HEAL

This post was written for Five Minute Friday

Word prompt--HEAL  

Five minutes to free write about it

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Thinking of many things in my life and beyond that are in need of healing--my back, my finances, a relationship gone south, friends battling serious health issues, shattered lives, broken hearts, and the state of our nation most of all. 

Father in Heaven, have mercy on this land. Your Word says, "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV). 

I pray that you would open eyes that have been blinded, and turn hearts back to you that have been led astray. Thwart the attacks of the enemy, and protect those in positions of authority who are standing for what is right. Shine your light into the darkness and make a way for righteousness to prevail. In Jesus' name. Amen!

KNOW

This post was written for Five Minute Friday

Word prompt--KNOW  

Five minutes to free write about it

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KNOW -- "Be still and KNOW that I am God." Those words from Psalm 46:10 were the first thing that came to mind when I saw this week's word prompt. A very timely reminder, or an admonition, perhaps, because it's something that I do know. It's something I've seen played out over and over again throughout the seasons of my life--even during the years before I came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior. He was always there, walking with me throughout it all. And even so, I still fret and fear when life gets lifey, as it has been of late, and tend to focus on the negatives and on my shortcomings rather than on all the blessings and the things I'm doing right. 

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 43:5 BLB)" Be still and trust. God has never failed me yet. He is in control.

VISION

This post was written for Five Minute Friday

Word prompt--VISION  

Five minutes to free write about it

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Vision is one of the gifts I give thanks for every morning. Along with the gifts of a new day, and of being able to hear and walk as well as see. Blessings I often take for granted.

The abundance of rain we've had this spring has made everything look lush and green, and the azalea bushes by the library seem fuller and more beautiful than I remember them looking in the past. Stopping to take pictures reminded me of how much I used to enjoy going for walks with my camera, and how much beholding the beauty all around me would lift my spirits. It made me yearn to do so again.

I miss those days, and know I need to stop making excuses and just do it. It's time to once again go out "beholding"  the masterpieces God gave me my vision to enjoy.

Those who live at the ends of the earth stand

in awe of your wonders. From where the sun

rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of   

joy. -- (Psalm65:8)                                          

  

                            

    

BOTH

 

This post was written for Five Minute Friday

Word prompt--BOTH

Five minutes to free write about it

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Today is the 4th anniversary of my open heart surgery to replace the damaged beyond repair mitral valve with a new tissue (porcine) one.

Since I haven't been feeling the greatest lately, which is partly why I've been MIA, I went to my follow-up echocardiogram this morning with a bit of trepidation. A few hours later, however, this best anniversary gift ever showed up in my e-mail.

Feeling BOTH blessed and grateful.