Tag Archives: Five Minute Friday

Cancel ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10a (NLT)

Hope is not Cancelled

As much as I loved teaching (and that’s a lot), I also loved the saying: “There’s no day like a snow day”! Receiving the early morning call notifying me that school was cancelled because of snow often led to a little celebratory dance that, if I do say so myself, rivaled any ever performed in an end zone! Those first moments were filled with anticipation about what I would do! Maybe I’d bake, watch movies, craft, or something else fun and relaxing. What I wouldn’t do was my normal housework or grading papers. There was just always something extra-special about the gift of an unexpected day at home!

Fast forward to 2020. We’ve had a few too many unexpected days at home, haven’t we? We find our normal life has been cancelled but there’s no celebrating and any anticipation has been replaced with anxiety as we wonder what we’re going to do.  Gather with family and friends? Take that trip we’ve been planning? Attend in-person church services? If you’re like me, these decisions and many others like them have taken the fun right out of my days and are anything but relaxing! That’s why I’ve had to remind myself of what I’m NOT going to do: give up hope!

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God!”
Psalm 43:5 (NLT)

“Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying.”
Romans 12:12 (CEV)

These have felt like cold, dark days and winter hasn’t even arrived yet. It’s hard to find our way as we slog through all the conflicting information, daily number updates, and just everyday life in the midst of a pandemic; but…the storms of life don’t cancel our Hope! Yes, we’ve had unexpected days at home and yet, if we stop and look, there have been times when they’ve been a gift, too. We may not feel like dancing, but we can try and be patient, never stop praying, and praise Him again because… There’s no day like…well, today, to put our trust in God’s plan.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Today’s post was written to the prompt “Cancel” shared at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com I’m looking forward to clicking over and reading what others have written.  I know you’d enjoy it too! I never know where these prompts will take my little mind but it seems I always end up with a lesson I need. These are difficult times and like everyone else I find myself discouraged.  I hope the scriptures today will encourage you as they have me! Thank you for stopping in.  I appreciate it more than you can ever know! 

    

 

Skipping Ahead

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“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NASB)

Skipping Ahead

Have you ever been reading a book that’s so exciting or mysterious, you can’t wait to see how it ends and so, you skip ahead and read the ending before you’ve actually read the rest of story? I must admit, I’ve been guilty of fast-forwarding to the end a time or two myself; but, what I’m  really guilty of, is creating endings to my own life stories before any of the other pages have been written. For example:

Genre: Chick Lit- Scene one: A friend doesn’t respond to my text message when I think she should. So,
I quickly flip to the back of “my” book: I’ve done something to make my friend mad or hurt her feelings, and now, she doesn’t want to talk to me, maybe our friendship is over! Cue the regret!

Yep, I automatically skip over the “pages” that may tell of her busy schedule, that her phone died, or maybe she’s not feeling well.

~~~~~~~~~

Genre: Travel- Scene One:  I’m about to drive alone on a several hour trip. So,
Before leaving, I fan the pages to get to “my” ending of the story:  which may include a flat tire, being lost, or getting in an accident! Cue the anxiety!

You guessed it, I fail to consider the parts I’ve missed that get me to my destination on time and in one piece after a pleasant journey.

~~~~~~~~~

Genre: Health/Wellness- Scene One: As hard as I try to contain it, a cough escapes from my lips. So,
I immediately open that back cover to get to “my” conclusion of this volume: I have COVID, I could get a severe case, and what if I infect those I love! Cue the panic!

