Back- Five Minute Friday

Wow! This is the first Five Minute Friday I've actually posted on a Friday in I don't know how long. I felt inspired to write out some proclamations.

Back........

Who has your back?

Know who has mine?

I am free forever from condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2)

I am free from any condemning charges against me. (Romans 8:31-34)

I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:35-39)

I am assured that ALL things work together for good. (Romans 8:28)

God has my back! 

He knows my frame. He created it. (Psalm 139:15)

He knows ALL there is to know and He has a plan.

He makes my feet like that of a deer and enables me to go on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:19)

He opens doors sometimes I don't see until much later. (Revelation 3:8)

He works it out.

STOP

To see what others are back to writing about this week check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Pace-Five Minute Friday

This week's prompt is defined as consistent and continuous speed in walking, running, or moving.

Pace........

Consistent and continuous are the keys. They are also challenging when trotting laps around an arena on a horse. I've learned to anticipate when a horse will slow down and what to do to keep him going. After making a few laps around at the same pace, I feel good. I also know it builds endurance and stamina.

A "trick rider" is one who can ride any horse and is consistent in how they ride and getting the horse do what they want done. I'm not there yet.

STOP

Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. "(NIV)

To see what others are doing with this week's prompt check out: www.fiveminutefriday.com

Hospitality-Five Minute Friday for August 16th

Hospitality defined as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.

Hospitality........

I just returned from vacationing in Virginia Beach. This year my mom, Linda and I went together. We stayed with our friends Vic and Gloria. Mom has known them for almost forty years and I much less of course. Even though my mom hadn't seen them in many, many years, she remarked, "It's as if no time has gone by."

They warmly welcomed us with beautiful guest rooms, fluffy towels, wonderful food, and their great smiles. We enjoyed catching up while prepping food in the kitchen, traveling to some new places, walking along the beach, and playing games at night.

STOP

Galatians 6:10 "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (NIV)

To see how others are sharing or experiencing this great gift, check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Again-Five Minute Friday

I missed last week's as I really had no idea what to write for "Five" and I didn't find the time. Here I am again though. What do you find yourself returning to again and again?  That is our prompt for this week.

Again.....

Another summer morning. The sun popped up again. I traveled to my CSA to complete another set of work share hours. I found myself kneeling beside a soft, weedy bed, pulling up carrots again.

There can be boredom in monotony and then there is comfort in the familiar. Each day, God's mercies are new. Each day His provision is abundant. AGAIN and AGAIN He has not ceased to send rain on the earth, four full length seasons, and the sun each new day.

Yet I need reminders. We all do on how faithful God is. We still need to see His goodness in action AGAIN and AGAIN.

STOP

"This I recall to mind, Therefore I have hope. The Lord's loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:21-23)

To see what others have posted as we've joined once again check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Middle-Five Minute Friday

I missed the posting for the week of July 19th, but I am back for this week's now that we are half way through summer. A very different prompt for this past Friday. I can't wait to read other's thoughts. here are mine on...........

Middle...

The lake was in the middle filled with turtles, frogs, and fish.

Surrounded by various blossoms, rocks, vegetation, and creeks.

I was stunned by its beauty.

Different rocks, paths, and views.

I walked slowly and breathed deeply as I peered through branches and leaves.

Steps going up, around, and down.

Brick paths leading to different worlds.

A few fountains spraying a cool mist while the sun beat down.

Not knowing how.

STOP

Genesis 1:31 "God saw all that He had made and behold it was very good." (NASB)

To see what others came up with for in the middle, check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Willing- A Very Late Five Minute Friday from last week on the 12th!

Summer is flying by and I am just sitting down to post my thoughts with regards to last week's prompt. Are you willing to read and ask yourself the same questions?

Willing....

It still kind of boggles my mind that I found my lost earring over a week ago. It befuddles me, quite honestly only because I've found myself admitting more and more, "I know God CAN DO ALL things, but what is He WILLING TO DO?"

