Tag Archives: Five Minute Friday

Doubt ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9 (NLT)

Show Tribute

Have you ever been to a tribute show? You know, one where an artist’s life’s work is to portray someone who is well-known? I recently attended one and I must say, it was an intriguing experience. 

While I knew without a doubt that John Denver wasn’t in my presence, at times it sure seemed as if he was. The man on stage looked like him, acted like him, and sounded just like him. I could almost imagine that John Denver was standing right in front of me, singing songs I could remember every word of. Watching and listening to Ted Vigil was a reminder of all I knew and loved about John Denver and his music. And since then, I’ve wanted to hear more, enjoying it now like I was hearing it for the first time.

Did you know that as Christians we are to show tribute with our lives too? 

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a live filled with love, following the example of Christ.”
Ephesians 5:1-2a (NLT)

“Imitate God.” “Follow the example of Christ.” You and I should make it our life’s work to portray Him to the world. 

We should look like Him:

“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new self, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy.
Ephesians 2:21-24 (NLT)

We should act like Him:

“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”
Titus 2:7 (NLT)

And we should sound just like Him:

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

Is it easy? We know the answer to that question, but we can’t give up. As with any life’s work, portraying Christ takes dedication, practice, and lots of prayer, but as they say, “The world’s a stage and the show must go on.” So, we step out into the Light, living so that whether sitting in the front row or all the way in the back, those watching can almost imagine Jesus standing right in front of them, a reminder that they are known and loved. And then maybe, they’ll even want to hear more. 

“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)

I have no “doubt” you’ll find great writing over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where others offer their take on the prompt.

Receive ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Every good and perfect gift is from above,” James 1:17a

Perfect Gifts

Making a Christmas wish-list was always exciting when I was a child. I remember thumbing page by page through the Sears Toy Catalog and circling item after item I wanted and hoped to find under the tree. 

That long list of wants has grown noticeably shorter the older I get. In fact, this year I was hard pressed to think of anything I needed. That didn’t stop my family from giving generously, though. I recently posted about the wonderful, unexpected present they gave me (a Bird Buddy) which I not only enjoy immensely, but more importantly, it’s a gift that shows they know and love me well.

It is for those very same reasons that these days, I really look forward most to opening the special treats my young grandsons pick out and wrap up on their own just for me. They’ve chosen things for my love of art, dry MiMi skin, and this year a notebook (because I was a teacher and love to write) and pretty dish towels that have a bicycle with a basket on them that looks just like mine.Yes, being known and loved results in receiving the most perfect gifts. Don’t you agree?

Why is it then, that I sometimes question what I receive from God? He is the One who knows me (us) best and offers gifts with the greatest love; so how can I think they are anything less than perfect?

“O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”
Psalm 139:1-4,6 (NLT)

God knows EVERYTHING about us. He knows us better than we know ourselves, His love is more than we can comprehend, and yet, when those items I have on my prayer-list aren’t delivered in the way I’d hoped, I question God’s choices for me. Maybe you’ve done that, too.

When we’re offered a different job than the one we really wanted, that relationship we long for doesn’t happen, our plans change and take us where we never imagined we would be, or a multitude of other things we’re given in this life, can leave wondering why we’ve received the “white elephant” instead of the “special treat” we’d expected.

Here’s the thing: all the situations listed above are not just gifts, but the most perfect gifts I have received from God. Every teaching job I tried for was a dead end except Circleville School which was NOT on my wish-list. I’d given up on finding “the one” and then met him the first week after moving to rural West Virginia where I’d never considered going. The result? A better life than I could ever imagine. Did I recognize them as perfect gifts in the moment? Definitely not. Do I know now, without a doubt, that I’m known and loved well by the Father? Definitely!  I have to be honest, sometimes I have trouble remembering it. I guess I’m still a work in progress. You too?

The truth is, the long list of wants I’ve had for my life is growing shorter the older I become AND the more I get to know the Giver. In fact, I’m hard pressed to think of much I need that He hasn’t already given. Yes, being known and loved truly does result in receiving the most perfect gifts! Don’t you agree?

