Sabrina J-R – Page 4

Five Minute Friday: Plan

After months of careful planning the day finally arrived: July 20, 2003.

It was my wedding day and I figured I was all set. Everything was running on time, as planned. It even rained a wee bit, beyond our control, but only while we were riding in the limo on the way to the church. The rain stopped just as we arrived at the church.

The ceremony was beautiful and lots of fun. We did our photo shoot, and then moved onto the reception.

*Cue the snag.*

The seating list, which we’d spent too many hours on, did not print out properly. It was a mess! My quick-thinking coordinator had to improvise and seat a few people wherever she thought best.

I remember looking over the hall during dinner and noticing a few people who weren’t where I’d planned for them to be. But what good would it do to fret about it then? I’d already accomplished my goal for the day: to get married.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isa 55:8 (NLT)

Despite my well-intentioned plans, something still went wrong on the day of my wedding. Had I tried to do it all on my own, without God’s help, I would’ve ran myself ragged and stressed myself out. Worst of all—I would’ve grabbed all the glory for myself, as though my event was worth noting because of how smoothly it had gone.

When things don’t go as planned, it’s a good time to remember that we are not in control. God is. While we intend for our best, it will always be flawed because we are flawed. Let’s remember to give all our plans to God so that we get His best.

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Want to try your hand at this weeks prompt: plan? Learn more about it here.

Five Minute Friday: Gather

It was the humblest of work.

Gathering.

She had nothing, except another person to care for. Someone she had grown to love. God had placed this dear one in her life; she was doing her best to follow through on her vow.

And so she gathered.

She found a field where the staff was kind enough to let her collect whatever remnants there were. She kept to herself, her head bent and eyes scouring the ground for precious grain. This was her new reality now, her way of providing for their makeshift family.

Unbeknownst to her, what she thought was a random piece of land really wasn’t. She was gathering on the land belonging to her family redeemer. He recognized their connection before she did.

Boaz watched as Ruth gathered. His heart was so moved by her diligence and sacrifice that he ordered his staff to purposely drop some their grain in order to help her collection grow. This accidental worker was rewarded at the end of her day.

By the end of her day, Ruth had a lot more than she had started. Though she had not packed a noon meal, she was fed. She had a basket full of grain to take home. She had a heart full at the kindness of this Boaz. Security was gained, as she was offered a job in those same fields. Her needs were met that day and onward.

Because she went to gather.

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I did something a little different with my Five-Minute Friday post today. Feel free to give this a try. We gather over here.

Five Minute Friday: Visit

I sat there, confused. They were claiming that it was ‘visitors day’. I was indeed a visitor in their midst, but I certainly didn’t feel like it was my day.

Who visits a church, as a visitor, on visitors day, and doesn’t get greeted?

Me.

I wasn’t looking for any *stand-up-so-everyone-can-see-you’re-a-guest* awkwardness.

No. I would have been fine with a hello from those with whom I shared a pew. Just one.

This made me wonder about myself.

It’s easy to make elaborate plans. To go all out in advertising and talking about an event. I can make a big production into inviting people over. I can plan, tidy up and prepare a tasty menu. But once they’re in my doors, this is where reality hits.

How do I treat my guests?

If I’m going to invite you over, I would love for you to have a positive experience in my home. I don’t want my guests be praying that time would speed along so that the visit can end. I want people to feel relaxed and comfortable when they visit.

The biggest thing is mindset. I’ve changed my thinking when it comes to visitors.

When people come to visit, they’re coming to see me (or my husband or my children). They’re not inspecting for level of immaculate cleanliness nor tasting my food to critique for ratings.

Most of all, I pray that people experience God while on my property. Just because my gatherings are not Bible studies or prayer meetings doesn’t mean that the effect of God in my home will be any less. I don’t know everyone’s heart. But I hope that in visiting my home, all guests will leave feeling loved.

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I’m linking up with Kate and the five-minute Friday community today. I’m inviting you to join in the fun. You can visit her site here.

Five Minute Friday: Open

The panic he must have felt as he stepped outside that morning must have been overwhelming. Doing his work as servant to the man of God brought threats and danger, I’m sure. After all, his master was not exactly Mr. Popularity. Some details of his work may have included security detail. But nothing prepared him for this sight.

