Category Archives: Life Moments

Ocean Sojourner ~ Five Minute Friday

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“You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength. You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations. Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.” Psalm 65:5-8 (NLT)

Ocean Sojourner

She beckons me from my mountain home
To her sandy shore. 
And whispers leave your troubles behind 
Find respite here once more. 
The rhythm of the waves will play 
In time with the beat of your heart. 
A chorus’ll join in from high above 
As seagulls sing their part. 
Remember the flavor of her salty kiss
Blown in on the tides that rise.
The caress of her warmth upon your skin
Shining down from clear blue skies.
A taste of Heaven here on Earth
Peace found that is so sweet.
The cleansing of your soul achieved
Where land and water meet.
Come she calls and I’ll sojourn there
Until it’s time to roam
Leaving the ocean renewed again
To return to my mountain home.

Joining http://www.fiveminutefriday.com writers today with the prompt “ocean”.  I love living in the mountains but the ocean calls me and touches me as no other place. My trips to the beach are more than vacations they are retreats. I feel whole somehow while I’m there. As I was writing this poem I thought about how we’re not only sojourners as we travel but we’re really sojourners here on earth – we are here temporarily~ Heaven is beckoning us to not only come but to stay!  True peace, respite, and renewal are only found through Jesus who made it possible for us to become whole once and for all and able to be permanent residents with him! (No suitcase required!)   Now that inspires “shouts of joy”!

 

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Secret Recipe ~ Five Minute Friday

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Today’s prompt is “Secret” and I’ve got a few, buuuutttt….I think I’ll keep them to myself for now and instead tell you about my search for a secret recipe.  If you’re intrigued by knowing about others’ secrets click on over to  http://www.fiveminutefriday.com 

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 (NLT) / Pixabay

There are memories of childhood we love to revisit and one that is vivid for me is a very special cookie.  I’m not talking about any old cookie.  No, I’m talking about a large, soft, melt in your mouth, sugar cookie!  What made these even more special was we knew they were “Adult Cookies” and so when we were actually allowed to have one, in addition to how delicious they were, my sisters and I also felt quite grown up!  What I realized later in life was that because they were so tasty and we didn’t get them often, my mom and grandma didn’t want to have to share them with us kids and so the “Adult” cookie came to be. These delicious creations were found in a little Ohio town where they were made and sold.  You had to get there early to be lucky enough to purchase some; but when you bit into the cake like disc and the sugar crunched between your teeth, you knew the trip was worth it! 

Several years ago I decided I’d like to try to recreate this childhood delicacy and so my search for the recipe began.  Finding sugar cookies made with unexpected ingredients was my goal because, like I said, these were not your everyday cookies.  Try as I might and as good as they all were, I didn’t find one that measured up. 

As I travel back and forth to visit my family in Michigan, I pass the quaint town that was home to Adult Cookies, so I just decided to stop one day and ask around  to see if I could track down the recipe.  Like any small town, people were friendly and enjoyed chatting, until that is, I asked about the cookies.  My inquiries were met with silence and cold stares.  What I discovered was, even after all these years, the recipe was and IS a well kept secret and so to my dismay, my search for the perfect combination of ingredients continued.

My life kind of feels like my secret recipe search right now. I’m trying to discover just the right mixture of things that will come together to produce the best version of the “Adult Me”! I’m deciding what too much of is included in my days and what those missing ingredients are that when added, will make my offerings to those around me sweeter. I haven’t found the exact recipe yet, but I’m learning that it takes patience, perseverance, a little heat, and a whole lot of the unexpected thrown in to create something special. I’m so grateful I don’t have to do this search on my own!  The One perfecting my “recipe” and yours, is the most important element in the mix! 

My recipe search? After a lot of trial and error, I’ve finally made cookies that are fairly close to those that I remember as a child. The secret ingredient? I’m pretty sure it’s the love they are made with! And isn’t that the truth in the recipe of our lives? God loves us so much that He won’t leave us “pretty close” to who we’re meant to be. No, He will continue to stir us up until we are exactly the divine creation He planned.  And that, my friends, is NO secret!

