10/9/26
10/7/26
10/4/26
SIGHT
This post was written for Five Minute Friday
Word prompt--SIGHT
Five minutes to free-write about it
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2 Corinthians 5:7 was the first thought that popped into my mind: For we walk by faith, not by sight (BSB). Then I got distracted by this sight that caught my attention as I walked past the balcony door. The sight of one last wildflower still blooming, while the trees across the way are starting to change into their colorful apparel--a sure sign that summer is transitioning into fall.
Back to the verse, though. We all have faith in something, but is it faith in what is true--or faith in something that is not? There was a time in my life when I had great faith that I was on the right path, but I was not. Fortunately, the Lord came to my rescue and did not leave me there. (If you are interested, I blogged about it here.)
Or are we putting our faith in what is visible and predictable, which is not really faith at all, as our senses can deceive us, and things we experience can be misleading.
That is why the scriptures tell us to walk by faith (in God and the truth of His word), not by sight. To trust in Him and His promises no matter how things may be looking around us, or what our intellect has to say.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6, BSB).
9/29/26
9/23/26
9/22/26
TUESDAY THOUGHTS
"Let not your heart be troubled; you
believe in God, believe also in me.
(John 14:1, NKJV)
Thoughts I am pondering on this rainy Tuesday morning.
Why have I had so many unexpected frustrations day after day that keep eating up my time and preventing me from accomplishing the things on my schedule that need to get done? Is it the enemy trying to mess with my head and steal my peace (1 Peter 5:8); or the Lord overruling my plans (Proverbs 16:9), for His good purpose (which is ultimately for mine as well); or a bit of both?
One of my devotionals this morning was about the phrase "Let not your heart be troubled" at the beginning of John 14:1 (see above). According to British preacher, J. H. Jowett, the emphasis should be on the word heart-- not the word troubled. In his words:The heart is to be clothed in serene regality even when hell is knocking and rioting at its very gates.
Inner peace is not the result of untroubled circumstances, but rather, of an untroubled heart.
I know this to be true, and yet I'd be lying if I told you that I never struggle to keep my trust and focus on God instead of my problems and frustrations. Some days the temptation to cave and give up is really strong.
The other devotional I read contained a timely reminder that faith is like a seed. It does not grow strong overnight. Seeds grow a little at a time, a consistent 24/7 growth, until they push their way through the soil and develop into what they were created to be.
Similarly, strong unwavering faith comes from constant meditation on the Word of God and consistently filling your heart with it, 24/7--not just turning to it when you feel like it, or it's convenient, or you have a need.
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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).
We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9, NLT).
"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid (John 14:27, NLT).
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NLT)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3, NLT).
Then Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches" (Luke 13:18-19, NLT).
So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up (Galatians 6:9, NLT).
9/15/26
THANKFUL TUESDAY
Stories transform. Stories help people
believe that change is possible. ... The
setbacks. The failures. The disappoint-
ments. The moments you wanted to
quit. Those become the bridges that
help someone else cross over.
(Les Brown)
Today (actually yesterday, since I am writing this in the wee hours of the morning) was a cross over day. for me. A day with so many unexpected little God winks in it, my heart feels full to overflowing. Little things like following the Lord's prompt to text a friend I had gone to school with and who I hadn't been in touch with for a long time. I did not realize she was going through a very difficult time, but He did, and He gave me just the right words to send her. Her response about how wonderful it is when an old old friend reappears in one's life when they need it the most and how I had done that for her, made my heart skip with happy beats.
Today it is my own story that has helped me believe that change is possible. I was reading some of the posts I shared on my other blog--At the Foot of the Cross--when I was feeling discouraged and ready to give up. But mixed in with the frustration there were many blessings as well (some of which I've shared on this blog too).
It reminded me of another quote from one of my devotionals about how man's disappoint-ments are often God's appointments, and the things we think are tragic are often the doors through which He chooses to exhibit His love and grace. How true!
Today was a day that had me thanking God for all my many blessings and singing this song which has now become embedded in my mind.
9/14/26
IS BLOGGER DEAD?
Is Blogger dead?
I had been using my Blogger Reading List to get notified when people I follow write a new post, but then I noticed that it had started listing posts out of sequence. Like posts that were written days ago and posts written only hours ago were all mixed up, so there were posts I missed because I thought I was all caught up and didn't realize there were more recent posts further down the list.
