Tag Archives: Challenge

A Challenge ~ Five Minute Friday

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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!

 

 

 

Connect ~ 28/31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

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“I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.” Psalm 3:4 (NIV) / Pixabay

My mom and sisters are together today in Michigan and I’m home in West Virginia.  Days like today are hard on me as I’m far away from the women who’ve loved me the longest. I can’t believe I’ve lived 500 miles from them for 35 years now!  We’ve talked about those times when we were all young mothers and weren’t able to connect with one another very often.  Back then our only options where calling long distance….but who had the extra money….or writing letters……but who had time! We missed out on a lot of each others’ lives and when we finally got together? Non-stop talking to try and catch up! 

Now, here we are.  Our children are grown and on their own and I have grandchildren!  We’ve come a long way and so has staying connected.  I’m so thankful for texting, cell phone calls, and Face Time.  Technology today helps bridge the miles so that sharing the big events and little moments keeps us close even though we’re hours apart. And when we finally get together? Still non-stop talking!

 I long for connection.  I ache for time with my grandsons and family, but also with my friends and those in my church .  It goes even further than that as a writer because I also yearn for a connection with those who read my thoughts and reflections. I don’t know about you, but being separated leaves me feeling depleted and isolated.

You know? The same is true about our relationship with God. It’s so easy to let ourselves become detached.  Busy lives, difficult circumstances, relationships, or our priorities can cause us to become disconnected from the One who has truly loved us the longest! Talk about depleted and isolated!

I’ve issued a connection challenge to myself, maybe you’ll want to join in.  Am I (Are we) seeking God’s message as often as a text? Looking forward to being one on one with Him as much as with those with whom we Face Time? Spending the same amount (if not more) time in conversation  with God as with the contacts in our phone? I can tell you, I have some changes to make!

God designed us with the desire for connection with others, but more importantly with Him; so He sent Jesus to die for you and me, giving us free access to His direct line.  No dead batteries. No glitches in the internet. No blocked calls. He’s anxiously waiting for us to finally put down our phones, call out, and connect with Him. And just a little reminder to myself:  When we get together? Less talking and a lot more listening!  Just say’in………………..

 

I’m glad to “connect” with you today!  It’s hard to believe this 31 Day Challenge is about over!  If you’d like to read more thoughts on connecting go to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com