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Equip ~ Day 30 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” Psalm 145:4

 Equip

As I begin to write today I’m not sure where this will go but it’s something I’ve been pondering  for a while now. It begins with one of the most emotionally challenging things I’ve ever done in life, and that is to prepare my four and six year old grandsons for their first visit with their little brother who was in the hospital with a traumatic health emergency. My heart ached so for them because their little hearts and minds were so full of worry and fear. There’s no doubt that their imaginations had created something far worse than it would be, because they just didn’t understand. This experience has lead me to ask, “How do we equip our children and grandchildren to thrive in this world where bad things happen?”

“Point your kids in the right direction-when they’re old they won’t be lost.” Proverbs 22:6 (MSG)

There’s a story in Luke where young Jesus’ parents think he’s lost and can’t find him. Once they do and are back home it says He grew in wisdom. Where had they found Him? The Temple, His (our) Father’s house. I don’t know about you, but I don’t always understand or feel as wise as I’d like and yet, eyes of all ages are always watching us and I believe our examples speak much louder than our words. So, how can we direct the tiny (or not so small) souls around us in the way to go? I’m learning we must first equip ourselves!

If Jesus knew how important time with His Father was to gain wisdom, how much more important is it for us to do the same? Spending time with God through His Word, in prayer, with worship is I believe, vital in preparing us to “point” others in the right direction. And then, you and I must live it for all to see! Did you know that it only took ONE generation of people in the Old Testament to become unaware who God was and what He’d done? Why? Those around them failed to show them, leaving them lost. I want to do better.

So, what can we do differently? We pray for and with them, discuss Scripture, listen to their questions working together to find answers, and willingly share our own challenges, victories, and how God has worked through them in our lives, reassuring them He will in theirs too.

As we prepared for our hospital visit I asked the boys if they’d like to say a prayer themselves rather than me doing it as we had been. So sweetly, each one offered their thoughts to God. That moment was one of the most emotionally uplifting things I’ve ever done in life. I pray it’s just the beginning.

“But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9 (NLT) 

Just ~ Five Minute Friday/#Write28Days

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Just When You Least Expect It


 

“If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously.  If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them.  Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Romans 12:7-11(NIV) 

This is the scripture I used to describe my boss, my mentor, and my friend: Ken Price as I spoke at his funeral, fourteen years ago this week.

As a young teacher looking for a job, I’d about given up hope.  School had started in most districts and there I was still without a classroom. But then, just when I least expected it, my phone rang and Ken was on the other end offering me a job in West Virginia.  I immediately said yes! He drastically changed my life that day.  Not only did he give me the start to a career I loved which lasted 32 years;  he also had a hand in changing this city girl into a country girl and  introducing me to my husband. Ken pushed me to leave my comfort zone, think outside the box, and he continuously challenged me to be a better teacher and person. Somewhere in the process he became a treasured friend, both to me and my family.

The crowded gymnasium was alive with energy. Our daughter was in the middle of cheering the basketball team on to victory and we were joining in, shouting at the top of our lungs. Then in the midst of the excitement, just when I least expected it, news came that Ken, our Ken, had suddenly passed away. In that moment, I felt as if the basketball had hit me and knocked the air from my lungs. The cheering continued but I couldn’t hear a thing. Making my way out of the gym, I didn’t want it to be true. It was.  I prayed it was a mistake.  It wasn’t. And once again, my life changed that day.

As I stood on the stage in that same gymnasium a few days later, the crowd was quiet this time. Speaking from my heart, I shared how Ken had allowed me to be me without judgement. That he compelled me to expect more out of myself without condemning and how he shared his wisdom without reservation.

The truth is, my life would have been profoundly different had it not been for Ken Price. He possessed many of the Spiritual Gifts listed above and his spirit was a gift to me. Oh, how I wish I would have told him so when I had the chance. The anniversary of his death reminds me how very important it is to always let those who mean so much to us, know! Not just on holidays. Not someday. Not even tomorrow.

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” 
Proverbs 21:1(NIV)

Let me ask you: is there someone you’re thinking of as you read this? Please don’t wait! Tell them now; because you and I know that just when you least expect it, life changes and the chance is gone. So make the call, send the text, FaceTime, or wrap them in your arms. You won’t be sorry! And who knows? Maybe you’ll change a life, just like Ken did mine!

Share ~ Day 5 ~ 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  

Love is Meant to be Shared

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34 (NLT)/ Pixabay

Cleaning out my classroom after teaching for 32 years was no easy feat! That’s a long time of saving, creating, collecting, and reusing! It took many short trips to the dumpster and one LONG trip down memory lane!

Deep in the corners of drawers, cupboards, and shelves I found trinkets, artwork, photos, rocks, dried flowers, even petrified candy children had shared with me throughout my career.  Precious things that this teacher just couldn’t throw away! In amongst those treasures were also a variety of love notes from my students.  Some scribbled on scraps of paper, the backs of old spelling tests, and others drawn with crayons or markers, filling the paper with colorful images. Many letters had no name on them to identify the writer, just the words “I love you” in a child’s print of long ago. These presents brought me joy when they were first given and continued to give again these many years later. Continue reading →

Share Four Somethings

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I’m excited to be trying something new today.  As I scrolled through my Twitter feed, I happened upon #ShareFourSomethings at http://www.heathergerwing.com The idea is to share the four somethings: something loved, something said, something learned, and something read you’ve experienced within the past month.  I don’t know about you but June flew by for me.  The calendar page was full of appointments, meetings, special events, trips, you name it; but within the busyness were some very special “somethings” that I’ll always hold dear. So, here we go….

