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Pattern ~ Five Minute Friday

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“But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.” 1 Corinthians 12:31b (NLT)

Living in the Crevices

It was something I’d never seen before. As I watched the birds out my window I noticed a Downy Woodpecker glide toward the porch. Carefully approaching to get a better look at what was going on, I observed the normally shy guy jabbing his beak into the cracks of our stonework. I have no idea what he was doing. My best guess is collecting bugs that had been trapped by spiderwebs in those crevices during the summer. But why, when there were three feeders, suet, and a cylinder made completely of nuts, fruit, and seeds, a literal bird buffet right there, was he hanging out where he didn’t belong? It still remains a mystery.

As I continued to watch this snow drenched, black and white bird and his unusual behavior a thought came to mind (as the Holy Spirit often likes to send me) we too, can exhibit similar actions. How often do we perch in life’s “cracks” instead of partaking of the abundance God provides for us?

I don’t know about you, but when I find myself weather-worn from the storms that come my way, I cling to the comfortable patterns of pecking away at worry, fear, anxiety, and all those things that I find trapped in my mind. So why, when I know the Bible tells us over and over that’s not where we belong, do I settle for less when something so much better, the best really, is right there waiting for me? Believe me, it remains a mystery that I hope to solve sooner rather than later.

As I ponder this, my thoughts have turned to the Samaritan woman at the well. (John 4:1-26) Remember? She was living a life not doing as she should either and Jesus comes to her and offers her something better.

“Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.’” John 4:10 (NLT)

“If you only knew.” As I mentioned above, I DO know., so why do I often find myself stuck dangling in my meager attempts to satisfy my own needs? I forget Jesus’ next words, maybe you do too: if you would ask Me, I would give.

God, through Jesus, has spread out before us an array for our taking. Love, comfort, wisdom, strength, peace, guidance, forgiveness, and so much more, a literal Spiritual smorgasbord awaits when we seek Him.

There’s no doubt that living in the “crevices” is not the pattern I want my life to follow. I’m guessing you don’t want that either. We also can be sure that God’s best is more than anything we could ever imagine or have seen before. Paul puts it like this:

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT)

May this prayer be our prayer as we live life patterned after Christ’s love, seeking the only One who can fill those chasms, freeing us “through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:29 (NLT)

Amen!

So happy to be back joining with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com for the first prompt of 2024. It’s not too late for you to write with us too!

 

Five Minute Friday ~ Rooted

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“It was majestic in beauty, with its spreading boughs, for its roots went down to abundant waters.” Ezekiel 31:7

Rooted

It’s official! I’ve now lived in the mountains of West Virginia for 40 years. 40 years! It was the last week of August in 1982 when I left everything familiar behind to move for my first teaching position. The flight and long, dark drive were all a blur as I sat in a small hotel room that seemed like a movie set from the 1960’s. The reality of it all left me in tears wondering what I’d done, how’d I gotten here, and where on earth was here?

Walking into the adjacent Motel restaurant for breakfast was also like stepping back in time, and it seemed that every eye in the place noticed this newcomer as I nervously sat down in the first booth I could find.“They” say that things will look better in the morning, but daylight for me only seemed to illuminate how very far away from home I really was. 

My apprehension continued as I learned that the county teacher training days had already officially started. Being behind before I’d started was not in my comfort zone. Also finding out I had no place to stay? Well, that about did me in and had me looking for the nearest exit. Thankfully common sense kicked in. Taking a deep breath I attempted to smooth my curls, plastered a smile on my face, and took a seat next to my new boss, but, I’m not sure I heard a single word said that entire day!

To be honest, my immediate plan was just to survive the school year, then pack up and move back home. But something unexpected began to happen.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)

The kindness of so many strangers who were becoming friends sustained me. The love of a special family grounded me. The courage of my students grew me. I became entrenched in the beauty of this place and it’s people.  God had planted me “by the stream.” He chose this exact place, the one where He knew I belonged, in the fertile soil of His plan where I’d quickly become rooted and thrive. And not just for a season or two, but for FORTY years!

