Tag Archives: #fmf

Build ~Five Minute Friday/#Write28Days

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Building Towers

“a time to tear down and a time to build,” Ecclesiastes 3:3b (NIV)/ Pixabay

I’ve recently returned home after spending a few days with my grandsons.  Oh, my heart is happy! We made a tent, read stories, played on the swings, and blew bubbles. Along with other little boy fun and games we also spent time together using blocks to build towers.  Here’s what I’ve noticed over the years, we adults are very protective of our towers!  While the wee ones like laying one block upon the other, their favorite part of building is actually the knocking down! And they are good at knocking down!  I’m ashamed to say that there have been times that I’ve had to bite my tongue because I was about to whine (or even get a little angry) when they chose my tower to topple!  Silly, right?

But aren’t we the very same way about building our towers in real life? I don’t know about you, I like to be the architect and contractor in one! In other words, I want control over my tower! We carefully stack our “blocks”: the job we have, where we live, who we marry, the goals we pursue, the people we spend time with and the tower gets higher and higher. We’re in command of it all. That is….until we’re not. The promotion we were counting on doesn’t come….a block wobbles. Someone we care about betrays us…..blocks fall. The phone rings and life is never the same…..the tower topples to the ground. We whine. We worry. We cry. We. Get. Mad.

Here’s what I’m learning: Our towers will always get knocked down.

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it.  But if you give up your life for my sake,
you will save it.” Matthew 16:25 (NLT)

“You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21

In other words, we need to stop trying to do the constructing ourselves and hand the job over to the true Creator, allowing Him to do the designing. When we build on the foundation that is Christ, our towers may teeter in the winds of life; circumstances may rearrange our blocks, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail. Our towers will not fall.

I’m going to be honest; it’s not easy for me!  Just like I wanted to protect and keep the carefully made tower I built with my grandsons, I desire to control my everyday.  Silly, right? Maybe you’ve been watching your own towers get knocked over, too.  It’s time we put away the self-made architects’ plans, give up the contractor’s hats, and instead become laborers building a life under God’s direction.   A life that when given up, is actually saved. It doesn’t get better built than that!

“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
1 Corinthians 3:9 (NIV)

Linking up again with the wonderful writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and at http://www.anitaojeda.com

 

 

Where to Begin ~ Five Minute Friday/#Write28Days

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Something’s a little different today! Yes, it’s Friday.  Yes, I’m writing for 5 minutes (plus) to the prompt “Where” over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com AND I’m also writing to the prompt “Begin” to join in on the #Write28Days Challenge at http://www.anitaojeda.com So, here we go….

 

Where to Begin

“So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father.” 1 John 2:24 (NLT)

Hmmmm….Where to begin? That’s easy! Isn’t it? Of course the best place to begin is at the beginning! But wait, which one? Life offers each of us many beginnings. Here are just a few of mine:

Beginning of Life: Jackson, Michigan 1959
Beginning of Sisterhood: Santa Maria, California 1961
Beginning of Elementary School: Santa Susana, California 1965
Beginning of High School: Jackson, Michigan 1973
Beginning of College: Jackson, Michigan 1977
Beginning of Teaching Career: Circleville, WV 1982
Beginning of Married Life: Jackson, Michigan 1983
Beginning of Motherhood: Petersburg, WV 1985
Beginning of Retirement: Riverton, WV 2014
Beginning of Grandparenthood: Huntington, WV 2015

Each beginning has a unique story of place and time to tell.  Each leads one to the other; but there’s one beginning that tells not just my greatest story, but the greatest love story of all! That beginning took place at a youth retreat in the church pictured above:

Beginning of My Salvation Story: Hanover-Horton, MI 1975

Little did I know when I signed up to participate with my youth group that weekend, it would be a new beginning for me! We spent those days studying, singing, sharing and praying. On the final evening, as the music softly played, the speaker concluded by inviting us to accept Christ as our Savior. In that moment I felt in my heart such longing, tears filled my eyes, and before I knew where my feet were taking me, I found myself kneeling at the alter and asking for forgiveness at the foot of the cross. I don’t always get it right. Often, I have more questions than answers but there’s no doubt that because of Jesus’ sacrifice, my life hasn’t been the same since that night many years ago! Like I said, “the greatest love story” ever!

