Possibility ~ Five Minute Friday

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“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 (NIV)

Possibility

A night dark with fear, raining tears, and anguish in the waiting blinded me to the possibility of mercy. But God…

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Morning dawned begging for a miracle, spirits joined for one so small, and I wondered if hope was even imaginable. But God…

“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2 (NIV)

Days blurred into weeks carrying within them moments of such knee-buckling weakness, the strength to carry on felt impossible. But God…

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Months of conflicting emotions, seemingly incompatible, how is it possible there can be joy in such despair, peace in such heartache? But God…

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

Life can forever change in a moment and we’re thrust into a place we don’t want to be.Suddenly, it’s as if we’re drowning with no possibility of saving ourselves. And  the truth is, try as we may, we can’t. But God…

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26

Time in the dark let me see me the Light. Being able to do nothing but pray led me to Hope. Weakness taught me about true Strength. The worst of days were intertwined with such blessing that Joy became real. But God… 

Thank you for stopping in. It means more than you know.  If you’d like to read other ideas about “Possibility” click over now to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com 

 

Behold ~ Five Minute Friday

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“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)

Behold

There are moments in time that stick with you, both good and bad. Recently, I was blessed to be invited to a special meeting with my grandsons and Santa.  The youngest was hesitant at first, fearful of the situation; but Santa knew just what to do. His reassuring kindness, cheerful manner, and engaging voice soon had all three boys drawing near in wonder. It was a good moment and a sight for this MiMi to behold.

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:8-12 (ESV)

Fearful at first, the Shepherds weren’t sure about the situation they found themselves in at all. But the reassuring promises of the Angels, the joy they proclaimed, the inviting message soon had them in awe at all they’d heard and their fear became anticipation. They’d been “invited” to a special meeting with a Baby in a manger, Jesus, our Savior. They drew near and were filled with awe. It was a sight to behold!

Behold: to witness, regard, contemplate. That’s exactly what I did as I stood off to the side taking in this memory making moment, and it’s exactly what the Angel told the Shepherds to do when visiting them in the fields that night. My friends, it is what Christmas reminds us to do, too. 

We know that life can be challenging. Devastation occurs, the unexpected happens, evil abounds, and it may leave us feeling fearful of our situations; but God knows just what to do.  Christmas arrives, saying, “Fear not! Christ the Lord has come for all people!” Yes, the reassuring promises, great joy, and invitation to draw near to Jesus the Angels brought to those Shepherds long ago, are offered to us today and everyday. 

So this Christmas season, while we’re making memories with our family and friends, let’s bear witness to the miracle that was placed in a manger, regard receiving the gift of Jesus with praise, and contemplate the good news of great joy we’ve received. Then, may our lives, in good moments and bad, shine the glory of the Lord around us, being a sight for the world to behold!

Share Four Somethings ~ November

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Share Four Somethings ~ November 2021

Time…. The days can feel as if they fly by and yet, minutes also feel like they last forever. So here we are at the end of another month and believe it or not, almost another year. There were parts of it that ticked on by and others that had me waiting for what felt like a long time. I think that’s why I love “Share Four Somethings” so much. It is a way to capture bits of our month to share. Here are a few moments from my November:

Something Loved

“Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.'” Luke 5:26 (NIV)

After being away for a month, I counted the days until I was able to return to visit my daughter and family. Was it ever worth the wait! The hugs, the laughs, the adventures, all balm for my soul! What fun it was to be there to help put up their new Christmas tree. I loved every minute! As I looked back through the pictures I took, I realized that I’d captured the pure wonder only a child can bring. And isn’t that exactly what the Christmas Season is all about?

Something Read or Said

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)

Lament. I’ve done my share of it in the past few months. I know many of you have too. When I came upon these words this month that Lisa Appelo shared on her Instagram page, it felt as if time stopped for a moment while I caught my breath. “Wrestling with the paradox of pain and the promise of God’s goodness” is exactly what I’ve been experiencing but just couldn’t put into words myself. What a gift when God uses someone else’s to encourage and reassure me!

Something Treasured

“A friend loves at all times” Proverbs 17:17a (NIV)

I’ve talked about them before, my heart friends that I couldn’t do life without. This month we gathered for a delicious brunch and lively conversation. When we took our seats at the table each of found a keepsake at our place. The framed photo may remind us that we’ve aged a bit, but it’s also a treasure that shows that true friendship is timeless.

Something Ahead

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11 (NLT)

There she stands, waiting. Waiting for Christmas to fill each branch and change her. I’m looking forward in this Advent season to spending time in Scripture and readings, preparing my heart to celebrate the Babe in the manger, letting the pure wonder of Christmas that only He brings, change me, too.

