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Day 5/31: Other

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Day 5: Other

Time spent visiting my mom is always special and leaving is always hard. Being the procrastinator that I am, it’s easy to stretch out the packing and loading up process. Eventually though, the good-bye must happen. Words are shared, hugs given, and tears shed. Then, I wait for mom’s message of caution: “be careful,” “keep me posted along the way,” and “look out for the other guy.” 

That last one seems more important today than ever, as it appears there are more cars and less common sense on the road. Mom is reminding me to be attentive to those who go roaring past while encroaching the middle line, the ones cutting in front of me with no warning into what they think is space left open just for them, those who ride my bumper hoping I’ll change speeds, and yes, the oblivious who putt-putt along in the fast lane, going anything but fast and slowing up progress along the way. “Look out for the other guy” is a warning given out of love, meant to help me make it safely home. 

Do you know that the Bible offers us the same message of caution? It also reminds us, to be careful and look out for the other guy. 

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

The “other guy” we need to look out for as we travel on the road of life is Satan. He races to catch up with us and then proceeds to try and inch over as close as he can get without us moving away. He’s also known to perceive an opening, a space we don’t think is a problem, and without warning he’ll slide right in.  The devil is a master at pushing us to go faster and further than we want to or to block our way keeping us from where we want to go. “Look out for the other guy!”

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I heed this warning and sometimes I’m not as careful as I should be. I might convince myself that even though he’s getting closer to me than I’d like, I’ve got a grip on the situation. Or, I realize that I’ve made space for fear, worry, self-centeredness, envy, or a varied plethora of things and don’t think about the fact that those are just the spaces that welcome the “other guy” to slide right in. There are situations we know we should steer clear of but we feel him pushing us along. We’ve all know times when we see where we should go, but Satan slows us down, blocks our way, keeps us from completing the journey we were to take. “Look out for the other guy!”

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)

How are we traveling? Are we being careful, checking in with the Lord along the way, and remembering to look out for the other guy? We should be. After all, the messages of caution offered through God’s Word are given out of love and meant to help each of us make it all the way Home.

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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Think ~ Day 25 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NIV)

Think

Just when you think things are settling down and beginning to get back to normal, you blink. Suddenly you find yourself feeling as if you’re teetering on the edge of a cliff, afraid of falling and being swallowed up by the valley below. I blinked.

My wise husband shared that maybe a life of trouble IS normal. Not what we like to hear, but 60+ years tell me that it’s true. Maybe you’re standing beside me staring into the abyss too. If you are, let’s join hearts and cling (literally) to these words, the Word:

“The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.”
Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)

“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)

And just when you think there’s no hope:

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)

And in a blink of an eye…Jesus.  

 

Always ~ Day 24 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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“And do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

 Always

Sometimes it seems I’m wearing a magnifying glass around my neck. Not really mind you, but I’ve always been in tune to the smallest details.  I tend to notice what others seemingly miss. Maybe it comes from being a perfectionist and a lifetime of always checking myself to be sure every little thing is right. I don’t know. But what I do know is, it comes alive when I’m looking through my camera lens.

Some of my favorite shots I’ve captured are of the tiny, intricate patterns on a flower petal, grains of sand on a seashell, or a raindrop hanging from a leaf. Recently though, something else hidden in the ordinary has begun to catch my eye: “God’s love messages.” Have you seen them? Hearts in unexpected places. Each time I’ve discovered one it’s reminded me that evidence of God’s love is everywhere!

Finding hearts isn’t the only way He shares love. He uses us, We are to be “God’s love messengers.” Have you been one? Am I? We may be the only affirmation of His love someone receives. 

“Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. 1 John 4:12-13 (NLT)

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34-35 (NLT)

Sometimes it’s the smallest thing that makes the biggest impact. A smile at just the right time, a little extra in the tip, offering a prayer, cooking a meal, the list can go on and on.There’s no perfect way that we must deliver love, just that we do; and we don’t want to miss the opportunity to bring it to life in the ordinary, sharing the message that God’s love is offered to everyone, everywhere, for always!

“But love will last forever!” 1 Corinthians 13:8b (NLT)

 

Path ~ Day 23 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Acts 2:28

Path

Took a little jaunt this week to find a hidden waterfall we’d read about in “Southern Living Magazine.” As we hiked the seemingly tranquil trail, we came to this spot. It stopped us in our tracks as we tried to figure out how to best move ahead.