Once again, I’ve jumped over the details that tell about other causes of coughing like allergies, dust in the air, or just a plain, old tickle in the throat.

~~~~~~~~~

As you can see, I am an author of endings. In the story of my life, I’m sure I know what’s going to happen before it’s ever played out and so I skip ahead. You may have already noticed this, but when I get there? It’s rarely ever a happy ending either. You, and yes, even I know, that  jumping ahead to dire conclusions only leads to unnecessary worry and precious time being wasted.

“So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.” Matthew 6:34 (GNT)

“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matthew 6:27 (NLT)

Jesus, the true Author and Perfecter of our faith, is saying to me, and maybe you too, that we need to stop borrowing trouble and creating unnecessary anguish.  Instead we are instructed:

“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)

Turn our worry into prayer! Oh, how I need these verses under normal circumstances, but especially in the uncertain times we’re facing today! As much as we’d like to, we have no way of knowing what life will bring our way. The truth is, letting our (my) imaginations run wild with plot twists leaves out the most important thing. God is in control, of every word, line, and chapter of our days.  So, the challenge for me today, and maybe I’m not alone, is to once and for all, let go of ” our pen” and  begin to fully live the story He is writing.  After all, He is the One who writes THE happy ending!

“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’ ” Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT)

Cue the everlasting peace!

 

I’m joining the folks over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com today, writing to the prompt “Ahead” . I’ve already read a few of the offerings and I urge you to click over and read them, too! As always, I’m grateful for your presence here.  I pray the scriptures today are as much an encouragement to you as they are to me.

 

 

 

Who Do You Choose?

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“We have only one God, and he is the Father. He created everything, and we live for him. Jesus Christ is our only Lord. Everything was made by him, and by him life was given to us. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (CEV)

Who Do You Choose?

A crowd gathered, their fists raised in protest and keeping time with boisterous voices joined together in jeers and wrathful chants.  The air hung thick with anger, fear, and yes, hatred as the jostling mass grew more agitated and violent. Demanding to be heard, the protestors had no intention of stopping until they got what they wanted.

Sounds like a report straight from our daily news doesn’t it? Actually, this outraged mob gathered together in Jerusalem over 2000 years ago.

“Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people. He told them, ‘You brought Jesus to me and said he was a troublemaker. But I have questioned him here in front of you and I have not found him guilty of anything that you say he has done. Herod didn’t find him guilty either and sent him back. This man doesn’t deserve to be put to death!

I will just have him beaten with a whip and set free.” But the whole crowd shouted, “Kill Jesus! Give us Barabbas!’ Now Barabbas was in jail because he had started a riot in the city and had murdered someone. 

Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, so he spoke again to the crowds. But they kept shouting, ‘ Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!’

Pilate spoke to them a third time, ‘But what crime has he done? I have not found him guilty of anything for which he should be put to death. I will have him beaten with a whip and set free.’

The people kept on shouting as loud as they could for Jesus to be put to death. Finally, Pilate gave in. He freed the man who was in jail for rioting and murder, because he was the one the crowd wanted to be set free. Then Pilate handed Jesus over for them to do what they wanted with him.
Luke 23:13-25 (CEV)

Pilate had the power, position, and opportunity to release one man. The crowd had a choice; they could receive Jesus or Barabbas. Despite Pilate’s prompting and Jesus’s innocence, the demanding crowd voted to set Barabbas free and send Jesus to his death.

Picture that increasingly agitated group: louder and louder they yelled, pushing, shoving, and losing control. I wonder what I would have done had I been there? Would I have been swayed by the crowd mentality and like Pilate, given in to the fury fueled by hate instead of love, anger instead of peace, lies instead of the truth? Would you have been?  Who would have gotten our vote?

The world and people haven’t changed much across the centuries. We can still be influenced by the crowd, act out of hate, and react with anger.  We’re easily convinced to ignore the truth because following what’s popular seems easier. We may also be afraid of what we might lose if we speak out and of course, we don’t want to appear different from those around us.