Just Breathe

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I’m trying to stretch my writing wings a little so attempted something new yesterday…..”Story Tweeting”!  Basically telling a true story in tweets on Twitter.  The prompt was to write about a time you held your breath.  I didn’t expect to write about this situation and was surprised the raw feelings were still there!  That’s a mom for you!  Being it’s Mother’s Day tomorrow I guess it was exactly what I was supposed to write! Funny how that works.

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)

We hugged.  I didn’t want to let go!  It felt as if my heart was being torn in two and I didn’t think it would be possible to feel whole again.  A lump formed in my throat constricting my breath.  One last look and I turned.

Out the door! Down the stairs! Through the crowded lobby!  All the while holding my breath because I knew I was going further and further away from the scent of her and once I exhaled it would be gone and the tears would come.  And of course, I did and they did.

Leaving my baby, my daughter at college left ME full of emotion. Pride, excitement, fear, sorrow all weaving around into a tight knot around my heart.  I didn’t know how to be a mom without kids at home! It seemed impossible but there I was heading back to an empty nest.

Taking me by the hand, my husband gently told me to put one foot in front of the other and to just breathe.  Sounds simple doesn’t it? This momma’s here to tell you it takes practice and lots of prayer! And just when you think you might make it, you get a call….She’s engaged!  Oh boy, here we go again!

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Include ~ Five Minute Friday

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Writing today with the Five Minute Friday crew on  the prompt “Include”. Lot’s of things ran through my mind when I found out that was the word we’d be writing to.  It will be interesting to see what develops!  You’ll find lots of “Include” inspiration if you hop over to Kate’s site at:
http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

Setting the timer now:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV) / Pixabay

On the first day of every school year I began my introduction in the same way.  I let the children know that their teacher was just a little (or a lot) crazy….different; and of course, I was telling them the truth.  Because that’s how I felt, my teaching career was spent trying to create classrooms with a family atmosphere. A place where once the children walked through the door they’d sense that they were loved, encouraged, and safe.  A place that would include and embrace each of our uniquenesses.  Some years were easier than others. Hard as I tried, there were times when a child just didn’t fit in. And honestly, there were times I didn’t fit in either.

Agonizing one day, over what to do to help a child feel accepted, it occurred to me (thanks Holy Spirit) that as Christians, we’re not to include ourselves into the world.  We’re supposed to feel left out, off-kilter, EXCLUDED! What a relief that realization was to this “different kinda gal”.  It’s so easy to answer the invitation to become just like everyone else; especially in this social media driven society. It’s uncomfortable to stand out and feel alone.  But, here’s the Good News!  We aren’t by ourselves! We are included in the family of God; a safe place where we are encouraged to become more like Him and loved every step of the way.

I never found one answer to helping all my children but I have found The One who offers to include “crazy me” in all His plans and a place where I fit in just perfectly.  How about you?

 

Adapt ~ Five Minute Friday

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I was looking through old photos this week and when I learned that the Five Minute Friday prompt was “Adapt”, I thought this picture was perfect!  This is my first school picture as a teacher circa. 1982. Oh the hair!!! Keep reading to see how I’ve had to adapt and if you want to read more, hop on over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com 

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

Time starts now…..

Teaching was my dream but when I arrived in rural West Virginia for my first job, where there was no stop light, no fast food, and no one I knew; I planned to teach for one year and then move on to a bigger and better place.  Little did I know back then, that God had other plans.  36 years later, I’m here to tell you that this naive city girl had a lot to adapt to in her new life! A life I hadn’t planned on. A life I wasn’t really prepared for!

Isn’t that just the way of life though?  We’re moving along with a dream and a plan in our heart and then…..SURPRISE! God has different ideas (and a sense of humor!).  If anyone had told “young me” that I’d live a life in the country where I would know the breed of a cow by looking at her (or would even know it was a her), would come to find the smell of manure familiar and not unpleasant, or eat eggs, meat, and vegetables that didn’t come from a store but rather from hard work, I’d have told them they were crazy! And yet, Here. I. Am.

