Gather~Day 8~31Days2019

2 Replies

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

 

Gather at the River

A small crowd gathered on the bank of the river this past Sunday to witness the baptism of some young people from our church family. Raindrops fell but spirits could not be dampened. Temperatures dropped but praises were raised. What a joy and a privilege to experience a person coming up out of the water into a new life in Christ!

“For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 (NLT)

When I was a child, a group gathered with me as I was baptized, too. Water was sprinkled and at the front of the church that morning, through this act, I shared my testimony for the very first time as I confessed my faith in Jesus. Funny, I haven’t thought about that day for a long time so of course it has me pondering…”Glorious hope, one Lord, one faith”…have I continued to share** this testimony with those I gather with?

“And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross-not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. so we have these three witnesses-the Spirit, the water, and the blood-and all three agree. Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son.” 1 John 5:6-9 (NLT)

Jesus proclaimed God’s love for all people to the crowds who gathered around Him to listen, but He didn’t stop there. His actions on the cross affirmed all He had said. Do my, do our, actions testify as well? Do we:
~Put God’s will and the needs of others above our own? ~Jesus said, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Luke 22:42 (NLT)
~Forgive others? ~Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34a (NLT)
~Care for the grieving and the lonely? ~When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, ‘Dear woman, here is your son.’ ”  John 19:26 (NLT)
~Use the gifts God has given us to complete the plans He has for us, all the way to the end, even if it isn’t easy?~  Jesus said, “It is finished.” John 19:30a (NLT)

Yes, our words and actions should declare the message of eternal life through the truth of the Spirit, the water, and the blood of Jesus to as many as we can, so that one glorious day, we all can gather side by side at the beautiful, beautiful river flowing by the throne of God.

This post is written as part of the 31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes Challenge. You can read posts from other writers on the same topics over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com I hope you know that I so appreciate you being here! God bless, Cindy

 

Problem~Day 3~31Days2019

8 Replies

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NIV)Skitterphoto / Pixabay

Problem

You just don’t expect anything to go wrong in a new house and yet there I was with a problem. A MOUSE problem! As I sat in the early morning quiet, drinking coffee, and minding my own business, an unwelcome sound interrupted the peaceful atmosphere. It couldn’t be! Surely not! But yes, it was the dreaded noise of little gnawing teeth that had caught my attention. Cautiously, I tip toed into the kitchen and there right before my eyes was a furry, pointed nose covered in whiskers poking out from underneath the corner of my stove! I don’t know who was more startled or disgruntled!  My first thought was, “How dare this intruder find a way into my home!” and the next was, “How am I going to get rid of it?”

Since then I’ve also realized I have another intruder. When it’s quiet, especially in the middle of the night, he finds his way into the corners of my thoughts, gnaws away at my confidence, and steals my peace of mind. You may have** guessed it: I have a devil problem, too. Now, how am I going to get rid of IT?

Funny as it seems, the devil and a mouse are an awful lot alike.( Awful being the key word!) A mouse likes to get into what’s stored in your cupboards while the devil digs up what’s stored in your past. Mice leave an evidence trail of filth behind and Satan pollutes our view with evidence of our failures , fears, and temptations. A mouse can actually look cute from afar and the devil knows exactly how to make his ways appear attractive to each of us, too. The mice soon learned how to remove the bait we left without triggering the trap and the evil one is even more cunning than that, ready to take what he can, when he can.

It wasn’t until we found and blocked the place where the mice were actually getting in, that we were finally able to keep our house free from further intrusion. We must do everything we can to block the devil’s attempts to enter into our lives as well.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:10, 13-17 (NIV)

Living in the country, our mouse problem will probably always be on-going but we’ve learned a few things and have gotten some tools to help us keep them out of the house. Living as a Christian, our devil problem will be a continuous one too, but God reminds us to stay alert and He provides each of us with everything we’ll need to make the devil flee: His truth,  righteousness, and peace, our faith in Him, our salvation in Christ, and His Word are the perfect tools to help us ultimately be victorious problem solvers once and for all.

