Tag Archives: #fmfparty

Broken Eggs ~ Five Minute Friday

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Broken Eggs

If you’ve been around small children much you know they can create a lot of noise! You also know that it’s when they’re quiet, you need to worry most. I found this out many years ago while folding laundry when I suddenly realized I no longer heard my young son playing as I had earlier. My motherly radar on high alert, I went to investigate.

The refrigerator door wide open, there he was, his bare little toes wiggling in a large, slimy puddle of shattered, empty eggshells and all they’d once contained. Looking up at me with large innocent eyes, in his sweetest voice, he said, “I just wanted to see what would happen. Will you help me put them back together?”

Well, we all know how that went don’t we? While tiny hands picked up some of the broken pieces of irreparable shell, they couldn’t remedy the oozy, gooey, mess left behind. A challenging job even for mommy hands!

Isn’t that just like us? We open a door we shouldn’t. Let our curiosity direct our actions. Find ourselves keeping quiet so no one discovers what we’ve thought or done. Sometimes we “just want to see what happens.”  And before we know it? The consequences of what we did lay at our feet. Fractured relationships, broken trust, empty dreams, results we didn’t expect or plan for. There WE are, standing in the midst of a mess we can’t clean up.

Little boy tears fell with the realization that the broken eggs couldn’t ever be made whole again. I don’t know about you, but all these years later, I can find myself in the very same place. As I attempt to pick up the pieces, my grief, fear, regret, or a multitude of other feelings overflow down my cheeks. It’s then I recognize, that fixing what I’ve broken is out of my “child-like” hands. Been there? I’m learning that’s the very moment we need to place it all, as slimy, oozy, gooey, and shattered as it is, into The Father’s hands.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

We all know cracked eggs cannot be put back together and unfortunately all we’ve intentionally or unintentionally let “fall and break” may not be mended either. But, amazingly when we look up and ask for God’s help to fix what’s broken, ultimately, it is  you and I who are lovingly restored.

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.”
 Romans 5:8-11 (NLT)

There is so much that is broken in our world, but I don’t want to ever forget how broken I am and the amazing gift God has given me in making me whole through Jesus on the cross and out of the grave!  I hope you find some encouragement here this week as I’ve written with the others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to the prompt “Broken”. I thank you for your presence here and am blessed by you more than you know! 

 

Permission Slip

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“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4 (NLT)

Permission Slip

Every year about this time, anticipation began to build in my Second Grade classroom. The children knew that Spring meant our annual field trip. Field trips were not one of my favorite parts of teaching. Preparation, organization, coordination, navigation, communication, attention. All that work didn’t mean anything though, without one more important “tion”: documentation.

The day permission slips for the trip were passed out was full of excitement! Chatter filled the air and wiggly bodies filled the chairs. Each year on that day, I’d say the same thing. “These need to be taken home, signed, and brought back as soon as possible. You cannot make the trip if you wait too long.”

As you might guess knowing the nature of kids, some students brought their signed forms back the very next day and didn’t need to worry again about making it to our destination. Others needed a little reminder of where we were going and how wonderful it would be, to get them to return their slips. A few just weren’t sure they even wanted to go. They didn’t quite trust that it would turn out the way I told them it would and required some extra support. And then there were always one or two children who had lots of excuses why they hadn’t done what they needed to do to go on the journey with us. You’ve probably heard it before: they were too busy, they forgot, their friends told them not to go, or they’d been careless and lost their permission slip.

In a blink of an eye, the day before the trip would arrive and the afternoon would find us cleaning out backpacks to make them lighter to carry. The conversation would center around all we’d hope to see and do. There’d be questions. I’d offer reassurance. Anticipation was at an all time high, except that is, for the ones who’d waited too long. For them, the future looked bleak, felt like punishment, and tears usually flowed as they thought about being left behind.

You know? The nature of adults isn’t any different than that of kids. We can see the same patterns of behavior in all areas of life, as I saw in the midst of planning an elementary school field trip; even when it comes to where we’ll go to spend eternity.

Are we prepared? Taken care of all our “tions”? Salvation, justification, sanctification, so that we needn’t worry about our destination and can travel with a lightened load of sin? I hope so!

“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NLT)

Or, do we need a little reminder of how wonderful Heaven will be?

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’ ” Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT)

“And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ ” Luke 23:43 (NLT)

Maybe, we want to commit to the journey but are still just a little unsure and need some support.

