Monthly Archives: April 2019

Share Four Somethings ~ April 2019

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Share Four Somethings

There’s just something about April! The first weeks feel as if we are on pins and needles just waiting for those first signs to tell us that Winter is over and Spring is on the way.  April toys with us though, raising our hopes with higher temperatures and sunny days but then dashes them again with the return of cold and snow. Finally….as the month progresses the birdsong becomes a symphony accompanying the daffodils bursting forth and dancing in milder breezes while trees bloom and the mountainsides become covered in more shades of green than anyone thought possible.  April is a good reflection of life isn’t it? Days that can be cold and dark  but are followed by bluer than blue skies and gifts of bloom all around us. What seemed dead escapes the tomb of hibernation and shouts “I’m alive!” And we feel alive, too!

It’s hard for me to believe that April is leaving us already and making way for all that May will bring and yet, here we are on the last day of the month.  That means it’s time for me to “Share Four Somethings” with you once again.  If you enjoy reading mine hop on over to http://www.heathergerwing.com  to read what others are sharing this month.  And as always, I’d love to hear your four somethings if you’re willing to share them with me in the comments. Here’s what the month brought me:

 Something Loved

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27 (NIV)

I have a very special group of retired teacher friends and we try to get together as often as possible. We eat. We laugh. And we usually do a simple craft.  I love everything about our visits! This month we decided to make these cute bunny cups, fill them with Easter candy, and then deliver them to some of the residents at our local nursing home.  We had so much fun making these little treats.  As you can see,  we all use the same supplies but our finished products always turn out totally unique, just like we are! Don’t you just love when that happens?

Something Said

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Everyone’s abuzz about Emily Freeman’s new book, “The Next Right Thing”  and I too, have it in my stack to read; but this month I finished reading her earlier book, “A Million Little Ways”. I actually started it last month, however her words to me, are so profound and inspiring that I had to read a little then stop, letting them sink in, and then read some more. Underlines and highlights of the “million things” Emily said that touched my soul fill the pages of my book. I only wish I now knew a way for them all to saturate my heart and mind so I can fully live them!

Something Learned

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Our nephew recently enlisted in the Army! It was a big step for him. We wanted to send him off to boot camp this month knowing we were all behind him, so we gathered as a family.  And what better way to celebrate than with cupcakes? Now, I’ve been making cupcakes for years and years but this was the first batch I ever frosted using a decorating bag and tip. What took me so long???? I quickly learned that frosting with this technique was so much quicker and easier than frosting them with a knife and it made them just a little fancier looking for such a special occasion!  So we ate together, we shared stories, we prayed over our nephew, and we ate a few cupcakes. It was difficult to say goodbye but we couldn’t be prouder!

I tried a new frosting recipe for these cupcakes.  I learned it was not only tasty but it was also the perfect texture to go into the decorating bag.  Want to try it for yourself?

1 stick of butter, 3 and 3/4 cups powdered sugar, 4 TBLS milk, and 2 tsp. vanilla. Combine all ingredients and beat on medium-high speed until well blended and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.

Something Read

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.’ ” Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)

Advent was a more meaningful journey for me this year because of the devotional, “In the Shadow of the Cross”  by Stephanie K. Adams. Stephanie leads her readers through the last days of Jesus in a personal way.  She offers insights, scriptures, and prayers that helped me see things in the Gospels I’d never noticed before and new ways to apply them to my own life. It made celebrating the Resurrection on Easter morning a richer, deeper experience for me than ever before! It was a perfect read for April!

Well, there you have it: a month wrapped into Four Somethings! I pray you found special somethings in your month too! Wishing you many blessings in May! Cindy

 

His Touch ~ Five Minute Friday

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“One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17 (NLT)/ Pixabay

His Touch

His touch introduced sound to the deaf;
They had speech to understand.

His touch revived a daughter,
By simply holding her small hand.

His touch gave the gift of sight,
To those who could not see.

His touch cleansed the leper’s skin
And set the lame man free.

His touch now scarred by our nails,
The price He had to pay.

His touch that changes everything,
He offers us today.

His touch mends our broken hearts
And forgives us of our sins.

His touch takes us from death to life
His touch: where healing truly begins!

“Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone.  He put his fingers into the man’s ears.  Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue.  Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly!” Mark 7:33,35 (NLT)

“The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying.  Holding her hand, he said to her, ‘Talitha koum’ which means ‘Little girl, get up!’ And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed.” Mark 5:40-42 (NLT)

“Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes.  He told him, ‘Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam’. So the man went and washed and came back seeing! John 9:6-7 (NLT)

“Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him.  ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.’ Jesus reached out and touched him.  ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be healed!’ And instantly the leprosy disappeared.” Matthew 8:2-3 (NLT)

“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)

On this last Friday of April, I’m joining once again with the wonderful writing community at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com  

Today’s prompt is “Touch”. I’ve already read some of the posts and you won’t want to miss them! Just click on over and enjoy! It’s also the end of Poetry Month so of course I had to try and write my offering today in rhyme.(Definitely took me longer than five minutes) I hope you can feel the touch of Jesus in the words I’ve shared. And just a reminder, you’ll never know how “touched” I am that you take time out of your busy lives to join me here. God Bless You!

Next ~ Five Minute Friday

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What Happens Next?
An Easter Poem
Based on Matthew 21:1-11, 26:1-28:10, John 19:30

 

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – but anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” Romans 6:5-7 (NIV) / Pixabay

Upon the back of a donkey, Jesus rode slowly by,
Beneath waving palm branches being lifted high.
He was exalted as a King, by the growing crowd,
A chorus of Hallelujahs were joyfully offered aloud.

Envious of all the praise and cheers
The Chief Priests plotted to ease their fears.
They had a plan to be rid of the One
The people believed to be God’s son.

Oh no! What happens next?

Thirty pieces of silver was all that they would pay
For a kiss upon the One, Judas would betray.
They came into the garden, arresting Jesus that very night,
The disciples were afraid and ran, hiding out of sight.

False charges were made; they spit in His face,
The sent Him to Pilot to finish the case.
“Are you King of the Jews?” he wanted to know.
Jesus answered simply, “YOU have said so.”

Don’t stop! What happens next?

Pilot said, “He’s committed no crime I can see.”
But the crowd still chose Barabbas to be set free.
Pilot washed his hands not knowing what else to do,
“This innocent man’s blood is not on me, it’s on you!”

Dressed in a robe and a crown of thorns forced on His head,
They beat Him and beat Him, then laughed as He bled.
Step by agonizing step, they dragged Him up the hill,
Jesus knew this was all a part of His Father’s perfect will.

I can’t stand it!  What happens next?

They pierced Jesus’ hands and feet, with every powerful blow,
His cross was lifted between two thieves, as the guards gambled below.
From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness filled the sky,
Then, “It is finished.” Jesus said, as He prepared to die.

Jesus gave His spirit up and the earth began to shake,
Mary and Mary fell to their knees as their hearts began to break.
Joseph wrapped Jesus in linen and laid Him in his tomb,
Then rolled a stone to close it, as His followers were filled with gloom.

Wait! That can’t be the end! What happens next?

Returning to find an empty tomb, the women were distraught!
Someone had stolen His body, at least that’s what they thought.
An angel appeared and told them, He had risen and wasn’t there,
They ran joyfully to tell the others, the news they had to share!

This wasn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of saving grace!
Through His life, His death, and resurrection, Jesus did our sins erase.
What happens next? It’s up to you, just like it was for me:
I’m praying though, you’ll accept God’s gift, and live eternally!

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” 1 John 5:11 (NIV)

I’ve written this poem to join in with the writing community at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com The prompt was “Next”.  In addition to writing to the prompt I also am writing poems as part of National Poetry Month.  These words came together in such a way that I know God was guiding them.  I pray they touch you as they have reminded me of all Jesus went through because of my sins!   It’s because of God’s great love for us that we can wait expectantly on this Good Friday knowing that Sunday is Coming!!! Hallelujah! Happy Easter!

 

Lack ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1 (NIV) / Pixabay

What Do I Lack?

I don’t lack in clothing.
My cupboards are filled with food.
I don’t need more gadgets.
But, what about more gratitude?

I don’t lack the space
For nice, comfortable living.
Friends and family abound.
But, do I abound in thanksgiving?