So, that brings me back to my original question…. Where to begin? And the answer is to begin with “The Beginning”!

“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 (NLT)

We often don’t know where a beginning in life will take us. Some may lead us through grief, pain, and discouragement; while others usher us into joy, fulfillment, and peace. And of course, there’s everything in between. But, when we begin a new life in Christ, we have assurance that He shepherds us through each start and stop, every success and failure, and all of our dreams and disappointments. And here’s the best part: in choosing a new beginning with God we do know exactly where it leads…..to eternal life with Him!

“For God loved the world so much that 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)

I took this picture of the church where I made the decision to receive Christ as my Savior on one of my recent trips back to visit family because to be honest, I hadn’t thought of that night in a long time and I wanted to keep it close as a reminder.  Sitting there in the parking lot, I was flooded with such an overwhelming calm.  I can’t explain it but once again tears began to flow as I recalled how much the new beginning I experienced in that place has blessed me. It’s not a salvation story that books will be written about or movies will portray, but that doesn’t matter.  Mine is a story written by the Author and Perfecter of Faith, the One True Beginning!  Yours is too!  As you think about your many life beginnings, stop and revisit your own salvation story. If you’re willing, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.  And who knows, maybe when we begin to share our stories they may just lead someone else to exactly where they need to be!

 

If you haven’t yet accepted Christ as your Savior I pray you don’t put it off.  I’m sharing some scriptures here that helped me.  I hope they will help guide you to find your new beginning, too:

~“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 (NLT)

~“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NLT)

~“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.. For it is believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)

 

 

 

Convenient ~ Five Minute Friday

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I know it might not be “convenient” for you to go over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com
right now, but I highly recommend you check out the talented writers there today and every Friday! I know I will. That’s my favorite part!

Convenient 

“I look to the mountains-does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.” Psalm 121:1-3 (NLT)

For all means and purposes, I live in a pretty inconvenient place. If you’re looking for fast food, I hope you’re not too hungry because the closest is 35 minutes away. The mall? An hour and a half or so; depending of course, on if you get behind a semi truck on the mountains or not. Oh, and that’s where my hair stylist is too; so I always need to allow extra time for unforeseen large, slow moving vehicles blocking the way in front of me. (the worst are the ones loaded with live turkeys-but that’s a story for another time)  Need a hospital?  35 minutes will also get you to the small rural one or you’ll need to travel three hours if you prefer large university affiliated healthcare. My dentist is an hour away, so is the closest large chain grocery store, and even the Wal-Mart. As you might guess, being organized, having a plan, and making a list are musts when I set out to “run” errands which of course, takes all day. And oh, if we forget something while shopping? Well, we just have to do without.  Like I said, “Inconvenient!”

Unless that is, I change my focus and take my eyes off of my watch and look instead to the One who watches over us! I honestly never thought I’d live anywhere other than the suburbs, but God had other plans! And in the thirty plus years I’ve lived in the shadow of these mountains, He has reminded me time and time again how conveniently He worked everything out so that I could live my best life. In times of need, meals are delivered to our table by friends and family. We never have to go far to find a helping hand. When unforeseen roadblocks come into my life, I know prayers are being lifted throughout our community, almost before I ask. Honestly, if I tried to name all the people and circumstances that have blessed my life here in this special place, my list would be long!  For all means and purposes, God brought me to this pretty place. He reorganized my life and has provided so abundantly that I haven’t had to do without anything that really matters!  Like He said, “convenient”!

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

 

 

Influence ~ Five Minute Friday

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It’s Friday! I’m once again joining in with the special group of writers at   http://www.fiveminutefriday.com thinking about the prompt “influence”. It’s always important to stop and think about what we allow to influence our lives.  Here we go……

The Influence of Prayer

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

The remnants of Christmas at my house are slowly being tucked back into their boxes and stacked into closets where they’ll stay, out of sight and out of mind, forgotten about until next year. That’s what we seem to do with Christmas, isn’t it. The anticipation starts early.  The sights, smells, and sounds conjure up warm feelings that cause us to be just a little kinder, more patient, and willing to give more throughout the season.  We sing and read of the baby in the manger and we promise ourselves we’ll carry those attitudes and Him with us into the new year. I hate to admit it, but all too often, Jesus ends up packed away right along with all my other holiday memories.