I've had my fair share of disappointments, receiving not just the "wait" answer to prayers, but flat out "NO's". No to requests for physical healing for different loved ones. No to finding another place to live this year. No to both little and big requests throughout life. When you get a few no's in a row, it's not only frustrating, but disheartening.

STOP

I ran out of time to write, but I didn't want to end it with that. Some pretty big NO's have caused me to not ask or expect as much. Yet upon venting my frustrations in prayer, new questions came to mind:

"What have I been willing and/or unwilling to do? How does God feel?"

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you."

I listened to a radio program earlier today which encouraged people to not give up on praying for different loved ones as the speaker, Eva Whittington Self prayed for her dad for 15 years to come to know the peace and love of God. At 80 years old, he finally did.

To see what others have been willing to post check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Take-Five Minute Friday

I missed last week! First one in I don't know how long. I didn't know what to write, was pretty pooped  when I did have a few minutes to myself, and so it never got done. 

I'm here today on a Friday posting. I was encouraged by an unexpected find this morning. During my quiet time, I began to question, "How do I know God still hears me?" Years have gone by with some pretty BIG unanswered prayers. I still have people in my family who are not speaking to each other and refuse to reconcile. One of them has not talked to me in quite some time and continues to ignore me in spite of the numerous times I've reached out. Today I was encouraged though.

Take....

Take it in stride. Cope. Manage or accept difficulty or the unfortunate well. 

I was bummed out. Half way through a fourth of July BBQ yesterday, I realized I lost an earring. UGH! I looked in my car and around the area I was sitting. It could have been anywhere. I looked when I got home last night. Nothing. Chances were good I wasn't going to find it anywhere. God only knows when and where I lost it. It was one of my all time favorites, worn many a time through the years. I figured I would not find it. No sense in driving myself crazy looking for it. I'd be shopping for another pair. UNTIL this morning while I was talking to a friend on the phone. I spotted it on the rug. I didn't bother to pray, but there it was. Found.

STOP

After my discovery, I thought about how the earring was something I could replace. I wasn't happy that I may not be able to find the exact same pair again, but I knew it wasn't the end of the world. I could easily go buy another pair. Yet, here it was found on my living room rug! I was willing to let it go and not search any further. 

Healing and reconciliation between people in my family is worth SO MUCH MORE than a favorite pair of earrings. If God allowed me to find a missing earring, would He not work in the hearts of people in my family of whom are so much more valuable? Would I not find reconciliation and healing in due time?

Isaiah 65:24 'It will come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking I will hear." (NASB)

To see what others are taking away from this week's prompt, check out: www.fiveminutefriday.com

Question-A Very Late Five Minute Friday!

This is for last Friday's prompt on the 21st. I'm just in time before a new one tomorrow. What can I say except the last two weeks of school are really crazy! I've also been looking to buy a home which prompted my response to last week's encouragement.....

Question..........

Some don't know what to ask. I'm learning I need to ask a lot before making a BIG investment. I'm learning about wells, septic, roofs, and furnaces. I'm learning all that glitters is NOT gold.

QUESTION!

What a powerful tool and action. It can save us a lot of heartache and money in the end. Wisdom to guide us into and onto a path of life.

What else can I say? Everyone needs to do their homework. It's something I hope to instill in my students, what to ask and when.

Need to know!

STOP

Proverbs 3:13 " How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding." (NASB)

To see what others question, check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Goal- Five Minute Friday

Less than ten days to go until summer vacation. The list is so long for things to do before then, but I was led to write about something more challenging then just meeting the end of the school year's goals. 

Some, if not all, will invariably wonder when our final appointment is and under what circumstances. I was challenged by my friend's grandmother's legacy of faith to view this as something we should not try to control. What's you goal?

Goal....

Would you make it your goal to end your life your way, on your terms, and in your own time if diagnosed with an incurable, debilitating disease?

I've often thought I would. After all, who wants to suffer without an immediate end in sight and excruciatingly? NO ONE!

Tonight I went to the service of a friend's loved one who planned for sometime to do just that because she was diagnosed with MS forty five years ago. She kept drugs in a secure place to reach for when she had had enough.

