Well ~ Five Minute Friday

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Well Child Check-Up

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along.” 3 John 1:2(NIV) / Pixabay

Not long ago I came across my children’s little medical record books. Now, it’s been a long time since I’ve had to make an appointment for a Well Child Check-up. But back when my kids were young, we made regular trips to the doctor’s office to confirm all was as well on the inside, as it was on the outside. Our Pediatrician would listen to each little heart, check the reflexes in active legs, test the accuracy of their vision and hearing, and document the evidence of growth. While we usually associate going to the doctor with being sick, the premise of these check-ups was to focus on our children’s good health and preventing problems in the future.

When I schedule an appointment now, instead of Well Child it’s a “Well Senior” Check-up, however the idea is the same. Maintaining our physical health helps us live full and hopefully long, productive lives. But, let me ask a question. What about monitoring our Spiritual health? How long has it been since you or I have had a “Well Child of God Check-up”? I’m afraid I can often overlook this part of my health even though I know that being well with our souls is vital to truly living. Unfortunately, I usually spend less time looking after the me that only God sees than I do on the me that the world sees.**

It’s time to come into the presence of the “Great Physician”. And guess what? No appointment’s needed! He’s always ready and waiting to help us be our best.  So first, He’ll listen to our hearts to let us know if they’re in rhythm with His:

” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ And the second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ ” Mark 12:30-31 (NIV) 

Next, He’ll check our Spiritual reflexes to show us how quickly we respond to His call :

“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) (emphasis mine)

Then, He’ll help us determine if we have eyes that see and ears that hear:

” ‘Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ” Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV)

” ‘The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.’ ” Luke 8:14-15 (NIV)

And finally, He’ll reveal our rate of Spiritual growth:

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV)

As a young mom, making regular appointments with the Pediatrician reassured me that we were doing all we could to keep my children in good physical health. Daily visits with our “Great Physician” do the same thing.  Through The Word, prayer, praise, and worship, we can have confidence that we are developing fruitful Spiritual health. Taking care of our minds, bodies, and souls helps us live life well, both now and on into eternity where there’ll be no future problems for us to worry about at all!

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

So who’s ready for a check up? I know I am!

I’m linking up with the other talented writers at Kate Monaung’s site http://www.fiveminutefriday.com This week’s prompt is “Well”.  What does that bring to your mind? Share with me in the comments.  I love to hear from you!

**Five minutes

 

 

 

 

Share Four Somethings ~ May

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Honest to goodness! Where did this month go? Granted, it was a busy month for me but it sure flew by fast! Maybe it’s my teacher friends wishing to make it to the end of the school year, the count down on my daughter’s phone telling us how many days are left until we head to the beach; whatever the reason, May was here and gone in a blink of an eye for me! How about you?

One good thing about the ending of one month and the beginning of another, is the opportunity to reflect and think about those things we loved, were said, we learned, and read during the month.  It’s so much fun to share them with each other! You can read what others have come up with over at http://www.heathergerwing.com Here are mine for May 2019:

Something Loved

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

I was able to spend Mother’s Day weekend with this lovely crew! We left Indiana, Michigan, and West Virginia behind to meet up in Ohio.  We fit a lot of celebrating in one weekend.  Unexpectedly, we celebrated my 60th birthday (again…it was in March) with decorations and a cake, but the real reason for celebrating was honoring our Mom! We found fun things to do we knew she’d enjoy: dinner in an old train car, a carrousel ride (I’ll talk more about that in a minute), a walk through beautiful gardens that had peacocks roaming freely, and thanks to my creative sister we even had a proper Mother’s Day tea party (thus the hats above) with crumpets and everything! There’s just something about being with the ones who know you best! We shared stories, laughs, and lots of love.  And the greatest of these was love!

Something Said

“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ ” Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

Be still my heart! These are my precious grandsons playing train while watching a show about trains.  We’d already built a tent and played in it, raced cars on a track, read books, and so much more when “MiMi” (that’s me) had to come up with some new adventure; so we boarded the Dining Room Chair Railroad for a fun trip.  From my “reserved seat” in the recliner, I blew the whistle, shouted, “All aboard!”, and started chugging us down the track.  It was a smooth ride with lots of fun things being discussed when my oldest grand looked at me seriously and said, “MiMi? Are you on the old people’s train?” “Why yes, yes I am!”, I replied. “I thought so.”, he so confidently answered. There’s nothing said like the wisdom that is shared by children!

Something Learned

“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” Psalm 92:14 (NIV)

While on our Mother’s Day Girls’ Weekend, I learned that the Richland Carrousel Park is home to the first new, hand-carved carrousel to be built and operated in the United States since the 1930’s. Now I don’t know about you, but it’s been a long time since I’ve actually ridden on the back of a carrousel animal.  Oh, I’ve stood alongside holding on to a little one as they traveled up and down but I can’t remember the last time I raced round and round, rising and falling with the beat of the calliope music! Until this month, that is!  There were bears, ostriches, cats, rabbits, a giraffe, lion, tiger, and of course horses. So, for one dollar I ventured atop a trusty steed and while we traveled together I learned an important lesson: it’s possible to feel like a little kid again even though I’m 60! And a fun lesson it was!

Something Read

“Then God said, ‘ Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:11-12 (NIV)

There’s lots going on in this little mind of mine, including ideas for stories to tell children.  I have a goal right now to learn all I can about writing Picture Books. A large part of what I’m discovering is coming from Picture Books themselves. There are so many great ones available and I learn something new from each one.  I was looking for stories about dirt to share with my grandsons since they love to dig and these two fit the bill! “Carl and the Meaning of Life” is the story of an earthworm searching for his purpose in life and it teaches us how living things work together in nature.  “Badger’s Perfect Garden” is written to remind us that life isn’t always perfect but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good!  I’ve enjoyed interacting with both these cute and beautifully illustrated books and can’t wait to pull them out for bedtime story time with my grandsons!