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!”
2 Corinthians 9:15 (NLT)

Witness ~ Five Minute Friday

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“We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32

Witness

One of my very favorite read-aloud Christmas books is Max Lucado’s “The Crippled Lamb.” It’s the story of Joshua who was born with a leg that doesn’t work and he can’t do all the things he wishes he could. A day comes for his flock to move to a new meadow and he is excited. But, the Shepherd comes to Joshua and tells him he must stay behind. Instead of joining the others he is sent to a stable. As you might guess, the little lamb is devastated to find himself somewhere he doesn’t want to be.

 Later in the story, noises in the stable wake a frightened Joshua. He looks around in the dark and is surprised to find that a baby has been born and is laying in his manger.  Yes, this little, disappointed, weak lamb becomes one of the first to witness the miraculous birth of Jesus, the Messiah. Amazing! It gets me every time. There might even be some tears.

You know? This isn’t just a book for Christmas. It’s a story for life. Our lives. We all are “crippled” in some way and it can hold us back from doing all we want to. We make plans only to have them change unexpectedly. And I’ve been devastated to find myself in the midst of something or somewhere I never wanted to be. Maybe you have too. But, like for Joshua, those dark, often scary places. or when we are at our weakest, are exactly where we too can witness God.

Back in the story, Baby Jesus becomes cold, Joshua realizes he can help and curls up beside Him to warm Him with his fleece. The lamb who wasn’t where he thought he’d be, learns he was actually right where the Shepherd had wanted him all along. I don’t know about you, but  when I look back I can see the same thing in my own life. There have been many times when I was not in the place I thought I’d be or wanted to be, but soon discovered was exactly where God knew I needed to be. Sometimes it’s been to help me grow and others to help someone else, both in ways I never thought possible. Amazing! It gets me every time. There might even be tears. Oh, who am I kidding? When witnessing God’s love, for me, there are always tears! 

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
Luke 2:11(NIV)

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)

Want to read more about “Witness”? pop over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com You won’t be sorry!

Day 6/31: Crave

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:41 (NLT)

Day 6: Crave

If I were to tell you some things that I’ve been known to crave the list would include: Lay’s potato chips, Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee Mocha, pumpkin pie, time alone, being with my grandsons, and a water view to name a few. There was one time though, that my craving got way out of control.

Many years ago my husband received a large container of chocolate covered almonds as a business gift.  As soon as I saw them I knew I was in trouble and so with all the strength I could muster I suggested that he hide them somewhere I was sure not to find them, otherwise I knew I would eat every single one of those delectable treats. And so he did as I asked.

The next morning once I was alone, I sat drinking my coffee when something came over me. I literally could smell those chocolate covered almonds! Soon they were all I could think about and the frantic search ensued. I was like a bloodhound on a recovery mission. Sniff! Every cupboard was opened. Sniff, sniff! Closets were rummaged through. Sniff, sniff, sniff! Dust bunnies under the beds were displaced as my arm reached as far under as possible. The longer I searched the more I desired what I couldn’t have and in the process, turned my whole house upside-down trying to satisfy my yearning. This is a perfect example of what James warns us about:

“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away..”
James 1:14 (NLT)

The truth is, chocolate covered almonds aren’t the only craving that’s lured me with a scent of satisfaction. The world offers so much that promises to meet our longings, and when we catch a tempting whiff we’re drawn to seek them out. Maybe you know exactly what I mean. Whether it’s a desire for attention, companionship, escape, comfort, power, or anything we crave, our frantic pursuit of it can drag us away from what we know is best and turn our whole world upside-down. That’s exactly why Jesus taught us to pray, “lead us not into temptation.” (Matthew 6;13)

So what are we very human “bloodhounds” to do? Follow our “knows.” That is, Who we know, and what we know:

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 2:14-16 (NLT)

Day 5/31: Other

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Day 5: Other

Time spent visiting my mom is always special and leaving is always hard. Being the procrastinator that I am, it’s easy to stretch out the packing and loading up process. Eventually though, the good-bye must happen. Words are shared, hugs given, and tears shed. Then, I wait for mom’s message of caution: “be careful,” “keep me posted along the way,” and “look out for the other guy.” 