Well, that’s it for another month. How’d you spend your time? I’d love to know your Four Somethings for November! You can share them with me in the comments. I wish you a Very Blessed Christmas. Let’s not forget to cherish every minute!

Nourish ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Give us today our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11

Nourish

There are few things I love more than homemade bread and it just so happens that one of the many perks of having my Mother-in-Love as a neighbor, is receiving a loaf straight from the oven every week. 

Answering the door, the fresh bread wrapped tightly in a tea towel is graciously placed into my waiting, open hands. I don’t know about you, but that first yeasty, whiff just smells of home to me, and biting into a warm slice? Well, it’s nothing but pure comfort, one that satisfies my hunger, filling the empty feeling I have deep within. What appears to be a simple loaf of bread is actually an unselfish gift her of time, thoughtfulness, ability, and love offered just for me to enjoy.  I don’t ever want to take even a single crumb for granted!

“Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” John 6:48-51 (NLT)

The world would have us trying to fill up on things that only leave us feeling empty and wanting more, so what better way for Jesus to describe Himself than Bread? After all, He is a fragrant offering leading us to our eternal Home (Eph. 5:2), the One who’s abounding in comfort (2 Corinth.1:5), and who nourishes the deepest longings of our souls. Sound good? Let’s “taste and see!”

Jesus is knocking. Will I, will you, answer with open hands ready to receive the Bread of Life that’s so graciously waiting? He tells us that if we do, we will never be hungry again.(John 6:35) He meets our needs, fills our voids, quiets our cravings. Jesus IS the unselfish Gift of love. His body, the Bread, was broken and offered just for you and me.(Luke 22:19) 

“He replied, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.’ ‘Yes it is, Lord,’ she said. ‘Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table. Then Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, you have great faith!’” Matthew 15:26-28a (NLT)

Let’s not ever take even a single “crumb” for granted.

Hide ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Why are you hiding from us? Don’t forget our suffering and trouble!” Psalm 44:24 (GNT)

Hide

Sleep didn’t come. Looking at the clock, it said 1:30. I looked again, this time 2:00. Then it occurred to me, maybe God was keeping me up so that I could see the lunar eclipse.  I had thought about staying up but had given up on the idea and yet, there I was wide awake. Easing quietly out of bed I put on my fuzzy slippers and thick fleece robe, grabbed my camera, and headed outside with great anticipation. But as I looked up, instead of finding what I was expecting, I only saw clouds that were hiding the moon from my view and was I ever filled with disappointment. Standing in that dark, cold spot alone, I wondered why God had brought me there. 

Not so long ago I was in a cold, dark place, too. Our family had been praying so hard. Our friends were praying. Even people we’d never met were lifting our grandson up in prayer. I’d waited with the anticipation of those prayers being answered, that the doctors would in fact find life within his little intestines. But instead, there I stood, filled with the realization our prayers hadn’t been answered the way we’d hoped. As hard as I tried looking up, I couldn’t see past the devastation to what was ahead and I wondered why God had brought us there. 

“Why are you so far away, O LORD? Why do you hide yourself when we are in trouble?”
Psalm 10:1(GNT)

The Psalms are packed full of lament like this and we know… Life. Is. Too. They say, “seeing is believing.” I don’t know about you, but it’s hard for me to see God’s goodness in the midst of suffering.

“For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 (GNT)

Oh how I wish I could say that living by faith is easy for me. You too? There’s no doubt that trouble is always around and it is easy for me to think in those times that God is not. Here’s the thing I’m pondering though, even when the the moon was out of sight behind the clouds that night, I knew from experience it was still there. Maybe the reason I was wide awake in the wee hours was to help remind me and I hope encourage you, that the same is true of God’s goodness, We don’t have to see it in the moment to believe it’s there because we’ve experienced it time and time again. Even in this difficult journey with our grandson, looking back over the last few months there’s evidence of God’s goodness through it all.  So as I continue to learn (it takes me awhile) to live a life of faith, I’m going to try to keep looking up with anticipation knowing God is right there with me.

“How clearly the sky reveals God’s glory! How plainly it shows what he has done!”
Psalm 19:1 (GNT)

Wander ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Psalm 55:22 (NLT)

Wander

Early this summer our youngest grandson lost most of his small intestine due to an undetected diaphragmatic hernia. As a result, he now receives all his nutrition through a permanent central line which he is hooked up to for 16 hours a day.