Yet as time went on and she grew stronger in her faith, she got rid of the drugs and acknowledged her times were in God's hands.

STOP

Matthew 28:20 "teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (NASB)

I was inspired by the life of my friend's grandmother tonight. She lived many years beyond what doctors anticipated. Her children and grandchildren shared how she continued to do everything she could for as long as she could. She always had a smile. She was anything BUT bitter and angry. She lived a full life and gave glory to God in and through her suffering. We celebrate the newness of life and vitality she now enjoys for all eternity.

To see what others have set as goals, check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Well-A Late Five Minute Friday

So it's the end of the school year with less than 15 days to go. Thus here I am posting late for last Friday's prompt. So many directions to go with this one. What does it mean to you?

Well......

"We know the worth of water when the well is dry." the plaque read.

I think of the overabundance we enjoy as believers who hold to faith in Christ.

I think of the privilege I enjoyed for all four years of gathering daily in chapel at a Christian college.

I think of that well spring of truth and life that was presented to me.

I think of working in a secular environment where fellow believers are few and far between.

I think of the freedoms we all enjoy as people of different faiths in America.

Will it always be?

STOP

John 6:68 "Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life." (NASB)

To see what is well with others, check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Name- Five Minute Friday

I'm back! I actually missed last week to celebrate a long weekend visiting my Aunt. Returning to work on Tuesday and getting back into the swing of things left little to no time for last week's prompt "Culture." It's actually the first one I've missed in I don't know how long. So here I am with this week's new prompt.......

Name....

Power in it. Good or bad. If someone is called "Stupid" over and over, how that can kill. BUT if someone is called "friend", "daughter", anything positive, it lifts up and empowers.

I love that God saw to it to change many people's names. He saw something different and called into being what was lacking. He gave hope to where none had been.

Abram became Abraham, the father of many, and Sarai, Sarah.

Jacob, a deceiver became Israel, one who prevailed with God.

And then Simeon became Peter (Petra), the rock.

God knew what He was doing.

STOP

Revelation 2:17 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows, but he who receives it." (NASB)

To see what others have done with the "name", check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Promise-A Late Five Minute Friday

What a busy time of year it is! I have made a promise to myself to keep with our FMF community each week and so here I am, better late than never. I could've gone in many different directions with last week's prompt. These are just some of my thoughts I wrote out yesterday.

Promise....

We count on it. We count on those to come through and make good on their promise. When they don't, our apple cart is turned upside down and we're left wondering, "Now what do I do?"

Sometimes it's like that with God. We think a promise means one thing and we take it literally. I recall the one about "Honor your mother and father that your days may be prolonged in the land your God gives you." (Exodus 20:12, NASB)

That doesn't always play out the way we expect. There are children, no doubt, who have loved and honored/respected their parents and for what appears to be no reason, die before their own mom and dad. I don't know why.

STOP

"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15 (NASB)

I thought of the above verse because each of us has to decide what to do with the tough stuff when real life doesn't live up to our expectations. It is very hard when life doesn't make sense. I am equally challenged and wrestle when tragedy strikes. I have to decide though, who and what am I going to side with. I know I don't see everything. I know God is BIGGER than everything I see and experience at any given moment. I really don't like all the moments though and so I struggle;so do we all. Will we fulfill our promise to follow after Him?

To see what others are doing with their promises and God's check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Practice

I liked this week's prompt for simply a time to reflect upon what it is so natural to put into practice, that which we've seen modeled to us through our mother's. However, what is it we truly want to practice and in turn become while setting an example for others to follow?

Practice

Monkey see. Money do. What we practice, sticks like glue!

Mom's Day-we celebrate and commemorate the women who gave us life. They carried us for nine months, nursed us, changed our diapers, carried us in their arms and raised us up.

Did they always do their best or what was best? Most intend to. Some make better choices than others.

We watch. We take notes and can take after them in more ways than one.

What if their words are hurtful? 

What if they are neglectful or even abusive? 

What if they just can't handle money? 