The first year teacher in this picture didn’t know much. But, whether in the dark of night or the morning light, it’s this place that’s now most familiar to me and it’s very clear how I got here: I was transplanted by the Divine Gardner who knew that my roots would become more deeply entwined than I could have ever imagined. Most importantly though, I also now know exactly where I am…. I am home!

(That is, until He transplants me again, not for forty years, but for eternity)

Nourish ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Give us today our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11

Nourish

There are few things I love more than homemade bread and it just so happens that one of the many perks of having my Mother-in-Love as a neighbor, is receiving a loaf straight from the oven every week. 

Answering the door, the fresh bread wrapped tightly in a tea towel is graciously placed into my waiting, open hands. I don’t know about you, but that first yeasty, whiff just smells of home to me, and biting into a warm slice? Well, it’s nothing but pure comfort, one that satisfies my hunger, filling the empty feeling I have deep within. What appears to be a simple loaf of bread is actually an unselfish gift her of time, thoughtfulness, ability, and love offered just for me to enjoy.  I don’t ever want to take even a single crumb for granted!

“Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. 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 6:48-51 (NLT)

The world would have us trying to fill up on things that only leave us feeling empty and wanting more, so what better way for Jesus to describe Himself than Bread? After all, He is a fragrant offering leading us to our eternal Home (Eph. 5:2), the One who’s abounding in comfort (2 Corinth.1:5), and who nourishes the deepest longings of our souls. Sound good? Let’s “taste and see!”

Jesus is knocking. Will I, will you, answer with open hands ready to receive the Bread of Life that’s so graciously waiting? He tells us that if we do, we will never be hungry again.(John 6:35) He meets our needs, fills our voids, quiets our cravings. Jesus IS the unselfish Gift of love. His body, the Bread, was broken and offered just for you and me.(Luke 22:19) 

“He replied, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.’ ‘Yes it is, Lord,’ she said. ‘Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table. Then Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, you have great faith!’” Matthew 15:26-28a (NLT)

Let’s not ever take even a single “crumb” for granted.

Hide ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Why are you hiding from us? Don’t forget our suffering and trouble!” Psalm 44:24 (GNT)

Hide

Sleep didn’t come. Looking at the clock, it said 1:30. I looked again, this time 2:00. Then it occurred to me, maybe God was keeping me up so that I could see the lunar eclipse.  I had thought about staying up but had given up on the idea and yet, there I was wide awake. Easing quietly out of bed I put on my fuzzy slippers and thick fleece robe, grabbed my camera, and headed outside with great anticipation. But as I looked up, instead of finding what I was expecting, I only saw clouds that were hiding the moon from my view and was I ever filled with disappointment. Standing in that dark, cold spot alone, I wondered why God had brought me there. 

Not so long ago I was in a cold, dark place, too. Our family had been praying so hard. Our friends were praying. Even people we’d never met were lifting our grandson up in prayer. I’d waited with the anticipation of those prayers being answered, that the doctors would in fact find life within his little intestines. But instead, there I stood, filled with the realization our prayers hadn’t been answered the way we’d hoped. As hard as I tried looking up, I couldn’t see past the devastation to what was ahead and I wondered why God had brought us there. 

“Why are you so far away, O LORD? Why do you hide yourself when we are in trouble?”
Psalm 10:1(GNT)

The Psalms are packed full of lament like this and we know… Life. Is. Too. They say, “seeing is believing.” I don’t know about you, but it’s hard for me to see God’s goodness in the midst of suffering.