Long tubing extends from his chest and stomach to a back pack which contains the life-sustaining liquid and his pump. Can you imagine what it’s like to try and keep up with a one year old who is constantly on the go while carrying the bag and attempting to keep the lines from becoming tangled on his feet and toys? It’s a challenging and honestly, exhausting endeavor.  That is, until today!

For the very first time since his medical emergency, this remarkable little boy, with everything tucked in a little pack behind him, was able to just wander about with no more entanglement and no one constantly following after him. He has a new found freedom to now choose the direction he will go.

You know, as Christians, we can also find ourselves hooked on things that ensnarl and trip us up. When we are connected to anything, even good things, more than we are to our life-sustaining relationship with God, we can suddenly find ourselves at the end of our rope, feeling as if there’s no where left to go.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Hebrews 12:1-2a (NIV)

Trying to keep up in life with all the twists and turns is often challenging for me. You too?  It’s easy to feel weighed down and held back by our weaknesses and worries.  I think you’ll agree, we can feel just plain worn out. Until that is, Jesus!  Jesus, who calls us to come to Him because His burden is light and He provides much needed rest.

Our grandson is truly a walking miracle! His life has forever changed but by God’s grace he’s learning to adapt one step at a time. In some ways it’s much the same for you and me. Through the miracle of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection we can answer Jesus’ call and step into new life with Him, the One who packs up our sins, frees us from their bondage, and teaches us the direction we should go and when we do? That my friends, is where we’ll find we’ve been forever changed, too.

Worthy ~ Day 31 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.” Psalm 150:6

 Worthy

There’s something about going through a dark time, one where at times I couldn’t see what was ahead, that illuminated and helped me find the many reasons I have to offer God praise. As I sit here this afternoon I could type the list of the many big reasons I have to lift my praise and it would be long, but surprisingly it’s been the little things lately that have made me keenly aware of how worthy God is of my (our) worship. 

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11(NLT)

Now you know as well as I do that when walking through difficult seasons it can feel as if there’s nothing to be thankful for. Our pain, disappointment, fear, anger, and exhaustion can blind us to seeing His gifts. For me, those were the very times He’d reveal small glimpses of Himself to me. You too? 

A word, a look, a song, a sunset, a giggle, a hug, a butterfly, a leaf against the blue sky, a dandelion from the yard, a little hand in mine. Again, my list is long; but believe it or not, it is this tiny Acorn cap that brought me to my knees. 

Until I zoomed in on this discarded top, I had no idea the beauty it held inside. As I began looking at them more closely, I found the unique, intricate, lacy design etched around each center. Even now it brings me to tears because honestly, who am I? Who am I to deserve such care lavished on me. Who are we?

I’ve often marveled at how each bird that comes to my feeders has its own feathered markings, of the minuscule patterns in the center of flowers blooming in the Spring, or the iridescence of a bothersome fly’s wings; and now, the underside of an Acorn hat that often remains unseen and tossed away by a hungry squirrel. Why? Why did God design things with such artistry and beauty that may just go unnoticed? I’m learning that the answer is love.

“And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” Matthew 6:20 (NLT)

Life is hard. Trouble comes out of nowhere. Our prayers aren’t answered as we hoped. Our way is unclear and in our weakness we fumble…and then…we see Him in ribbons of pink across our sky, a stranger’s smile, little boy eyelashes that flutter in their sleep, or an Acorn that stops you in your tracks. Who am I? Who are you?

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children and that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1a (NLT)

We are loved by the Creator of Heaven and Earth and everything in them. He’s given us breath and calls us His own. Life does surprise us, in big and small ways, good and bad, but through it all I’m reminded that there’s always something deserving of my praise and One worthy of my worship.

“Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to God as long as I live.” Psalm 146:2 (NIV)

Thank you for coming along with me on this writing journey. The Holy Spirit has been generous and given me much to ponder. Each day He provided me with a lesson I needed. I pray that there were offerings for you, too. As always I am so grateful for presence here.

Equip ~ Day 30 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” Psalm 145:4

 Equip

As I begin to write today I’m not sure where this will go but it’s something I’ve been pondering  for a while now. It begins with one of the most emotionally challenging things I’ve ever done in life, and that is to prepare my four and six year old grandsons for their first visit with their little brother who was in the hospital with a traumatic health emergency. My heart ached so for them because their little hearts and minds were so full of worry and fear. There’s no doubt that their imaginations had created something far worse than it would be, because they just didn’t understand. This experience has lead me to ask, “How do we equip our children and grandchildren to thrive in this world where bad things happen?”