Outside his door, clearly visible to him were troops from the Aramean army. A large contingent had advanced overnight and surrounded the place. I can imagine the despair in his voice as the servant asked Elisha what to do. His calm master told him not to worry and then simply prayed:

“O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!”

God’s presence was there. Immediately God opened the servant’s eyes and he could see the horses and chariots of fire in position, just beyond the Aramean army.

It’s easy to get caught up in first glances. The enemy’s goal is to distract us and close us off from God’s sight. Even in those moments when we cannot see Him just yet, He is there. We need to remain calm as we ask God to open our eyes to really see Him. Prepare yourself, because what you see is much more amazing that what you’d expect.

Being open allows us to see God.

In the openness, we can experience His peace and bask in His grace.

Being open allows us to accept and celebrate His unconditional love.

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Happy Friday! You’re invited to Join in the the five-minute Friday fun here.

Five Minute Friday: When

He was supposed to be a free man. Instead, he was trapped in a dark prison, with no chance of parole. Things had been grim for some time. All because of a lie against him.

Then a couple of his fellow cell mates had dreams. Within three days, things were about to change drastically for them all. His sole request was that a good recommendation be given to Pharaoh.

I imagine Joseph watched the chief cup-bearer and the chief baker with great anticipation as they left the dungeon. It meant that in a few moments, he would also be leaving, exchanging captivity for liberty. Every approaching footstep might have sent his pulse racing. He probably kept his eye on the door all day, wondering when his turn would come.

It never came when he expected it.

In fact, it was a full two years before the chief cup-bearer had remembered his promise to Joseph and delivered the promised word to Pharoah.

What should have taken only a minutes, maybe hours at most, took years.

And then Joseph’s life changed.

Our lives have many of these similar moments. Various circumstances may land us in unexpected places, for a length of time. Just when we think things will change, they may not. And then we’re stuck. Still.

How do we handle the in-between?

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I’m linking up with Kate & the five-minute Friday community. Simply use the prompt and write freely for the next five (or so) minutes. You can learn more here.

Five Minute Friday: Keep

For years, he had kept it all to himself. He let resentment build up one layer at a time. Yet, he chose to say nothing and keep on working. It was just him and his father now. Perhaps driven by obligation, this loyal son looked to do his part.

As he returned home from work one afternoon, he could feel a difference in the atmosphere. Usually a heaviness loomed over the estate. But not today. No, a sense of joviality seemed to run rampant. What was going on? His unpleasant mood seemed to sour even more.

He stopped a servant that was hurrying along, wondering what was happening in his home. The response floored him.

His brother was home.

His long-lost, younger brother was home. The defiant scoundrel who had so arrogantly and hurriedly left home years earlier. Abandoning dad. Abandoning him. This older son was confused: why were they celebrating this return?

He sought out his father for an explanation.

All the turmoil and mixed emotions that he had been keeping to himself were finally revealed. His heart and his pain were now exposed.

It’s unhealthy to keep clinging to bitterness. It starts off small, barely unnoticeable. Like a seed fueled by anger and resentment, it bursts and become rooted. Deeply rooted. Try as we might, the effects of harbouring bitterness always betray us. As a result, we miss out on life while life passes us by. Time does not keep still, does not wait for us to catch up.

Don’t let your hurt keep you from opportunities of God’s marvelous grace and His miraculous love.

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Today’s post was based on Luke 15:11-32. I’m linking up with Kate and the five-minute Friday community today.

Five Minute Friday: Notice

They noticed their sleeping passenger. Exhausted from ministry, Jesus was getting some much needed rest. On any regular jaunt, this would be fine. This night was far from normal.

Sailing across the lake, the disciples were hit by a fierce storm. Far from shore and blinded by darkness and murky waves, they fought hard to stay afloat. They had no intentions of dying that night. This trip wasn’t even their idea—they were following Jesus’ suggestion of where to go next. Frantic, adrenaline surged as they worked to keep water out of the boat. They were doubtful of the outcome. Perhaps it was in a flash of lightening that they noticed and remembered that Jesus was also on the boat.

They shook Him awake with their shouting. ‘Don’t you care?!?!’

They failed to notice Jesus’ peace.

Presuming their impending demise, they demanded to know if Jesus was at all concerned as they drowned. They didn’t ask Him to help bail out water or even to pray. These same men were first hand witnesses to miracles, yet they didn’t ask Him to stop the storm.

