Tag Archives: Five Minute Friday

It Would Be a Mistake

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“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)


It Would Be a Mistake

It would be a mistake to think that these past few mild days mean Spring is here. I know from experience that there are more cold, dark days ahead. I also know from experience, that it’s a mistake to think Winter will last forever, too. These little catkins (blooms on a Pussy Willow tree) give me hope! They’re a promise of what’s to come: new life, sunnier days, a fresh start.

I know from experience too, that it’s a mistake to think that our lives are only filled with calm, pleasant days; or, that if we’re frozen in the chill of dark, gloomy times, we’ll stay there forever. We have a Promise of new life, renewal, and days full of Light. We have a Hope!

“Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on.” 1 Peter 1:3 (CEV)

Easter is coming!

This is Day 9 of the 10 Day Writing Prompt Challenge hosted by @fiveminutefriday Today’s prompt is: MISTAKE #10daywritingchallenge #writingprompt #fmfparty #hopewriterlife #mistake #Hopespringseternal

Send a Love Letter

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“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

Send a Love Letter

I’m lucky, but I have to remind myself that I’m lucky. I’m lucky because my grandsons only live four hours away from me. I have to remind myself I’m lucky because my grandsons live FOUR hours away from me! Four hours means I miss some of their firsts, I can’t just drop in to share MiMi hugs, or sit with them in church every Sunday.

In between visits I like to write and send the boys letters as reminders of my love for them and to show them that even though we’re not together, I’m thinking of and treasure them. If I’m being honest, I also send them just to be sure my little grands don’t forget me while we’re apart.

Have you ever noticed that God also sends us love notes when we’re feeling far away from Him? Whether through Scripture that takes on new meaning, the words and actions of others, or something in nature that takes our breath away, He reminds us of His love, that we are precious, and always on His mind. God doesn’t want His children to forget Him!

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone just to let them know how much they mean to you? More importantly, how long has it been since you’ve been in touch with the One who loved us first and is never too far away to be part of our everyday lives? I don’t know about you, but it’s time for me to correspond with Him, sending my gratitude as a reminder of MY love.

This is Day 7 of the 10 Day Writing Prompt Challenge hosted by @fiveminutefriday Today’s prompt is: SEND.

“Give thanks to the God of Heaven. His love endures forever. “ Psalm 136:26

Before and After

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I talk to my plants. I tell them good morning, stroke their leaves and tell them what a good job they’re doing just as if they were my students. (I know…wackadoodle) This Peace Lily is in a class of its own and has been with us for almost 20 years; but it hasn’t always looked like this. For most of its life it resided in our dining room, a rather cold and dark place. Its leaves drooped, were few in number, and blooms were rare. This was not the plant I expected. I worried over it, but in the end, just felt helpless.

What changed you ask? Life!

After we moved, plant and all, I began noticing new growth sprouting and soon several buds appeared! Today “she” sits right where “she’s” supposed to be: in the light of the sun, and it shows!

We too, go through cold, dark times in our lives. Our spirits sag, joys are sparse, and that saying “bloom where you’re planted” feels impossible! It isn’t the life we expected. We worry and feel helpless. Can you relate?

Here’s what my Lily is teaching me: We can have an after, too! Often those hard places are moving us to right where we’re supposed to be. Are there growing pains? Yes! But when we seek the Light of the Son and trust Him to tend to us, we will begin to thrive and it will show!

Like with any growing season, change is slow, but the beauty that results is worth the work. And often in the process, the opportunity comes along (maybe through a prompt even) when we can share our before and after story to help encourage others to find their place in The Light, too and finally, “bloom where you’re planted” won’t seem impossible at all!

This is Day 4 of the 10 Day Writing Challenge hosted by @fiveminutefriday. Today’s prompt is : AFTER #10daywritingchallenge #writingprompt #after #growthintheLight #hopewriterlife #fmfparty

Before I Write

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“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

Before I Write

My laptop sits on the table taunting me. “Just sit down”, it says. “You know you want to!” And I do. Words are bubbling up from my soul to my mind like one of those Science Fair volcanoes, but to let them gush out and share them is scary, so….