This new year has been different though. I’ve recognized the presence of the Heart and Hope of Christmas that is Christ, lingering longer. The important word in that sentence is “recognized”.  Christ is always with us; it’s just that often, we allow life to obscure our view. I’m seeing more clearly recently because my focus has been under the influence of prayer!

Advent this year, found me “beneath the tree” as I prayed my way through the devotional, “Jingle and Joy” written by Jodie Barrett. Spending** time in prayer each day for specific things changed something…..ME!  Little by little I began to notice a transformation taking place:

~My relationship with God improved. (It’s only common sense that spending more time together brings you closer!)

~Praying for others also made me more aware of how blessed I am!

~Jesus, born in a manger, became more vivd and meaningful as I prayed, studied the scriptures, and read Jodie’s devotions.

It’s evident I’m sure, that my daily quiet time is usually hit or miss.  I have the best of intentions; but we all know where that leads!  Being under the influence of prayer throughout the holidays has once again made me realize what I miss when I’m not spending regular, consistent time with God and that He’s always ready and waiting for me, for us, to make Him a priority in our busy, distracted schedules, even when we don’t.

The time I spent in the soft glow of lights and under the boughs of our Christmas tree praying, made me more hesitant to take it down this year. But like Jodie shared, it’s not about the tree. No, the “where” is not important but choosing the “what”, is! We can allow our calendars, moods, those who surround us, and innumerable other things fill up our days OR instead of putting the Babe in the manger out of sight and out of mind, we can keep Him close, by spending time each day in prayer. Yes, Christmas has come and gone, but living under the transforming influence of prayer reminds us that the Hope of Christmas remains long after we’ve put everything away and that my friends, is something we can celebrate all year long!

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

If you would like to know more about Jodie Barrett’s book and her ministry go to http://www.faithfullyfollowing.org You won’t regret it!

 

 

 

Better ~ Five Minute Friday

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Linking up with the talented writers over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where the idea is to write for five minutes to a given prompt. I love writing to a prompt! Sticking to five minutes? Not so much.  I always try but usually don’t stop. But it’s the first post in 2019 and I’m ready to give it another go!

Time starts now!

The Better Story

“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!’ ” John 20:27 (NLT)/ Pixabay

Rain had been coming down for what seemed like weeks.  It sure didn’t feel like it was only a few days before Christmas, but the calendar told a different story. Of course, there was lots I still needed to get done and in my attempt to check things off my list, I was rushing here and there. You know what can happen when you’re in a hurry, don’t you? Without warning my feet flew completely out from under my body and Wham! I found myself unexpectedly sprawled out on the wet sidewalk! Thankfully, nothing was broken so I slowly returned to my upright position.  Pain accompanied me each step of the way as I completed the stops I had yet to make. It wasn’t until arriving home and taking off my jacket that I realized my elbow had taken the brunt of the fall. The evidence was bright red on the sleeve of my shirt.

I didn’t have time for stitches! It wasn’t on my agenda! Still, there I was with my arm propped up on a shiny silver table while skilled hands kindly put me back together. It didn’t take long for bruises to appear, muscles to protest, and a sense of gratitude to set in; as I realized I’d been spared a worse fate.

I’m much better now! Dark purple splotches** have faded to yellowish-green and pain from many pulled muscles has diminished. Where stitches once were woven into my skin, a scar now remains. A scar that will to me, always serve as a reminder and a prompt to the story….”remember the Christmas when I not so gracefully laid spread out on the sidewalk and shed blood in an attempt to give my all to a to-do list?”

We’ve all had wounds that left scars to tell stories of our lives. But, isn’t it amazing that there is One whose wounds and scars save our lives?

“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)

Jesus shed his blood, gave his all, so that I could be healed. You could be healed. Because of God’s grace, Jesus took the brunt of the fall of man, spreading his arms out on the cross and taking our sins with him. Our dark splotches become white, our pain diminishes, and where we’d once been bound by sin, He now remains. His scars become ours to bear. They serve as a reminder to each of us to tell the story.  His story. The better story! The one with a happy ending. The story that fills us with such gratitude when we realize that we’ve been spared a much worse fate. It’s a story that’s meant to be shared again and again, because it gets better and better every time it’s told!

