Tag Archives: #fmf

A Challenge ~ Five Minute Friday

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Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 (NIV)

Technology is often a challenge for me.  I can still remember like it was yesterday, going to my first Teacher’s Technology Conference and feeling so overwhelmed.  One of the presenters even talked of “Technological Natives”: those growing up in and proficient at using all the different devices and then of the “Technological Immigrants” like me, who, being in a foreign land, must learn to navigate the World Wide Web, understand an unfamiliar language, and perform tasks that feel beyond our ability.  Like I said, a challenge.

Then along comes Kate , our leader at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com  and in two days this week she taught me things I hadn’t grasped before in blogging even though I’ve tried. Two days-two skills! The difference you ask? Kate taught by example, showing us step by step each action on her computer that we’d need to make on ours. Seeing it instead of just hearing or reading about it, has made it possible for me to follow her lead and successfully walk through the process myself! Now, it’s gotten me thinking. (You knew that was coming, didn’t you?)

As Christians, we are “Heavenly Natives” living our lives as “”Earthly Immigrants”. We try to navigate the world without being worldly, understand The Word, and carry out the work God calls us to do even though we feel unqualified. And, just as Kate did for those of us trying to master skills in our writing life, we have those who offer us examples to follow in our Christian life, too!

“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” Philippians 3:17 (NIV)

Listening to sermons and reading books by Christian authors have inspired me as I’m learning what it means to be part of God’s family. Jesus gave us the Perfect Example, but there have been and still are things I haven’t grasped. That is, until I’ve seen faith in action!  I’ve been blessed with many people from whom I’ve learned more about being like Jesus by watching the ways they’ve acted and interacted day to day. I’m sure you have a list of your own. Their examples show us the characteristics we hope to gain. With God’s guidance and as we follow their lead, they help move us closer to being who we were designed to be. And…that’s got me thinking again!

As we act and interact in the world, people are watching MY example, YOUR example, too! Now, that’s a challenge I think I’ll save for another post!

“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” Titus 2:7 (NLT)

Joining with Kate and the other talented writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com  as we think about the prompt “Challenge”. I challenge you (and myself)  to think about those people in your life who are examples of Christian living and then thank them for showing you the Way! Thanks for taking your time to stop! It means more to me than you know!

 

 

 

From Start to Finish ~ Five Minute Friday

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“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” 2 John 1:6(NIV)

From Start to Finish

How is it possible that my grandson, the one who made me a MiMi, is old enough to start Preschool? It seems he was just a tiny bundle in my arms or maybe a wobbly toddler learning to walk, but SCHOOL? Already? It’s hard to imagine that he’s already grown and changed that much!

Isn’t that just life? I’m walking down the aisle, blink, I’m celebrating our 36th anniversary. One moment I’m parenting children, blink, I’m now parenting adults. I’m a brand new teacher, blink, I’m an “ole” retired one. I’m sure you can give your own examples of how quickly time passes. (Watch out young people, it really is true that the older you get the faster it goes!) Things are rapidly changing all. the. time.

You know what isn’t changing as fast as I’d like though? My growth as a Christian. Some days it still feels like I’m taking wobbly baby steps! I let go, move ahead, stumble, fall down, throw a fit, and then have to start all over. Maybe you’re still learning to walk the Walk like me, too. Here’s the good news: God doesn’t give up on us!

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

When we accept the gift of salvation that Jesus offers us, we’re born again. We start over as “toddlers”, learning to think, talk, act, and yes, walk in the ways of Christ. And just as parents (and MiMi’s) are there to steady, guide, pick up, encourage, and love, God is perfectly doing the same for us. Every time we stumble, He catches us. When we fall, He lifts us back to our feet. Each time we whine and complain (throw a faith fit), He lovingly disciplines all the while reminding us that growing takes time.

Yes, time is funny.  It can seem to pass in the blink of an eye like when watching a child grow and yet, when looking at our own progress, time can also feel as if it is dragging its feet. BUT, from start to finish, God is the One in control of our pace. He helps us “wobbly toddlers”   mature and grow in our salvation day by day and He won’t stop until that perfect time arrives when we don’t just walk, but we run into the arms of Jesus for eternity.

“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

I’m joining http://www.fiveminutefriday.com on Monday this week instead of Friday. I got a late start. “Start” is the prompt by the way. I’d love to know your thoughts on your challenges in your Christian walk and/or examples of how time passes for you. Just jot them down in the comments.  Thanks for being here.  I appreciate it more than you know!