Before I write:

The dishwasher needs emptied. The laundry has to be put away. Every little job calls my name.

Before I write:

I’d better think more about it! Think, think, think. Yes, thinking is safe!

Before I write:

It’s imperative I have a great idea and then also feel confident that I can perfectly bring the beginning, middle, and end together in a meaningful way.

Before I write:

I must mute the accusing voice, conquer the fear of failure, and overcome, well, ME!

Here’s a news flash(NOT!)….the crazy process I go through just to write a few words is the same when I sense God’s prompting! That Still Small Voice whispers, “Just get up and go.” It says, “You know you want to!” And I do. Plans and projects to share the Word flow from my soul and flood my heart, but to let them overflow into action is scary, so….

Before I serve:

My expectations must be emptied, my priorities put away, and I search for confidence to be ready for every little job when God calls my name .

Before I serve:

I’m sure more thought is required. Think, think, think. Yes, thinking is safer than stepping out!

Before I serve:

It’s important I’m confident that the idea isn’t just mine and that I am the perfect one to see it through from beginning to end in a way that is meaningful to others.

Before I serve:

I must mute the accuser’s voice, trust in the One who conquers fear, and well, let the Overcomer use me!

As you can see, whether it’s writing, serving, or doing a whole list of other things really, I find a lot of excuses to put them off.  Maybe you’re like me and feel called to action yet hesitate, because also like me, you lack assurance in your abilities.

Here IS the Good News:  “We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (NLT)

The lesson for me, and maybe you too, is that we don’t have to have it all together, be perfect, or see the end before we venture into something new, share our thoughts with others, or answer a Call. We do need to put our trust in the One who goes before us, assured He will equip us with what’s required for the job. Will it still be scary? I think so. But, should we let our fears and insecurities stop us? I’m pretty sure we know the answer to that one!

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

I’m writing today to join the other writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where the prompt is “Before”. I encourage you to click over and read what the many talented writers there have come up with! Again, thank you for being here with me. I appreciate it more than you know!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk Free Life

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)>JESHOOTS.com at Pexels

Risk-Free Life

Imagine a person who lives her life on the “safe side of the sidewalk”, who to stay there, crosses only within the boundaries of the crosswalk and not until the light says go.

Imagine a person who wears a life preserver even in calm, shallow waters for fear something will rock her boat.

Imagine a person who avoids anything  too fast, too closed in, too challenging, or worst of all, too unknown!

Imagine a person with numerous big ideas, bigger dreams, longings, and callings that remain buried and unfulfilled rather than attempting to venture outside her comfort zone.

Imagine a person attempting to live out her life without encountering risk.

Now……

Imagine the One who went to the cross, became the light, and has removed the boundaries between Heaven and earth.

Imagine the One who preserves life for eternity, calms the stormy seas, and beckons us to get out of the boat.

Imagine the One who finds nothing in this fast-paced world challenging, invites us to join Him in spacious places**, and to whom every little part of us is known.

Imagine the One who, to fulfill God’s plan was buried but didn’t remain there; instead, He sits at the right hand of the Father calling us to follow Him to bigger and better things than we could have ever dreamed of.

Imagine the One who risked it all to give us life.

Now……

Imagine what could happen if a person let go of her fear and put all her trust in the One!

Now…..THAT would be truly living a risk-free life!

P.S. We don’t have to just “imagine”!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Joining today with other writers in TWO places! You can learn more at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and https://anitaojeda.com/welcome-to-the-write-28-days-blogging-challenge/ This week’s Five Minute Friday prompt is “Risk” and the prompt for Day 21 of the Write 28 Days Challenge is “Numerous”. I know you’ll enjoy reading the offerings on both sites! As always, I hope you know how much I appreciate the support you give me by being here!  **five minutes

 

 

 

 

 

More Than Enough

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“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)

More Than Enough

Over the years, I’ve been inspired by several excellent cooks and one of my favorites was my friend, Evelyn. She always created dishes that lured you back for seconds! (And maybe thirds if it was her homemade bread and jelly!) Now, most people would be happy if their guests left little behind at the end of a meal, but not Evelyn.  Her philosophy was to provide all we could eat and still have more to serve. “Enough” was not in Evelyn’s vocabulary. She’d always keep watch and when she saw something running low, she was ready to fill it right back up.  By her example, I’ve learned to always be prepared to offer more than enough. And that’s exactly what I try to do whether cooking for two or twenty-two! I only wish I was better at applying “Evelyn’s Way” when offering my talents, too.