“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)

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

Have you been wondering about my students through the years who failed to do what they needed to so they could go on the field trip with their class? Well, the truth is, I never wanted a single child to be left behind so I did what teachers often do, made phone calls, visits, sent reminders, all to be sure that each little one was ready to go on the day of our trip.

“It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52 (NLT)

Maybe as we read this, our hearts cry out because we feel that it’s too late. We’ve been busy, letting others influence our decisions, or haven’t admitted yet that we’re lost.  Now, we only see punishment in our future, like some of my students did. But guess what? Also like them, we too, have someone who doesn’t want anyone left behind! And the Good News? No permission slip is required for this journey! Jesus has that covered. He signed His name in His own blood for each and every one of us, so we can ALL make the trip! So the question is, Are YOU ready? Am I? This is the one place we don’t want to miss!

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promises, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.
1 John 2:1 (NLT)

“Who then will condemn us? No one-for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.” Romans 8:34 (NLT)

Today’s post was written to the prompt “Permission” with my friends at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com I’m looking forward to reading what others have created.  I hope you’ll click over and read some, too! I thank you with all my heart that you have joined me here. Please know that it is a gift I don’t take for granted. As I’ve been writing this afternoon as song has been playing in my head. The chorus goes like this:

“Are you ready for the trumpet?
Are you ready for the call?
Soon the angels will assemble to usher in the Son of God.
Will He find you faithful?
Will He know your name at all?
Every moment brings us closer.
Are you ready for the call?”

 

Redeeming Promises~Five Minute Friday

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“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You; and my soul, which You have redeemed.” Psalm 71:23 (NASB)

Redeeming Promises

Carefully placed between the pages of my Bible, are “heart treasures”: cards, notes, prayers, photos, letters, and such, that I’ve saved over the years. Things so precious, I want to keep them close to refresh my memory of the rich love they hold. One such gem is this “Christmas Coupon Book” given to me years ago by my young daughter. Each coupon page written in her little girl handwriting, was a gift I could redeem whenever I chose to.

As you can see, I was presented with a wide variety of promises. (My favorite is “kill flies”! We lived in an old house at the time, where in the fall, the flies thought they lived there too. It was a job not taken lightly! ) The thing is, by tucking her words away, I failed to benefit from the opportunities so generously offered out of love, to make my life better.

How often do we do the same thing with our actual Bible? God’s Word is a treasure meant to be held close. We know it’s a gift, full of precious words and rich with love for each of us, yet, we frequently tuck it away for going through later, failing to gain from the life it offers.

As a reminder, imagine with me for a moment, a “Christ Coupon Book”, to us, from God, each page written with the palms of Jesus’s hands:

Page 1- “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)

Page 2- “They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. The will kill him, and after three days he will rise.’ ” Mark 9:31 (NIV)

Page 3- “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’ ”
John 8:12 (NLT)

Page 4- “But-When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”
Titus 3:5 (NLT)

Page 5- “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”
Luke 12:24 (NIV)

Page 6- “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you.”
John 15:4-5a (NIV)

The Bible presents us with promises after promises, so generously given, not just to make our lives better, but to offer us eternal life!  The question is, will we chose to benefit from His gift?

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.”
Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)

In this time of Lent as we prepare to make our way to the foot of the cross and the empty tomb,  what if we also seek out the treasure of God’s Word once again, along the way. Let’s challenge ourselves to pull our Bibles off shelves, out of drawers, from under the stack and day by day, refresh our memories of all the “treasures of The Heart” we have received!

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” Psalm 107:2a (NASV)

Writing today along with my friends at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to the prompt, “Redeem”. You can click over to read more thoughts and even join in with us yourself! I want you to remember that I do not take for granted the time you offer me when you stop in. I count it as a gift for sure! 

 

Green With Envy ~ Five Minute Friday

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“What will you give me to turn Him over to you?” They offered him 30 pieces of silver.” Matthew 26:15 (The Voice)

Green With Envy

Egos green with envy,
They plotted out their plan.
To rid themselves completely
Of this popular Man.

Jealously quickly mounted
And hatred grew and grew,
As He stole all the attention
From their privileged few.

Intending to cleverly trap Him
They questioned His every word.
But defeated, they soon departed
Amazed by what they’d heard.