Looking Back~Share Four Somethings

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Labor Day weekend is upon us! How can it be that we’re already looking back on August? I don’t know about you, but for me this summer has passed in a blink of an eye! One good thing about month’s end though, is joining with others at http://www.heathergerwing.com to look back at our Four Somethings.  It also just so happens that today’s prompt at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com is “Back” thus, I’ve decided to do double duty with this post.  So sit “back” and relax as I share a bit of my month with you. And then…I’d LOVE for you to share your Four Somethings with me in the comments.  Here are mine:

Something Loved

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.” Philippians 1:3 (NLT)

My heart’s been happy this month because I’ve been able to spend time with some of my favorite people in some of my favorite places! It’s always an adventure when I’m with my grandsons. Just after this photo was taken the entire jug of bubbles spilled onto the patio. I immediately got the hose to spray it off but looking back now, I realize it wasn’t my best idea.  I’ll just leave it to your imagination to figure out what happened next!

I’ve recently returned from a trip back to Michigan to visit my mom and sisters.  We aren’t able to get together as often as we’d like, so each visit is a true blessing. There’s something special about being with those who’ve known you the longest and love you anyway! Whether it’s spending time watching my grands growing up or spending time with those I grew up with, I’ve loved making memories that I’ll now look back on and treasure!

Something Said

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 (NLT) / Pixabay

There are several things about myself that I’m working on to change. One big one is the amount of time I spend worrying. Looking back, I’ve realize just how much time I’ve wasted “rehearsing disaster” that’s never happened! As I’ve already said, time slips by in an instant and I don’t want to spend what I have on worthless worry.  It’s time for a wake up call!

I love it when right at a time I need them, just the right words are shared. How appropriate that my need for a wake up was met with words said about an alarm clock! I’d never thought to compare worry to an alarm clock but it resonates with me and maybe it will with you, too. The idea is that we can let our worry work as an alarm clock, warning us that there’s something we need to pray about.  AND…..we certainly don’t let an alarm clock keep ringing once it’s done its job of getting us up, so we shouldn’t let the worry alarm keep ringing after we’ve taken our concerns to God, either. I love that visual and hope to apply it from here on out and to not go back to letting worry take up all my time!

Something Learned

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)

What a great time I had this month working along side my daughter while learning to do something new! We were invited to attend a workshop at a new shop being opened by our family friends called “Board and Brush”. It’s a wonderful place where you can go to created fun and unique decor projects from scratch!  We learned how to assemble, distress, stain, and stencil. I was so thankful for the support and encouragement I received to help me complete my sign. The experience was so enjoyable that I hope we can go back and do it all again very soon!

Something Read

“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:9-10 (NLT)

Oh this book! Through stories of her homes, gardens, communities, friends, and family Christie Purifoy creates images of place and home which inspired me to reflect on the places that have contributed to bringing me where I am and helped create who I am. The emotions she shares and the knowledge she offers create a symphony of words and thought that made it hard for me to take my eyes from the page.  The subtitle: “Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace” is exactly what this book does for the reader! If you desire to stay in the home you have, long for a home from your past, or dream of a new home in the future, this book is perfect for you! With her beautiful writing style (and beautiful it is….I might have a tiny or not so tiny case of writer’s envy) Christie takes us on a spiritual journey which reminded me that no matter where it is, God’s gift of home is meant to be shared. “Placemaker” is a book that I could read from front cover to back again and again and learn something new each time! I loved it!

Well there it is!  August was a good month but I must admit I am looking forward to September bringing some cooler weather and the introduction of Fall with it.  As you look back on this past month, I hope you too, can see many blessings.  Don’t forget to share a few of them with us! God willing we can share our September Four Somethings too so…….

Y’all come “back” now! Ya hear?
(sorry, just couldn’t resist)

Five Little Words ~ Five Minute Friday

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“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ ” Matthew 6:9-10 (NIV)/ Pixabay

“Not my will, but yours.” Five little words. Literally, they are small words but when combined together, their message is life changing! Jesus spoke these five words as he struggled with the knowledge of what He was about to face. In that moment, He asked God to take the job He was there to do away from Him. And yet, in the same breath Jesus added those five little words confirming His commitment to God’s plan.

“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Luke 22:41-43 (NIV)

I don’t know about you, but I find the five little words: “take this cup from me” much easier to say than telling God I’m willing to let go of my will and follow His! “Not my will, but yours” opens us up to all kinds of challenges! Like the fishermen, we may have to leave behind what we’ve known and are comfortable with, even if we don’t feel ready. Great sacrifice may be required of us as it was asked of Abraham when we don’t feel strong enough to handle it. “Your will be done” can even cause us to endure suffering as it did for Jesus though we lack trust. Yes, “take this cup from me” slips from my lips more easily than it should!