“By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. ‘This is a remote place,’ they said, ‘and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.’ But He answered, ‘ You give them something to eat.’ They said to Him, ‘That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?’ ‘How many loves do you have?’ He asked. ‘Go and see.’ When they found out, they said, ‘Five-and two fish.’ Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves.  Then He gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.” Mark 6:35-44 (NIV)

I’m afraid when it comes to thinking about offering to others the talents and abilities God’s given me, I’m an awful lot like the disciples in the scripture above, offering excuses instead: “Wrong place and time, There’s someone else who can serve them, I don’t have the means, Surely, you don’t expect that of me?”  I’m still learning, maybe I’m not the only one, the same thing the disciples were: that when we place our little into Jesus’s hands, He’ll make it into more than enough to be shared with those around us!

I don’t know about you, but for me, in today’s social media driven world, it’s easy to look around and feel I don’t have as much on my plate to offer as others do. But, just as a meal in Evelyn’s hands provided her family and friends with all they needed and more, so are we in the hands of the One who has given us our talent in the first place. He’s watching and ready to fill us with not just enough, but rather in “Evelyn’s Way”; so, that whether we’re around the table, sitting in the green grass, or anywhere else, we’ll have more than enough of what we need to serve one another OR even five thousand others, well!

Joining today with other writers in TWO places! You can learn more at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and https://anitaojeda.com/welcome-to-the-write-28-days-blogging-challenge/ This week’s Five Minute Friday prompt is “Talent” and the prompt for Day 7 of the Write 28 Days Challenge is “Enough”. I know you’ll enjoy reading the offerings on both sites! As always, I hope you know how much I appreciate the support you give me by being here! 

 

Begin at the Beginning

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“In the beginning God….” Genesis 1:1a (NLT)

Begin at the Beginning

The beginning of a trip is always difficult. There are preparations to be made, suitcases to be packed, things that must be left behind, and you actually have to take that first step to be on your way. Our life journey leading to see our true selves is not so different: We spend time preparing, carry A LOT of baggage to bring along (most of mine has been gathered, carefully folded, and packed away by yours truly), there are definitely things we’d like to leave behind, and stepping into who we’re meant to be often proves to be a little daunting. But, if we’re going to get anywhere, step out we must.

“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 (NLT)

When looking in a mirror, how often do we say to ourselves, “Wow! I am the spitting image of God!” I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure that’s ever been my response as I’ve analyzed the reflection staring back at me. Why is that?

“Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” Genesis 1:31a (NLT)

Did you catch that? God didn’t look at humankind and say, “I guess they’re ok.” And he didn’t even describe His creation as “good”; no, God looked upon all he’d made, including man and woman and declared them to be VERY good! Again, there are few times that I stand in front of a mirror and describe what I see as “very good” and I have a feeling I’m not alone.

So, when did we (OK, me) begin to look at ourselves and focus only on the unruly, curly hair (or freckles, weight, sagging skin…you get the idea) instead of seeing the image of God? What causes us to point out all the negative things we pick up on rather than leaning in closer to find the reflection of Christ? And why do we feel we must try harder, work longer, achieve more to make up for our perceived shortcomings when “In the beginning God…”

We can spend so much time believing we’re not enough that we forget that God IS. This is where my journey, and yours too must begin! When we travel to learn more about who God created us to be, we’ll be headed toward a destination where old thoughts and ways can be left  behind, extra baggage we’ve been carrying will be unpacked, and we can confidently step into who we’re meant to be. Exploring new places (especially within ourselves) can sometimes be difficult. There may be wrong turns, detours, dead ends, and if you’re like me, we’ll ask, “Are we there yet:” (probably more than once); but from the beginning, God invited us to join Him on the open road and sent Jesus to help get us to our journey’s end:

“But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord.  And the Lord-who is the Spirit-makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” 2 Corinthians

Yes, with the Lord we are changing! Step by step, He teaches us to trust His plan, how to lighten our load, and to leave worrying about our old selves (curly hair, wrinkles, and all) behind. From beginning to end, our journey to becoming more like Christ is leading us to a place where we’ll finally learn to look at ourselves in the mirror, see the “glorious image” He sees, and truly believe, “It is very good!”

