DECIDE

 

This post was written for Five Minute Friday 

Word prompt--DECIDE

Five minutes to free write about it 

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My new chapter (post data entry/transcription job) did not start out the way I had hoped or anticipated it would.

As I navigated the rough patches, my thoughts turned nostalgically to my abandoned blog, AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS. On a whim, I decided to use it, instead of the nice blank notebook I had been looking forward to writing in, to document what this new phase of life would bring. 

My notebook was all set up. The quote I had decided on to use for the chapter theme (a suggestion made by my blog friend Ginny Hartzler) was already inscribed on the first page. There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind. -- C.S. Lewis

Though not what first went through my mind when I decided on that quote, there is much truth there for those who have accepted the gift of salvation. This world is not our home. We are just passing through.

When I saw this week's prompt I thought of the many bad choices I have made on my journey, and some of the good ones too, and how the best one of all was when I decided to follow Jesus.

WORK

This post was written for Five Minute Friday 

Word prompt--WORK

Five minutes to free write about it 

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Growing up, I was loved, but not unconditionally, and had a desperate need to feel significant. My self-worth was dependent on recognition received for a job well done, winning an award, or serving on some type of committee. For a good part of my life, my identity was very much tied into my work and accomplishments. 

Later, when I became steeped in New Age and occult doctrines and became a published numerologist, the novelty of being sought out for my expertise really gave my ego a boost. A status I enjoyed for several years until, in a most improbable way, the Lord stepped in and rescued me from the error of my ways.*

He opened my eyes to see that the unconditional love I had been seeking, and the sense of worth, could only be found through Jesus Christ. 

Jesus came to earth to die on the cross so we could be forgiven of our sins and set free to spend eternal life in Heaven with Him, enjoying the fellowship we were created to enjoy with the Lord before sin entered the world. This gift of salvation is a free gift that can only be received by grace through faith. It cannot be earned by good works.

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for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, -- Romans 3:23, NIV

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. -- Romans 6:23, NIV

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. -- John 14:6, NIV

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, tht whoever believes in im shall not perish but have eternal life. -- John 3:16, NIV

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. -- Ephesians 2:8, NLT

*If you are interested in reading about how the Lord came to my rescue, it's all in my memoir--Sincerely Wrong: An Improbable Journey (available on Amazon by clicking on the link).

IMPULSE

This post was written for Five Minute Friday 

Word prompt--IMPULSE

Five minutes to free write about it 

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My library used to have two gorgeous azalea bushes out front--one on either side of the door. That is, until several months ago when I was shocked to see that they were gone.

Upon inquiry, the librarian told me that the powers that be decided they should be replaced with something indigenous.

I'm wondering whether this was a well thought out decision or something done on impulse, because to date, nothing has been planted in their place. The spots where great beauty once stood are still bare.

Why do some people have such disregard for healthy plants with glorious blooms? It makes me really sad that they should be so easily discarded.

In the case of these pansies, it was not done on impulse. These spectacular flowers growing outside my physical therapy office building were uprooted so they could be replaced with begonias. Why? Because begonias are the standard in my neck of the woods, and the rich colors of the pansies would not have conformed to the look of the rest of the complex?

We once had a beautiful iris growing in front of the management office of our complex that bloomed faithfully every year. until one spring, a previous property manager impulsively had it pulled out because she did not feel its look would blend in with the begonias that were about to be planted.

I was not the only one to be stunned with disbelief that year.

THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE

The mama instinct of a bird that built her nest under the lid of my daughter's propane tank.

My two youngest great-grandsons. (My two great-granddaughters make me smile too, but I'm not allowed to post their pictures on social media.) 

My grand-dog, Oliver, who is a very naughty dog, but such a good sport. 

Watching my oldest grandson bond with my youngest great-grandson, and hearing the giggles as he gets tossed in the air. 

This patio in my complex that reminds me of the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Seeing this little vehicle parked in a regular parking spot.

And last, but not least, the smile on the face of this young lady who, by the amazing grace of God and the love, devotion, and untiring efforts of a most amazing mom, has beaten odd after odd after odd and just graduated from high school. What a testimony they have to share!

THE POWER OF MUSIC

 

This post was written for Five Minute Friday 

Word prompt--MUSIC

Five minutes to free write about it 

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This prompt bought so many thoughts to mind, but for some reason I had a case of brain freeze (if there is such a thing) and I wasn't able to get them out. And now it's already Tuesday. Not just any Tuesday, however.