 

 

With ~ Five Minute Friday

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Joining the lovely group of writers over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to write to the prompt “With” today.  Why, don’t you hop over there and see what others did with “With”!

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2: 9-11 (NIV)/ Pixabay

Christmas Comes With or Without

Are you ready? There are only four days left until Christmas! Have you found the perfect gifts? Are they wrapped and placed under your beautifully decorated tree? Do you have your menus planned and the groceries stocked up in your cupboards? Are your cards and packages mailed to all those who are far away from you this season? Or maybe, just maybe…..you’re more like me: still finishing your cards, nothings wrapped, as a matter of fact, you’re still waiting for gifts to be delivered, and you have no idea what you need to get at the grocery store. Well, guess what? Christmas will come with or without all the preparations being made.

Think back to Mary and Joseph. They had a long trip ahead of them.  Joseph had readied a donkey for Mary to ride upon.  I’m sure Mary had prepared food for the journey.  They’d thought it through and everything seemed to be in place. That is of course, until they reached Bethlehem and found they weren’t prepared at all.

Mary was tired and uncomfortable. Crowds of people wandered the streets around them. Finally,  Joseph knocked on a door with the hope of preparing a place for Mary to rest, only to be turned away without a room or a plan. You know what happened next:

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her first born, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2: 6-7 (NIV)

They weren’t in a warm, cozy room at the inn.  Christmas came without it.  Mary wasn’t prepared with baby clothes and a blanket but instead, had to wrap Him in cloths. Christmas came without them. There was no cradle to rock Him in, just a manger full of hay. Christmas came anyway. It wasn’t as they had hoped or planned but their baby met them right. where. they. were.

That’s the message for us this Christmas and every day: Jesus came to meet us right where we are.  We don’t have to do this or that.  Have this or that. Be this or that. Just like Christmas, Jesus comes with or without our feeling prepared to meet Him. And He loves us just as we are.

Yes, Christmas is only four days away and you may be sitting in the midst of wrapping paper rolls, ribbons and piles of unwrapped gifts, covered in flour as you roll out cookie dough, or find yourself tangled in strings of lights attempting to finally decorate the tree, all the while worrying that you’re not prepared. Take a deep breath and remember that Christmas will come, with or without every little thing being perfect and it will be fine. More importantly, remember that Christmas HAS come, long ago as a baby in a manger; Who’s gifts of hope and love are for each one of us, wherever. we. are.

 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and if you’ve felt Jesus knocking on the door to your heart, now’s the perfect time to answer, make room, and let Him in to meet you where you are.

 

Deep ~ Five Minute Friday

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I’m joining in (a little late) with the other great writers over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com  writing to the prompt “deep”.  Hope you’ll visit and see what “deep” subjects they’ve written about! Here I go…….

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:6-7 (NIV) / Pixabay

In Too Deep

I remember an unexpected storm back when I was a teenager where it snowed and snowed and snowed some more. It continued until the drifts became as high as the windows on our house! When we finally took the plunge (literally) and headed out, we didn’t get far. It took only a few attempted steps to realize that the deep snow made it very difficult to move! As hard as it was for us, it was even worse for our little dog, Pixie.  Unaware of what awaited her, she dashed through the open door as usual only to immediately disappear from sight. As you might have guessed, her weight was too much for the soft, powdery snow and so she found herself unexpectedly submerged. Trapped in the hole of her own making, Pix was unable to see her way** out, powerless to move, and so she lifted her face to the sky and let out a forlorn cry. Things hadn’t gone as planned! She found herself in peril of being buried and all she wanted was to go back to the shelter of our house.

So, here we are, entering into the Christmas Season: a time of preparation, hope, and peace.  Wait! What? Peace? Oh, we set out as usual with the idea that this year we’ll cut back and focus more on the birth of Jesus, but then comes the blizzard of activities piling one upon the other upon the other, until we’re in too deep finding ourselves unexpectedly snowed under. And Baby Jesus? We lose sight of Him and are in peril of missing out on the joy of our Savior’s birth! It makes me think about those innkeepers long ago. They too were in the midst of a flurry of activity; unaware of what awaited them on the other side of the door when Joseph knocked or of the Miracle they crowded out of their lives.