For years I’ve worn a bracelet that says “Enjoy the Journey” which I want to do. It’s a good thought. Until that is, the path gets tough. I don’t know about you all, but I haven’t yet mastered rejoicing when the way ahead is a tangled mess, an upward climb, and it seems there’s no clear way out. 

Lucky for us, once we looked around we found there were trail markers to show us the way to go so we could navigate up and around the challenging area and reach our destination. As we all know, things can be going smoothly as we travel through everyday life and then they’re not. All at once we don’t know which way to go or even how to take one step forward.

“Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.”
Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105(NLT)

When obstacles block our way, we’re tripped up, or don’t have the strength to keep going, not by luck, but by Divine plan, when we look, will find a Guide to show us the way ahead, too. One thing I’m learning is that God’s Word finds us where we are and takes us to where we need to be. The pages are full of “step by step” directions to journey through life and guess what? Even enjoy it. Is it easy? No, it takes work. Always straight? Nope, but always the best way. Will we know what’s up ahead? Uh-uh, but when we read about and are lead by the truth, there’s no doubt about it, we will definitely reach our destination!

“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 the light that leads to life.”
John 8:12 (NLT)

Still ~ Day 22 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

Still

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

I’ve just returned from a much needed respite from the world. After several long, challenging months my favorite traveling partner and I packed up our necessities and headed out hoping to leave all the extra baggage behind. The moment we walked into our little cottage, I felt we’d been guided there. And as it turned out, bringing a little, was just enough.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

Surrounded by lush beauty, I knew it was going to be a place of refuge, one where we’d be nourished, replenished, and find rest. Exactly what we were desperately in need of, and now a way had been made for them to be provided.

“He leads me beside still waters.”

There was a path from the house going down to the lake. Those were sacred steps as I sensed God’s Spirit near the water. The lake taught me much as I sat by its side. Ripples formed when the smallest of leaves hit the surface reminding me how I can let little things cause disruption in my life. The ups and downs of the waves after a boat passed by mimicked the highs and lows in life but sitting on the floating dock also showed me that riding those waves could be navigated if you hold on. But it was the glassy surface of the perfectly motionless lake that had the biggest impact. A motionless, mirrored surface allowed what was above to be reflected on it. I noticed that when the water is churning you can’t see anything from above at all, but when its totally still, a display of color and shape is revealed.

“He restores my soul.”

When in choppy waters, we grab for anything that we think will hold us up, it’s the same when we are in turmoil; we are intent on helping ourselves stay afloat. Our days feel vague, murky, and exhausting. Only when we quiet our hearts and minds, can we begin to reflect on the things above. The One who actually saves us. The One who calms the waters. That’s what the last few days have done for me, afforded me solitude, peace, and restoration. Being still inspired me to gaze Heavenward and it gave me a renewed outlook, one in which the beauty of God’s goodness and grace came clearly into view.

Psalm 23:1-3a (ESV)

Taste ~ Day 20 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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Taste

What do you mean I have to eat this? When I was first diagnosed with high blood pressure I tried to cut out all salt. Not a grain, nada, no shaker allowed. Ever done that? It. Was. Awful! Things I once loved no longer tasted the same and I didn’t desire them anymore. The experiences of cooking and eating had lost all their appeal and my appetite disappeared.

Thankfully, I learned that not all elevated blood pressure is caused by salt and I was able to add some back into my diet. Boy, things really started looking up then. I’m here to tell you that scrambled eggs, french fries, and popcorn are nothing to savor without being seasoned with salt. I continue to appreciate the good flavor it draws out of food, today.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how could it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

Just as my salt-free diet was tasteless and did nothing to attract me to the table, so our Christian witness will be if we are blasé about all God has done for us. Am I salty? Are you? We should be living lives with zest, that are bold examples of Jesus, and our words and actions creating a hunger in others to want to know more.  Being the “salt of the earth” means we need to act to preserve those who will otherwise perish. My friends, we are to be the ones who invite others to The Table, offering them a taste of the body and blood of Christ, a meal they will never forget. (Nor should we!) That’s when things will REALLY look up!

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:26-28 (NIV)