that might happen because it only serves to trip us up:

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” Hebrews 12:2-3 (NLT)

I’m reminded in this uncertain time, that to perform at our best, we must choose Jesus as our focal point, keeping our eyes securely on Him and trusting that He’s in control of the direction we’re moving. Of course, the unknowns, concerns, and questions of the changing world around us continue to upset our balance but we’re not doing a solo. He is with us and He cares. So, whether we find ourselves crawling, walking, or running, through these next days and weeks, let’s remember to fix our sight on things above. It won’t make everything else disappear but it WILL help keep us from spinning out of control.

 

I am tardy is joining with the skilled writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where the prompt on Friday was “Tomorrow”. Well I kept putting off till tomorrow and am only finishing now on Monday. I’m looking forward to reading others’ ideas on tomorrow. I know you’d enjoy it too. As always, thank you for being here!

 

Less (Lovingly, Aunt Florence) ~ Five Minute Friday

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“For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’ Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2

Lovingly, Aunt Florence

My Great-Aunt Florence was a strong woman; she was confident in her faith, and to me, She. Was. Brave! I admire her courage, because like her, I care about my loved ones’ salvation; but unlike me,  Aunt Florence went beyond caring and took action!  The possibility of backlash, ruffled feathers, or hurt feelings didn’t stop her from reaching out to every member of her family who she had an address for, inviting us each to accept Jesus if we hadn’t already. Her letters spoke of the peace, trust, and contentment she found as a result of her faith in God and she urged us to seek the same through accepting Jesus’ sacrifice, going to church, and reading the Bible. She closed by writing: “Whether your response to this letter is positive or negative, I’d love to hear from you.”

It’s hard to admit, but I’ve missed opportunities to speak of salvation with others, simply because I fear receiving those negative responses that Aunt Florence openly welcomed, (I’m sad to say, her “brave gene” didn’t get passed on to me), but rereading her old letters has inspired  me to do better! And I’m going to try and start now.

Have you stopped to think that we have less time to live today than we did yesterday? And that tomorrow, we’ll have less than we do right now? With everything going on in the world at this moment: the fear, the panic, the unknown, it seems the perfect time for each of us to stop and  consider our future. We all know this, but our present circumstances clearly remind us that we don’t know what lies ahead. Let’s ask ourselves, are we prepared?

Twenty-five years ago at the age of almost 90, My Great-Aunt Florence shared these scriptures with our family and with me. And now, I’m going to share them with you:

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’ ” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’ ” John 14:6 (NLT)

“If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
1 John 1:8-9 (NLT)

And I’ll add this one to hers:

“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)

The world is in turmoil. The future seems bleak. But here’s the good news: there’s no reason for despair. WE HAVE A HOPE! My heartfelt desire is for each of those I love and care about to spend no less than eternity with me in Heaven. I feel the same about you, who are reading this! Let me end these more than “five minutes” with some of the last words Aunt Florence shared and while they were written for me and my family, I know without a doubt, she wrote them with the intent that they’d be passed on:

“For many years Christ has been my strength, my shield, and my song, giving me peace that passes all understanding.  He’ll give it to you, too, if you’ll ask Him.
Evermore keep the faith!
Lovingly, Aunt Florence”

Today’s prompt is “Less” over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com Click over to read what others have written today! As always, I appreciate you taking your time to stop in. God Bless!