And now, as of last night, I'm not seeing anything new--not even when I look up a specific blogger. The only way I can see new posts is if I look up a specific person, scroll down to the end of the old post that comes up, click on Newer Post at the bottom of it, and then keep repeating that until there are no more newer post links. to click on
How about you? What do you all use to see what your blog friends are posting?
I honestly don't have it in me to switch to a different blogging venue at this point, and am seriously considering whether or not it's worth continuing to blog if it's going to be such a hassle, and AI and algorithms are going to decide who if anyone gets to see the post. That's how it is on Facebook and Instagram, but I didn't think Blogger did that as well.
9/10/26
9/4/26
BOUNDARY
This post was written for Five Minute Friday
Word prompt--BOUNDARY
Five minutes to free-write about it
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This summer was a mix of unexpected frustrations and unexpected blessings,.
The word prompt, boundary, got me to thinking of the times I felt frustrated because something I expected didn't turn out the way I expected it to, or afraid because I had to face something scary that caught me by surprise (like my unexpected trip to the hospital in May). It also had me thinking of the times when things happened I did not expect--often as a result of what did not look so good at first--that were like huge God winks reminding me that He is the God of the impossible, and there are no boundaries around what He can do.
It was a time of learning to trust Him more and to let go and rest in Him instead of trying to be in control. A time of learning to look up instead of around, and not try to put Him in a box. A time to accept that His ways and His timing are always best.
And then, before I even had a chance to write down my thoughts, came the test. The test to see how real my trust really was when I was pressed. Would I cave under the pressure, or would I have peace knowing that my God, who has no boundaries, is truly in total control.
The test was in the form of a phone call about a very frustrating issue that I had been unable to resolve, and I failed it miserably. Instead of turning it over to God, I tried once again for the umpteenth time, to try and take care of it myself, only to get so frustrated I had a huge meltdown on the phone.
I am so grateful that God did not treat me the way I deserved. I am so grateful for His mercy and grace, that He is so longsuffering, and that instead of giving up on me He extended unmerited favor by using a very kind, caring, empathetic lady to come up with an alternate plan that although it didn't right the wrong, circumvented it, and wound up being an even better plan than the original one I was trying so hard to enforce.
9/1/26
8/29/26
WHAT HAVE WE HERE?
Word prompt--HERE
Five minutes to free-write about it
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What have we here? Here we have what I thought was a giant weed that had crowded out all the rest of the wildflowers in one of the pots on my balcony.
I was wrong. If you look close, you should be able to see two large buds near the top.
I was about to dump it, but when I went out to water the plants this morning I was surprised to notice that not only was it looking quite a bit taller, but there was some fuzz on several of the stalks, and I could actually detect a faint tomato aroma.
Looks like I was wrong again, which led to a rush of thoughts such as the ones listed here:
* Don't be deceived by outward appearances.
* First appearances can be deceiving.
* Don't be too quick to discount someone or something.
* All is not always what it seems.
* Don't jump to conclusions.
So for now, the tomato plant has been spared from getting dumped.
I'm guessing it's probably way too late in the season for it to grow any tomatoes, but then again, who can know for sure? Stranger things than that have happened out on my balcony before.
Stay tuned!
8/26/26
8/21/26
HALF
This post was written for Five Minute Friday
Word prompt--HALF
Five minutes to free-write about it
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This week's prompt showed up just as I was pondering a bizarre (at least to me) display I had seen at Costco yesterday. Proportionately, to the eye, it does not look half and half because the Christmas trees are so tiny, but that's what it is. A combination of two very mismatched holidays--Halloween and Christmas.
On the other hand, this container of Half-&-Half may seem like a more balanced combination, but the result is a mixture of milk and cream that lacks the distinct identity of either one.
These musings got me completely off track and instead of focusing on the word prompt, half, I found myself considering an analogy between Half-&-Half, and the church of Laodicea who Jesus rebuked in the book of Revelation for being lukewarm and indifferent.
I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:15-16, ESV).
8/19/26
8/14/26
DISRUPT
Word prompt--DISRUPT
Five minutes to free-write about it
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When I look at the word "disrupt," it is more than just a word prompt for this week's challenge. Add an "ions" to the end of it, and it becomes the perfect word to define what my last several days have been like--full of disruptions.
Pressing issues that require immediate attention keep popping up at the most inopportune times, disrupting my schedule and interfering with my ability to get my work done timely, or accomplish other priority items on my to-do list.
This morning, for instance, I was shocked by an email (a legitimate one) from Amazon notifying me that my account had been blocked because the bank that issued the credit card I had used to purchase my new computer with in July refused to honor the charge. They flagged it as a fraudulent transaction.