“Point your kids in the right direction-when they’re old they won’t be lost.” Proverbs 22:6 (MSG)

There’s a story in Luke where young Jesus’ parents think he’s lost and can’t find him. Once they do and are back home it says He grew in wisdom. Where had they found Him? The Temple, His (our) Father’s house. I don’t know about you, but I don’t always understand or feel as wise as I’d like and yet, eyes of all ages are always watching us and I believe our examples speak much louder than our words. So, how can we direct the tiny (or not so small) souls around us in the way to go? I’m learning we must first equip ourselves!

If Jesus knew how important time with His Father was to gain wisdom, how much more important is it for us to do the same? Spending time with God through His Word, in prayer, with worship is I believe, vital in preparing us to “point” others in the right direction. And then, you and I must live it for all to see! Did you know that it only took ONE generation of people in the Old Testament to become unaware who God was and what He’d done? Why? Those around them failed to show them, leaving them lost. I want to do better.

So, what can we do differently? We pray for and with them, discuss Scripture, listen to their questions working together to find answers, and willingly share our own challenges, victories, and how God has worked through them in our lives, reassuring them He will in theirs too.

As we prepared for our hospital visit I asked the boys if they’d like to say a prayer themselves rather than me doing it as we had been. So sweetly, each one offered their thoughts to God. That moment was one of the most emotionally uplifting things I’ve ever done in life. I pray it’s just the beginning.

“But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9 (NLT) 

Morning ~ Day 29 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)

Morning

Morning person? Nope, nada, never…well, that is until recently. While staying a few days at a cottage on the lake I found myself awake early enough that it was still dark outside. I’d flip and flop and remind myself that it was too early for ME to get up, and yet, I wasn’t the least bit sleepy so I gave in and threw off the covers. What I learned was, climbing out of my comfortable and letting go of who I thought I was had its rewards. Each morning I was witness to the rising sun and the beauty it brought with it. 

Someone other than a fisherman? No way! Well, at least until Jesus called them. They were at the lake too but there was no flip-flopping involved when Jesus invited them to follow Him. Without hesitation, the men stepped out of their comfortable, didn’t give a thought to who they thought they were, and allowed Jesus to show them who they could be.

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

And oh yes, while often difficult, leaving the security of what the brothers knew behind had great rewards. They were witness to the risen Son! Jesus has called me to come alongside Him too. I wish I could say that I always react like the disciples leaving my comfort zone without a second thought; but there have been times that have made me want to hide under the covers instead. Think of what I missed. Been there?

Now as I ponder on it, lingering in the pink glow of dawn was a wake-up call I think. A reminder that as 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, God hasn’t given us a fearful Spirit but one full of power, love, and self-discipline. (My, that last one can be hard) We are not to “sleep” our days away in the contentment of being who WE think we are and miss the Son, instead we need to:

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
Ephesians 5:14b-16 (NIV) 5:17 (NLT)

Morning person? Sometimes. Wrapped up in who I think I am? Giving that up and trying to uncover who Jesus sees in me. The reward? Like none other. Walking alongside Jesus morning, noon, and night, being a witness of and witnessing about, the beauty of His eternal Light risen for you and me.

Fail ~ Day 28 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind.” Titus 2:7a

Fail

See this picture? I have many that look just the same as this one. Why? Because I tried and tried to capture a shot of a leaf floating on the wind as it fell from its branch and I failed. So, while this photo is nice, the one I wanted eluded me because I always missed the leaf.

Now, if you’ve been around me much or read some of my writing you might know that I spent many, many years trying to be perfect (I’m afraid the desire still rears its ugly head from time to time) but, we all know how that turns out don’t we! Try as I might, I always miss the mark and fail.

Here’s the thing though, there’ve been lots of times in life that I’ve had opportunities to reach out and get to know someone new, to offer help when needed, to say “yes” instead of making an excuse, to share-my-faith, all lost because in addition to trying and failing, I’ve also failed to try.  And, I think that might even be worse. Don’t you? 

In those times, just like my experience with taking the picture of a falling leaf, I’ve waited too long to act, my focus has been out of whack, or I convinced myself I couldn’t do it. I fell short, missing the chance to make a change around me and also in me by doing the good work God had for me to do. 

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

“So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, ‘Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ But I say, ‘How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.’” James 2:17-18 (NLT)

We know that we are not saved by what we do but I think those “good things” God designs for us to do are deeds that lead others and ourselves closer to Him. We don’t want to be like an elusive leaf being missed by a world that’s watching. Instead, we want them to capture us reacting in a way they don’t expect, showing love despite differences, having priorities that aren’t popular, and so much more. We don’t have to be perfect, we’ll miss the mark sometime, yes, we may even try and fail; but as masterpieces in the making, when it comes to demonstrating our faith, we must never fail to try.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

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