Secretly gathered in the palace
A betrayal had begun.
Those egos green with envy,
Would crucify God’s own Son.

“And so the chief priests and the Pharisees, the teachers and the elders, knew that when Jesus told these stories He was speaking about them. Not believing, they looked for a way to arrest Him-a stealthy way, though. They were afraid to make too bold a move against Him because all the people believed He was a prophet.” Matthew 21:45-46 (The Voice)

“Jesus knew these men were out to trap Him. ‘You hypocrites! Why do you show up here with such a transparent trick? Bring me a coin you would use to pay tax.’ Someone handed Him a denarius. Jesus fingered the coin. ‘Of whom is this a portrait, and who owns this inscription?’ ‘Caesar.’ Well then, render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’ And those who had come hoping to trick Jesus were confounded and amazed. And they left Him and went away.” Matthew 22:18-22 (The Voice)

“And almost as He spoke, the chief priests were getting together with the elders at the home of the high priest, Caiaphas. They schemed and mused about how they could trick Jesus, sneak around and capture Him, and then kill Him.” Matthew 26:3-4 (The Voice)

The prompt at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com today is “Green”. All day I thought I’d be writing about the green daffodil leaves poking through the ground and renewal or refreshing. And all day nothing came. I’d pretty much decided I wouldn’t be writing this week when out of nowhere “Green With Envy” came to my mind along with those self-righteous (can’t we all be) Pharisees and in just a little longer than five minutes I was done. I never know when I begin where I’ll end up. Today is a good example! I just have to hold on and go where the Spirit leads me. Thank you for going along with me!  You’re presence here is always a blessing! 

The Way is Enabled

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“Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” John 10:9 (NLT)

The Way is Enabled

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times, “I don’t like passwords!” Oh, I know they’re necessary to keep our information private and secure, but still. It seems like whenever I’m right in the middle of something, a transaction, purchase, or even trying to add words of encouragement on someone’s blog post, that pop up asking for my password will block my way. Then, I find myself having to go through the steps of getting my book, finding the right one, and entering it in perfectly before I can get where I wanted to go. Anyone else relate?

Recently, I had a day full of worry where my heart raced and my thoughts spun even faster. In the midst of my anxiety I cried out to God. What a comfort to know that there was nothing else I needed to do to get my request right to Him! No password or steps to take necessary.

Think of the Old Testament Priests. They had to get the right clothes, find certain foods, and follow the rules perfectly or their way to God was blocked. Hallelujah, that Jesus, through His sacrifice, has enabled the way for us, far-from-perfect people, to go, without hesitation to God!

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, lies us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)

Maybe passwords are difficult for me because I’m not a technological native but rather a foreigner trying to function in an unfamiliar world. I know it helps to have younger people to guide me in the right direction! It can feel that way living in our day to day world too! Finding ourselves at dead ends and feeling lost is all too familiar; but, we’re not alone in it, either.  Jesus tells us that He is the Gate to go through, the Door that will be opened, and the Way to follow.

“Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. you are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” Ephesians 2:18-19 (NLT)

“So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.” John 10:7 (ESV)

“Jesus told him, ‘ I am the way the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’ ” John 14:6 (NLT)

If you’re like me you may not remember your passwords, but here’s the good news: when written on our hearts, Jesus keeps us secure and is the only Word we’ll ever need to enable us to pass from this world into the presence of God. Now that’s worthy of another “Hallelujah!” don’t you think?

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:14 (NLT)

Writing today as part of the http://www.fiveminutefriday.com community and as part of #write28days (even tho I’ve only written 4) with http://www.anitaojeda.com to the prompt “Enable”. Please know that I appreciate you stopping in and reading the things I ponder on. Your presence is a gift to me! God bless.

 

 

Once

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“Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power.” Psalm 60:5 (NLT)

Once

I once took a girls’ day out shopping for granted….
Now, I don’t.

There was once a time I didn’t know that gathering with family would be considered risky…
But now, I do.

I believed the privilege of going to church was guaranteed, once….
Now, I don’t.

Wearing a mask everywhere I went, once seemed impossible….
But, now I do.

Hugging was once the way I greeted my friends….
Now, I don’t.

Once, I had no idea how much I could miss “normal”, everyday life….
But now, I do.

I once assumed that grocery store shelves would always be full….
Now, I don’t.

I couldn’t comprehend how very lonely a holiday could be, once…
But now, I do.