Because God’s children are human beings-made of flesh and blood-the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of  the devil, who had the power of death.” Hebrews 2:14 (NLT)

This post is written as part of the 31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes Challenge. You can read posts from other writers on the same topics over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com I hope you know that I so appreciate you being here! God bless, Cindy

 

Gift~Day 2~31Days2019

4 Replies

 

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16 (NIV)/RyanMcGuire / Pixabay

The Gift of Thank You

My Bible is stuffed full of special things that I treasure.  There are photos, letters, drawings, and special thank you notes. Thank you. Two little words that speak volumes! When words of thanks are shared they bring with them joy, usually result in a smile, and like the ones I’ve received, are treasured. The rewards are not just for those on the receiving end though, as it turns out, the ones offering them benefit too.

There’s power in the gift of a thank you! Power to mend when forgiveness is given. Power to build up when a job’s been well done. Power to honor when a sacrifice has been made. Power in ways we can’t even imagine.  Such little words that make a big difference! Why then, are they used less today instead of more?

Let me ask you a question. When was the last time you told someone thank you and not just as a passing thought but really thanked them? I’m asking myself the same thing. With regret, I often think about people who are no longer with me and how I wish I’d let them know how much I appreciated them when I had the chance. Are there those you think of too? Unfortunately in our world today, we allow ourselves to get so busy, distracted, or self-absorbed that we often take what others do for us for granted and many times don’t think about the impact they’ve made on our lives until it is too late to tell them. We need to make a change. **

Do you remember the story of the ten lepers? Jesus heard them crying out and so he told them to go show themselves to the priests. On their way there, they were healed of their Leprosy.

“One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, ‘Praise God!’ He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Didn’t I heal ten men? What about the other nine?’ Luke 17:14-15 (NLT)

So, who are we going to be like? The one or the nine?  Here’s a little challenge for you (and me) to help us be like the one: At this very moment, I want you to stop and think about someone who has made a difference, large or small, in your life. Now, let’s go send them a text, an email, or better yet a handwritten note thanking them for what they’ve done. Most likely they aren’t even aware they’ve made a difference so our words will be a precious surprise . And who knows? Maybe our thanks will encourage their thanks. Maybe the giving will feel so good that we’ll offer it more! Whatever the result, there’s one thing I’m sure of : the gift of a thank you is a gift that keeps on giving! My Bible mementos are proof of that!   So, let’s not delay and start giving it today!

Oh, and one more important thing to remember:

“And whatever you do or say, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

This post is written as part of the 31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes Challenge. You can read posts from other writers on the same topics over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com I hope you know that I so appreciate you being here! Thank you! God bless, Cindy

 

31 Days of Pondering Lessons in the Everyday

4 Replies

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

October brings brilliantly colored leaves, pumpkins of all sizes, cooler weather, and  of course, the 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes Challenge! I actually considered not joining this year as my calendar page is already filling up with commitments but it’s something I really look forward to. So, here’s what I’ve decided to do: I’m committed to doing my best to stick to the five minute** time limit (if you’ve been here before you know that really is a “challenge” for me) and to write to as many of the prompts as I can. It’ll be like a little adventure.  Are you with me? I sure hope so! It’s a lot more fun with you along!

I’ve recently gained a new blogging skill and so all my posts for the Challenge this year will be right here in one place! Just click on the link in the Table of Contents below after it goes live to read each post. As always, I appreciate you stopping in and I pray that the lessons I’m learning this month will be meaningful to you, too! 

~Table of Contents~

Why

Gift

Problem

Listen~Out of town

Other~Out of town

Notice~Out of town

Same~Out of town

Gather

Join

Scared

Deep

First

Reach

Voice~Missed

Open~Missed

Avoid

Consistent~Missed (not very consistent!)

Active

Strong

Tell

Person

Sense

Need

Different

Wait

Accept

Better

Test

Practice

Memory

Enjoy

 

Why~Day 1 ~ 31Days2019

6 Replies

‘Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 43:5 (NIV) / Pixabay

Why?

Those of you who’ve spent any time at all around children have experienced or at least heard about the “Terrible Twos”. But what about the “Terrible Sixties”? I don’t know about you, but sometimes it feels as if I’m stuck in those toddler years! I often want my own way, can throw a  pretty good fit, and find myself repeating the question “Why?” over and over again.