I don’t lack in opportunity
For making the most of my days.
Time is mine to offer.
But, do I offer praise?

No, I don’t lack in life’s blessings
Neither contentment nor in love.
What I DO lack is always remembering
To thank God above!

Easter is a reminder that,
My many blessings cannot compare,
To the gift of Jesus upon the cross
With all my sins to bear.

The price he paid for each of us
Is one we can never pay back.
For no other reason than this alone,
In praise and gratitude to Him, we should NEVER lack!

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

 

It took a while, but finally finished this poem for the link up at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com The many creative writers over there have also written to the prompt “Lack” this week.  I know you’ll enjoy reading their posts! Inspiration is just a click away!

 

 

 

 

 

Offer ~ Five Minute Friday

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What Do I Have to Offer?

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)/ Pixabay

What do I have to offer?
What could I possibly bring?
Fitting for the Savior,
Who offered ME everything!

I wish there was obedience
I could lay down at his feet.
If only my fears and failures
I could once and for all defeat.

Strength in every situation
Is what I’d like to give,
But weakness is the lowly place
Where I most often live.

What do I have to offer?
I’ve no riches nor sweet perfume.
No gift that could repay my debt
To He, who walked from the tomb.

Oh, to sing like the Angels,
Songs of praise He deserves to hear.
Or eloquent words of thanks spoken
With a voice so confident and clear.

Instead here I stand empty-handed,
With nothing to impart.
When a still small voice reminds me,
Grace is a gift from God’s own heart.

This gift to us was given
When Jesus hung upon that tree.
Because our God so loved the world,
We who believe are eternally debt free!

Now that the burden’s been lifted
What we have to offer comes from above.
Faith, hope, and mercy,
But the greatest offering is love!

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 (NIV)

I’m privileged to be joining the other gifted writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com To see what they are “offering” up today just click on over.  I know you won’t be sorry!

Measure ~ Five Minute Friday

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Measuring Stick

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT) / Pixabay

“Compare measurements of an object over time”. This was one of the many new math standards my Second Graders had to master during their school year.  At first, I struggled to think of a way to help them achieve this goal, that is until an idea came, as often happens, in an unexpected way: the gift of an Amaryllis bulb! Every year at Christmas time my mom would send one of these fast growing plants to me for my classroom. I finally realized it was the perfect way for my kids to measure change!

What about us? How do we measure change over time? Oh, not physical growth, but more importantly, our spiritual growth! Do we compare ourselves with others to determine how we’re doing? Unfortunately, I know I’ve been guilty of doing just that! “Well”, I’d tell myself, “I have a long way to go to catch up with her but just look at me!  I’m towering over her!” Anyone else play that game?

“Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How Ignorant! 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NLT)

Looking at others as our standard gives us an unrealistic view of where we are, how far we’ve come, and where we still need to go. The only thing actually being measured when we compare ourselves to those around us is our pride and Paul tells us quite clearly “how ignorant” doing that, really is! Instead we need to be focused on God’s standards and on growing to be more like Christ.

“This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children.  We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching.  We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” Ephesians 4:13-15 (NLT)

An Amaryllis starts as a dormant bulb but once placed in the soil, given water and light, it grows quickly. Buds form and soon burst open to reveal their inner beauty. It seems to happen almost over night!  Maturing spiritually however, is a much slower process. Like a bulb though, on our own our potential lies stagnant. The full measure of who we can truly become started with Jesus on the cross. When we are planted in His gift of salvation, receive the Living Water, and live in the Light of the Son, we begin to change over time. Inch by inch, day by day, challenge by challenge, grace upon grace we grow “in every way” to be more like Christ and soon our inner beauty, which is an overflowing of God’s love, is revealed to the world.

My students used their rulers to help them observe and compare the progress of our class plant. As we monitor our spiritual growth, we don’t have to worry about how we compare to others, instead we must examine how our lives align with God’s standards.  Thankfully, we can look to the life of Christ to guide us and help grow our faith and with confidence, know that He is the only measuring stick we’ll ever need!

Joining in (a little late) with the Five Minute Friday Community to write on the prompt “Measure”. I know there will be many wonderful posts on this subject.  If you’d like to read more just click on over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com