“But if you don’t want to worship the LORD, then choose here and now! Will you worship the same idols your ancestors did? Or since you’re living on land that once belonged to the Amorites, maybe you’ll worship their gods. I won’t. My family and I are going to worship and obey the LORD!”
Joshua 24:15 (CEV) (emphasis mine)

Yes, I’d like to think I would have sided with Jesus back in Pilate’s courtyard. You too? There’s no way to ever really know, but honestly, it doesn’t matter because each one of us has the very same choice to make today. Like Pilate, we have loud, conflicting information coming at us from every direction and we must determine who we will listen to and serve. God? Self? Others? Worldly gods?  The time IS “here and now“…..  We each must decide. As for me? I choose the LORD. Who do YOU choose?

I am joining once again with the great group of writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where the prompt this week is “Vote”. I am looking forward to reading all their creative work. Just click on the link to join me! As always I so appreciate you stopping in here and reading my ponderings. God bless you!

 

 

Breathing In

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It’s been a while since I’ve written….don’t ask, but today I’m back at it and doing double duty writing to the http://www.fiveminutefriday.com prompt “Breathe” and sharing “My Four Somethings” over at http://www.heathergerwing.com in the same post. Feel free to click over and see what others have to say.  I know you won’t be disappointed!

Breathing In
September Share Four Somethings

Something Loved

“For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4 (NLT)

I’m not a fan of hot weather. There’s just something about the summer air that feels stifling. My mind, body, and soul seem to always be gasping for refreshment; but September has offered the respite I’ve been longing for. Fall has arrived here in the mountains where I live, and coming along with it are the cooler temperatures I love.  Bright blue skies, open windows, leaves dancing on crisp breezes…. I’m breathing Fall in!

Something Read

“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. Psalm 139:14 (NLT)

As I wrote last month, I’ve had an avoidance of reading and it has followed me from August into September. But I’m determined to change that and this is the book that’s going to do it! Most people who know me would NOT say that I’m an Introvert, but I am. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always done my best to try and act like an Extrovert. Just a guess, but it’s probably been an attempt to be “like everyone else”. (We all know how that goes, don’t we!)  Trying to be someone you’re not is exhausting! Anyone out there know what I’m talking about? The words on the back cover of this new book resonate so with me:

“Holly Gerth shares everything you need to know to… help you beat your struggles and maximize your strengths so you can live with clarity, courage, and confidence in a world that needs what only you can give.”

“What only you can give”…God didn’t create us to be someone else and I’m anxious to learn more from “The Powerful Purpose of Introverts”. Who knows?  Maybe I’ll finally begin (at 61) to marvel in the authentic, wonderfully complex me! I’m breathing possibility in!

Something Treasured

“And now, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign LORD, it is an eternal blessing!” 2 Samuel 7:29 (NLT)

Being together with those I love, anytime, anywhere is wonderful; but oh, how I treasure the times we gather here at home! The end of September found our house full of activity, noise, and pure joy as our kids and grandkids gathered to celebrate family birthdays. Even my Mother-in-love got in on the fun! Four generations together: catching up, telling stories, eating, and laughing, and playing. This house and all those in it were blessed. I’m breathing gratitude in!

Something Ahead

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Looking ahead, it’s still not easy to do in these uncertain times. I must admit that I’ve struggled a bit this month. Even though I recognize how truly blessed I am, discouragement and defeat have tried to blindfold my mind’s eye, strangle my heart, and smother my soul. I need reviving! Can I get an “Amen”? Wouldn’t you know, that at just the right time this new study has come along. “Praying for Revival” begins next week and I’ll be joining in. A God wink for sure! I’m looking ahead and I’m breathing in HOPE!

“Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 150:6

What about you? What has your September brought? What are you “breathing in”? I’d love for you to share in the comments! As always, I so appreciate you being here with me and my rambling thoughts. God Bless!

 

If You Could ~ Five Minute Friday

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“The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.” Proverbs 20:29 (NLT)

If You Could

Have you ever answered one of those fun survey questions like:  “What one thing would you change about yourself?” or “Which superpower would you want to have and why?” Recently, I came across a post that asked, “If you could sit down and have a talk with someone who’s no longer living, who would it be?” As usual, I began pondering.