Things happen in this life that I just don’t understand. Upheaval in the world, tragedies in my community, and very personal disappointments within my own family. I know you’ve been there, too.  We pray and pray but the answer we get isn’t always the one we hope for.  It’s in those very times that I raise my hands in despair and ask “why?”.** I need an attitude adjustment! And then, that still, small, Voice reminds me:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

And there’s another voice, that of my mother-in-love, that also reminds me that God doesn’t make mistakes. The truth is we can’t begin to know why things happen the way they do to the people they happen to. Life often just doesn’t make sense to us. It’s when we begin to let go of our toddler ways though, that we can then grow in our faith and put our trust in God’s plan. Inch by inch we start to realize it doesn’t have to make sense to us because we know Who’s in control. It isn’t always easy and just like a toddler I still have a lot to learn! How about you? But when we put our hope in God, we have a wonderful promise to look forward to! The time when:

“…’God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.  They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ ” Revelation 21:3b-4 (NIV)

Just imagine: no tears, no pain, no mourning!  And….no more “why’s?”!

This post is written as part of the 31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes Challenge. You can read posts from other writers on the same topics over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com I hope you know that I so appreciate you being here! God bless, Cindy

 

Recipe for Success ~ Five Minute Friday

6 Replies

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)

Recipe for Success

Ingredients:

To your life add:

S erving others before yourself; With vigor

U se your gifts; Mix in

C hoosing people over things; For good measure

C omplete what you start and do it well; Include plenty of

E xercise of your body, mind, and soul; Sweeten with

S miles; Now blend all of the above with the

S avior

Combine daily. Serve immediately. There’ll** be plenty to share!

“Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8

Woo Hoo! Almost made the five minutes(**)!!! Joining in with the crew over at  http://www.fiveminutefriday.com writing to the prompt “Success” today. I must have cooking on my mind since my attempt came out a recipe!  Variety is the spice of life! Click on over and see the other offerings too! I’m sure you’ll find some “tasty” choices! As always I’m grateful for your presence here! God Bless and wishing you much SUCCESS! (see above, haha)

A Challenge ~ Five Minute Friday

6 Replies

Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 (NIV)

Technology is often a challenge for me.  I can still remember like it was yesterday, going to my first Teacher’s Technology Conference and feeling so overwhelmed.  One of the presenters even talked of “Technological Natives”: those growing up in and proficient at using all the different devices and then of the “Technological Immigrants” like me, who, being in a foreign land, must learn to navigate the World Wide Web, understand an unfamiliar language, and perform tasks that feel beyond our ability.  Like I said, a challenge.

Then along comes Kate , our leader at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com  and in two days this week she taught me things I hadn’t grasped before in blogging even though I’ve tried. Two days-two skills! The difference you ask? Kate taught by example, showing us step by step each action on her computer that we’d need to make on ours. Seeing it instead of just hearing or reading about it, has made it possible for me to follow her lead and successfully walk through the process myself! Now, it’s gotten me thinking. (You knew that was coming, didn’t you?)

As Christians, we are “Heavenly Natives” living our lives as “”Earthly Immigrants”. We try to navigate the world without being worldly, understand The Word, and carry out the work God calls us to do even though we feel unqualified. And, just as Kate did for those of us trying to master skills in our writing life, we have those who offer us examples to follow in our Christian life, too!

“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” Philippians 3:17 (NIV)

Listening to sermons and reading books by Christian authors have inspired me as I’m learning what it means to be part of God’s family. Jesus gave us the Perfect Example, but there have been and still are things I haven’t grasped. That is, until I’ve seen faith in action!  I’ve been blessed with many people from whom I’ve learned more about being like Jesus by watching the ways they’ve acted and interacted day to day. I’m sure you have a list of your own. Their examples show us the characteristics we hope to gain. With God’s guidance and as we follow their lead, they help move us closer to being who we were designed to be. And…that’s got me thinking again!

As we act and interact in the world, people are watching MY example, YOUR example, too! Now, that’s a challenge I think I’ll save for another post!

“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” Titus 2:7 (NLT)

Joining with Kate and the other talented writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com  as we think about the prompt “Challenge”. I challenge you (and myself)  to think about those people in your life who are examples of Christian living and then thank them for showing you the Way! Thanks for taking your time to stop! It means more to me than you know!

