Category Archives: Uncategorized

Trial ~ Five Minute Friday

3 Replies

 

What Do You Plead?

“How do you plead?” My own pounding heart is the only sound I hear as I lift my head, eyes filled with condemnation meeting mine. Movements ever so slight catch my attention as hands move to pockets filled with stones. 

“How do you plead?” This trial would certainly be short. How could it not be? Haven’t I done what I shouldn’t, left undone what I should? My thoughts and words alone prove to be strong evidence of my iniquity. Breathing is impossible with the realization that there’s nothing I can do to save myself now.

“How do you plead?” Turning to the One sitting in the judgement seat I’m surprised to see nothing but love in his face. Falling to my knees, the only word that could escapes my tightened throat as a whisper, “Guilty.” And in that very moment my life was forever changed as the verdict was read: “You are forgiven.”

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God id this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-26 (NLT)

How do YOU plead?

I’m so grateful you’ve joined me here today. I’ve joined with others, like I enjoy doing on Fridays, writing to the prompt “Trial” over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com You can click over to read more. I pray this might cause you to think a little about your own trial and Who is presiding over it.

Wander ~ Five Minute Friday

5 Replies

 

“Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Psalm 55:22 (NLT)

Wander

Early this summer our youngest grandson lost most of his small intestine due to an undetected diaphragmatic hernia. As a result, he now receives all his nutrition through a permanent central line which he is hooked up to for 16 hours a day.

Long tubing extends from his chest and stomach to a back pack which contains the life-sustaining liquid and his pump. Can you imagine what it’s like to try and keep up with a one year old who is constantly on the go while carrying the bag and attempting to keep the lines from becoming tangled on his feet and toys? It’s a challenging and honestly, exhausting endeavor.  That is, until today!

For the very first time since his medical emergency, this remarkable little boy, with everything tucked in a little pack behind him, was able to just wander about with no more entanglement and no one constantly following after him. He has a new found freedom to now choose the direction he will go.

You know, as Christians, we can also find ourselves hooked on things that ensnarl and trip us up. When we are connected to anything, even good things, more than we are to our life-sustaining relationship with God, we can suddenly find ourselves at the end of our rope, feeling as if there’s no where left to go.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Hebrews 12:1-2a (NIV)

Trying to keep up in life with all the twists and turns is often challenging for me. You too?  It’s easy to feel weighed down and held back by our weaknesses and worries.  I think you’ll agree, we can feel just plain worn out. Until that is, Jesus!  Jesus, who calls us to come to Him because His burden is light and He provides much needed rest.

Our grandson is truly a walking miracle! His life has forever changed but by God’s grace he’s learning to adapt one step at a time. In some ways it’s much the same for you and me. Through the miracle of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection we can answer Jesus’ call and step into new life with Him, the One who packs up our sins, frees us from their bondage, and teaches us the direction we should go and when we do? That my friends, is where we’ll find we’ve been forever changed, too.

Fail ~ Day 28 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

1 Reply

“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind.” Titus 2:7a

Fail

See this picture? I have many that look just the same as this one. Why? Because I tried and tried to capture a shot of a leaf floating on the wind as it fell from its branch and I failed. So, while this photo is nice, the one I wanted eluded me because I always missed the leaf.

Now, if you’ve been around me much or read some of my writing you might know that I spent many, many years trying to be perfect (I’m afraid the desire still rears its ugly head from time to time) but, we all know how that turns out don’t we! Try as I might, I always miss the mark and fail.

Here’s the thing though, there’ve been lots of times in life that I’ve had opportunities to reach out and get to know someone new, to offer help when needed, to say “yes” instead of making an excuse, to share-my-faith, all lost because in addition to trying and failing, I’ve also failed to try.  And, I think that might even be worse. Don’t you? 

In those times, just like my experience with taking the picture of a falling leaf, I’ve waited too long to act, my focus has been out of whack, or I convinced myself I couldn’t do it. I fell short, missing the chance to make a change around me and also in me by doing the good work God had for me to do. 

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

“So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, ‘Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ But I say, ‘How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.’” James 2:17-18 (NLT)

We know that we are not saved by what we do but I think those “good things” God designs for us to do are deeds that lead others and ourselves closer to Him. We don’t want to be like an elusive leaf being missed by a world that’s watching. Instead, we want them to capture us reacting in a way they don’t expect, showing love despite differences, having priorities that aren’t popular, and so much more. We don’t have to be perfect, we’ll miss the mark sometime, yes, we may even try and fail; but as masterpieces in the making, when it comes to demonstrating our faith, we must never fail to try.

“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)

#31days2021

Path ~ Day 23 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

1 Reply

“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Acts 2:28

Path

Took a little jaunt this week to find a hidden waterfall we’d read about in “Southern Living Magazine.” As we hiked the seemingly tranquil trail, we came to this spot. It stopped us in our tracks as we tried to figure out how to best move ahead.

For years I’ve worn a bracelet that says “Enjoy the Journey” which I want to do. It’s a good thought. Until that is, the path gets tough. I don’t know about you all, but I haven’t yet mastered rejoicing when the way ahead is a tangled mess, an upward climb, and it seems there’s no clear way out. 

