Tag Archives: #31Days2021

Peace ~ Day 3 of 31-Day Writing Challenge

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“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3 (NIV)

The Walk

A long day at war with worry and fear,
Little boy squabbles, and
Needs far and near.

Head is pounding. Thoughts running wild.
Tears threaten to spill, Lord
Do you see me, Your child?

Shoes on feet. Helmet on head.
“The evening is calling us
Let’s take a walk before bed.”

Step after step, labored and slow.
Boys on bikes buzz by
Leaving a trail of laughter as they go.

Longing for an answer, I lift up my eyes
Turn the corner. Stopped in my tracks.
An unexpected surprise!

There in every hue of His love
God’s peace painted for me
Across the sky above.

Finish our stroll bathed in pink light.
A beautiful reminder
We’re never out of His sight.

“MiMi, the sky!” I hear them say.
Smiling, I thank God He is with me,
And that tomorrow’s a new day.

“I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” Psalm 57:9-10 (NIV)

Content ~ Day 2 of 31-Day Writing Challenge

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“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31a (NIV)

Content

It’s always been this way. For as long as I can remember I’ve been most content when I’m near the water. Lake, ocean, river, pond, it doesn’t matter. There’s just something about being waterside that calms my soul, relaxes my shoulders, quiets my mind (which is no easy feat), and lets me breathe, really breathe. It’s my happy place.

My better-half does not feel the same as I do. Being in the mountains brings him the most satisfaction. I like the mountains but they’re not my first choice. He can spend time at the water, however it’s not his favorite place. Guess what? This is not the only thing we don’t agree on. Guess what again? We still kinda like each other despite our differences.

The thing is, we are all different. Content, not content. By the water, on a mountain, or maybe the desert is your happy place. Country girl or city all the way. Conservative, liberal, vaccine or no. Artistic, mechanical, intellectual, athletic, agricultural. Right-handed or left, words or numbers, risk-taker or comfort zone…the list goes on and on. People, we are created uniquely. And guess what? We can still kinda like each other!

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NIV)

“Living at peace with everyone.” Now that’s a Happy Place!

Need ~ Day 1 of 31-Day Writing Challenge

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“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

Day 1: “Need”⁣

We are a generation of stuff, overrun with things we think we need. The proof is on our porches, in outbuildings, our closets, self-storage units, and in my own garage. I used to teach my Second Graders the difference between a want and a need. It’s a lesson I’ve been reminded of in the last few months and one most of us could use a refresher on. Really, we only need the basics for life like food, water, and shelter. All the rest we can get by without. Difficult, challenging times make it clearer than ever that “things” are not what will sustain us. ⁣
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The chorus to the hymn above has run on replay in my mind for weeks now. “I need Thee, oh I need Thee. Every hour I need Thee.” Maybe you’re like me and have found yourself in the midst of an unexpected situation in which you have no control over or the strength to face on your own. That’s when we learn what needs are truly essential: the Bread of Life (John 6:35), the Living Water (John 4:14), and the Shelter of the Most High (Psalm 91:1). ⁣
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“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)⁣
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God, who sees us at our worst and best, strongest and weakest, when we’re rejoicing and grieving, knows what we want, but more importantly, He knows and is able to provide exactly what we need, not just for ourselves, but so we might share with others. God’s abundant blessings of praying friends, supportive communities, encouraging church families, and overwhelming love from others doing “good work” have been what’s helped my family endure these past months. So now it’s my turn to richly give those in need, not stuff, but the abiding, overflowing love we’ve been shown. A love that sustains not just life now, but for eternity. #31Days2021 #writingprompt #fmfparty #1/31