That last one seems more important today than ever, as it appears there are more cars and less common sense on the road. Mom is reminding me to be attentive to those who go roaring past while encroaching the middle line, the ones cutting in front of me with no warning into what they think is space left open just for them, those who ride my bumper hoping I’ll change speeds, and yes, the oblivious who putt-putt along in the fast lane, going anything but fast and slowing up progress along the way. “Look out for the other guy” is a warning given out of love, meant to help me make it safely home. 

Do you know that the Bible offers us the same message of caution? It also reminds us, to be careful and look out for the other guy. 

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

The “other guy” we need to look out for as we travel on the road of life is Satan. He races to catch up with us and then proceeds to try and inch over as close as he can get without us moving away. He’s also known to perceive an opening, a space we don’t think is a problem, and without warning he’ll slide right in.  The devil is a master at pushing us to go faster and further than we want to or to block our way keeping us from where we want to go. “Look out for the other guy!”

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I heed this warning and sometimes I’m not as careful as I should be. I might convince myself that even though he’s getting closer to me than I’d like, I’ve got a grip on the situation. Or, I realize that I’ve made space for fear, worry, self-centeredness, envy, or a varied plethora of things and don’t think about the fact that those are just the spaces that welcome the “other guy” to slide right in. There are situations we know we should steer clear of but we feel him pushing us along. We’ve all know times when we see where we should go, but Satan slows us down, blocks our way, keeps us from completing the journey we were to take. “Look out for the other guy!”

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)

How are we traveling? Are we being careful, checking in with the Lord along the way, and remembering to look out for the other guy? We should be. After all, the messages of caution offered through God’s Word are given out of love and meant to help each of us make it all the way Home.

Day 4/31: Never

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and what for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

Day 4: Never

I never thought it would happen, but here it is! I’ve been not so patiently watching and waiting and watching and waiting. Mixed in midst of all that watching and waiting there was also something else. Disappointment. This very plant was heavy with blue, pink, and lavender flowers last year, but not this season.

All summer my hydrangea grew bigger and rounder than its ever been before and didn’t stop until it covered one entire end of the flower bed. The crazy thing even encroached its way onto the sidewalk. While the dark green lush leaves outdid themselves filling the ample branches, not one single blossom formed on the entire bush, not one! I gave up and stopped watching.

Then, out of nowhere this small blossom appeared. It took its sweet ole time waiting until Fall to finally arrive. It certainly wasn’t the outcome I expected, but honestly? I think I appreciate that little flower more than I have any of the others.

This out-of-season late bloomer is a good reminder for us. We often find ourselves in times of waiting and watching for something to happen in our own lives or in the lives of those we love. Maybe you’re there now. There certainly are some things in my life that to me, seem a long time coming. 

We pray, we watch, we wait. We pray, we watch, we wait. And in the midst of all that? Disappointment, discouragement, helplessness, confusion, fear, anger can join in. When the answer doesn’t come when we want it to and it makes sense to us that it should, we begin to think it will never happen.

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)

Just because WE think it the right time for something, doesn’t mean God does. Have you ever had a “Garth Brooks moment”?  You know, “Thank God for unanswered prayers?” Or have you received a different answer that was different but much better than what you were expecting? The Bible tells us in Isaiah 55:8 that God’s thoughts and ways are nothing like ours. He knows exactly the what’s and when’s we need. 

There’s no doubt we’re encouraged to pray for the things on our hearts, but, we may have to wait for the right season to get an answer. What I’m learning though, is that in waiting we must keep watching with anticipation. Pray, wait, watch. Pray, wait, watch. Because as the NLT puts verse 8, God’s ways are “far beyond anything you could imagine.” I don’t know about you, but that tells me that we need to be on the look-out for those out-of-season outcomes we never thought could happen, just like a little hydrangea blooming in the Fall.