Joining today with other writers in TWO places! You can learn more at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and https://anitaojeda.com/welcome-to-the-write-28-days-blogging-challenge/ This week’s Five Minute Friday prompt is “Life” and the prompt for Day 1 of the Write 28 Days Challenge is “Begin”. I know you’ll enjoy reading the offerings on both sites! As always, I hope you know how much I appreciate the support you give me by being here! 

Relief ~ Five Minute Friday

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How Do You Spell Relief?

There’s an old commercial, maybe you remember it, where the announcer asks, “How do you spell relief?” The actors’ answers were all the same: R-O-L-A-I-D-S. And while yes, easing stomach upset is important at times, if asked the same question, my answers would be quite different.

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed. him. But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now is found.’ So the party began.” Luke 15:20, 22-24(NLT)

I’d only walked away for a moment. Where could he have gone? I called and called. No response.  Breathing became difficult! My heart felt as if it would explode! Absolute panic began to set in. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget.  One more time, louder and with urgency, I shouted his name. This time in an answer to prayer: his little blond head popped up from its hiding place in the open trunk of the car. How he got in there I didn’t know.  What I DID know was that I wanted him out of there and safe in my arms. That was thirty years ago but in that moment, “How did I spell relief?” F-O-U-N-D

“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)

More recently, both of my sisters have been facing major health challenges. Each has been on a journey in which they’ve had to relinquish some control, trust in the plans laid out for them, and accept help from others, any of which, as you and I know is never easy! These last months have been scary and stressful but I’m so thankful to say we’re blessed that they are both now on the road to recovery! So, at this time, “How do I spell relief?” H-E-A-L-I-N-G

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

No one can prepare you for how wonderful grandparenthood is! Waiting for your grandchild to be born though, can be a little (OK, a lot) nerve wracking! There are such a mix of emotions: excitement, fear, worry, anticipation, love, awe, did I mention worry?** We prepared and planned and waited…and waited…and waited some more, until finally the big days were here! Neither arrival of our grandsons went as we expected; but in the end,  we were handed a perfect gift, God’s miracle: our grand baby to hold! “How did I spell relief” each time? N-E-W L-I-F-E

As we know, life can present us with many challenges. We may find ourselves out of control, not sure who to trust, and in the need of help. Things we thought would turn out one way may not go quite as we expect. And at times, we can find ourselves feeling out of sight to those around us and just plain lost! So, how do YOU spell relief? How do I?  Our answers might be different or like the old commercial they may be the same. But just as the relief that “Rolaids” offers is temporary, so are all our answers. Permanent relief from this world is only experienced through One Answer. The answer where true life is FOUND in Him. The answer that offers HEALING from our sins. And the answer that through His death gives us NEW LIFE, eternal life, when we believe. “How DO we spell relief?” you ask?  That’s easy! The only Way possible:                             J-E-S-U-S!

Today’s prompt is “Relief” over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com Click over to read what others have written today or better yet, join us with your offering on relief! As always, I appreciate you taking your time to stop in. God Bless!

** five minutes is up

 

 

 

 

 

Sacrifice ~ Five Minute Friday

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“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NLT)


Sacrificial Love

We watched the sun set over the ocean as we finished our dinner. Walking back to the hotel as darkness closed in, just a faint hint of the watercolor sky we’d admired remained. With a few more blocks to go, the only light for our path now came from the small, local businesses that were still open. As we strolled along, filling the night with talk of our plans for the next day, I began to nervously notice that the darkened entrances of some of the stores seemed to be meeting places, holding shadowy figures huddled together. I didn’t mention my apprehension, our pace didn’t change, but in an instant his position did. Without a word, my husband of only a few days left his spot on the street side of the sidewalk and placed himself between me and the potential danger in the dark. With his arm wrapped tightly around my waist we continued on toward the warm glow of lights welcoming us back to our home away from home.