God brought me and left me here because He knew this IS my “bigger and better” place! I always say that I’ve learned much more than I’ve ever taught . It wasn’t always easy, (I’m sure I whined more than a little to God) but I can’t imagine living any where else now.  I’ve found love, kindness, beauty, and yes, purpose…..my life is a living testimony that God’s purpose DOES prevail!  And oh! Guess what?  I now have to adapt to city life when I go home for a visit. I’m truly a country gal at heart and blessed beyond measure that God exchanged my plans for His!

 

 

God’s Precious Song

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OK, I know it’s May First but the idea for this poem came to me late last night (April 30th) so if you’ll allow me some leeway, here is my final National Poetry Writing Month Challenge poem for 2018. Only wrote 14 out of 30 again.  Well, there’s always next year, I guess!

I was recently blessed to hear the musical talents of Gospel Singer, Cindy Sites.  Her lyrics and testimony touched me so deeply.  As I thought back over her performance the thought came to me that she is “God’s Song”. And so, this poem was born.  This is for Cindy from Cindy!

“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:3 (NLT) / Pixabay

God’s Precious Song

Her heart is revealed
Through the words that she sings.
Melodies so sweet.
God’s message she brings.

Sharing her grief.
Proclaiming her praise.
Touching our souls
With a grace that’ll amaze!

Sing, sweet friend!
Sing loud and clear.
There’s applause in Heaven
As your voice is lifted down here.

Some have tried to quiet you,
But they were in the wrong.
Yours is a gift given from above
And YOU are God’s precious song.

 

Stuck ~ A Five Minute Friday Poem

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Five Minute Friday is always challenging.  Getting a prompt and trying to write to it for five minutes and leaving it basically unedited.  HaHa! Those of you who know me or read many of my posts know that this ole perfectionist has a hard time with that!  Even though I’m a rule follower, I often exceed the five minutes and I usually edit.  Writing a poem for Five Minute Friday poses even a greater challenge!  It’s a challenge I enjoy, however!  I hope you enjoy whats developed today.  If you want to read more about “Stuck” click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” John 8: 36 (NLT) / Pixabay

Stuck

Like a carousel round and round,
Getting no where fast.
Or in a chair, back and forth
Each rock the same as the last.

Like words of a song over and over,
Whirling in your mind.
Or hands of the clock that do not move
Because someone forgot to wind.

Like tires in snow buried deep.
They spin instead of go.
Or a traffic jam when you don’t have time
And cars are moving slow.

Like life at times for all of us,
When it seems we’re sinking deep.
Or when we sense a calling
But we’re too afraid to leap.

Like when our hearts are frozen
Paralyzed with fear.
Or when we need a helping hand
But a hand is no where near.

Let’s face it friends, we can all feel stuck
And long to be set free.
We tire of struggling on our own
So fall on bended knee.

When we call upon our Savior
We’re no longer stuck alone.
He’ll guide us to His sweet release.
He won’t leave us on our own.

Like living water flowing free,
Refreshing to the soul.
Or a healing touch that let’s us move
On legs that’ve been made whole.

So when you’re feeling trapped in life
Finding no way out of the muck.
Reach for the Lifeline from above.
And TRULY get unstuck.

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Lesson From the Bird Feeder

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“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV) / Pixabay

Lesson from the Bird Feeder

Birds flitter here. 
Birds flutter there.
They eat of my seed
Without worry or care.

This is, until
The bully appears.
His size alone
Ignites all their fears.

A loud “CAW” fills the air.
They can’t miss the blue plume.
He spreads out his wings
And takes all the room.

He eats ’til he’s full
While they hide from his sight.
Lacking courage to dare him
Try as they might.

As I watched the whole scene
It struck me today.
It’s not just the birds.
I’m exactly the same way!

I’m living my life.
Things are moving along.
Then the bully chimes in
Saying I’ve done it all wrong.

She continues to chant
Lots of negative stuff.
Why do I listen
And not shout “enough”?

Just like the birds
I change what I do.
And believe when she says
“You aren’t able to see it through.”

She continues her assault.
Her list is so long.
My heart feels condemned 
Where there once was a song.

It’s time to stand up to her
But it’s not easy, you see.
The bully that’s always taunting
Is the voice inside of ME!