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)

Did you catch those five words in the middle? “Equip you with everything good.” God doesn’t expect us to do His will on our own! When we accept the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus, our lives are changed! All of our even if’s, don’t’s, can’t’s, wont’s, and anything else that can get in our way of doing God’s will are worked on until they become the good that we need to equip us to be able to accept the cup He offers.

What’s God calling you to do? Is there an idea, project, a person’s need, or dream that won’t go away? Do you find ways to avoid it? Make excuses for why it won’t work or isn’t for you? Boy, I sure do! But, remembering that we are not on our own to face the things of this world and that God is strengthening and preparing us for what’s ahead makes it possible for us to kneel down and confidently say those five little words: “Not my will, but Yours” and believe them!

Today is the five year anniversary of Kate leading the writing community at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com
My goodness! I wanted to really stick to the five minutes today in honor of that, but of course, once again, I went over.  Well, there’s always next time.  I encourage you to click over and read the other wonderful posts on the prompt “Five”. And as always, I’d love to chat with you! Share in the comments what you feel God is calling you to do and I’ll share mine with you.  We can then pray for each other to trust that God is equipping us for the job! 

Opportunity ~ Five Minute Friday

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Just hopping on here for a short time as I wait for my daughter, son-in-love, and two grandsons to arrive.  I need something to distract me from watching the clock! Today’s Five Minute Friday prompt is “Opportunity” and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to read what other wonderful writers have to say about it, so click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

Smile Opportunities

“May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT) / Pixabay

Looking through the Bible for last week’s post, I was amazed at how many times it’s recorded that Jesus touched people and changed their lives! Of course I knew of the familiar stories, but the more I looked, the more I found. As I was thinking about today’s prompt, I wondered how many opportunities we have to touch people’s lives? We of course, can’t make the blind to see or raise someone from the dead, but we can touch others in a way that does make them smile!

I’ll be honest, there are many days when I’ve been grumbling under my breath, focusing on worried thoughts, or feeling frazzled in all I have to do, but then someone catches me by surprise and in the midst of whatever was bothering me they cause me to smile. I don’t know about you, but those small almost imperceivable acts can change my outlook in that very moment. I remember vividly a time I was traveling by myself and my car broke down.  Luckily it was in a well lit, public place but needless to say I was scared and frustrated.  As I sat with my hood up waiting nervously for AAA, a gentlemen strolled by. He caught my eye and smiled a most reassuring smile. I couldn’t help but smile back and I’m telling you in that instant I felt so much better. If another person can take the opportunity to touch our lives then it’s important to remember that we mustn’t miss the opportunities we have ourselves, to touch the others around us, too!

Smile opportunities aren’t complicated. They don’t require a great deal of work,  a lot of money, or even a commitment of too much of our time. Here are just a few that I’ve thought of off the top of my head:

*Allow someone to go in front of you in line
*Return another person’s grocery cart to the stall
*Hold the door
*Send a card 
*Write a note (my husband leaves me one by the coffee pot so my days always start with a smile)
*Give a hug or pat on the back
*Compliment a stranger
*Compliment someone you know
*Pay for someone else’s meal anonymously 
*Leave a larger tip than necessary
*Be polite
*Smile at the people you stroll by

These are just a drop in the bucket. The list is limitless! Just think of the difference we might make if we’d set out every day to act on the smile opportunities that come our way!  I’m reminded of those old song lyrics that say something like when you’re smiling the whole world smiles with you!  I believe a smile is contagious,  don’t you?

In his life, Jesus went from place to place, looking for those in need. When he found them (or they found him), he didn’t hesitate to make their lives better.  Guess what? In our lives, we’re encouraged to do the very same.

“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need.  These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:15-16 (NLT)

So, let’s challenge ourselves to be on the look out for smile opportunities as we move through our days. And you want to know the great part of accepting this challenge? Taking advantage of the opportunity to make others smile can’t help but to make us smile too!  It’s a win-win challenge!!!! How often does that happen?

I’ve got the pantry and fridge stocked with the kids’ favorite foods and some fun treats waiting for them. I can’t wait for them to get here and see their smiles! Who have you helped find a smile today? I’d love for you to add to my quick list!  Please share in the comments ways that you like to take the opportunity to make others smile. Because you know, the longer we make our list, the more the world will be smiling and I think we need all the smiles we can get, don’t you?

“We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”
Mother Teresa

His Touch ~ Five Minute Friday

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“One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17 (NLT)/ Pixabay

His Touch

His touch introduced sound to the deaf;
They had speech to understand.