Lucky for us, once we looked around we found there were trail markers to show us the way to go so we could navigate up and around the challenging area and reach our destination. As we all know, things can be going smoothly as we travel through everyday life and then they’re not. All at once we don’t know which way to go or even how to take one step forward.

“Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.”
Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105(NLT)

When obstacles block our way, we’re tripped up, or don’t have the strength to keep going, not by luck, but by Divine plan, when we look, will find a Guide to show us the way ahead, too. One thing I’m learning is that God’s Word finds us where we are and takes us to where we need to be. The pages are full of “step by step” directions to journey through life and guess what? Even enjoy it. Is it easy? No, it takes work. Always straight? Nope, but always the best way. Will we know what’s up ahead? Uh-uh, but when we read about and are lead by the truth, there’s no doubt about it, we will definitely reach our destination!

“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)

Still ~ Day 22 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

4 Replies

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

Still

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

I’ve just returned from a much needed respite from the world. After several long, challenging months my favorite traveling partner and I packed up our necessities and headed out hoping to leave all the extra baggage behind. The moment we walked into our little cottage, I felt we’d been guided there. And as it turned out, bringing a little, was just enough.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

Surrounded by lush beauty, I knew it was going to be a place of refuge, one where we’d be nourished, replenished, and find rest. Exactly what we were desperately in need of, and now a way had been made for them to be provided.

“He leads me beside still waters.”

There was a path from the house going down to the lake. Those were sacred steps as I sensed God’s Spirit near the water. The lake taught me much as I sat by its side. Ripples formed when the smallest of leaves hit the surface reminding me how I can let little things cause disruption in my life. The ups and downs of the waves after a boat passed by mimicked the highs and lows in life but sitting on the floating dock also showed me that riding those waves could be navigated if you hold on. But it was the glassy surface of the perfectly motionless lake that had the biggest impact. A motionless, mirrored surface allowed what was above to be reflected on it. I noticed that when the water is churning you can’t see anything from above at all, but when its totally still, a display of color and shape is revealed.

“He restores my soul.”

When in choppy waters, we grab for anything that we think will hold us up, it’s the same when we are in turmoil; we are intent on helping ourselves stay afloat. Our days feel vague, murky, and exhausting. Only when we quiet our hearts and minds, can we begin to reflect on the things above. The One who actually saves us. The One who calms the waters. That’s what the last few days have done for me, afforded me solitude, peace, and restoration. Being still inspired me to gaze Heavenward and it gave me a renewed outlook, one in which the beauty of God’s goodness and grace came clearly into view.

Psalm 23:1-3a (ESV)

Taste ~ Day 20 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

1 Reply

Taste

What do you mean I have to eat this? When I was first diagnosed with high blood pressure I tried to cut out all salt. Not a grain, nada, no shaker allowed. Ever done that? It. Was. Awful! Things I once loved no longer tasted the same and I didn’t desire them anymore. The experiences of cooking and eating had lost all their appeal and my appetite disappeared.

Thankfully, I learned that not all elevated blood pressure is caused by salt and I was able to add some back into my diet. Boy, things really started looking up then. I’m here to tell you that scrambled eggs, french fries, and popcorn are nothing to savor without being seasoned with salt. I continue to appreciate the good flavor it draws out of food, today.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how could it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

Just as my salt-free diet was tasteless and did nothing to attract me to the table, so our Christian witness will be if we are blasé about all God has done for us. Am I salty? Are you? We should be living lives with zest, that are bold examples of Jesus, and our words and actions creating a hunger in others to want to know more.  Being the “salt of the earth” means we need to act to preserve those who will otherwise perish. My friends, we are to be the ones who invite others to The Table, offering them a taste of the body and blood of Christ, a meal they will never forget. (Nor should we!) That’s when things will REALLY look up!

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:26-28 (NIV)

 

Effort ~ Day 19 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

1 Reply

⁣
Often, we can put a lot of effort into getting what we want or think we need. Sometimes, all that effort gets us is a predicament.⁣
⁣
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦, 𝘴𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵, 𝘴𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰t 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘎𝘰𝘥. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘴𝘬, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴.” 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝟺:𝟸-𝟹 (𝘕𝘐𝘝)⁣
⁣
Now, most of us don’t kill to get what we desire, but I have “done in” my bank account by stretching it too thin to buy something I just had to have. Can you relate? We sacrifice time with our families to try and get ahead at work or we fight our consciences when we know we’re going after what we shouldn’t have. A desire for more, coveting what’s not ours, motivated by the wrong things..yep, a predicament!⁣
⁣
What do we do when we’ve turned our lives upside down, we’re hanging by a thread, and don’t know our next move? Stop striving and look Up!⁣
⁣
“𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮? 𝘔𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 from 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘖𝘙𝘋, 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩.” 𝘗𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝟷𝟸𝟷: 𝟷𝘣-𝟸 (𝘕𝘐𝘝)⁣
⁣

Trust ~ Day 17 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

1 Reply

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8

Trust

There are some things my grandsons will eat without question (usually with a high sugar content), but cooking for these, shall we say choosy eaters, on a regular basis was a challenge! Cooking is my love language. I like a variety of dishes and to be open to new things. These boys? Not so much. Actually, not at all.