Today is Tuesday, July 4th, and even though I missed our town parade this year, a memory came up in my Facebook with pictures of a past one I had attended. As I remembered what fun it used to be, I thought of marching bands, and John Sousa's rousing "Stars and Stripes Forever," and how even back in Old Testament days musicians playing trumpets and other instruments would lead the way as the Israelite army marched into battle. 

Music can do so many things. It can heal, comfort, inspire, uplift, change a mood, and impact our emotions in so many ways. 

I always get a kick out of watching little kids start to sway or dance when they hear lively dance music playing. There is something so catchy about it that gets even me to do the same. And when I'm feeling down, there's nothing like some praise and worship music to chase the gloom away. 

Soothing lullabies can help lull babies to sleep; listening to relaxing music helps me drift off as well; and back in Old Testament days, David was able to calm King Saul by playing him melodies on his harp when Saul was being tormented by an evil spirit.  

Sacred music played by a full classical orchestra or on one of those gigantic pipe organs gives me goose bumps. It touches my heart and transports me into the presence of God in a way I have no words to describe.

By now, I'm sure I'm way over five minutes. To be honest, I didn't time myself. Hope my thoughts are not sounding too disjointed and I was somehow able to get them across.

ASPIRE

This post was written for Five Minute Friday 

Word prompt--ASPIRE

Five minutes to free write about it 

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The first thing that came to mind was Proverbs 19:21--"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

When I was very little I aspired to be a ballerina, and a few years later I aspired to be a concert pianist. Neither aspiration materialized. 

Then some years later I aspired to get married to someone I would grow old with and still be walking down the street with hand in hand. And I did get married, but my husband and I did not grow old together.

When I graduated from graduate school and was offered the job of my dreams, I opted for marriage and a move across the border. Sometimes I wonder what my life would now be if I had made a different choice.

On the other hand, there were many things I never aspired to that just happened. Like becoming an author of children's picture books. Writing books was never anything I had aspired to do. 

And after my husband's untimely death, I had a fear I too would die young and arranged for one of my friends to be the legal guardian of my two children should that come to pass. But God had other plans, and not only did I live to see them grow up, get married, and have families of their own, but I have been blessed with seven grandchildren and six great-grands, the youngest of which is the little munchkin sitting on my lap. 

NEXT CHAPTER UPDATE

 

A couple of posts back, I had asked for suggestions for a verse I could use for my next chapter. Thank you all so much for your suggestions.

Despite my best intentions, things did not start out the way I had anticipated, and I have a lot of sorting out to do as the Lord helps me through a rough patch. 

Instead of using a notebook, I've decided to blog the journey on one of my old blogs, At The Foot Of The Cross, because that's where I need to lay it all down.  I am not using hashtags or sharing to Facebook, Instagram, or other social media that I share this blog to, but if any of you would like to follow along, you can click on the Foot Of The Cross link and it will take you there.

The verse I felt led to use was the quote Ginny Hartzler posted -- “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” C.S. Lewis  Thanks, Ginny. By faith I receive that.

 

JUST A THOUGHT

 

Things are not always what they seem.

On the morning I took this picture I was beyond excited to see what looked like a beautiful pink sun. I had never seen anything like it before. 

And then I found out that it wasn't really pink. It was just an illusion created by a toxic filter of smoke blowing down from wildfires in Canada. 

Many outdoor events got canceled, and we were warned to wear a mask if we did have to go outside.

How easily we can be deceived, sometimes with dire consequences.

SUNSHINE

This post was written for Five Minute Friday 

Word prompt--SUNSHINE

Five minutes to free write about it 

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I love sunshine--except when the sun is at such an angle that it shines right into my eyes, through my sunglasses, and blinds me as I drive into it. That is really scary.

There's nothing like a blue sky, sunshine day to convince me to drop what I'm doing and spend time outdoors--except when it's a scorcher. Heat and me don't go well together, so if being outside can't be avoided, I'm ever so grateful for a shady spot under a tree and a gently blowing breeze to fan me.

QUICK

This post was written for Five Minute Friday 

Word prompt--QUICK

Five minutes to free write about it 

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On my desk, next to my computer, sits this timely reminder not to be so quick to panic and jump to conclusions (most often wrong) or so quick to think of worst case scenarios (also mostly always wrong).

A reminder to trust in Jesus who has never failed me yet. Through all life's adversities He has faithfully walked beside me, provided for all of my needs, blessed me beyond measure, and given me the strength to endure.

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When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not

drown. When you walk through he fire of oppression,

you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume

you. -- Isaiah 43:2, NLT