Monthly Archives: November 2018

Burden ~ Five Minute Friday

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It’s that time again! Another prompt from http://www.fiveminutefriday.com Today’s prompt is “Burden”.  I’m not sure but I think a visit with a beautiful donkey named Liza Jane set me on the path to today’s post.  Of course, it took me more than five minutes which is par for the course. If you’d like to read more about our burdens, just click on over.  You won’t be disappointed.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV) / Pixabay

Burdens are Lifted

There once was a little donkey
Who’s burden was the weight,
Of one: young, pregnant, and weary
Looking for rest for it was late.

With each step he did carry
The girl into the night.
When finally, a stable
Up ahead came into sight.

The donkey’s burden was lifted
As she slid down from her place.
Little did the donkey know
He would gaze at the Savior’s face.

There once was a little donkey
Who’s burden was a man.
Destined for this journey
Because it was God’s plan.

With each step he did carry
The man who they called King;
The people laid their cloaks down
And with praise they did sing.

The donkey’s burden was lifted
As the man slid from His place.
Little did the donkey know
He would witness God’s loving grace.

We’re like those little donkeys
With burdens, we must bear.
Step by step we travel
Beneath a load of care.

Laden, tired, weary, and worn
We struggle on our own.
Why is it that we always forget
We’re not in this alone?

Yes, our burdens they were lifted,
As Jesus left His place on high.
They were nailed with Him onto the cross
Where He died for you and I.

A baby, a man, a Savior
Once on a little donkey did ride.
His yoke is easy. His burden light.
And in His rest, we can truly abide.

 

 

What Do You Have on Repeat? ~ Five Minute Friday

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It’s Five Minute Friday! Today’s prompt is “repeat”. Want to know what others have been inspired to write about the prompt? Head on over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com And here’s a novel idea I’m actually going to try and stick to the five minute limit!  Haha!  We’ll see how that goes!

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NASB)

What Do You Have on Repeat?

Music reaches me like nothing else.  There are times that a message in a song brings God’s word to life and touches me so deeply that I set my iPod on repeat so I can listen to it again and again until the words saturate my parched soul and fill the cracks in my broken heart. Words like ” You give me everything”, “Fear is a liar”, “Come to the table”, and “You wash me in mercy, I am clean” are just a few of my favorites I’m replaying right now.

The problem is that these uplifting words are not the only thing repeating over and over in my head.  Competing with those inspiring lines for my attention is that voice.  You know the one: it points out all my mistakes, weaknesses, and insecurities. And, it doesn’t just mention them once or twice, but repeats them again and again and again.  The worst part?**  I listen. And all too soon my soul becomes thirsty and my heart needs repair once more.  Maybe you know this struggle, too.

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (NASB)

I don’t know about you, but changing the tune on my iPod is a lot easier than changing it in my head! I’m not able to do it on my own; believe me I’ve tried!  What if we began to measure what we’re listening to by the standards above? If that voice is repeating lines that are not pure, lovely, and worthy of praise then it’s time we hit stop and play a new song. Not just any old song but let’s dwell in one with words like “Amazing grace how sweet the sound”, “I know Who holds tomorrow”, and “Jesus loves me this I know”( just a few more of my favorites). I’m hitting the repeat button right now!

Close ~ Day 31 ~ 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

Time to Close

Well, here we are: October’s gone and it’s time to end this year’s 31 Days of Free Writes.  I’m disappointed that I didn’t reach my goal of writing for all 31 prompts. Life got busy but there’s always next year! Anyway, decided to close with my “Four Somethings” for October:

Something Loved

October was full of family and I LOVE when we can spend time together!  Traveled to Washington D.C. for a girl’s weekend. My niece was the perfect tour guide and I didn’t have to worry about a thing (except crossing the streets…those D.C. drivers are something!) My mom then came for a visit.  She left the north but experienced her first snow of the year here in the south! We had a wonderful time! Living apart is hard so spending time together is something I cherish and as a bonus I was able to have extra time with my sisters as we met to “hand mom off” to one another.  Ended the month with a little time out and about with my husband as we explored the beauty close to home.  Overall, it was a fun-filled, love-filled, busy month!

Something Said

Trick or Treaters are a joy to me!  I enjoy seeing the costumes but I especially like to watch the process in which the children decide which treats they want.  Some are very specific and some just grab and go. This year a small group of ghosts and goblins approached my porch and I heard, “I told you Miss Cindy lived here!” The next thing I know I was being hugged by a cute monster who said, “Miss Cindy, I’ve missed you!” Talk about a melted heart!  This ole retired teacher couldn’t have gotten a better treat!

Something Learned

Being  in Washington D.C. was eye opening for this country gal!  Fast paced city life is out of my comfort zone but I really enjoyed experiencing it through the eyes of one who lives and loves it! The sights, sounds, and tastes were new and exciting (for a few days)! While there, I learned the art of using an Uber! Yes, had my first Uber ride and I must say the whole process is quite amazing! Some drivers chit chat.  Some yell at other drivers. Some offer you bottled water. Some vehicles smell lovely and others not so much.  My favorite ride was with a gentleman who had a beautiful, large vehicle. Upon arrival, he got out, opened the doors, and helped us in! It felt quite special traveling like that!  Not sure I could handle Uber on my own yet,  but I’m glad to say it’s something I’ve done!

Something Read

“Freedom is not Free.” I read these powerful words at the Korean War Memorial. They literally stopped me in my tracks.  Yes, I’ve read them before but never while standing in the midst of those who’ve paid the price for my freedom.  While touring the memorials, many Veterans of the wars were standing alongside me.  I could hear some of them telling their family members stories the statues evoked.  Some shared memories with others who’d served with them. Some stood in silence.  And there were tears.  Including mine.  It’s way too easy to take our freedoms in this country for granted.  We even sometimes abuse them!  It was a wake up call for me and I hope this will be for you! We owe a great debt to those men and women who are sacrificing and have sacrificed so much, sometimes everything, to protect our right to freely do, believe, and say whatever we want because Freedom. Is. Not. Free.

 

I love this idea of “Four Somethings”! If you enjoy it too, you can read more at  http://www.heathergerwing.com I encourage you to think about what YOU have loved, heard, learned, and read this month that has touched you in a meaningful way.  Feel free to share here in the comments.  I’d love to hear them!