Day 3/31: Coffee

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23

Day 3: Coffee

Recently in the news I read studies are showing that drinking multiple cups of coffee each day is beneficial for your heart. I’m glad to learn this because one of my favorite things about being retired is to be able to linger each morning. Most days my routine remains the same. I wake on my own (no alarm is another plus to being retired), get up, open the blinds so I can see what’s happening around me, adjust the thermostat for comfort, and pour myself a hot, rich cup of coffee. I then enjoy a second one and sometimes even another. I savor the aroma, warmth, and flavor of every sip. I must admit, I’ve become quite protective of the time I devote to my coffee consumption and now I can reassure myself it’s OK because my heart health depends on it.

Guess what? There’s something much more important to my (and your) heart health and that is lingering with God, drinking in His presence.

“Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.” Psalm 86:11 (NLT)

So, here’s the bold, full strength, dark roasted question: Am I as devoted to protecting the time I spend in prayer, the Word, and praise, as I am to my coffee? Are you? We each need to answer for ourselves, but for me, I need to adjust my priorities.

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Matthew 6:21 (NLT)

Day 1/31: Way

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'” Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

Day 1: Way

Just down the road from my house, majestically rising from the ground, are the Seneca Rocks. Rock climbers from all over the world come to ascend their sheer fins. They can often be seen standing on the very top, silhouetted against the backdrop of only the sky. I want to make it clear, I am NOT one of them!

Thankfully, there’s another route to enjoying the view from the heights of the rocks, one designed for non-climbers like me. Many years ago I took that trail with our church youth group and while the path is easily navigated, I found the steep slope and my lack of physical fitness challenging. At the same time that I was huffing and puffing, one of our youth who had physical limitations declared she needed to rest. I knew there was NO WAY I was going to make it without stopping, so I “generously” offered to stay back with her and continue on when she was ready. And that’s what we did together: climb a bit, rest a bit, go a bit further, sit for a few minutes, start again, and then pause until we finally conquered what we didn’t think we could. 

This story is a good reminder for all of us that the same is true in life. We will face many challenges and some will leave us feeling as if there is NO  WAY we can make it to the end. The thing is, we don’t have to push through on our own huffing and puffing under the weight of it all.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’”
Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT)

We all know that standing in the valley looking up at the mountaintop can feel overwhelming. The weight of our circumstance makes taking another step, let alone a step up, seem impossible. That’s when Jesus generously sits with us, offering rest when we need it the most. While still difficult, the journey becomes doable by uniting with Him, sharing the load of our worries, anxiety, grief, or whatever we face. Together, we climb a bit and rest in Him, make it a bit further and sit with Him, begin again and wait with Him until we conquer what we didn’t think we could. Where to us, there seemed to be NO WAY, He doesn’t just make one, He IS the One!

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’”
John 14:6a (NLT)

#myseaofthought #31days2022 #fiveminutefriday #viewfrommylens

Spontaneous Detour ~ Five Minute Friday

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Spontaneous Detour

We’d driven by it more times than I can count and now, here we were approaching it again. The same question tumbled around in our minds that we’d asked over and over. “What is it?” But this time the words didn’t need to be spoken because instead of passing it by and wondering, this time we were going follow where it lead us. That brown, familiar sign along the highway with large, bold letters saying “Big Muskie Bucket” was just ahead and we were bound and determined to solve the years-long mystery.

I wasn’t sure where this spontaneous detour would take us, but I was excited to find out! The twists and turns of the old country road seemed to be a route to isolation. The bright blue sky was in stark contrast to the fields of dull, lifeless, scrub brush and dried corn stalks that lined the way. The further we went, the more we wondered if we were going the right way, but the anticipation of what we’d find at the end kept us moving forward.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t greet a spontaneous detour in my everyday plans with the same enthusiasm as I did in our travel plans. We’ve all been there, cruising along the road of life when, SCREEEEECH…things take a sharp turn for the worse and we suddenly find ourselves on a journey we never thought we’d take. Questions whirl in our heads. “What is this?” “Where is it taking me?” “How long will I be on this road?” “What will I find at the end?” 