The e-mail went on to inform me that if this was not the case and it had been an authorized purchase, I needed to contact customer service and make a payment using a different card.
Contacting Amazon customer service is always a time-consuming nightmare that also disrupts my day. Trying to get past the robot that answers the phone and refuses to connect me to a live person has to be one of the most frustrating challenges ever. Not until I am shaking and screaming, "live repesentative right now," do I finally get to speak to one.
The one I spoke to today was not much help and kept telling me I needed to speak to the bank--not Amazon--even though the e-mail clearly said if I had a problem I needed to contact Amazon. He also asked for information I was unable to provide, because my account really was blocked and I could not even access it to look something up.
Anyway, after I managed to calm down, I did call the bank and explain the situation. Details of why I had used that particular card to make the purchase and why the bank thought someone had used it illegitimately. are too lengthy for a five-minute post, but at the end of the conversation, I was told I needed to go back to Amazon customer service and have them process the purchase again.
Now you may be wondering about the picture I posted, and how this could really have been a good day to have a good day. Well, as it turned out, it was. I asked the bank if they had a customer service number that would enable me to bypass the robot, and they did, and now I will never ever have to deal with that annoying robot when calling Amazon customer service again.
8/12/26
THANKFUL THURSDAY ON WEDNESDAY
Simple little blessings like waking up to a morning cool enough to open windows and turn off the A/C; noticing that my wildflowers are still looking pretty despite the lanternflies; finding out there was more money in my checking account than I expected when I went to the bank; a pleasant visit with my daughter who stopped by for supper and Yahtzee on her way home from work; and an unusually uneventful, stress-free day that of itself would have been more than enough to fill my gratitude cup.
I just want to thank you Lord!
8/11/26
8/9/26
AN UNWELCOME SHIFT
This post was written for Five Minute FridayWord prompt--SHIFT
Five minutes to free-write about it
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This is the sad tale of a very unexpected and unwelcome shift.
It didn't start out that way though.
For the first time since I can remember, summer started pest free. There were no hordes of stinkbugs or lanternflies on my balcony--not even one. What a great shift from summers past,
I looked forward to thriving plants, and to being able to sit outside for a change without worrying about bugs flying on me or my hair, or inadvertently carrying one into my apartment on my clothes.
And then came the unexpected shift. A couple of weeks ago, I spotted one loan lanternfly crawling along the ledge outside my window. Then a couple more on the balcony railing. And then two or three gathered in the corners of some windows. And then, what I dreaded most, one comfortably feasting on a leaf. Ugh!!!
Feeling grateful that so far it's been nowhere near as bad as it has been in the past. Hoping against hope they don't keep multiplying and that my wildflowers survive.
8/5/26
8/1/26
AFFORD
This post was written for Five Minute Friday
Word prompt--AFFORD
Five minutes to free-write about it
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This is my very first post on my new Macbook Neo computer.
The very old computer I had been using was on its last legs. It needed to be replaced, but how? There seemed no way I could afford a new one--let alone another Mac.
Thinking I would have to settle for a refurbished PC, I called my grandson-in-law who is an expert in such things to see if my Mac files could be transferred to a PC. Imagine my surprise when he told me that Apple had just come out with a brand new, no frills, very affordable model--the Macbook Neo, which he suggested I check out.
Not only was it half the price of a regular Mac, but I could pay for it in 12 no-interest monthly payments.
The easy part was purchasing it on Amazon Prime, which got it to me in two days. However, figuring out how to set it up, migrate everything over from the old computer, and then install the new Microsoft Office package (which my daughter gifted me when my old version wouldn't work after being migrated), turned into a huge challenge that literally took several days of repeated effort because I kept doing things wrong and having to do them over and over before finally getting them right.
In my frustration, I questioned why I was having to struggle like this. Why couldn't I just enjoy my unexpected blessing without all this effort. And then I remembered a very old parable about a man who found an emperor moth cocoon and took it home so he could watch the process of the moth emerging. As the moth struggled to get through the tiny opening in the cocoon, he felt pity for it and enlarged the hole with a snip of his scissors.
That enabled the moth to emerge easily, but its body was swollen, its wings were all shriveled up, and it would never gain the ability to fly. Preventing the struggle had deprived it of the very vigor it needed to be able to do so.
The struggle the moth needed to engage in as it tried to emerge through the narrow opening was God's design for forcing fluid from its body into its wings. Similarly, what may seem like frustrating challenges to me, He allows as catalysts for growth and inner resilience.