Oh, how easily, I once regularly overlooked the simple joys of life….
Now, I don’t.

Once, I had never prayed for the end of a pandemic….
But now, I do.

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

 

These random thoughts about the last months came as a result of the prompt, “Once”. I’m writing today with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and with #write28days over at http://www.anitaojeda.com so “once” you’re finished here, why don’t you click on over to read others’ offerings. Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day! Remember God Loves You and that I appreciate you taking your time to stop in. 

A Fixed Heart~Five Minute Friday

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“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1 (NIV)

Last year, my sister had to have heart surgery.  A faulty valve was interfering with its blood flow and rhythm to the extent that it would begin to effect her health. As amazing as it still seems, robotics were used to fix my sister’s heart and remarkably, she was able to leave the hospital just a few days later! With rehab and exercise, I’m happy and thankful to say that she was completely released a few months ago and now can go on with her life knowing her heart is as it should be. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a robotic fix to keep our spiritual hearts working as they should?

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives.”
Jeremiah 17:9-10a (NLT) 

I don’t know about you, but what flows from my heart into my mind or across my lips is NOT always what I want God to find there! Sometimes the rhythm keeps time with the cadence of angry thoughts, it can pound with worry and fear, or pulse in other unhealthy ways. If we let it, this world will interfere with the effectiveness of our heart for God. David understood this heartsick feeling as he pleaded:

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”Psalm 51:10 (NLT)

 David knew exactly where to take his broken heart. He cried out to the only One who could bring restoration: God, the Great Physician. Long before robotics, He perfected the Way to fix our faulty heart situation:

“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) emphasis mine

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

No, we aren’t able to repair our hearts on our own. (I know. I’ve tried. How about you?) Amazingly, it takes the flow of Jesus’s blood to fix OUR hearts and release us to live a new life! Of course, we still must do our part to keep our hearts beating for God. With daily exercise in things like faith, forgiveness, kindness, thanksgiving, patience, prayer and most of all, love, we can be assured that one day, our hearts will be just as they should be!

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

 I’m joining the wonderful group at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com today writing to the prompt “fix”. Click on over to read other offerings or to learn more about joining in on the fun! I am humbled and grateful you’ve stopped in to read my ponderings here. You are always a blessing to me! 

 

 

 

 

 

A Fresh Look

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“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)

A Fresh Look

Each figure is now carefully wrapped and packed away.  There was a moment though, that I considered leaving my Nativity Scene out for the year. I love its simple beauty and the sense of peace it brings to the room (and to me). As I lingered with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and the rest, I began to question if with time, the things that make the Nativity special might begin to disappear? Would passing it day in and day out blind me to its significance? Is it possible that the scene that means so much, could become commonplace, simply blending in with the other decorations around it? The decision became clear. I  put it away so that when I open the box next year, I’ll get a fresh look, piece by piece, at the familiar display of God’s love .

As often happens when lingering, I began to wonder. Has Jesus Himself become commonplace in my life, blending in with everything around me?  Because He’s near day in and day out, am I failing to recognize the magnitude of all He’s done and is doing? Is my excitement for being a Christian neatly packed away where others can’t see it, only to come out with the Christmas decorations? I’m not sure I want to answer these questions. How about You?

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)

Something we tend to have in common is how easily we can get so wrapped up in our own lives that we lose sight of our life in Christ. That’s when our “deeds” become tepid at best. Some translations of the above verse say, “–I am about to vomit you out of my mouth.” I think we can all agree that spitting and vomiting are not the reactions we want others, and especially God, to have to us! So, how do we turn up our temperatures?

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:9-11 (NIV)

The simple beauty of the Nativity reminds us of God’s gift of love, but I think by taking a fresh look, we can also use it, piece by piece, to help us display that love to others. May we remember to be like:

Joseph, who was devoted,
Mary, having sincere love,
The Wisemen, honoring another above themselves,
The Shepherds, who served their masters,
The Angel, sharing spiritual fervor and zeal,
All the while, like those in the stable long ago,
keeping our attention on the One at the center of it all,
Jesus.

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NLT)

This post was written to the prompt “Fresh” that was shared at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com Many others have joined in and you can read their offerings by clicking the link! Who knows? You might even get a fresh perspective on things! If you are reading this, I want you to know how much it means to me that you are here and I pray you leave encouraged. 