His touch revived a daughter,
By simply holding her small hand.

His touch gave the gift of sight,
To those who could not see.

His touch cleansed the leper’s skin
And set the lame man free.

His touch now scarred by our nails,
The price He had to pay.

His touch that changes everything,
He offers us today.

His touch mends our broken hearts
And forgives us of our sins.

His touch takes us from death to life
His touch: where healing truly begins!

“Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone.  He put his fingers into the man’s ears.  Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue.  Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly!” Mark 7:33,35 (NLT)

“The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying.  Holding her hand, he said to her, ‘Talitha koum’ which means ‘Little girl, get up!’ And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed.” Mark 5:40-42 (NLT)

“Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes.  He told him, ‘Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam’. So the man went and washed and came back seeing! John 9:6-7 (NLT)

“Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him.  ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.’ Jesus reached out and touched him.  ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be healed!’ And instantly the leprosy disappeared.” Matthew 8:2-3 (NLT)

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT)

On this last Friday of April, I’m joining once again with the wonderful writing community at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com  

Today’s prompt is “Touch”. I’ve already read some of the posts and you won’t want to miss them! Just click on over and enjoy! It’s also the end of Poetry Month so of course I had to try and write my offering today in rhyme.(Definitely took me longer than five minutes) I hope you can feel the touch of Jesus in the words I’ve shared. And just a reminder, you’ll never know how “touched” I am that you take time out of your busy lives to join me here. God Bless You!

Offer ~ Five Minute Friday

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What Do I Have to Offer?

“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.” John 3:16 (NIV)/ Pixabay

What do I have to offer?
What could I possibly bring?
Fitting for the Savior,
Who offered ME everything!

I wish there was obedience
I could lay down at his feet.
If only my fears and failures
I could once and for all defeat.

Strength in every situation
Is what I’d like to give,
But weakness is the lowly place
Where I most often live.

What do I have to offer?
I’ve no riches nor sweet perfume.
No gift that could repay my debt
To He, who walked from the tomb.

Oh, to sing like the Angels,
Songs of praise He deserves to hear.
Or eloquent words of thanks spoken
With a voice so confident and clear.

Instead here I stand empty-handed,
With nothing to impart.
When a still small voice reminds me,
Grace is a gift from God’s own heart.

This gift to us was given
When Jesus hung upon that tree.
Because our God so loved the world,
We who believe are eternally debt free!

Now that the burden’s been lifted
What we have to offer comes from above.
Faith, hope, and mercy,
But the greatest offering is love!

“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 of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 (NIV)

I’m privileged to be joining the other gifted writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com To see what they are “offering” up today just click on over.  I know you won’t be sorry!

Measure ~ Five Minute Friday

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Measuring Stick

“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) / Pixabay

“Compare measurements of an object over time”. This was one of the many new math standards my Second Graders had to master during their school year.  At first, I struggled to think of a way to help them achieve this goal, that is until an idea came, as often happens, in an unexpected way: the gift of an Amaryllis bulb! Every year at Christmas time my mom would send one of these fast growing plants to me for my classroom. I finally realized it was the perfect way for my kids to measure change!

What about us? How do we measure change over time? Oh, not physical growth, but more importantly, our spiritual growth! Do we compare ourselves with others to determine how we’re doing? Unfortunately, I know I’ve been guilty of doing just that! “Well”, I’d tell myself, “I have a long way to go to catch up with her but just look at me!  I’m towering over her!” Anyone else play that game?

“Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How Ignorant! 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NLT)

Looking at others as our standard gives us an unrealistic view of where we are, how far we’ve come, and where we still need to go. The only thing actually being measured when we compare ourselves to those around us is our pride and Paul tells us quite clearly “how ignorant” doing that, really is! Instead we need to be focused on God’s standards and on growing to be more like Christ.

“This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children.  We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching.  We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” Ephesians 4:13-15 (NLT)

An Amaryllis starts as a dormant bulb but once placed in the soil, given water and light, it grows quickly. Buds form and soon burst open to reveal their inner beauty. It seems to happen almost over night!  Maturing spiritually however, is a much slower process. Like a bulb though, on our own our potential lies stagnant. The full measure of who we can truly become started with Jesus on the cross. When we are planted in His gift of salvation, receive the Living Water, and live in the Light of the Son, we begin to change over time. Inch by inch, day by day, challenge by challenge, grace upon grace we grow “in every way” to be more like Christ and soon our inner beauty, which is an overflowing of God’s love, is revealed to the world.

