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Watch ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Put on your new nature, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:24 (NLT)

Watching for True Colors

Our two older grandsons were here for a visit last week. I’d planned activities to do with them every day. One of my favorites was something my grandma did with me when I was young.

While visiting grandma at her lake cottage, she’d send us out to gather Queen Anne’s Lace blossoms. Returning with our bouquets we’d find glasses filled with water lined up on the table and food coloring waiting for us. Each would choose a color to add to the water and then we placed our flowers into the glass. That’s when for me, the vigil began. 

As hard as I tried, I couldn’t keep myself from almost immediately stopping at the table to look for changes in my white blooms. I’d watch for any little sign that something was happening. Grandma would remind me to be patient and I’d truly try. But, my anticipation often got the best of me. 

I’ve learned that six and eight year old boys don’t share the same excitement as I had way back then….but that’s ok, I kept watch for them.

My floral activity wasn’t a total loss. The boys were actually interested in the process of it all. Quite a discussion was held about the why’s and how’s of the white flowers turning red, green, and yellow. This MiMi and ole teacher was pleased that they already knew that the stem carried the water to the leaves and flowers and that in nature, that is how a plant is nourished.

You know, it’s the same for you and me, really. As Christians, Christ, the Living Water inside each of us also supplies everything we need. And I’m realizing that nostalgic flowers aren’t the only thing I’ve been watching for change in; I’m keeping my eyes peeled for any little sign that my “colors” are different than they used to be too.

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

“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)

So, what does old life gone, new life begun look like? Bright hues shining in dark times. Cool tones while under pressure. The longer Christ lives in us and we in Him, He will perfectly color our lives. We should become a living palette of every shade of love to those around us and beyond.

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. We love each other because he loved us first.”
1 John 4:16-17a, 19 (NLT)

I don’t know about you, but for me the vigil has begun. I’m taking a good look at myself  for changes that paint a picture of Christ. I sure hoped they’d come more quickly…. I know God (and grandma), I’ll try and be patient but, the anticipation sure is great!

Joining with the wonderful writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to write to the prompt “Watch” this week. Click over to read more!

Chapter ~ Five Minute Friday

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“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5

Leaf Lesson

Despite its fall-like appearance, this is actually what my Japanese Maple tree looks like today in the height of spring. Unfortunately it got ahead of itself. Buds formed early and soon (too soon) new, frilly leaves covered the branches before the other trees even began to show signs of life. I actually pointed it out to my husband telling him that our young tree looked fuller and prettier than it ever had. But then came the frost warning. And then the deadly frost. As you can see, what should have been, could have been, a tree full of life now only displays a limited smattering of its once beautiful, red leaves. 

Springing into action rather than waiting, I’ve at times found myself in the same situation as this over eager tree. I pray for something. The answer is slow (to me) in coming. I pray again. Seemingly nothing and so, I branch out on my own (too soon), ignore any warnings I sense, and end up realizing that by not waiting for God’s perfect timing, the “should have, could have” I’d prayed for was hindered by my rushing ahead. Instead of the full, beautiful result, I instead had little to show for all MY effort.

We can get to a place where we just want God to write a new chapter in our lives and so maybe we pray for love but jump too quickly into a bad relationship, ask for guidance about a new job then out of fear accept what turns out to be the wrong position, or lift up a dream of something we long for, watch others seem to get what they want and so compromise our finances to keep up. Can you relate? The list can go on and on. Ask me how I know….

Here’s the crazy thing too, even if I don’t necessarily act, my thoughts form early and grow at a rapid rate detailing all the scenarios of how I THINK God should answer my prayer! My mind is so full of MY expectations that I know I’ve often missed God’s actual perfect answer for me. Sound familiar? Think the Pharisees! Yikes!

“Then his people believed his promises. Then they sang his praise. Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn’t wait for his counsel!”
Psalm 106:12-13 (NLT)

The reality is my maple tree didn’t have a choice about forging ahead early instead of waiting, but we do. It’s not something we’re (I’m) always good at doing, “waiting for his counsel,” but it’s the lesson those shriveled leaves I see out my kitchen window are teaching me:

Eager for a new season in life? Pray and wait.
Hoping to turn a page? For that different chapter? Pray and wait.
Want evidence of real growth? Pray and wait.
Longing to see beauty again where it once was? Pray and wait.
Prayed and still waiting? Remember “what He has done” and patiently wait some more.

“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.”
Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

This is written as part of http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where I’ve joined in with others to write to the prompt “Chapter”. Click over to read more.