What can we do to break free from the holiday trap we find ourselves in?  Maybe these simple things can help us see our way and move in the right direction:

*Pray ~ Making time in our busy day for prayer helps redirect our focus from our plan to His and reconnects us to the only Power we need to help dig our way out of all that weighs us down.

*Listen to the traditional Carols ~ You know I love music and Christmas songs rank high on my list but when I feel overwhelmed with expectations or begin to feel drained I turn on those old wonderful standards like “Silent Night”, “Away in a Manger”, and “Joy to the World” and let the story of Jesus’ birth sink into my soul as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

*Read the original Christmas story found in Luke 2 aloud from the Bible. It doesn’t matter if anyone other than you is listening or not.  Allow the words to speak to your heart and lift your spirit.

*Choose people over things ~ I am a perfectionist extraordinaire from way back, so I know the pressure we can put on ourselves to provide the “perfect” Christmas for everyone but I’m here to tell you, that mindset will sink us quickly into a deep hole of our own making. Spending time with those we love IS the perfect Christmas gift and no fancy wrapping is required!

It’s December 4th. Has the avalanche of “to do’s” begun? Are you already in too deep? I hope not, but if you are, like Pixie, lift your face to sky and cry out to the One who can help lead you back, not to the house, but to the shelter of a stable and the miracle of the Babe in the manger.

I would love for you to share ways that you use to keep Christmas from losing its true meaning and becoming overwhelming. Feel free to leave your ideas in the comments! I need all the help I can get!

 

 

Burden ~ Five Minute Friday

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It’s that time again! Another prompt from http://www.fiveminutefriday.com Today’s prompt is “Burden”.  I’m not sure but I think a visit with a beautiful donkey named Liza Jane set me on the path to today’s post.  Of course, it took me more than five minutes which is par for the course. If you’d like to read more about our burdens, just click on over.  You won’t be disappointed.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV) / Pixabay

Burdens are Lifted

There once was a little donkey
Who’s burden was the weight,
Of one: young, pregnant, and weary
Looking for rest for it was late.

With each step he did carry
The girl into the night.
When finally, a stable
Up ahead came into sight.

The donkey’s burden was lifted
As she slid down from her place.
Little did the donkey know
He would gaze at the Savior’s face.

There once was a little donkey
Who’s burden was a man.
Destined for this journey
Because it was God’s plan.

With each step he did carry
The man who they called King;
The people laid their cloaks down
And with praise they did sing.

The donkey’s burden was lifted
As the man slid from His place.
Little did the donkey know
He would witness God’s loving grace.

We’re like those little donkeys
With burdens, we must bear.
Step by step we travel
Beneath a load of care.

Laden, tired, weary, and worn
We struggle on our own.
Why is it that we always forget
We’re not in this alone?

Yes, our burdens they were lifted,
As Jesus left His place on high.
They were nailed with Him onto the cross
Where He died for you and I.

A baby, a man, a Savior
Once on a little donkey did ride.
His yoke is easy. His burden light.
And in His rest, we can truly abide.

 

 

What Do You Have on Repeat? ~ Five Minute Friday

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It’s Five Minute Friday! Today’s prompt is “repeat”. Want to know what others have been inspired to write about the prompt? Head on over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com And here’s a novel idea I’m actually going to try and stick to the five minute limit!  Haha!  We’ll see how that goes!

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NASB)

What Do You Have on Repeat?

Music reaches me like nothing else.  There are times that a message in a song brings God’s word to life and touches me so deeply that I set my iPod on repeat so I can listen to it again and again until the words saturate my parched soul and fill the cracks in my broken heart. Words like ” You give me everything”, “Fear is a liar”, “Come to the table”, and “You wash me in mercy, I am clean” are just a few of my favorites I’m replaying right now.