How fast my perspective changed, as did my attitude to one of gratitude, as I realized that what had at first seemed like wasted time, had not been wasted at all. It had exercised my mental muscles, giving my brain cells a much needed workout, even as it strengthened my inner resources as well.
7/28/26
7/25/26
IN ITS LAST PHASE
This post was written for Five Minute Friday
Word prompt--PHASE
Five minutes to free-write about it
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The last few days have been particularly challenging. I've been praying for the Lord to strengthen my inner resources so I can stand strong and not cave in at times such as these, and He has been doing just that,
It seems as though Satan has been working overtime finding ways to attack me on the battlefield of my mind. He may not be omniscient, but he sure seems to know my vulnerabilities and which buttons to push. I'm having to constantly remind myself of verses such as John 8:44b--He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
This morning when I was out watering the plants on my balcony, I pondered the plight of this spotted lanternfly that was in the last phase of its life, having gotten trapped in a spider's web. Immediately the taunts began as thoughts, like flaming arrows, penetrated my mind trying to convince me to believe that I am in my last phase as well.
True, I am in the winter of my life, but age is just a number. And I'm far from the age of 120, which was Moses' age when he was still going strong. As per Deuteronomy 34:7, Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever.
And then we read about Caleb, who at the ripe old age of 85 stated that he was just as strong for war as he had been when he was 40 years old and Moses had sent him to spy out the land. I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then (Joshua 14:11).
Raise a Hallelujah!
7/22/26
7/17/26
REROUTED TO JESUS
This post was written for Five Minute Friday
Word prompt--ROUTE
Five minutes to free-write about it
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My first thought was, how does Miss Kate come up with these FMF prompts, haha.
Seriously though, it made me think of a story in one of my devotionals about a little boy and his dad strolling along hand in hand. The little boy lets go of his dad's hand and goes skipping ahead. Until, suddenly, on the route they had been walking along, he catches sight of a large dog looking at him. That unexpected encounter so scares him, he makes a quick about turn and rushes back to his dad.
Only when his hand is once again securely resting in his dad's hand and he is assured that his dad is right there beside him, does he feel confident enough to walk past the dog.
How like me (and maybe you?) as I go confidently about my day thinking all is well and under control, only to come face to face with a scary looking obstacle. How quickly that serves to reroute me back to Jesus for the reassurance of His presence.
What I have been learning from my recent trials, and have had confirmed over and over, is that when we put our trust in Jesus, He helps us face the future, walking alongside us every step of the way along the route we need to travel.
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Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. -- (Isaiah 41:10, NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. -- (James 1:2-4, NLT)
7/15/26
7/14/26
TUESDAY THOUGHTS
The wildflowers in the planter on my balcony have been a source of so much joy. All the different varieties opening up (I had planted a packet of mixed seeds).
One of my morning highlights, when I go out to water them, is to see what new color I can see. This day, it was not a color, but some delicate, intricate-looking leaves I had not noticed before.
Today, during my quiet time, a passage in one of my devotionals jumped out at me. It was about how easy it is to get your eyes so firmly fixed on the problems in your life that you completely overlook the blessings. That is so true, and I hope I'm not guilty of doing that so much anymore.
The joy my wildflowers bring, no matter how discouraged I may be feeling, is just one small example of the healing effect of opening my eyes to the blessings surrounding me instead of fixating on the troubles.
7/11/26
SHORT
Word prompt--SHORT
Five minutes to free-write about it
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At first I was going to skip this week's challenge, but then an old photo popped up in my Facebook memories of a granddaughter whose birthday is today. She looks so tiny in that shot. Definitely much shorter than I am.
That got me to reminiscing about other brief moments in time when I was not the short one, and to looking through old (and some not so old) photos.
These are of my two children--then and now...
...and my oldest granddaughter.
When my local great-grandchildren started to catch up to me, we started a tradition where whenever we got together at my daughter's home (their grandmother) we would stand side by side in front of a little mirror in her entrance way to see how much taller they had grown since my last visit, a ritual that was repeated each time until with great fanfare they were able to announce to one and all that they had passed me by and I was now the shorter one.
This is a picture of me and one of my great-granddaughters, standing in front of the little mirror that has witnessed the transformation from shorter to taller and taller to shorter so many times over the last several years.
And this is one of my favorite comparison photos--then and now--of my two oldest great-grandsons.
This short reflection really brought home how brief the time is that we have to enjoy our children, be an influence in their lives, and create happy memories together they can carry with them when they fly the coop and are out on their own.
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