Tag Archives: Discover

Day 25/31: Discover

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)

Day 25: Discover #writetogether31days

Feeding people makes me happy and this is my most recent new offering. Cooking and baking are definitely my love language. Because of that, I really enjoy discovering new recipes to prepare and share. There are certain things I look for though, for example, number of ingredients. The more one requires, the less likely I am to try it. Plus, those ingredients must also be things I have on hand or at least am familiar with. Simple directions are also a must. No complicated, many steps, takes a long time dish for me. When all these things come together, I know it’s a recipe worth keeping.

You’d think that if I use these things to find the perfect recipe, I’d do the same when seeking Perfect Jesus. The truth is however, that I often do the exact opposite. There are times when I believe that the “ingredients” that go into making me, me, just aren’t sufficient, that more are required. Plus, they’re too bland, not unusual or stand out as they should. The voice inside my head, I’m guessing you might know the one I mean, tells my heart I’m not smart enough, kind enough, generous enough, good enough, or any other “enough.”

Sometimes I think I must follow a complex set of steps like: praying the “right way,” reading my Bible more, taking on more responsibility at church, you get the picture. Creating a long list of to-do’s equals busyness which in my little mind will make me more pleasing to Him.

“Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:39-42 (NLT)

Gosh, I need this reminder.  I wonder if you might too. Feeding people is what Jesus is all about. So, He’s telling Martha, and us, that less is more. Worrying about too many details keeps us from creating and enjoying something special with Him.

Few, familiar, simple. Those are what I look for when searching for and keeping recipes. When we find ourselves at Jesus’ feet like Mary was, we discover it is the same: few concerns (One really), a familiarity to savor, and love given simply and lavishly. This recipe for Life is always and forever worth seeking, keeping, and sharing!

The Other Side ~ Five Minute Friday

It’s time for me to bring my Five Minute Friday writing and my poem a day goal together again.  This week’s prompt is “other”. Think of all the possibilities!  To read the ideas of “others” on this prompt click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 (NLT) / Pixabay

The Other Side

When you’re talking over coffee and the words become hotter than what’s in the cup:

Listen to the other side.

When you’re hurt because a friend who’s always been there seems to have forgotten you:

Remember there’s always the other side.

When you’re blinded by all the bad being shared everywhere you look:

Discover the good in the other side.

When someone is lost in the dark and too afraid to go on:

Shine the light to the other side.

In a world where so many don’t know their way and are clinging to the edge:

Be the bridge to the other side.

When you feel that to listen, remember, discover, shine, and be,  are just too much to bear, don’t grow weary. You’re never alone:

Jesus is on the other side!

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Discover ~ 20/31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

Linking up today on http://www.fiveminutefridays.com

The prompt for 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes/Five Minute Friday is “discover”. I’m looking forward to seeing where that leads!

Time starts now!

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.”Psalm 23:1-2 (NIV) The Big Muskie Bucket

I used to be a “take the shortest, quickest route to get me there” kinda gal.  Life was busy.  My schedule full.  I didn’t want to meander my moments away. Funny how time changes things!  Now, you’ll find me on a quest to discover every two-lane back road to travel on, not worried about the minutes or miles it adds to the trip.

To visit my family in Michigan, we’ve driven on the highways through Ohio many times, but not long ago, my husband and I decided to take a jaunt on the country roads instead.  Was it a slower trip? Yes!  Take longer? Yep! Did we enjoy every minute? Most definitely!  On that relaxed journey we delighted in the fall countryside, the pristine farmland, and quaint small towns. We also discovered two extremes:  the smallest church in Ohio and the Big Muskie Bucket!  To this day, that leisurely , scenic drive is one of our fondest memories!

My grandparents always told me that the older you get, the faster time goes by. They weren’t kidding!  Life still get busy and my schedule full, but I’m learning to slow down in the midst of it all to discover and savor the gifts God is presenting me in those moments!  Maybe it’s as simple as the smile of a stranger, light reflecting on the dew, a leaf twirling on the breeze, or as precious as a grandchild’s touch: things we easily miss when we focus on our shortest, quickest route to take us from one day to the next. We can’t go back but I wish I’d realized sooner that discovering the little things tucked inside the big things are much more important than the tasks on my to-do list.  So now, big or small, I’m anxious to discover all God has in store for this “take it slower, enjoy the scenery, soak in the moments” kinda gal!