Break ~ Five Minute Friday

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“And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body.” 1 Corinthians 10:17 (NLT)

Breaking the Bread

I got the job by default. In other words, no one else was able or willing to do it and so, I am now the Communion Steward at our church. That means I’m responsible for preparing the table and being sure the bread and juice are ready to be offered to all who wish to partake. I’m going to be honest, I’ve whined a bit about this task. It’s not that it’s difficult or time consuming really, but it does interrupt my normal Sunday routine on those days I must get it ready. (What that really means is I can’t sit in my chair, dressed in pjs, listening to praise music, and drinking coffee for as long as I do on other Sundays….I know, poor me.)

It was while listening to that praise music one afternoon that my attitude began to shift. The words of a song made goose bumps appear as they carried me back to the moment when Jesus took bread in His hands to break it for the disciples.

“He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
Luke 22:19 (NLT)

Those lyrics literally made me weep as I was reminded what sacred work I’ve been given each time I ready with my hands, the bread of remembrance, as Jesus did with His so long ago. Hands that He knew would soon be pierced.

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
John 6:51 (NLT)

Learning from my lesson in the music, as Maundy Thursday draws near, let’s prepare the table of our hearts and open our hands to partake of what Jesus offers.

What if we allow Good Friday to carry us to the foot of the cross where blood from Jesus’ hands has fallen and recognize that He is the bread, broken for us? Goose bumps may appear. Tears may fall.

And on Easter Sunday, let’s be found rejoicing that HE IS ALIVE and celebrating that the routine of “normal life” has been interrupted! Thanking God, we can now eat of the Living Bread offered for us, be willing in the sacred work He’s gifted us with, and raise our hands in a new attitude of praise.  As He instructed His disciples back then and instructs us today, from now until eternity, let us do it all in remembrance of Him.

“In remembrance of Me eat this bread
In remembrance of Me drink this wine
In remembrance of Me pray for the time
When God’s own will is done

Take eat and be comforted
Drink and remember too
That this is My body
And precious blood shed for you
Shed for YOU”
(emphasis mine)
In Remembrance of Me by Cheri Keaggy

Curious about what others wrote? Click on over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to read more.

Receive ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Every good and perfect gift is from above,” James 1:17a

Perfect Gifts

Making a Christmas wish-list was always exciting when I was a child. I remember thumbing page by page through the Sears Toy Catalog and circling item after item I wanted and hoped to find under the tree. 

That long list of wants has grown noticeably shorter the older I get. In fact, this year I was hard pressed to think of anything I needed. That didn’t stop my family from giving generously, though. I recently posted about the wonderful, unexpected present they gave me (a Bird Buddy) which I not only enjoy immensely, but more importantly, it’s a gift that shows they know and love me well.

It is for those very same reasons that these days, I really look forward most to opening the special treats my young grandsons pick out and wrap up on their own just for me. They’ve chosen things for my love of art, dry MiMi skin, and this year a notebook (because I was a teacher and love to write) and pretty dish towels that have a bicycle with a basket on them that looks just like mine.Yes, being known and loved results in receiving the most perfect gifts. Don’t you agree?

Why is it then, that I sometimes question what I receive from God? He is the One who knows me (us) best and offers gifts with the greatest love; so how can I think they are anything less than perfect?

“O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”
Psalm 139:1-4,6 (NLT)

God knows EVERYTHING about us. He knows us better than we know ourselves, His love is more than we can comprehend, and yet, when those items I have on my prayer-list aren’t delivered in the way I’d hoped, I question God’s choices for me. Maybe you’ve done that, too.

When we’re offered a different job than the one we really wanted, that relationship we long for doesn’t happen, our plans change and take us where we never imagined we would be, or a multitude of other things we’re given in this life, can leave wondering why we’ve received the “white elephant” instead of the “special treat” we’d expected.

Here’s the thing: all the situations listed above are not just gifts, but the most perfect gifts I have received from God. Every teaching job I tried for was a dead end except Circleville School which was NOT on my wish-list. I’d given up on finding “the one” and then met him the first week after moving to rural West Virginia where I’d never considered going. The result? A better life than I could ever imagine. Did I recognize them as perfect gifts in the moment? Definitely not. Do I know now, without a doubt, that I’m known and loved well by the Father? Definitely!  I have to be honest, sometimes I have trouble remembering it. I guess I’m still a work in progress. You too?

The truth is, the long list of wants I’ve had for my life is growing shorter the older I become AND the more I get to know the Giver. In fact, I’m hard pressed to think of much I need that He hasn’t already given. Yes, being known and loved truly does result in receiving the most perfect gifts! Don’t you agree?

