Five Minute Friday: Listen

Hi friends! I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday. I did a quick Navi doodle for the Legend of Zelda fans that read my blog. Today's word prompt is Listen.

GO

I didn't have anything to say, but I dialed the numbers on the phone anyway. I wanted to listen to that familiar voice. The one that is always there for me. Hearing the word, "Goodnight." with a smile that can be heard from miles away. It's always worth it.

And then there are moments where I need to vent. He doesn't have to have all the answers. Problems don't need to be solved. It's just nice to have someone that actually listens.

Every relationship is built upon trust and communication. Listening is HUGE. 

Don't interrupt.
Show patience.
Be that shoulder to cry on.
Have a heart that understands.

Sometimes listening is better than anything you can say.

STOP

Advice Jar

Recently, I asked my Grandpa if he would start writing little notes of advice/encouragement as one of my graduation presents. Most people have these cute jars at their party, but we chose to keep our celebration nice and small. Where in the world would I get all that helpful advice? Hmmm, my grandparents have been here a while!

I was excited when they showed up at our house with a container full of folded paper in the backseat! Grandpa even let me transfer them into my glass jar early, but only after I promised not to peek. This gift will be cherished! I'm sure of it.

Notes:

• While shopping I saw some keys in the scrapbooking aisle. I liked the idea, but they only came in a pack of five. I decided to take a look by the jewelry charms and sure enough! There was a great, silver key waiting for me there.

• I thought it would be fun to add some ribbon from my actual graduation. (Each of the graduates handed their teacher a white rose with royal blue bow tied around it) This brought the whole project together, and it included another one of my graduation colors!

• Baker's twine is always a good idea! I grabbed some that was sitting on my desk. I'm pretty sure it was wrapping from a recent etsy purchase. I'm cheap like that! ;)

Five Minute Friday: Fall

I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday! Join in on the fun! Today's word prompt is Fall.

GO

It was a perfect evening to go outside and weed. A chore everyone loves to do! I headed out back and started tackling the hill that we don't walk quite as much as we used to.

Every time I weed, I think about an illustration I once heard about dealing with sin. We need to get the whole root, and make sure we fill the void with something good.

Breaking sinful habit is never easy. When we try to fight on our own we lose focus. Satan's lies are believed, and we quickly find ourselves right back at square one.

Just the other day I was studying Israel. In the past I almost laughed at them as they wondered the desert. How could they so easily forget God and turn from Him? Now I realize that I am just like the individuals of this nation. Picture a circle and draw four points around it. Israel followed this cycle. 

1) Rejection of God

2) God delivered them into the hands of their enemies

3) Israel repented

4) They fell back into Sin

Anyone with a sinful nature knows this cycle too. We forget God in our sin.

"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12

But there is hope and grace. We can rise from these ashes. Verse 13 goes on to say that God is faithful! He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to withstand. We can escape the trap of falling, get off the merry-go-round, but only with God's help. Resisting the devil = drawing near to our Savior.

Tonight is a wonderful night to remove unwanted things. Whether it's a sin that keeps repeating itself in your life, or weeds in your backyard.

STOP

Broken and Burdened

I lay awake as the colors of my room fade away into black and white. The red numbers of my alarm clock shine in solitude. They remind me that I have two days left.

I stare at the cold wall next to my pillow.

I'm not ready, Lord. Infectious smiles and giggles have found a way into my heart. It will be strange not seeing their faces everyday. They wait all day to share their stories with me. Who is going to intently listen?

A tear slips down my cheek.

You've called me to another place. I'm willing to go, but it's not easy. When they quietly mention not knowing what they're going to do next year...my heart breaks. If it were up to me I'd agree to another year in an instant.

Rain falls outside my open window.

You carefully remind me that there is another family needs a Full-time Nanny. It's not the first time You have brought this to my attention. It's a hard thing to explain.

I pray that I have planted the right seeds, and shown Your amazing love. I've tried my best to teach lessons and ended up learning a few myself. It's been a good run. Show me where you need me to go. May the right doors be opened, and others be locked tight. You hold the keys to this life.

Broken and Burdened,
Angela