 

I recently read an insightful blog post called “Waking Up to the Power of Positive Self-Talk” by Cindy Krall at http://www.cindykrall.com

It got me to thinking back and wondering if I’d ever experienced being bullied.  Sure kids had called me names because of the curly ball of hair on my head and my “Pollyanna-ish” personality; but imagine my surprise when I had the realization that the biggest bully I’ve ever encountered was myself.  The things that I tend to say to myself are things I would NEVER say to anyone else.  It’s made me realize that I need to change my self-talk. I now wonder what I might have accomplished if I hadn’t been telling myself I wasn’t good enough or that I couldn’t do it.  How about you?  What words do you use to talk to yourself?  If you find yourself like me, I hope you’ll join with me and begin to mute that bully’s voice and instead, turn “Pollyanna” up full blast! And always remember that as the verse from 2 Corinthians says above, “Christ’s power is made perfect in weakness”.

**For you youngsters Pollyanna is a Disney character who was known for her positive, uplifting attitude.

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Follow

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Only five days of April left.  If I’m going to meet the Poetry challenge I set for myself this month, I’m going to have to write a poem every one of those five days!  This poem was inspired by my little Magnolia tree.  In the process of putting in our new home, we had to take down a very large Pine Tree.  Despite the care taken by the men removing the tree, part of it landed on this Magnolia when it fell, splitting it right in half.  Of course, I (the negative Nellie I am) knew it was going to die for sure.  As often happens, I was proven wrong.  As I was admiring the blooms this spring it struck me that despite being broken and thought dead, it is bathed in beauty and living up to its potential!  That got me thinking about myself and how I offer up a lot of excuses why I can’t (or won’t) follow through on what I believe God is calling me to do and thus not really living up to my potential.  And so, this poem was born.  As I began to write, lessons I’m learning in a study of the book: “Come With Me” by Suzanne Eller also became woven into the poem….Maybe, just maybe you can relate to it too.

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)

Follow

We might be broken.
We might be bruised.
But that doesn’t mean
We can’t be used.

Too old? Too Young?
We really shouldn’t care.
We’re all given gifts
That only we can share.

A look at our calendars
There just isn’t space.
We say we’ll try again next time
Then resume our busy pace.

Who me? Surely not!
Isn’t she a better fit?
I could never do what you’re asking
It’s out of my comfort zone just a bit!

We have lots of excuses
When God’s voice we hear.
He’s calling us to action.
What is it that we fear?

When Jesus called the disciples
They answered without looking back.
He promised to be with them
And what they needed they wouldn’t lack.

It’s the same today, my friends
He calls; “Come with Me”!
So, up out of your chair, off your phone,
Answer yes and you’ll see.

Despite all our worries
And reasons to say no,
We have love beyond measure
And seeds of kindness to sow.

The thirteenth disciple
That is our place.
The hands and heart of Jesus
Sharing His grace.

Time is short, the need great.
No more delay!
He’s calling us to follow
Will you walk with Him today?

** You can learn more about Suzanne Eller at http://www.suzanneeller.com

Many Shades of Happy

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So, here we are…Poem #10!  Not bad in 15 days if I may say so myself!  This is a special poem at that!  In a little less than two months, my baby sister is going to be the “Mother of the Groom” as she watches her middle son get married.  From experience, I know there are many emotions that go along with having your child become someone’s spouse; thus the title:  Many Shades of Happy.  This one is for Barbie.

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24 (NASV)

Many Shades of Happy

You carried him snuggled near your heart
and your heart is where he’ll stay.
Hockey falls and football scares
from the stands you’ve had to pray.

Middle child through and through
with an irresistible grin.
All grown up; teaching school
and coaching for the win!

Now here you are:  Mother of the groom
wondering where time has gone.
He’s planning life with someone new
while you watch him move on.

You’ve done your job so very well;
look on with cherished pride.
Your family’s growing larger,
making room for his sweet bride.

It’s a time for many shades of happy
and maybe a few momma’s tears.
Yes, in your heart he’s staying,
just adding more love to last through the years.

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