Many interesting people came to mind: authors, world-changers, musicians, and the like, however, those choices were fleeting. Very quickly, I knew exactly who I’d love to have one more conversation with, my grandparents!

I’m very blessed that when I was young, we moved to be closer to my grandpa and grandmas. Many weekend visits, holiday dinners, and special occasions were spent with them. Family stories and moments in their histories were often shared, unfortunately, back then I didn’t appreciate the privilege and importance of hearing them as much as I should have. (I’m pretty sure eye-rolling was involved.)

Once I was grown and moved away, our time together became limited, but bringing my own children “home” to my grandparents was always a precious time! The funny thing was, as my little ones listened to those same old stories I’d heard over and over again, they suddenly began to grab my attention, too. Those small glimpses into their lives are such gifts to me now!

“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?”
Job 12:12 (NIV)

Time passes quickly and my grandparents have been in their Heavenly home for many years. I’m so thankful for the time I had with them, but oh, how I wish I’d soaked up every word they had to offer when I had the chance! Now that I’m a “MiMi” myself, I’m finally beginning to fully understand the value of the shared experiences of those who’ve gone before us.

So, that’s my answer. If I could, I’d sit at the table for as long as possible with my Grandma P. and my Grandpa and Grandma Stevens, and I would listen, really listen, as they offered their insight, advice, and wisdom about life. I most certainly would gain much!

“Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.” 
Proverbs 3:13 (NLT)

Tomorrow is Grandparents Day. If you are blessed to have yours still here with you, let them know how important they are to you and take every opportunity to learn from them now while you can, and not only “If you could…..”

“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.”
Proverbs 19:20 (NLT)

I’m joining with the other writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com . The prompt this week is “Could”. I’m looking forward to reading all the different perspectives on one word. You can read them too. Just click on the link above. I am always so very grateful for your presence here. I’d love for you to share some of your favorite grandparent memories in the comments. I’ll leave a couple of mine there as well. Be Well and God Bless You!

Mercy~Five Minute Friday

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“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing and rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:4-5 (NIV)

Mercy

I remember standing in front of a classroom of rowdy Second Graders and thinking it. Or whispering it under my breath as a toddler lay screaming and kicking at my feet. More times than I’d like to admit, I’ve shouted it from behind the wheel of my car. And now, in the midst of a pandemic, with storms raging, and people choosing sides, the words have flowed from my heart and across my lips again: “Lord, have mercy!” Have you been there?

“Lord, have mercy”:  Three words that slip easily from the tongue without much thought. The reality though, is that they are life-changing words we need to say with intention, not in our frustration when we’re at the end of our rope with others, but when we find we’re finally at the end of ourselves.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,” 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)

“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 (NIV)

I don’t know about you, but when I look around, I’m reminded of what the world has to offer: a pandemic of sin, storms of discontent raging, and brothers and sisters standing divided rather than together. The world needs saving. WE need saving!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 (NIV)

Are you at the end of doing it on your own? Have you said the words? If you haven’t, now’s the time. Whether you think them, whisper them, or shout them, let “Lord, have mercy” flow from your heart to God and step out of this world and into His living hope.

If like me, you’ve accepted the mercy of Jesus’ sacrifice, then let’s challenge one another to share the love we’ve received with those around us, on our social media feeds, and with those who are watching from afar. Like Paul, we were shown mercy so we can offer His mercy to others.

“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV)

Life changing words. World changing words. Eternity changing words.

Lord, Have Mercy!

 

Today’s post was written to the prompt “Mercy” and I’m joining with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to share our thoughts about just that. Click over to read more. Thank you for taking your time to stop in. Your presence is a gift to me. Do you have thoughts about Mercy? I’d love to hear them. Just drop them in the comments. God Bless!

 

The Light Makes it Right ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, ‘I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.’ ” John 8:12 (CEV)

The Light Makes it Right