“For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 (GNT)

Oh how I wish I could say that living by faith is easy for me. You too? There’s no doubt that trouble is always around and it is easy for me to think in those times that God is not. Here’s the thing I’m pondering though, even when the the moon was out of sight behind the clouds that night, I knew from experience it was still there. Maybe the reason I was wide awake in the wee hours was to help remind me and I hope encourage you, that the same is true of God’s goodness, We don’t have to see it in the moment to believe it’s there because we’ve experienced it time and time again. Even in this difficult journey with our grandson, looking back over the last few months there’s evidence of God’s goodness through it all.  So as I continue to learn (it takes me awhile) to live a life of faith, I’m going to try to keep looking up with anticipation knowing God is right there with me.

“How clearly the sky reveals God’s glory! How plainly it shows what he has done!”
Psalm 19:1 (GNT)

Wander ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Psalm 55:22 (NLT)

Wander

Early this summer our youngest grandson lost most of his small intestine due to an undetected diaphragmatic hernia. As a result, he now receives all his nutrition through a permanent central line which he is hooked up to for 16 hours a day.

Long tubing extends from his chest and stomach to a back pack which contains the life-sustaining liquid and his pump. Can you imagine what it’s like to try and keep up with a one year old who is constantly on the go while carrying the bag and attempting to keep the lines from becoming tangled on his feet and toys? It’s a challenging and honestly, exhausting endeavor.  That is, until today!

For the very first time since his medical emergency, this remarkable little boy, with everything tucked in a little pack behind him, was able to just wander about with no more entanglement and no one constantly following after him. He has a new found freedom to now choose the direction he will go.

You know, as Christians, we can also find ourselves hooked on things that ensnarl and trip us up. When we are connected to anything, even good things, more than we are to our life-sustaining relationship with God, we can suddenly find ourselves at the end of our rope, feeling as if there’s no where left to go.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Hebrews 12:1-2a (NIV)

Trying to keep up in life with all the twists and turns is often challenging for me. You too?  It’s easy to feel weighed down and held back by our weaknesses and worries.  I think you’ll agree, we can feel just plain worn out. Until that is, Jesus!  Jesus, who calls us to come to Him because His burden is light and He provides much needed rest.

Our grandson is truly a walking miracle! His life has forever changed but by God’s grace he’s learning to adapt one step at a time. In some ways it’s much the same for you and me. Through the miracle of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection we can answer Jesus’ call and step into new life with Him, the One who packs up our sins, frees us from their bondage, and teaches us the direction we should go and when we do? That my friends, is where we’ll find we’ve been forever changed, too.

Worthy ~ Day 31 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.” Psalm 150:6

 Worthy

There’s something about going through a dark time, one where at times I couldn’t see what was ahead, that illuminated and helped me find the many reasons I have to offer God praise. As I sit here this afternoon I could type the list of the many big reasons I have to lift my praise and it would be long, but surprisingly it’s been the little things lately that have made me keenly aware of how worthy God is of my (our) worship. 

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11(NLT)

Now you know as well as I do that when walking through difficult seasons it can feel as if there’s nothing to be thankful for. Our pain, disappointment, fear, anger, and exhaustion can blind us to seeing His gifts. For me, those were the very times He’d reveal small glimpses of Himself to me. You too? 

A word, a look, a song, a sunset, a giggle, a hug, a butterfly, a leaf against the blue sky, a dandelion from the yard, a little hand in mine. Again, my list is long; but believe it or not, it is this tiny Acorn cap that brought me to my knees. 

Until I zoomed in on this discarded top, I had no idea the beauty it held inside. As I began looking at them more closely, I found the unique, intricate, lacy design etched around each center. Even now it brings me to tears because honestly, who am I? Who am I to deserve such care lavished on me. Who are we?

I’ve often marveled at how each bird that comes to my feeders has its own feathered markings, of the minuscule patterns in the center of flowers blooming in the Spring, or the iridescence of a bothersome fly’s wings; and now, the underside of an Acorn hat that often remains unseen and tossed away by a hungry squirrel. Why? Why did God design things with such artistry and beauty that may just go unnoticed? I’m learning that the answer is love.

