Five Minute Friday: Reflect

Join the Five Minute Friday party here! Today's word prompt is Reflect

GO 

We made it! It is the first week of December.
Most of us are already taking part in the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

Today, I invite you to do something with me.
Just wait. Before you sigh in your head and subconsciously think, "What? You want to add something else my stuffed-to-the-brim agenda?"

Yep. Grab a chair and stay for a while.

Today, we are going to reflect.
Close your eyes, and put life on pause for a minute.

Today, we will recall the goodness of God. 
Was 2013 filled with blessings or troubles?
Are you longing to keep the memories alive, or are you trying so hard to forget?

This year was very significant for me. I faced trials, graduated from high school, bought my first DSLR camera, decided to become a full-time Nanny, started dating my favorite person in the world, and wrote a monumental check for my first car. Did you catch all of that?

When I reflect God's presence stands out.

He was there through it all. He listened to me be completely honest with Him. He gave me strength. He answered my prayers. He provided. He changed not. He was enough.

I trust you have also found some positive things that God has done. We serve a faithful God. Is anything too wonderful for Him?

Today, let's commit to living...

In Christ.

Unafraid.

Surrendered.

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Five Minute Friday: Present

I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo. Don't be afraid to leave a comment if you're new! Today's word prompt is Present

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I'm starting this post with a quote that I just love! In today's day and age everyone seems to be half way there. In our attempt to be connected, but are often tuned out. Pssst! It's okay to disconnect for a while. Don't be afraid to be fully where you are. Who knows...you might see a opportunity that you might have otherwise missed.  *end of rant*

"Wherever you are, be all there." -Jim Elliot

Last week was great. I had the love of my life right next to me. Laptops were turned off, and we enjoyed being together. It was nice to be all there. Instead of constantly wondering what Kev was up to. I was fully present and cherished each moment. Saying goodbye was the hardest things I've ever had to do.

We're back in two different states now, struggling as we figure out how we ever lived apart. It's hard not having him right next to me. We were shown a glimpse of the future, and now we have to be patient. I was just reading screenies from a couple years ago. It's funny how some things never change. 

We need to be fully present where the Lord has us, even if that isn't with each other. It is a test of faith for sure! 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Five Minute Friday: View

Get ready for an emotional Five Minute Friday post. I'm mourning the loss of someone I didn't even know. I probably should stop watching heartbreaking documentaries like this. Today's word prompt is View.

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I own a couple bracelets that are green and purple. As I get dressed, I slide one on to support a little sweetie named Taylor Hall. She has really opened my eyes to the world of childhood cancer.

Their stories inspire. I wish I could revise the words on their pages to make them not have to battle so hard. It really changes your view. Suddenly you're thinking, "I don't want to wait until that's me. I need to tell all of the people in my life that I love them. Before it's too late."

God takes so many good people away from us. It is a part of His omniscient plan. I'm not sure we will ever understand why. 

Did He need them more?

Was their time on earth really finished?

It's hard to let go.

The truth is we aren't invincible. Our time is limited.

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"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:12

Five Minute Friday: Song

I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday. This week feels like I'm chasing the ice cream truck after searching frantically for my money. Wait for me guys! I'm coming! Today's word prompt is Song.

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I have been hearing this song by Building 429 on the radio recently. It never fails to pump me up! I can't help but think of the graduates in my class. I've know them for years. This needs to be a statement of our lives. WE WON'T BE SHAKEN. A couple nights ago at youth group a rhetorical question was brought up, "Look around you. Who will be here in 10 years?" It sparked my interest. 

"Researchers found that almost three out of five young Christians (59%) leave church life either permanently or for an extended period of time after age 15." -USA Today

While this fact saddens me, I see it all too often. Not just with teens, but also with adults that I once looked up to. Our youth leader encouraged us to make sure that we aren't just focusing everyone around us. "Will you still be here?"

To the class of 2013, don't be part of the statistic above. Please. Please. Please! Remain burdened to live a life in obedience to Christ. Keep your heart open to what He has for you.

I once had a person tell me that I'd walk away from Jesus and religion someday. Challenge accepted. I don't see this happening any time soon! :)

This world has nothing for me

This life is not my own

I know You go before me and I am not alone

This mountain rises higher

The way seems so unclear

But I know that You go with me so I will never fear

I will trust in You

Whatever will come our way

Through fire or pouring rain

We won't be shaken

No we won't be shaken

Whatever tomorrow brings

Together we'll rise and sing

That we won't be shaken

No we won't be shaken

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Five Minute Friday: Comfort

I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday. Thanks for stopping by! Today's word prompt is Comfort.

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If you're not willing to look stupid, nothing great is ever going to happen to you. I just got back from recording my graduation speech. For the last couple of days I told myself that, "I've got this!" Things were a little different once I finally got there. I took a moment to breathe and prayed a little prayer asking God for comfort. After giving it a second try, I left the sound room feeling satisfied. The person in charge even told me that I'm a great writer. Who knew??

Comfort makes me think of cozy bed sheets. I love climbing into my bed after a long, stressful day.

Yes, I still sleep with a stuffed animal. His name is Goober. This silly bear was a gift from my best friend who happens to live in Oregon. Kevin comforts me, but he also lives miles away. It's not always easy!

There are a million things I could worry about tonight. I find comfort in knowing that God has it all in His hands.

1) God should be your greatest source of comfort

2) Friends come next

If you have both - you are blessed x2!

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Five Minute Friday: Giant Killer

I'm excited start Five Minute Fridays! No, really! I've been waiting all week. Today's word prompt is Brave.

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Imagine you are sitting in the middle of a field tending to your sheep. Your father comes by to ask a favor of you. Will you deliver this lunch to your older brothers who are busy at battle? You agree not knowing that there is a giant awaiting your arrival.

You rise early in the morning to find a babysitter for the sheep and start walking. Growing up your brothers haven't always been the nicest to you. It's a quiet walk.

You gaze downward and see trenches from the wagon wheels. 

The battle lines. You've made it.

You talk with the men standing around you. They tell you of a champion who is mocking your God. Your oldest brother accuses you of being irresponsible. "Why would you leave your sheep in the wilderness to watch a battle?" he yells. Your response is humble, but Saul sends for you anyway. 

Now is your chance.

You can fight the Philistine!

Past victories encourage you to take a stand. 

We all know how the story ends. David prevails against Goliath with Lord's help and his trusty sling shot.

What are the unknown giants that you facing today? Are you going take a stand? Obedience requires a brave and willing heart. God will fight your battles for you. Be Encouraged.

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