Tag Archives: Writing Prompt

Need ~ Day 1 of 31-Day Writing Challenge

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“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

Day 1: “Need”⁣

We are a generation of stuff, overrun with things we think we need. The proof is on our porches, in outbuildings, our closets, self-storage units, and in my own garage. I used to teach my Second Graders the difference between a want and a need. It’s a lesson I’ve been reminded of in the last few months and one most of us could use a refresher on. Really, we only need the basics for life like food, water, and shelter. All the rest we can get by without. Difficult, challenging times make it clearer than ever that “things” are not what will sustain us. ⁣
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The chorus to the hymn above has run on replay in my mind for weeks now. “I need Thee, oh I need Thee. Every hour I need Thee.” Maybe you’re like me and have found yourself in the midst of an unexpected situation in which you have no control over or the strength to face on your own. That’s when we learn what needs are truly essential: the Bread of Life (John 6:35), the Living Water (John 4:14), and the Shelter of the Most High (Psalm 91:1). ⁣
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“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)⁣
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God, who sees us at our worst and best, strongest and weakest, when we’re rejoicing and grieving, knows what we want, but more importantly, He knows and is able to provide exactly what we need, not just for ourselves, but so we might share with others. God’s abundant blessings of praying friends, supportive communities, encouraging church families, and overwhelming love from others doing “good work” have been what’s helped my family endure these past months. So now it’s my turn to richly give those in need, not stuff, but the abiding, overflowing love we’ve been shown. A love that sustains not just life now, but for eternity. #31Days2021 #writingprompt #fmfparty #1/31

Facelift ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Smile, when you think you can’t. Smile, get up and dance. Smile, there’s a bigger plan. The storm only lasts for a while. So smile!” The Sidewalk Prophets Photo credit to Claire Cottrill Photography

Facelift

Recently, I was invited to an on-line cosmetics party and the hostess asked a question about our biggest skin concern. My immediate response was, “I can only choose one?” But, out of the choices she offered, my answer was “wrinkles.” Spending time in the sun and the passing years show on my face. Some might say I’m in need of a facelift. You know, where they pull your saggy skin back and in the process give you a perpetual smile? No thank you! But the truth is, I do often need another kind of facelift. One that’s not given because of time in the sun, but rather, one that is the result of time with the SON!

“We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us imposters. We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.” 2 Corinthians 6:8-10a (NLT)

Life is hard. You and I know that things don’t always go our way. Friends betray us. Jobs are lost. The world shuts down. Dreams feel out of reach. People die. We could spend all day adding to the list. And when I’m faced with worries, fears, and challenges? My face shows it. It’s not just my skin that sags, but my mouth droops, eyebrows slump, and my demeanor, well it just wilts, taking those around me down with it. You see, unlike the disciples, who, by the way, knew all about how hard life can be, I lose sight of joy. I need a face lift! Been there?

Throughout the Bible the disciples show us what it means to live with joy. Now you might be thinking, “Cindy, no one is happy all the time.” I agree. Joy and happiness though, are two different things. Being happy results from what’s happening around us. Always having joy, comes from the Spirit inside us. I’ll bet you’re like me and can name people in your lives who like the disciples, have experienced tragedy and yet rejoice. They’re the ones who remind us, that in the midst of our biggest concerns, we can still smile by lifting our face to the Son.

“Since you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Think about things of heaven, not things of earth.” Colossians 3:1-2

I continue to learn (yes, it takes me a while) that it’s all about perspective. If I stand too long in front of the mirror (focused on myself), all I see are the wrinkles of life. But a face lifted from the imperfections, heavenward toward Jesus’ perfection, allows us to echo Paul’s words above in 2 Corinthians 6:10, “Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.” Always, my friends! And that’s the uplifting way we want to face life and to share with others. Let me leave you with these words:

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15: 13 (NLT)

Now, if that doesn’t give you a everlasting smile, I don’t know what will!

 

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.