WARNING: Whining in the forecast. You may want to take cover……

See the picture above? Well, that sunless, gray, gloomy, threatening a downpour kinda sky, accurately represents just how I’ve been feeling lately. Things seem to be going every which way but right. Cut into a seedless watermelon to find it full of seeds: clouds of dissatisfaction move in. Gifts ordered and promised to be delivered by a special date end up being delayed: clouds grow grayer with frustration. Plans hoped for, aren’t going to work out: the sky is obscured with disappointment. And now, heartbreak and tragedy have happened too close to home: the gloom of discouragement hangs oppressively in the air. There’s a storm brewing in my heart and a deluge of tears has been looming. Life feels dark.

From trivial inconveniences to life changing events, I have let the dreariness around me be all that I see. Let’s look at the photo again. Notice what I’ve been missing?

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5

Yes, the Light in the midst of the storm is exactly what I’ve been missing! While I’ve been looking around and focusing only on the “overcast” circumstances surrounding me, I’ve forgotten to look up and see the Son shining through.

“I am the light that has come into the world. No one who has faith in me will stay in the dark.”
John 12:46 (CEV)

Jesus didn’t come so that we’d have sunny days all our lives. He came to help us through all the unexpected storms we’d face.  I think we know more about that now, than ever before. How easily I forget in times like these, that I don’t have to remain standing alone in the darkness of my moods and feelings. Maybe you’ve been standing there, too.

“The Scriptures say, ‘God commanded light to shine in the dark.’ Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ. We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.” 2 Corinthians 4:6-9 (CEV)

In writing this, I now realize that I got my title all wrong. Instead of “The Light Makes It Right”, it should be, “The Light Makes ME Right”! Our life situations aren’t necessarily going to change: the clouds will roll in, skies will get gray, and rains will pour down, but when we rely on God’s power to weather our storms and the Light of Jesus to show us the way when we’re in the dark, WE will be what is changed.  And that change? It will then be a light in us, shining The Way for others.

I sure am glad most of you haven’t had to be around me in my whiny state these last few days! Is it ever time for a change in my “weather outlook”!  What a “God-incidence” that I took this picture a few evenings ago, the prompt this week at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com  is “Right”, and that He would give me these words just when I needed them! I love when He does that!  I’d love for you to share in the comments how you handle the dark, gloomy times in your life. For me, I’m going to begin focusing on that Light of the world that cannot be overcome! God Bless You and thank you for stopping in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Respect ~ Five Minute Friday

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” Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way.” 1 Peter 3:15 (TLB)

Respect

Respond with kindness  (*Ephesians 4:32)

Embrace the differences  (*Colossians 3:11)  

Serve with a willing heart  (*Romans 12:9-11)

Pursue righteousness over being right (*Proverbs 21:21)

Earnestly care for people, nature, and yourself (*Titus 2:7)

Choose integrity even when it isn’t easy (*Galatians 6:9)

Treat others better than they expect you to (*Philippians 2:3)

* “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.” Ephesians 4:32 (TLB)

* “In this new life one’s nationality or race or education or social position is unimportant; such things mean nothing. Whether a person has Christ is what matters, and he is equally available to all.” Colossians 3:11 (TLB)

* “Don’t just pretend that you love others: really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Romans 12:9-11 (TLB)

* “The man who tries to be good, loving, and kind finds life, righteousness, and honor.” Proverbs 21:21 (TLB)

* “And here you yourself must be an example to them of good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect your love of the truth and the fact that you are in dead earnest about it.” Titus 2:7 (TLB)

* “And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.” Galatians 6:9 (TLB)

* “Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.” Philippians 2:3 (TLB)

As I thought about the prompt today, I realized I could never write words better than The Word itself can; so let me leave you today with this:

“It is God’s will that your good lives should silence those who foolishly condemn the Gospel without knowing what it can do for them, having never experienced its power. You are free from the law, but that doesn’t mean you are free to do wrong. Live as those who are free to do only God’s will at all times. Show respect for everyone. Love Christians everywhere. Fear God and honor the government.” 1 Peter 2:15-17 (TLB)