My students used their rulers to help them observe and compare the progress of our class plant. As we monitor our spiritual growth, we don’t have to worry about how we compare to others, instead we must examine how our lives align with God’s standards.  Thankfully, we can look to the life of Christ to guide us and help grow our faith and with confidence, know that He is the only measuring stick we’ll ever need!

Joining in (a little late) with the Five Minute Friday Community to write on the prompt “Measure”. I know there will be many wonderful posts on this subject.  If you’d like to read more just click on over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

 

 

Expect More ~ Five Minute Friday

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As usual on Fridays I’m joining Kate Motaung and the other talented writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com The prompt today is “More”.

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

Expect More

My children accuse me (and maybe, just maybe, rightly so) of introducing my grand dogs to the art of fine dining from the kitchen table. Whenever I…I mean SOMEONE…offers them a tidbit, I’ve noticed something: they don’t take it and leave. No, they accept the offering and then continue to sit right there looking up expecting more. Funny thing is, as I think about it, I’ve come to realize that I need to follow their undeterred example, not with food (I’ve already learned that lesson) but rather, with God.

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

I don’t know about you, but “wait” is one of those four-letter words I’d rather avoid! And wait patiently? Not something I’ve mastered at all! This past week though, God reminded me that His timing is always perfect even when it seems too slow to me!

This past summer, I felt the Lord urging me toward an undertaking that was outside my comfort zone. I hemmed and hawed. I reminded Him of all the reasons why I wasn’t the right one for the job. I worried and complained. In the end though, it was clear to me this was my assignment to complete and so I did. Excitement filled me as I anticipated the smorgasbord of blessings that would result from this project, but instead, it was only a tidbit I was offered. Did I stand firm, wait patiently, and look up expecting more? Not even close! Though I hungered for more, disappointment set in and I left believing the whole thing had failed; I’d failed.

“But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.  The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake.” 2 Peter 3:8-9a (NLT)

Fast forward eight months to today…. God has brought an unexpected outcome to the table from this very same project and I’ve been feasting on His goodness ever since! Goosebumps have tingled, tears shed, and praise has been lifted! Maybe you know exactly what I’ve experienced because you’ve had a  prayer finally answered, a God-given dream come true, or like me, a hope for results realized. As I continue to be amazed by this turn of events, I’m also realizing they were long in coming not for the sake of the project, but that He’s been being patient for my sake!

God is using this opportunity to remind me of some important truths: to step out in obedience (without complaining) even when it is uncomfortable, that His timing is much better than ours, and that He can use our little to do something BIG! But most of all, He’s teaching me and all of us, that we should not be people who are unexpectedly surprised by what He does but rather those who are bravely undeterred, who keep looking up, and those who are always expecting more!

Confident ~Five Minute Friday/#Write28Days

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Confident Like a Tootsie Pop

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)/ Pixabay

Do you remember getting a Tootsie Pop when you were a child? Their commercial challenged us to find out how many licks it took to get to the Tootsie Roll center; so we’d carefully start counting trying to keep the hard outside intact. Before too long though, the inevitable happened and CRUNCH! The covering cracked and we found the chewy center.

When it comes to being confident, I’m kind of like a Tootsie Pop. Maybe, you are too! On the outside, I appear solid, sure of myself. As I lead a meeting, present a children’s sermon, speak to a crowd, or visit someone who’s in need, it looks as if I’m that rock-like sphere atop a sturdy stick: assured and fearless. In reality however, I’m nothing but that soft, gooey center: insecure and scared, hiding behind a sugar-coated shell.

I’ve often wished to have true confidence, to be certain and bold in my abilities. But lately I’ve begun to look at it in a different way.  When I’m in the midst of a situation or task where I don’t feel self-assured but am still able to handle it, I’ve found my focus turning from myself to saying things like: “To God be the glory”, “The Holy Spirit guided my words”, and “This was an answer to my prayer”.

“But he replied, ‘My gift of underserved grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.’ So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (CEB)

God has been showing me once again that it’s not about me! I’m learning that even though we may not be sure of ourselves in all areas of life, God can use that “soft middle” to teach us about His power in our weakness. What a comfort to know, confident or not, Christ is the one who makes us strong!

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? I don’t know.  Lots, I’m sure. What does it take to uncover and use each of our soft centers? That I do know! Our One and Only God!  And He won’t stop until our work is finished. Now that’s something we can really sink our teeth into!

Joining up with  http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and http://www.anitaojeda.com today to write on the prompt “Confident”. Why don’t you “pop” or “roll” on over and see what others have written about!