 

 

Observant or Serving

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“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:12 (NLT)

Observant or Serving

Look closely. Notice anything out of place in my peaceful bird feeding world? Yes! An intruder! As I watched out the window, I was amazed at how focused and in tune with all the birds’ movements he was. And all the while, they had no idea danger was near! Clearly, he had only one thing on his mind: to attack and consume one of my unsuspecting bird friends. 

You know, there’s a prowler after us, too. He’s observant.  Our words and actions are familiar to him. Patient, he waits for the opportune time to pounce and disrupt our peace. Unfortunately, we also often fail to recognize his presence. He likes it that way. It makes us easy to prey upon. 

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.” 1 Peter 5:8-9a (NLT)

We’re living in challenging times, exactly the kind a predator enjoys! Now more than ever, we must be extra vigilant and on the look out. Alone, we’re readily vulnerable to his temptings and can be easily consumed, satisfying the enemy’s hunger for more. We must ask God to help us control our words, monitor our minds, think before we act, and to protect those weak spots (I) we each have from being targeted. Luckily, after discovering the trespasser, the bird restaurant didn’t stay open long.  Just as I ran off this unwanted neighborhood cat from his hidden hunting place before he was able to have lunch, we can deter the stalking devil before he devours us. God has given us everything we need for the fight!

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11(NLT)

We spend a lot of our time distracted, watching our phones, TV, other people, our bank accounts, and so much more. Let’s not forget to be alert to the one who lurks in the midst of it all. God has provided a defense so that we can stand firm and be strong in our faith, be a light in the devil’s darkness revealing his hiding places, and victoriously compel him on his way.

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:13-17 (NLT)

May we remain ready for battle, always observant instead of becoming the next “serving” on the enemy’s menu!

Teaming up with http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and #write28days at http://www.anitaojeda.com writing to the prompt “Observant”. Your presence here is a blessing to me. I always pray you leave encouraged. God bless and stay well!

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. 

Waiting for the Sunrise

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“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.” Psalm 130:5-6 (NIV)

Waiting for the Sunrise 

Early bird? Not me! But even so, there are many winter mornings I sit in my chair with my coffee, still waiting for the sunrise. The mountains out my front window keep the sun’s rays at bay until later than most places. And so I wait. I watch. Then, about half way through my second cup, the sun rises over the ridge and I welcome the day with those first bright beams breaking through the gray, early morning and transforming ordinary things into a palette of reflected light.

“As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And pilate issued an order to release it to him. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.”
Matthew 27:57-61 (NLT)

Just a short while ago things were going so well. They thought they knew what the future would hold. But then, everything changed. And now? These followers of Jesus were sad, scared, and didn’t know what to do next. And so, with darkness closing in, there they sat… watching, waiting, and longing for the Light. Sounds very familiar to me, how about you?

Waiting. Not one of my favorite things, especially when waiting in the dark. We all know about that, don’t we? Seasons of life change just like seasons of the year, and we can find ourselves, without warning, in the midst of bleak days where all we can do is watch, wait, and long, too.

“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. ‘Don’t be afraid’ he said. ‘I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.’ ” Matthew 28:1-6 (NLT)

Just a short while ago things weren’t going well. They thought they knew what the future would hold. While the Marys and the world waited in the darkness, the mountain of rock couldn’t hold Him back and The. Son. Did. Rise! And in that moment everything changed for them.

I’m sure you’ll agree that this world can plunge us into unexpected darkness. We’ve been living there for about a year now, haven’t we? Here’s the thing: when we welcome the Light into our days everything changes for us, too.  Our circumstances might not be different, but how we see them will be. The Light shows us the Way. He shows us the Truth. He offers us a life transformed, one where we ourselves become a palette of reflected Light. The wait is over! The light shines in the darkness, not just today, or tomorrow, or for only a season, but my friends, the Son Rise is for evermore.

“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)

Doing double duty with this post and joining http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and  http://www.anitaojeda.com for #write28days both using the prompt “Sunrise”. Lucky you! There’s double the great writing to read. Just click on over and see what the “Sunrise” brings! As always I am more than grateful for your presence here with me in my ponderings. You are a true gift!