The problem is that these uplifting words are not the only thing repeating over and over in my head.  Competing with those inspiring lines for my attention is that voice.  You know the one: it points out all my mistakes, weaknesses, and insecurities. And, it doesn’t just mention them once or twice, but repeats them again and again and again.  The worst part?**  I listen. And all too soon my soul becomes thirsty and my heart needs repair once more.  Maybe you know this struggle, too.

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (NASB)

I don’t know about you, but changing the tune on my iPod is a lot easier than changing it in my head! I’m not able to do it on my own; believe me I’ve tried!  What if we began to measure what we’re listening to by the standards above? If that voice is repeating lines that are not pure, lovely, and worthy of praise then it’s time we hit stop and play a new song. Not just any old song but let’s dwell in one with words like “Amazing grace how sweet the sound”, “I know Who holds tomorrow”, and “Jesus loves me this I know”( just a few more of my favorites). I’m hitting the repeat button right now!

Close ~ Day 31 ~ 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

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This post is part of the October 2018 Edition of 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes. I hope you”ll join me in seeing where each prompt takes us.
 P.S. Just so you know, I’m finding it difficult to stick to five minutes (**) and it may take me longer than the 31 days to finish all the prompts. Not easy for this rule follower!
You can read more 31 Days entries at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

Time to Close

Well, here we are: October’s gone and it’s time to end this year’s 31 Days of Free Writes.  I’m disappointed that I didn’t reach my goal of writing for all 31 prompts. Life got busy but there’s always next year! Anyway, decided to close with my “Four Somethings” for October:

Something Loved

October was full of family and I LOVE when we can spend time together!  Traveled to Washington D.C. for a girl’s weekend. My niece was the perfect tour guide and I didn’t have to worry about a thing (except crossing the streets…those D.C. drivers are something!) My mom then came for a visit.  She left the north but experienced her first snow of the year here in the south! We had a wonderful time! Living apart is hard so spending time together is something I cherish and as a bonus I was able to have extra time with my sisters as we met to “hand mom off” to one another.  Ended the month with a little time out and about with my husband as we explored the beauty close to home.  Overall, it was a fun-filled, love-filled, busy month!

Something Said

Trick or Treaters are a joy to me!  I enjoy seeing the costumes but I especially like to watch the process in which the children decide which treats they want.  Some are very specific and some just grab and go. This year a small group of ghosts and goblins approached my porch and I heard, “I told you Miss Cindy lived here!” The next thing I know I was being hugged by a cute monster who said, “Miss Cindy, I’ve missed you!” Talk about a melted heart!  This ole retired teacher couldn’t have gotten a better treat!

Something Learned

Being  in Washington D.C. was eye opening for this country gal!  Fast paced city life is out of my comfort zone but I really enjoyed experiencing it through the eyes of one who lives and loves it! The sights, sounds, and tastes were new and exciting (for a few days)! While there, I learned the art of using an Uber! Yes, had my first Uber ride and I must say the whole process is quite amazing! Some drivers chit chat.  Some yell at other drivers. Some offer you bottled water. Some vehicles smell lovely and others not so much.  My favorite ride was with a gentleman who had a beautiful, large vehicle. Upon arrival, he got out, opened the doors, and helped us in! It felt quite special traveling like that!  Not sure I could handle Uber on my own yet,  but I’m glad to say it’s something I’ve done!

Something Read

“Freedom is not Free.” I read these powerful words at the Korean War Memorial. They literally stopped me in my tracks.  Yes, I’ve read them before but never while standing in the midst of those who’ve paid the price for my freedom.  While touring the memorials, many Veterans of the wars were standing alongside me.  I could hear some of them telling their family members stories the statues evoked.  Some shared memories with others who’d served with them. Some stood in silence.  And there were tears.  Including mine.  It’s way too easy to take our freedoms in this country for granted.  We even sometimes abuse them!  It was a wake up call for me and I hope this will be for you! We owe a great debt to those men and women who are sacrificing and have sacrificed so much, sometimes everything, to protect our right to freely do, believe, and say whatever we want because Freedom. Is. Not. Free.

 

I love this idea of “Four Somethings”! If you enjoy it too, you can read more at  http://www.heathergerwing.com I encourage you to think about what YOU have loved, heard, learned, and read this month that has touched you in a meaningful way.  Feel free to share here in the comments.  I’d love to hear them!