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!”
2 Corinthians 9:15 (NLT)

Twenty ~ Five Minute Friday

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Twenty Things I’d Like To Tell the 20-Year-Old Me

“For we are God’s masterpiece.” Ephesians 2:10a (NLT)

1. No one cares about your hair, you shouldn’t either.
2. Dance to your own beat, sing off key, wear what you want. Embrace who your really are.
3. Don’t take yourself so seriously.
4. You can’t be perfect so stop trying.
5. Talk to yourself as gently as you do to others.

“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

6. Don’t let fear keep you from seeking adventure
7. Try new things even if you fail at them. That’s called learning.
8. Go with the flow. You can’t control everything.
9. Rock the boat sometimes.
10. Hard times will knock you off course. You will make it through.

“Do not 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)

11. Be content where you are instead of worrying about where you’re going.
12. Happiness comes and goes but joy in the Lord can always be found.
13. Read your Bible and pray a lot more.
14. You don’t have to do it all on your own. It’s OK to ask for help.
15. Even when it’s not easy, forgive others and forgive yourself.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

16. It is OK not to fit in.
17. Never underestimate the gift of friendship.
18. Stop looking so hard. Love will find you when you least expect it.
19. You’ll be amazed at how the bad experiences in your life will be used for good.
20. Trust God. (Even when it’s hard)  He has great plans for you!

To the 63-Year-Old Me: Don’t just read the above, live them!

“I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD. I will tell everyone that you alone are just. O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.”
Psalm 71:16-18 (NLT)

P.S. These twenty things are for you, too!

Danger ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Think about things of heaven, not the things of earth.” Colossians 3:2

In Danger of Being Confined

Wanting to be an involved “MiMi” I purchased some plants from our grandsons’ school fund raiser. Unfortunately, I didn’t think about how they would get to me since I live four hours away.  Needless to say, my daughter had to babysit my flower collection for almost a month before I could pick them up and bring them home.

This morning I set out to get the poor things into my flower bed. It turned out to be more of a challenge than I’d bargained for.  Because they’d stayed so long in their tiny pots, each plant’s leaves had started to become wilted and yellow from the lack of nutrition and all of them had become so root bound that it was difficult to pull them free without breaking their life-giving, delicate stems.

While digging in the dirt it occurred to me that we can be an awfully lot like my waylaid plants. Finding ourselves in less than ideal conditions and so wrapped up in our troubles, we can be in danger of becoming confined if we stay too long in an unhealthy place, too. 

In recent months, someone who’s hurt me in the past did something that left me in a place of pain once again. The more I focused on the situation, the tighter my chest became and the smaller my confidence felt. Hemmed in by my emotions, questions, and disbelief, I was tangled up in the consequences and the wound was all I could see. Been there?

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT)

Today, I finally tore those confining containers from the plants and at long last freed their roots to be placed in the ground where they will now receive what they need to grow. Placing my pain into the Gardner’s hands had the same result for me. I began to understand that though at first I didn’t see it, He could take what was meant to restrict and instead, release me. God used the circumstances to carefully place me where I would thrive in His care. Throughout our lives, we will all face harsh conditions that threaten to break us; but when we are rooted in Christ who gives us life, we receive all we need to not just grow, but to flourish until He finally brings us home where we belong.

“For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.”
Psalm 92:14 (NLT)

P.S. Here’s hoping my little plants flourish too!

Grief~Sit in the Light~Five Minute Friday

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“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the LORD. So live as people of light!” Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)

Sit in The Light

Welcome to my view this morning. I know, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet and normally, I wouldn’t have a tree up this early; but this year is anything but normal! I don’t know about the weather where you are, but yesterday just felt heavy. The dark, dreary sky was there when I opened the blinds and remained until I closed them again. The day seemed to hold a hope of rain, but even that didn’t come. Dark, dreary, deferred hope…..sounds an awful like life these days.

Guess what? I just wanted to sit and wallow in my own gloom. Disappointment, grief, frustration, fear, stress, exhaustion….we are all experiencing things that have us feeling downhearted and that’s exactly where I was. So, searching for a little joy, I decided to put up a tree and this morning, here I am sitting in the light. Can you see where this might be going?

“Why am I so 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)

“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness.’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NLT)

I needed this tree to remind me and maybe it’s reminding you, that no matter what the day is like, what happens or doesn’t, or how dark it feels, we have The Light! He is our Hope, Joy, and our Power!

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

I pray that you and I sit and walk in The Light this week. (No tree needed) And guess what? When we do, we can then BE the light for those in darkness around us!

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Joining again this week with the others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com writing to the prompt “Grief”. There is so much grief right now, even for those like me who’s life hasn’t changed that much as a result of the pandemic. These verses encourage me, I pray they do you, too. At this time of Thanksgiving and always, I’m ever so grateful for your presence here! 

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!

 

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!