“And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” Matthew 6:20 (NLT)

Life is hard. Trouble comes out of nowhere. Our prayers aren’t answered as we hoped. Our way is unclear and in our weakness we fumble…and then…we see Him in ribbons of pink across our sky, a stranger’s smile, little boy eyelashes that flutter in their sleep, or an Acorn that stops you in your tracks. Who am I? Who are you?

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children and that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1a (NLT)

We are loved by the Creator of Heaven and Earth and everything in them. He’s given us breath and calls us His own. Life does surprise us, in big and small ways, good and bad, but through it all I’m reminded that there’s always something deserving of my praise and One worthy of my worship.

“Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to God as long as I live.” Psalm 146:2 (NIV)

Thank you for coming along with me on this writing journey. The Holy Spirit has been generous and given me much to ponder. Each day He provided me with a lesson I needed. I pray that there were offerings for you, too. As always I am so grateful for presence here.

Morning ~ Day 29 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)

Morning

Morning person? Nope, nada, never…well, that is until recently. While staying a few days at a cottage on the lake I found myself awake early enough that it was still dark outside. I’d flip and flop and remind myself that it was too early for ME to get up, and yet, I wasn’t the least bit sleepy so I gave in and threw off the covers. What I learned was, climbing out of my comfortable and letting go of who I thought I was had its rewards. Each morning I was witness to the rising sun and the beauty it brought with it. 

Someone other than a fisherman? No way! Well, at least until Jesus called them. They were at the lake too but there was no flip-flopping involved when Jesus invited them to follow Him. Without hesitation, the men stepped out of their comfortable, didn’t give a thought to who they thought they were, and allowed Jesus to show them who they could be.

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. The were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)

And oh yes, while often difficult, leaving the security of what the brothers knew behind had great rewards. They were witness to the risen Son! Jesus has called me to come alongside Him too. I wish I could say that I always react like the disciples leaving my comfort zone without a second thought; but there have been times that have made me want to hide under the covers instead. Think of what I missed. Been there?

Now as I ponder on it, lingering in the pink glow of dawn was a wake-up call I think. A reminder that as 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, God hasn’t given us a fearful Spirit but one full of power, love, and self-discipline. (My, that last one can be hard) We are not to “sleep” our days away in the contentment of being who WE think we are and miss the Son, instead we need to:

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
Ephesians 5:14b-16 (NIV) 5:17 (NLT)

Morning person? Sometimes. Wrapped up in who I think I am? Giving that up and trying to uncover who Jesus sees in me. The reward? Like none other. Walking alongside Jesus morning, noon, and night, being a witness of and witnessing about, the beauty of His eternal Light risen for you and me.

Gifts of October ~ Day 27 ~ Share Four Somethings

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Gifts of October

As October draws to a close, I’m so grateful for the many gifts these days of fall have given me. They have been colored with orange, red, and yellow and they’ve been full of joy (sometimes in the midst of pain), fellowship, and so much more! Join me as I look back over these “Gifts of October”.

Something Loved

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

October has presented me with so many reasons to celebrate. It’s been a month of homecoming, reuniting, healing, giving, and oh, so much love! The first few weeks of being home after caring for my grandsons for three months were quite the rollercoaster of emotions. Knowing that the boys are now with their little brother, mom, and dad has given me such a sense of peace though. Sutton is doing so well and I’m loving that they are a family of 5 as they should be.  I will admit it hasn’t taken me too long to enjoy slowly drinking my coffee in the quiet of the morning again either.

There’s no doubt that my friends sustained me through my months away, so there was much rejoicing when we joined back together. Whether with my friend and hairdresser getting caught up and my gray covered, being treated to coffee and conversation in a quiet corner, or sitting around the table together sharing food and lots of laughter, I loved every moment of being with those who mean so much to me and who I can never express my gratitude to!

We’ve been so overwhelmed by the generosity of others these past months and October was no different. The offering of prayers, donations, support, and encouragement is something we can never repay, only hope to pay forward. October brought such a special surprise when we learned that a church in our community planned to donate the profits from their annual Fall Pot Pie Dinner to Sutton’s medical bills. You better believe we were some of the first in line to sample the delicious fare and I loved every bite AND those who gave of themselves to prepare it!