Well, that’s it for me, as always I’d love for you to share YOUR four somethings with me! Just leave them in the comments. I can’t wait to see what May has offered you and I pray that June brings you many blessings, Cindy

Promised ~ Five Minute Friday

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Promised

“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13 (NIV) / Pixabay

We don’t have to look much further than our social media feeds, tv, or magazines to find lofty promises of a better life! Pills that will let us lose that extra weight WITHOUT dieting or exercise. Creams that will give us back the skin of our youth. Investments that are sure to make us wealthy. Books and classes that will reveal the solutions to our problems. It seems that all these promises have something in common: they can be ours for…..a price.

Now, I must admit that I have been quick to succumb to one or two of these tantalizing offers myself over the years and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to improve and be the best that we can be. But, here’s a question to ask ourselves: are we as quick to seek the promises of God to help improve our spiritual selves and be the best Christians we can be, as we are those worldly promises? I’m afraid my answer hasn’t always been “yes”.

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

God’s promises fill the Bible. He promises us rest, wisdom, strength, peace, forgiveness, and the list goes on and on. All these promises have something in common too, they are ours for….a price; but this price was paid when Jesus went to the cross carrying our sins. Wait, there’s more! God’s promises aren’t just for this earthly life but they continue into life eternal!

“And this is what he promised us – eternal life.” 1 John 2:25 (NIV)

Although younger skin, a fit body, or more money in the bank might be nice; the truth is they are all things I’ll have to work for to achieve, not things found through a quick fix infomercial. I’m continuing to learn, slowly but surely, that the temporary, worldly desires of my heart are nothing compared to what God desires for your heart and mine! And He’s already done all the work for us! All we have to do is accept His gift.  So, let’s try to eat a little less, apply some sunscreen, and spend more wisely to help us live our best physical lives. But more importantly than that, let us always feed on His word, apply his teachings, and spend time gaining His wisdom, so that our spiritual life leads us right into eternity just as He has promised!

The prompt this week at  http://www.fiveminutefriday.com is “Promise”.  I’ve already read a few other posts and are they ever good! I encourage you to click over and read for yourself.  I actually thought I’d stick to the five minute time limit this week, but nope….went over again.  Oh well, there’s always next week!

 

 

Opportunity ~ Five Minute Friday

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Just hopping on here for a short time as I wait for my daughter, son-in-love, and two grandsons to arrive.  I need something to distract me from watching the clock! Today’s Five Minute Friday prompt is “Opportunity” and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to read what other wonderful writers have to say about it, so click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

Smile Opportunities

“May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT) / Pixabay

Looking through the Bible for last week’s post, I was amazed at how many times it’s recorded that Jesus touched people and changed their lives! Of course I knew of the familiar stories, but the more I looked, the more I found. As I was thinking about today’s prompt, I wondered how many opportunities we have to touch people’s lives? We of course, can’t make the blind to see or raise someone from the dead, but we can touch others in a way that does make them smile!

I’ll be honest, there are many days when I’ve been grumbling under my breath, focusing on worried thoughts, or feeling frazzled in all I have to do, but then someone catches me by surprise and in the midst of whatever was bothering me they cause me to smile. I don’t know about you, but those small almost imperceivable acts can change my outlook in that very moment. I remember vividly a time I was traveling by myself and my car broke down.  Luckily it was in a well lit, public place but needless to say I was scared and frustrated.  As I sat with my hood up waiting nervously for AAA, a gentlemen strolled by. He caught my eye and smiled a most reassuring smile. I couldn’t help but smile back and I’m telling you in that instant I felt so much better. If another person can take the opportunity to touch our lives then it’s important to remember that we mustn’t miss the opportunities we have ourselves, to touch the others around us, too!

Smile opportunities aren’t complicated. They don’t require a great deal of work,  a lot of money, or even a commitment of too much of our time. Here are just a few that I’ve thought of off the top of my head:

*Allow someone to go in front of you in line
*Return another person’s grocery cart to the stall
*Hold the door
*Send a card 
*Write a note (my husband leaves me one by the coffee pot so my days always start with a smile)
*Give a hug or pat on the back
*Compliment a stranger
*Compliment someone you know
*Pay for someone else’s meal anonymously 
*Leave a larger tip than necessary
*Be polite
*Smile at the people you stroll by

These are just a drop in the bucket. The list is limitless! Just think of the difference we might make if we’d set out every day to act on the smile opportunities that come our way!  I’m reminded of those old song lyrics that say something like when you’re smiling the whole world smiles with you!  I believe a smile is contagious,  don’t you?

In his life, Jesus went from place to place, looking for those in need. When he found them (or they found him), he didn’t hesitate to make their lives better.  Guess what? In our lives, we’re encouraged to do the very same.

“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need.  These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:15-16 (NLT)

So, let’s challenge ourselves to be on the look out for smile opportunities as we move through our days. And you want to know the great part of accepting this challenge? Taking advantage of the opportunity to make others smile can’t help but to make us smile too!  It’s a win-win challenge!!!! How often does that happen?

I’ve got the pantry and fridge stocked with the kids’ favorite foods and some fun treats waiting for them. I can’t wait for them to get here and see their smiles! Who have you helped find a smile today? I’d love for you to add to my quick list!  Please share in the comments ways that you like to take the opportunity to make others smile. Because you know, the longer we make our list, the more the world will be smiling and I think we need all the smiles we can get, don’t you?

“We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”
Mother Teresa

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