 

 

 

From Start to Finish ~ Five Minute Friday

5 Replies


“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” 2 John 1:6(NIV)

From Start to Finish

How is it possible that my grandson, the one who made me a MiMi, is old enough to start Preschool? It seems he was just a tiny bundle in my arms or maybe a wobbly toddler learning to walk, but SCHOOL? Already? It’s hard to imagine that he’s already grown and changed that much!

Isn’t that just life? I’m walking down the aisle, blink, I’m celebrating our 36th anniversary. One moment I’m parenting children, blink, I’m now parenting adults. I’m a brand new teacher, blink, I’m an “ole” retired one. I’m sure you can give your own examples of how quickly time passes. (Watch out young people, it really is true that the older you get the faster it goes!) Things are rapidly changing all. the. time.

You know what isn’t changing as fast as I’d like though? My growth as a Christian. Some days it still feels like I’m taking wobbly baby steps! I let go, move ahead, stumble, fall down, throw a fit, and then have to start all over. Maybe you’re still learning to walk the Walk like me, too. Here’s the good news: God doesn’t give up on us!

“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)

When we accept the gift of salvation that Jesus offers us, we’re born again. We start over as “toddlers”, learning to think, talk, act, and yes, walk in the ways of Christ. And just as parents (and MiMi’s) are there to steady, guide, pick up, encourage, and love, God is perfectly doing the same for us. Every time we stumble, He catches us. When we fall, He lifts us back to our feet. Each time we whine and complain (throw a faith fit), He lovingly disciplines all the while reminding us that growing takes time.

Yes, time is funny.  It can seem to pass in the blink of an eye like when watching a child grow and yet, when looking at our own progress, time can also feel as if it is dragging its feet. BUT, from start to finish, God is the One in control of our pace. He helps us “wobbly toddlers”   mature and grow in our salvation day by day and He won’t stop until that perfect time arrives when we don’t just walk, but we run into the arms of Jesus for eternity.

“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

I’m joining http://www.fiveminutefriday.com on Monday this week instead of Friday. I got a late start. “Start” is the prompt by the way. I’d love to know your thoughts on your challenges in your Christian walk and/or examples of how time passes for you. Just jot them down in the comments.  Thanks for being here.  I appreciate it more than you know!

Mrs. P.’s Testimony ~ Five Minute Friday

11 Replies

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 6:16b (NIV) / Pixabay

Not long ago, I attended the funeral for a lovely lady in our community.  The eulogies given by those who knew her were warm and endearing.  The last person to speak was her son.  What he shared with us challenged me to take a look at my own life. Maybe it will challenge you as well.

After a time of exchanging cherished family memories that caused laughter and tears to spill out at the same time, her son then reflected on his mother’s prayer life.  He called her a “Warrior on her knees”! He shared that he’d often wondered how much of what had happened in the lives of his family was a direct result of their mom’s fervent prayers.  In addition, he was also curious about the number of bad things that hadn’t happened to them because of their mom’s fervent prayers. Then this grieving son asked a powerful question:

“Now, who will take her place?”

Who will take her place?  Who will take over where she left off? What a testimony to a life!  A woman remembered for her prayers; an intercessor, so dedicated, that her passing would leave a vacancy, not easy to fill. Just imagine… WANTED: Someone able to lift heavy burdens. Must be available all hours of the day and night. Dedication to, persistence, and confidence in results required. Needs to be prepared to work in private. Able to manage large case loads. Now, who will take her place?

Driving home after the service that question kept playing over and over in my mind and I started thinking about the testimony my life offers to those around me. Guess what? In the area of prayer, Worrier came to mind before Warrior!  Let’s be honest, NOBODY needs to fill that position!

“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)

I didn’t know Mrs. P. well.  I wish I had! This quiet, behind the scenes worker, a Sister in Christ, lived a life here that affirmed a great faith, declared her abundant love, and professed the power of prayer. Even from her Heavenly home, her witness has challenged me to spend more time on my knees than I do wringing my hands. I can’t think of a better testimony of a well-lived Godly life than that! Can you?