Something Read

“Never stop praying.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)

Right before I left to return home, a very special lady gifted me with the book, “Every Moment Holy.” She confided to me that it has gotten her through many life experiences and I can see why. The sacred rhythm of the liturgies sing to my soul. There are prayers for many different occasions and serve to draw us close to God in all situations. They remind me that He is present in every moment of my life, good and bad.  This book will not be put away on a shelf but at hand’s reach to read right when I need it.

Something Treasured

“He leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:2b (NIV)

We went back and forth, you know listed the pros and cons, to decide if after my being away from home for so long and his traveling back and forth every weekend to see me, we really wanted to pack our bags and leave again. As it turns out we did and was it ever a gift! We took along the bare necessities and headed to a cozy cottage right on the lake and we didn’t leave there for most of a week. It was exactly what we both needed to refresh and for our souls to be renewed. The view was unbeatable, our days all our own, and we delighted in each other’s company. It was a true respite from the real world (almost anyway) and I treasure the time we spent together there. (P.S. we hope to go back next year!)

Something Ahead

“And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 (NLT)

As far as things on the calendar there’s not much there, but November brings Thanksgiving and I don’t just mean the one day holiday, I mean the attitude of giving thanks. For the past few years I’ve done a Gratitude Challenge naming something I’m thankful for each day. I’m especially looking anxiously ahead to it this year because my goodness, despite all the challenges I have so very much to be thankful for!

Well, there you go. Another month just about gone. Honestly, and I know I say this every time, but I don’t know where the days go! They just fly by. How about you? If you named YOUR “Four Somethings” what would they be? You don’t have to share them but I’d love it if you would! Just drop them in the comments. Now, I can’t wait to see what November “Somethings” come my way!

Think ~ Day 25 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NIV)

Think

Just when you think things are settling down and beginning to get back to normal, you blink. Suddenly you find yourself feeling as if you’re teetering on the edge of a cliff, afraid of falling and being swallowed up by the valley below. I blinked.

My wise husband shared that maybe a life of trouble IS normal. Not what we like to hear, but 60+ years tell me that it’s true. Maybe you’re standing beside me staring into the abyss too. If you are, let’s join hearts and cling (literally) to these words, the Word:

“The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.”
Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (NIV)

And just when you think there’s no hope:

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)

And in a blink of an eye…Jesus.  

 

Always ~ Day 24 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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“And do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

 Always

Sometimes it seems I’m wearing a magnifying glass around my neck. Not really mind you, but I’ve always been in tune to the smallest details.  I tend to notice what others seemingly miss. Maybe it comes from being a perfectionist and a lifetime of always checking myself to be sure every little thing is right. I don’t know. But what I do know is, it comes alive when I’m looking through my camera lens.

Some of my favorite shots I’ve captured are of the tiny, intricate patterns on a flower petal, grains of sand on a seashell, or a raindrop hanging from a leaf. Recently though, something else hidden in the ordinary has begun to catch my eye: “God’s love messages.” Have you seen them? Hearts in unexpected places. Each time I’ve discovered one it’s reminded me that evidence of God’s love is everywhere!

Finding hearts isn’t the only way He shares love. He uses us, We are to be “God’s love messengers.” Have you been one? Am I? We may be the only affirmation of His love someone receives. 

“Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. 1 John 4:12-13 (NLT)

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34-35 (NLT)

Sometimes it’s the smallest thing that makes the biggest impact. A smile at just the right time, a little extra in the tip, offering a prayer, cooking a meal, the list can go on and on.There’s no perfect way that we must deliver love, just that we do; and we don’t want to miss the opportunity to bring it to life in the ordinary, sharing the message that God’s love is offered to everyone, everywhere, for always!

“But love will last forever!” 1 Corinthians 13:8b (NLT)