What if our stories don't match the Brady Bunch? 

What if?

STOP

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things and the God of peace will be with you." (NASB)

To see what others have put into practice, check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Opportunity-Five Minute Friday

This can excite us or push us to our limit. No matter what, it is always good to have options and know there may be more than we realize at hand.

Opportunity........

the right time, the right place

set of circumstances 

makes it possible to do something

what we see as impossibility

can be a God given opportunity

rivers in the desert

open doors we never knew existed

any day, any time

we are usually desperate

looking for a way, the way

then the phone call, the knock on the door

or a new person to talk with

it can lead us places we never dreamed

even in a dungeon, dark and deep

can come something from nowhere

and lead us into higher places

I think of Joseph

from field to Potiphar's house

to jail to the palace

Absolutely amazes me

STOP

I Corinthians 2:9 "but just as it is written,'Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him." (NASB)

To see what others have done with this week's opportunity check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Touch-Five Minute Friday

This week's prompt occurs in the Bible over one hundred times. I am always encouraged to read how many jesus reached out to touch.

Touch....

Power in our hands

To crush or to soothe

To tear down or build up

To uproot or plant

To nurture or suffocate

Give and receive

Some hate it, while others love it

Pull away from or seek out

How many times is enough?

Live in a world where

Tactile is how we and

Others

Understand

Care and can

Heal hearts

How will I use the power in my hands?

STOP

Luke 24:39 "See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." (NASB)

To see what others are doing with this week's prompt check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Five Minute Friday-Next

Happy Easter and Resurrection Day! I'm just jumping in with this week's new prompt. 

Next.......

First socks, next shoes. 

A natural and predictable sequence. 

First morning, next afternoon.

I like to know what's next, don't you? 

I like to plan. 

I think about what I'll say or do next when so and so says such and such. 

Always anticipating and trying to know what's going to be best.

Jesus predicted His own death, but nevertheless, the disciples didn't and couldn't really 

fathom it all.

They scattered.

Some denied, while others hid.

They didn't get it when the unexpected came next. 

They were blown away.

STOP

2 Corinthians 2:9" However, as it is written: 'What no eye has seen,what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived' the things God has prepared for those who love Him." (NIV)

To see what others are up to next, check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Lack-Five Minute Friday

I missed last week, but here I am for this past Friday's prompt. In America, we certainly have a lot of resources. Sometimes I wonder if we have too many. So, I had to take a little extra time to think on what do I really lack?

Lack........

I had to think on this one a bit. What do I lack that I truly need? God has been so generous providing for my physical needs-the bare necessities of life, along with great relationships I enjoy with family and friends. So what more could a girl or anyone ask for?

If I ask myself this question in light of Psalm 119, I know there is plenty. Those who seek God with their whole hearts and are diligent to keep all of his ways are blessed. There is a standard to reach for and a rock to firmly plant our feet on, but honestly, I'm not actively seeking and pursuing with all my heart.

STOP

Psalm 119:1-2 "How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the Lord. How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart."(NASB)

To see what others may be lacking, check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Measure-Five Minute Friday

Another busy weekend, so here I am posting for this week's prompt. How do you measure things and what do you measure?

Measure....

Aren't you thankful for standard units of measurement? Can you imagine what would happen if a crew tried to build a house and each member had their own idea of how to measure the concrete, the tiles or the sheet rock? 

I don't know if the house would ever get finished or be able to stand. 

"How can two walk together, unless they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3)

How can we build something to last unless there are standards that stick and everyone agrees and adheres to?

How did our world get so messed up? I am thinking everyone has their own ideas.

STOP

Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (NASB)

To see what others use to measure, check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Reward-Five Minute Friday

Reward....

Earlier I was challenged in my Five Minute Journal to list the life accomplishments I'm most proud of. I came up with more than a dozen, but it got me thinking about the rewards I've reaped.

One of the most beautiful and life giving reward we can sow seeds to reap is peace!

