Tag Archives: read

Read 16/31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

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I’m continuing with 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes which means I’m writing for five minutes on a prompt each day in October.  I’ve fallen behind a little (flu and traveling) but here I am back at it.  You can follow along or join in at http://www.fiveminutefridays.com

 

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)/pixabay

Time Starts Now….

As a teacher, each year I would read “Charlotte’s Web” to my Second Graders. The wonderful classic would capture their tiny hearts and mine, too.    

What makes the story so enduring?  I think it’s because it is a story of friendship.  Friends are such a vital part of our lives.  Whether you’re a second grader, a retired teacher, or somewhere in-between, our friends help us celebrate, grieve, recover, survive, and laugh.  Oh, do they help us laugh!

I’m blessed to have a “web” of Godly friends.  Women with whom I can be myself.  Women who have seen me at my worst and at my best, yet treat me the same in either situation.  Women who encourage me. Women who pray for me.

Reading about Wilber and Charlotte sharing a friendship to my students was always a joy, but sharing God’s gift of TRUE friendship day to day is better than any story we will ever read!

Time’s Up!

Wise Wednesday 9/28/16

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next-chapter-001

It’s funny how different, members of the same family can be. Growing up, my mom, youngest sister and I loved to read.  My middle sister on the other hand wanted nothing to do with it and often tried to “rescue” us while we were lost in a book.  (Annoy us may be a better way to say it!) And in my own family, my better half, son, and I of course, love to read.  My daughter would rather do almost anything else than pick up a book.  The differences don’t stop there though….when my son and husband find a book they love, they’ll read it over and over until the cover is worn out.  I on the other hand, only want to read a story once……

Uhhhhh……unless of course, it’s the story of my life! Then, I want to immerse myself in those chapters which were set in my comfort zone and had happy endings. I long to linger with those characters who’ve meant so much to me.  I’ve survived all the adventures, challenges, disappointments, and triumphs that have been woven together to create my story. Rereading it is safe.  I like safe!

Then….the page turns. A new chapter awaits. What’s a “play it safe, memory hoarding, stay on the sidewalk, status quo” kinda gal supposed to do?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 

 We know there are volumes of things that can go wrong….cliff hangers, plot twists, surprise endings….and they can make us want to slam the cover shut and demand a rewrite! But, I’m learning (slowly) it’s exactly those things that help develop OUR character and make our story richer.

 A chapter in my book of life came to an end yesterday.  Perhaps one is ending for you as well. It leaves us with a choice. Are we going to reread the pages we know so well or are we going to trust with all our heart, turn the page, and start discovering the paths that await us in our new chapter of life?