SOMETHING LOVED

 

June brought a double celebration of love! Two birthday parties in one day!  Not a feat for the timid! Our morning celebration, in honor of grandson, Owen’s first birthday was a delicious breakfast buffet that included Cinnamon Roll Cake no less!  How can he possibly be one already?  Owen’s smile is infectious, his curls adorable, and he’s the spitting image of his momma!

Later that afternoon we went “Up, Up, and Away” for Carson’s third birthday! Airplanes and toddlers everywhere!  The energy level was higher than this MiMi is used to! I can’t believe I’ve actually been a MiMi for three years!  Carson has changed so much!  He’s learning new things all the time, loves to cook, and looks just like his daddy did at his age!

I thought I knew all about love until these two precious blessings came into my life!  All the sayings about how wonderful being a grandparent is are true!  Carson and Owen are my something loved in June AND all year round, too!

SOMETHING SAID

It’s funny how what we perceive as reality often isn’t.  I love to write and my kids know about “mom’s little blog”, however, I’ve believed that at best, they think I’m silly and at worst I’m wasting time.  That all changed with the most meaningful words said in a belated Mother’s Day Card, one by the way, I’ll treasure forever! Accompanying a journal, these were the words said:

“This journal is for you to write down all your ideas so that everything is in one place and you can write many books and blogs from the ideas. We can’t wait to call our Mom/MiMi a published author because we know you can do it!”

As you might guess, the tears flowed as I hugged that card to my chest.  To know my family believes in me are some of the sweetest words ever said!

SOMETHING LEARNED

The end of June found me atop a mountain at a cabin retreat with some of my closest and dearest friends.  Now, whenever we are all together there’s laughter that rattles the rafters, food that satisfies every tastebud, stories that go on through the night, and gatherings around a campfire.  This trip was no different except…….the wind!  It was so windy that the fire queen couldn’t safely do her thing.  Did that stop us? No!  I learned that though the howling winds may blow, S’mores will be made and that an electric stove comes in pretty handy when there are six women craving roasted marshmallows and chocolate!

SOMETHING READ

As I wrestle with this desire I have to write, I’m trying to soak in as much knowledge as I can from those who ARE writers.  I belong to a writing group called Hope*Writers and I’m going through all the varied trainings they offer.  One of their recommended readings is “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott, so of course I put it right on my Amazon wish list and low and behold it was given to me as an anniversary gift. (After 35 years he’s starting to know me HaHa) As I read it, a myriad of emotions come with each chapter.  I haven’t finished the whole book yet, but this I know from my something read so far……I have A LOT to learn about being a writer!

This was fun! Want to give it a try?  Share Four Somethings of your own in the comments! I can’t wait to read them!  I hope to share with you again in a month! Who knows what wonderments July might bring?

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Share ~ 18/31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

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It’s hard to believe I’m half way through the 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes!  Where has October gone?  If you’d like to read more or join in hop on over to http://www.fiveminutefridays.com

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage our hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV) / Pixabay

Ever done something and the outcome was not what you intended? We can set out with a goal in mind but what’s actually accomplished is the opposite of what we’d planned.  I’m afraid that writing my blog has been one of those times.

I tend to freely share my weaknesses with others.  It’s something I’ve always done and my blog is no different.  I’ve felt compelled to write about my personal challenges in becoming the Christian I hope to be.  In that process however, I’ve caused people who love me and whom I love to be concerned. That’s certainly not the reaction I’d hoped my writing would produce!

We all want those we care about to feel good about themselves and put their best foot forward. While my intent is to be encouraging, in thinking about it, I can understand that posting my struggles for all to see may make it seem that I am presenting myself in a negative light; that I’m hard on myself and I guess I am, but….. I’m OK with that.

Living a Christian life isn’t easy.  It takes vigilance. It takes work. It takes prayer.  It. Takes. Forgiveness. I don’t know about you, but I get discouraged with my progress. And so, I write. Sharing what I’m experiencing and feeling somehow clarifies and solidifies for me the lessons I’m learning.

Here’s the miraculous thing!  Most of the time, when I share the questions I have or the obstacles I face, it prompts others who’ve already been there to share their insights with me! At the same time, someone else shares that what God has inspired me to write about is exactly what they’ve been wrestling with, too!

No, living a Christian life in this world of ours isn’t easy. That’s why we need each other!  We need those who care enough to be concerned, those who teach and encourage, those who look to us for guidance, and most of all, we need the One who shares His love and wisdom with us all.

So, I hope you’ll bear with me as I continue to find my way in this life and share stories of my ups and downs, failures and successes, questions and more questions….  and I pray that somewhere in the midst of my ramblings, God will speak to and encourage your heart as He does mine.