 

 

 

 

 

Traveling With a Whiny Child

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“This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD our God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

Traveling With a Whiny Child

child:  It must be time! Are we almost there?

Father: No, we’ve a bit further to go.

child: I’m hungry!

Father: I’ll feed you.

child: I’m thirsty!

Father: I’ll give you my water.

child: Where are we going, anyway?

Father: Don’t worry; I’ve got it all under control and know where we’re headed.

child: But, what if I don’t like it when we get there?

Father: I’m taking you to the best place for you.

child: This road is scary! It’s narrow, bumpy and I don’t like the curves! Isn’t there a short cut?

Father: This road is definitely the only Way to get where we’re going. You’ll see.

child: Well, we might get there faster if I was in the driver’s seat!

Father: I think you know what would happen if you try to steer.

child: I’m tired! This trip is too much for me. Maybe you could take my sister or brother?

Father: Sit back and rest. This is your journey. I promise, with Me you will make it.

child: Father, are we there yet? It’s taking much longer than I wanted it to.

Father: My child, we’re right on time.

“Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’ ” John 6:35 (NLT)

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide fo the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

“But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years like a day.” 2 Peter 3:8 (NLT)

Today’s post was written to the prompt “Time” as part of Five Minute Friday.  You can read the work of others on the same topic at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com You’ll be glad you spent the “time”, I promise! Thank you for taking time from your schedule to stop in here.  It means so much to me! Happy New Year and God bless!

 

Beyond Tomorrow~Five Minute Friday

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“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Beyond Tomorrow

As a beginner at photography I’m learning many things; one of the most important being that the lens will only focus on what is directly in front of me, making that which lies beyond, difficult to see. The above picture is a good example. I was looking far off across the street hoping to capture the Christmas Prayer Tree amongst the branches, but as it turns out, the branches in the foreground are about all you can see.

We’re kind of like that, too aren’t we?  Our desire is often to see through today into tomorrow or even further but….ultimately, we can’t see any further than what’s right in front of us in the here and now. Even as one who likes control, I’m certain it’s a good thing we can’t. Just imagine if Mary could have seen the big picture of being baby Jesus’ mother!

“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2: 17-19 (NIV)

What would life have been like for Mary if in that moment she’d been able to see beyond the stable, star, and shepherds? The joys of that night and many others would have surely been blurred by the pain, heartache, and agony to come.

And what about us? We think we desire to know what waits down the road, to “look through the branches and see the tree.” But consider how our lives might have been different had we seen that each day was leading us closer to a pandemic or any of the other challenging things we all face in our lives, for that matter. Would we be able to live each day to the fullest, appreciate the present, or find joy as we waited for the future to come into view? I don’t know about you, but I think catching a glimpse of all that lies beyond today, or even this very moment, would turn me  into a portrait of worry and fear! That’s why I love how The Message shares Jesus’ words of instruction with us about this very thing:

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:34 (The Message) 

Mary had no idea what waited up ahead as she traveled to Jerusalem or when she made her way up the path to Golgotha, but she did know one very important thing. She knew she wasn’t facing the future alone.

“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ ”
Luke 1:28 (NIV)

We my friends, have the very same assurance!

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel which means ‘God with us’.”
Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

Yes, we can only see life as if through my beginner’s lens. What is far off is fuzzy, hard to make out, but we can do our best to zoom in on what is right before us. Only a small portion of the picture is visible to us now and that’s the way it is supposed to be. But someday? Someday, everything will come perfectly into focus so that we can behold the complete picture and finally see beyond tomorrow and on into eternity!

“For now, we can only see a dim and blurry picture of things, as when we stare into polished metal. I realize that everything I know is only part of the big picture. But one day, when Jesus arrives, we will see clearly, face-to-face. In that day, I will fully know just as I have been wholly known by God. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (The Message)

** Seeing beyond tomorrow takes on new meaning as our Five Minute Friday writing group is mourning the loss this week of our great encourager, Joe Siccardi who’s passing no one saw coming. Interactions with Joe always ended with his words, “Keep looking up!” That’s the lesson isn’t it? As long as we’re looking Up we don’t need to worry about what tomorrow holds because we know Who holds it! Please join me in praying for Joe’s family at this most difficult time.

To read more selections about the prompt “Beyond” click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and please know that I never take for granted your being here.  It means more to me than you can know!