On this last Friday of July I’m joining once again with others over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to write to the prompt “Respect”. Click over to read more! I am grateful for your presence here. Know that it means so much to me! God Bless You! 

 

It’s About the People ~ Five Minute Friday

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“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (ESV)

It’s About the People

A week ago today I was sitting on the beach, under my umbrella, watching my young grandsons play in the surf. For over twenty years we’ve journeyed to the same peaceful shore each summer. We weren’t sure we’d get to go in 2020, being what it is, but we were blessed to make it down.  As you might guess, it wasn’t the same as years past, with masks, distancing, disinfecting and the like; but we still had a wonderful time.

“Come follow me”, Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Mark 1:17 (NIV)

While there, I had a small revelation. My daughter was worried that she wouldn’t get to have her favorite seafood dishes from the restaurants we usually visit. Once there, she quickly went online to see who was offering carry out while adamantly stating that you can’t go to the beach without having fresh fish and shrimp! The boys on the other hand could care less about eating fish, they were all about catching fish. Some people focus on collecting shells; others, getting a tan. But I realized while sitting under the above mentioned umbrella, that for me, my yearly pilgrimage to the beach has always been about the people!

For many years we traveled caravan style from West Virginia to North Carolina with 12 or more of our closest friends. The ocean is my happy place! I do love seafood and finding shells, but it has been the time spent talking about nothing and also having deep, meaningful conversations that were highlights of my trip.  I looked forward to laughter at the game table, songs sung together, and posing for way too many photos with one another.  Friendships were bonded when we’ve grieved with the ones grieving and were anxious with the ones anxiously awaiting news.  And now, sharing this place with my grandchildren is  such a gift! Yes, for me at the beach, it’s about the people and each time we pack up and pull away, I say goodbye to the ocean but carry lifelong memories home with me in my heart.

I’ve pondered this idea (as you know I do) and it’s occurred to me that not just my vacation but my everyday life should be about the people, too and of course, there’s no better example of living for people than the one Jesus sets for us!

“During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.’ ” Mark 8:1-3 (NIV)

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” Mark 6:34 (NIV)

“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. ‘Where have you laid him?’ he asked. ‘Come and see, Lord,’ they replied. Jesus wept.” John 11:33-35 (NIV)

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ ” Luke 18:16 (NIV)

In these snapshots of His life, we see Jesus engaged in interactions similar to those I experience  during my beach vacations: food, deep conversations, grieving with friends, and time spent with children. Jesus was a people person. But what I’m beginning to understand is that for Jesus, it wasn’t about life long memories, but rather, about life eternal.  Each encounter Jesus had, ultimately pointed others to God. For Him, it was, and is, always about people’s salvation. And the truth is, whether standing on the shore of the ocean or in the grocery line at the store, that’s how we should always be about people, too.

“Then He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;”  Mark 16:15-16a (GNT) 

Writing this post to the  http://www.fiveminutefriday.com prompt “People”. Click over to read more. As always I appreciate you taking your time to read my wandering thoughts and my pondering. What do you look most forward to on vacation? Let me know in the comments!

 

How? ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Jesus said, ‘You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the world’s Light.’ ” John 9:3-5 (MSG)

How?

How’s it possible to love
When there’s so much hate?
How can one voice be heard
Above all the angry debate?

How can healing begin
After so much pain?
How will understanding ever come
When it’s all so hard to explain?

How might common sense
Replace all the fake news?
How can believing the best
Not the worst, be what we choose?

How can one person
Make a difference today?
How, is the question,
The only answer is to pray!

How can this world
Find a way that is new?
How? By seeking God first, then
Letting His light come shining through.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.” Matthew 5:14 (MSG)

Adding my poem to the other selections at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where we’ve written to the prompt “How”. I don’t know about you but there seem to be so many unanswered questions in the world today. God used this prompt to remind me that “I” don’t have to have the answers because HE IS the Answer! My prayer is that we cling to Him and together shine His Light everywhere we go! Thank you so much for stopping in.  I pray you find a little encouragement when you do.  You are truly a blessing to me!