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

I’ve written this in memory of Mrs. P. to the prompt “Testimony” and have joined the other writers over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com 

I look forward to seeing the directions others have taken their writing in today.  I encourage you to click over and read for yourself! I pray Mrs. P.’s testimony has touched you in some way and if it has prompted you to think about your own life testimony, I’d love to hear about it! Just leave me a note in the comments! As always, thank you for being here!

Looking Back~Share Four Somethings

14 Replies

Labor Day weekend is upon us! How can it be that we’re already looking back on August? I don’t know about you, but for me this summer has passed in a blink of an eye! One good thing about month’s end though, is joining with others at http://www.heathergerwing.com to look back at our Four Somethings.  It also just so happens that today’s prompt at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com is “Back” thus, I’ve decided to do double duty with this post.  So sit “back” and relax as I share a bit of my month with you. And then…I’d LOVE for you to share your Four Somethings with me in the comments.  Here are mine:

Something Loved

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.” Philippians 1:3 (NLT)

My heart’s been happy this month because I’ve been able to spend time with some of my favorite people in some of my favorite places! It’s always an adventure when I’m with my grandsons. Just after this photo was taken the entire jug of bubbles spilled onto the patio. I immediately got the hose to spray it off but looking back now, I realize it wasn’t my best idea.  I’ll just leave it to your imagination to figure out what happened next!

I’ve recently returned from a trip back to Michigan to visit my mom and sisters.  We aren’t able to get together as often as we’d like, so each visit is a true blessing. There’s something special about being with those who’ve known you the longest and love you anyway! Whether it’s spending time watching my grands growing up or spending time with those I grew up with, I’ve loved making memories that I’ll now look back on and treasure!

Something Said

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 (NLT) / Pixabay

There are several things about myself that I’m working on to change. One big one is the amount of time I spend worrying. Looking back, I’ve realize just how much time I’ve wasted “rehearsing disaster” that’s never happened! As I’ve already said, time slips by in an instant and I don’t want to spend what I have on worthless worry.  It’s time for a wake up call!

I love it when right at a time I need them, just the right words are shared. How appropriate that my need for a wake up was met with words said about an alarm clock! I’d never thought to compare worry to an alarm clock but it resonates with me and maybe it will with you, too. The idea is that we can let our worry work as an alarm clock, warning us that there’s something we need to pray about.  AND…..we certainly don’t let an alarm clock keep ringing once it’s done its job of getting us up, so we shouldn’t let the worry alarm keep ringing after we’ve taken our concerns to God, either. I love that visual and hope to apply it from here on out and to not go back to letting worry take up all my time!

Something Learned

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)

What a great time I had this month working along side my daughter while learning to do something new! We were invited to attend a workshop at a new shop being opened by our family friends called “Board and Brush”. It’s a wonderful place where you can go to created fun and unique decor projects from scratch!  We learned how to assemble, distress, stain, and stencil. I was so thankful for the support and encouragement I received to help me complete my sign. The experience was so enjoyable that I hope we can go back and do it all again very soon!

Something Read

“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:9-10 (NLT)

Oh this book! Through stories of her homes, gardens, communities, friends, and family Christie Purifoy creates images of place and home which inspired me to reflect on the places that have contributed to bringing me where I am and helped create who I am. The emotions she shares and the knowledge she offers create a symphony of words and thought that made it hard for me to take my eyes from the page.  The subtitle: “Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace” is exactly what this book does for the reader! If you desire to stay in the home you have, long for a home from your past, or dream of a new home in the future, this book is perfect for you! With her beautiful writing style (and beautiful it is….I might have a tiny or not so tiny case of writer’s envy) Christie takes us on a spiritual journey which reminded me that no matter where it is, God’s gift of home is meant to be shared. “Placemaker” is a book that I could read from front cover to back again and again and learn something new each time! I loved it!

Well there it is!  August was a good month but I must admit I am looking forward to September bringing some cooler weather and the introduction of Fall with it.  As you look back on this past month, I hope you too, can see many blessings.  Don’t forget to share a few of them with us! God willing we can share our September Four Somethings too so…….

Y’all come “back” now! Ya hear?
(sorry, just couldn’t resist)