Determined to expand their menu with things that are good and good for them, I chose recipes I was sure they’d enjoy. You’d have thought I tried to kill them! Until that is, I had success, well, sort of. My six year old spaghetti lover walked into the kitchen asking what was for supper. “Country Style BBQ Ribs,” I informed him. Oh, the look of horror on his face. “Poison,” he shouted. “You’re trying to poison us!” as he stomped out.

“What smells so good?” I heard a little later. “Those poison ribs,” I smiled and said. In awhile, same question. “Poison,” I replied. When suppertime came and the food was on the table I caught that selective six year old eyeing the ribs. To make a long story short, it took some work but he was convinced to try a bite and low and behold (he couldn’t believe it himself), he liked them! I’m still working on the formidable four year old.

Let’s face it, we can be persnickety people too, especially when God brings change into our lives. We don’t trust that what He’s offering will be good for us. I don’t know about you, but when I sense God pushing me toward new things I’ve been known to stomp my feet and yell, “You’re trying to do me in!”

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:9-11 (NIV)

What if, instead of making up our minds that we’re not going to like what’s being “put on our plate,” we ask, “What good thing are you cooking up?” It may take some time and we might be surprised (but shouldn’t be) to find it’s better than we’d ever imagined!

My grandsons need to eat the right things and receive the proper nutrition to ensure they grow up healthy and strong. Growing as Christians is no different. Love IS God’s language and the more we taste, see, and trust that He is good, the better equipped we are to accept what’s put in front of us. And, He won’t stop working until we get what we need to mature into the powerful witnesses He intends us to be.

“Then Jesus explained: ‘My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.’” John 4:34(NLT)

Share Four Somethings ~ September

3 Replies

 

Share Four Somethings ~ September

I know I always say this, but it feels as if I just wrote my August Four Somethings post! This month has come and gone and I’m not sure how I didn’t notice it flying by. September was full of good news though, and I can’t wait to share it with you! Here we go…

“Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 (NLT)

Something Loved

It’s been the everyday little things I’ve loved this month. Bike rides at sunset, planning and digging an “underground house”, both boys back to school, wild basketball games, singing together, making cookies, and so much more. Each small moment with my grandsons has made a BIG memory that I’ll cherish always. There’s an old Oak Ridge Boys song called “Thank God For Kids” and the last chorus says:

“Thank God for kids there’s magic for a while
A special kinds of sunshine in a smile.
Do you every stop to think or wonder why?
The nearest thing to Heaven is a child.
When you get down on your knees tonight
To thank the Lord for His guiding light
Pray they turn out right.
Thank God for kids.”

Magic, smiles, sunshine, Heaven. That’s how I feel about spending time with the kids I love more than anything and I thank God for them everyday!

 

“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 (NLT)

Something Read

To say I’m excited is kind of an understatement. For the first time ever, my words are actually in print! I’m so honored and grateful to be part of this beautiful journal! The “Woven Journal” by http://www.sweettothesoulministry.com is full of devotionals, articles, recipes, art, coloring pages, scripture, and more! The theme of Woven is centered around being invited and hospitality which allowed me to share the story of my first year teaching and the kind veteran teacher who took me in when I had nowhere to stay. She’s now my mother-in-love but that’s a story for another time. Writing has been my dream for a very long time and to read my own words in such a special publication is, well, just plain amazing!

“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” Mark 9:37 (NLT)

Something Treasured

Sutton’s homecoming! Need I say more? Those who’ve been reading along here know that for the past three months my youngest grandson has been in Nationwide Children’s Hospital after a traumatic health emergency in which he lost all of his small intestine. But God. Sutton has now been home for a little over a week and doing fantastically! Life is different but what a gift to have him reunited with his brothers and to be back to being a family of 5 living at home. And what a celebration it was! The wonderful community once again came together and had a Homecoming Drive By Parade with Fire Trucks, Police Cars, and even Silly String! It is a day I will treasure in my heart forever more.

“I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.” Psalm 143:5 (NLT)

Something Ahead

Now that I’m also back home, I feel somewhat adrift, so I’m looking forward to trying once again to do the 31-Day Writing Challenge sponsored by Five Minute Friday Writing Community to anchor me. 31 prompts. 31 days. Can I do it? I haven’t ever completed it the times I’ve tried before, but there’s a first time for everything, right? We shall see how it goes.

I love this practice of reflecting on the month and choosing moments to share with you.  It helps me to be grateful and more aware of my blessings.  How about you? What Four Somethings would you share? I’d love for you to tell me in the comments. And don’t forget that you can always go to http://www.heathergerwing.com to read more or better yet, to join in. As always I so appreciate you taking your time to stop in here to read my ponderings.  It means more than you know!

Need ~ Day 1 of 31-Day Writing Challenge

13 Replies

“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. ⁣
⁣
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). ⁣
⁣
“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)⁣
⁣
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