Peace from living within one's means and not dreading creditors

Peace from forgiving those who have insulted and hurt us deeply

Peace from doing the right thing for the right reasons

Peace in having money for a rainy day

Peace in being with those when they pass on

STOP

Proverbs 3:1-2 "My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you."

To see what others have found rewards in check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Place- Five Minute Friday on Sunday

Spring is popping out everywhere and soon vibrant colors and fragrant smells with beckon us outdoors more and more. It is a beautiful time and place to be. It is also the season of Lent as we commemorate what Christ did on the earth over 2,000 years ago. I hope you are blessed with this read.

Place...

The noun or the verb?

Gethsemane. Jesus placed His life in His Father's hands.

He was placed on the altar.

Not his will, but His Father's will be done.

Yet they were one in the same.

God dwelt among us in this place on Earth.

Everything we know as Earth and this world, 

He entered into this very same place.

Often I have lamented, "Well, He's not walking around down here with us anymore. Jesus ascended to the heavenly place."

His physical body as people knew it over 2,000 years ago,

is no longer here with us.

Is He not still dwelling in the place of our hearts?

STOP

Matthew 28:20 "...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (NASB)

More-Five Minute Friday

What do you think of when it comes to "more". More and more, as I get older, I realize it's about what is unseen. Our world is merely a shadow of what is awaiting us in eternity.

More....

Am I getting or giving? 

When have I last said, "There's more than enough."?

When have I felt there is more than enough of the good stuff?

Recently, I was challenged by a friend and colleague to do the Marie Kondo thing. "If it doesn't spark joy, toss it.", so that is just what I started doing on my last snow day. 

Needing more joy and freedom in my life, I decided means having less stuff. Less dust collectors and things I don't use. They're just taking up space. How many t-shirts does one need? How many sneaks or earrings? I have only begun.

STOP

Matthew 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal;" (NASB)

To see what others have more or less of, check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Search-A Late One for last week's FMF!

Ok, so I'm really late on this one. It's been awhile since I did FMF on a Monday. It was a very busy weekend and by Sunday evening I was pooped. So here I am and here it is.

Search.....

How much of our lives are spent searching for someone or something?

One rock band from the 80's, Survivor, sang out, "The search is over. You were with me all the while."

If only we could say that of everything we are obsessed with finding. When do we keep searching and when do we give up?

Years ago, I lost a golden, hoop earring. After days, if not weeks of searching, I gave up. Thinking to myself, "Well, I'm not going to wear one large hoop. Why bother trying to find a match in the store?" So, I tossed it.

As time went on though, I came across the MIA golden hoop in my kitchen's junk drawer. Too late. I already tossed the other one.

STOP

Hebrews 10:35 " Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward." (NASB)

To see what others have searched and found, check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Just- Five Minute Friday

Here we are for another Five Minute Friday as I am finally posting on Sunday evening. May you be challenged and encouraged!

Just......

Just a minute

I just saw him

God's ways are just and true

Just the right size

Where is the token in this? How do we see a sign of God's goodness in this? 

His ways are precise and exact! It's either right or wrong. There is an absolute standard of morality. It's clear, current, and unchanging. One knows where they stand and where they don't.

We need that! We yearn for security and consistency. The boundaries are firm and in place. They are not always easy, but it is clear!

STOP

"Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it." (NASB)

To see what others have done with this weeks prompt, check out www.fiveminutefriday.com

Confident-Five Minute Friday

I had one person in mind when I wrote this today. She is one of the most courageous women I know and has such a strong faith. Thank you Chris Cookie as I thank God for the gift of you!

Confident....

Confident He has her back

Confident in the face of challenges

Confident she will overcome

So long cancer, so long life of fear

So long anxiety, hello peace and cheer

So long mud and grime, hello fresh and clean

So long burdens, hello life again

Never down for the whole count

Back up and bouncing

Confident run wild

Will He make us this bold?

Can He strengthen our backs?

Will we persevere through the darkest of nights?

If He can't, we can't, but He can and He does

So we can

STOP

Philippians 1:6" For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (NASB)

To see what others are confident of, check out www.fiveminutefriday.com