We’d fallen in love quickly. New love became committed love, but** it was on that short walk, just days into our marriage, when I first experienced my husband’s sacrificial love: that rare offering when we lay down what’s best for us for the sake of someone else.

“For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the alter day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.”
Hebrews 10:10-14 (NLT)

“This is real love-not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” 1 John 4:10 (NLT)

“Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:7-8 (NLT)

Yes, Jesus is the perfect example. He left his spot in the garden (even though He’d asked not to have to) and placed himself between us and the darkness of sin and evil by going to the cross. Despite knowing the danger that awaited Him, Jesus offered his life anyway for me and for you.  There is no greater Sacrificial Love!

We can’t match the sacrifice  Jesus has given us. As the passage in Romans tells us, we’re not likely to actually give our lives for another; but that doesn’t mean we can’t lay down our schedules, our priorities, our wallets, even our phones, for the sake of making a difference in someone else’s life. The ways to offer sacrificial love in our world are endless. And think about what would happen if we offered more and more!

A lot’s changed since that honeymoon walk 36 1/2 years ago, but one thing that hasn’t? Without a word we just know when to change spots to help each other make it through the darkness. And isn’t that what we should all do for each other? Stroll together, offering light for the path, until Jesus wraps His arms tightly around each us and welcomes us Home.

So glad to be back joining with writers I admire at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com ! The prompt for today is Sacrifice. 

**Five minutes

 

 

 

Direction ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 (NLT)

Lost? Use GPS

Directionality impaired. That’s me. North, South, East, West? You might as well be speaking a foreign language.  To be honest, I don’t even automatically know my left from my right hand without touching my rings to really be sure. So, as you might guess when I get lost. I. Get. Lost! GPS is a lifesaver you say? I thought so too until…..

An invitation came for me to attend the culminating ceremony of the National Poetry Box Project that I’d put a lot of time, energy, and love into for the students at my school. Oh, how I wanted to go! But there was one problem; the event was taking place in the middle of downtown Columbus, Ohio. That would mean navigating five lanes of interstate traffic, finding exits, and making my way through a maze of city streets. Me! A country driver with no sense of direction. Enter the GPS.

With apprehension, I decided to take part in the project celebration. So, with my GPS programmed, I set out on the journey. And guess what? With its help, I arrived at the right place, on time, and had a wonderful afternoon with the other poetry loving educators. Trouble ensued however, when I attempted to find my way back home.  Turn here, merge there, then as I sat at a stop sign shadowed by tall buildings all around, the voice that was leading me on my way, the one I’d been following, directed me to turn the WRONG direction on a ONE WAY street and I didn’t know WHERE it was going!

Sometimes, I feel the same on my Christian journey: knowing the direction I want to go, but not sure of the way! Maybe you know what I mean. Whether we’re navigating life in the fast lane, trying to decide when to stay and when to get off the road we’re on, or making our way through the maze of distractions that often lead us the wrong way; we can lose our sense of direction. We. Feel. Lost.  Enter GPS. This one a TRUE Lifesaver!

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10 (NLT)

Remember the old church sign that said, “Lost? Use GPS: God’s Positioning System”? That’s exactly what we need to do! When we stop trying to find our own route and instead remember to get our directions from God, His guidance along the way will help us reach our destination!  But, because there are those of us who are directionality impaired (me!), we’re still likely to run into roadblocks, encounter detours, and take wrong turns. We may even find ourselves at a “spiritual stop sign” wondering which way to go?

“And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don’t know, Lord” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:4-6 (NLT) emphasis mine

Back in Columbus I did the only thing I knew to do: followed the one way sign. Making that turn, I was filled with relief as the GPS began recalculating to put me back on the road toward home.  The same is true for us as Christians. When we follow the One Way, despite getting off course now and then, He takes us where we are and reroutes us to where we need to be. Left or Right? North, South, East, or West? It doesn’t matter. Because with God’s direction we can travel this life with assurance, knowing He’ll guide us all the way Home!

Joining in with the Five Minute Friday Community for the first prompt of 2020: “Direction”. I encourage you to direct yourself over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to read the inspiring words of other members.