The further the detour takes us, the more lost and alone we feel.

Not sure of where we were or for that matter, where we were really going, we were just about to give up when we came around yet another turn and there it was, a mighty giant on the horizon. The Big Muskie Bucket, once part of the world’s largest earth moving machine, able to scoop 325 tons of earth in search of coal sat on a rise overlooking the beautiful Ohio valley. We’d made it, the mystery was finally solved, and the detour totally worth it! 

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” James 1:2-4 (The Message)

Spontaneous detours are a part of this broken world. When life sends us on an alternate route the journey can be grueling. We may not like what we see along the way and want to shift into reverse. As we try to navigate all the curves and turns, it’s easy to feel defeated and unable to go any further, and truly, we can’t, until that is, we look to our Mighty God.

“Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message)

God is with us. God is in control. He’s the one who keeps us moving forward in the right direction. And let’s remember that with God it’s no mystery, we’re assured that what’s ahead, twists and turns and all, is worth the trip every time! 

“Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.”
1 Peter 4:12-13 (The Message)

Why don’t you be spontaneous and click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and read more!

Generous in the Little Things ~Five Minute Friday

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“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)

Generous in the Little Things

Family traditions: I love them! From the time our children were little there have been things I’ve done year after year to celebrate every holiday. Gifts, food, activities, and more, some of which I remember my mom doing for my sisters and me when we were little.  Now that I am a MiMi, a new tradition I’ve come to truly cherish is my daughter taking our young grandsons shopping and allowing them to pick out anything they’d like to give us as a Christmas gift. 

Those packages wrapped with lots of paper and way too much tape have become the ones I most look forward to, not because I’m expecting something grand, but because the little things inside were chosen with me in mind and show how known and loved I am by the generous, little givers.

As much as I hate to admit it, I don’t always treat God the same way. After all, I know He is powerful and can do anything. He’s performed miracle after miracle, so when I ask God for something I most often expect Him to give me something BIG. Maybe it’s healing, a new job, a relationship restored, or any of the myriad of things we put on our “grown-up wish-list” to pray for. 

And that’s just what I’ve been doing lately, praying for some pretty extravagant things and yet, I find myself still waiting for God to wrap everything up neatly for me like I’ve asked him to do. Despite knowing better, I’ve begun to wonder if He’s even heard as I’ve shared what weighs heavy on my heart. 

In the midst of my BIG and heavy I also decided on a whim this week to pray for my favorite birds that have been absent from my feeders all summer to return. I know it sounds like a silly, little prayer, especially with so much trouble everywhere, but I prayed it just the same. 

Not even 48-hours later, looking out the window I couldn’t believe my eyes! There, scurrying down a branch toward the feeder was a Nuthatch, my favorite of all the birds. A Nuthatch that hadn’t been to my feeders in months! A Nuthatch that I thought was gone for good. 

Why did God answer my silly prayer instead of the big ones I’ve been waiting on I wondered? It was then that I thought of those gifts from the boys. Tears fell and are falling again now as I type this because I’m certain that the Nuthatch, a little thing, was chosen with me in mind as a reminder that I am known, heard, and lavishly loved by the most Generous Giver and it has left me looking forward to more!

“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 7:11 (NIV)

Are you like me, waiting for God to give you something BIG but feel like it will never come? That silly Nuthatch was an “a-ha” moment, a prompting to begin to look for the little things. It has shown me, and I hope you too, that because our God is generous in the little things, He can also be trusted in the BIG things. He sees, hears, and knows our every desire. 

Yes, we may think we know the what, when, and who’s we want from God, but “how much more” will we receive when we wait on the good gifts He wants to give us of His outcome, His plan, and His timing, and not just given at special times, but offered to each of us day after day, month after month, and year after year, for eternity.

Read more on generosity at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com