Meeting their immediate need, Jesus commanded the storm to cease. Then, He dealt with His disciples.

Jesus had peace because He was secure in His heavenly Father. He had a habit of awaking early each day to spend quality time in prayer. Because of this deep-rooted connection, built up during the quiet times, Jesus was prepared to meet storms when they arose.

Lord, help me to notice You at all times so that I am aware of Your presence when I need You most.

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Oh! There were so many places that this prompt was taking me. I had a tough time choosing only one for today’s post. I’m linking up with Kate and the Five-Minute Friday community today. You’re invited to join us too. The guidelines are simple: write freely for five minutes. (Some days, you need more minutes because the message needs to get out, and that’s okay too)

Tuesday at Ten {Truth}

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Sixth place.

That was my ranking on his list. My classmate was naming the girls that he’d date next, if things didn’t work out with his current girlfriend.

Here’s the catch: there were only six girls in my class. I was at the bottom of his list, in last place.

Thankfully, this was only Grade 6. However, I learned a very valuable truth at recess that day:

He did not value me.

I would always be his last resort option. Even at the unknowing and innocent age of 11 years, I knew that this was not a compliment.

I realized then that I needed to start making wise choices for myself and the romantic life I hoped to have. First, being honest with myself, I was in no rush to date. What’s the point dating if I’d have to rely on my parents for a ride? And how was I to get money to do something? ‘Mom, Dad, can I please have $$ to go out with my boyfriend?’ Umm, nope. And where would we go? When would we go? I wasn’t ready.

These days, young people are feeling pressured to be with someone. They know to dress in a manner that’s attractive. As a Mom myself now, I’ve noticed that too many of the clothing items marketed to young ladies are child sizes of an adult woman’s. No, my 3-year-old does not need a smaller mini-skirt and tiny high heels. Flirting happens in hopes that they’d be noticed and gain extra special attention. Magazines contain quizzes to help girls see if he’s the one or if they’re compatible. If you need a quiz to figure this out, he probably ain’t the one.

We need to speak truth early on. Girls need to understand value before they get involved in a relationship. It would help if they recognized their own value before connecting with someone else. Otherwise, they’ll be too easily swayed.

You are valuable.

Everybody is valuable. You are valuable because God handcrafted you in a unique way. The person you choose to date or crush on is also valuable. As God’s masterpiece, you should be treated with great care and respect. Likewise, we should treat others respectfully as well. Any interaction with you may be their only exposure to Christ.

Never settle for being the last resort option. You were not created to be anyone’s remnant. If you’re feeling passed by and picked over, left behind while the ‘better’ girls were chosen, that is what happened—in one boy’s eyes. If he cannot see your value, you will never be worthy to him. No amount of flirting, cleavage or calculated risks will get you there.

You are valuable. That is the truth.

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I’m linking up with Karen, who hosts Tuesday at Ten.

Five Minute Friday: Still

Changes were anticipated, but not at this level. The company had been sold and there was overlap. At first, duplicate positions were eliminated; a sensible and expected move. But that turned out to be the calm before the storm.

One Wednesday morning, months after the first job cuts, my Husband called home with one request: pray! They were making more cuts.

By the end of the day, we found out it was more than cuts: the staff roster had been slashed.

That evening was my night to lead out in our church’s weekly prayer meeting. What would I talk about? How could I lead this group in prayer when I needed a leader in that very moment?

But God! He led me to Exodus and showed me this specific passage:

But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” ~Exodus 14:13,14 (NLT)

Like the Israelites, I had started to let panic and fear take over. Worst-case scenarios started to consume my thoughts. Then I read the verses and took a step back to breathe.

The Israelites almost missed the enormous miracle that was before them because their attention was not on God. Standing still meant trusting God to work. They stopped trying to implement their own ideas in their own strength. His ways always supersede ours. In the stillness, they were of a better mindset to see and hear God.

In the stillness, God reminded me that these work changes were not personal. It was not something that my Husband caused. This was bigger than him. God had led Him to this job at the right time. If it was his time to go, then God would lead him to the next place too. He is always one step ahead of us.

I don’t want to miss God’s miracles.

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Joining with Kate tonight and the five-minute Friday community.

Five Minute Friday: Turn

One glaringly obvious hint that a driver is not from the neighbourhood is when they’re indicating to turn on a one-way street…in the wrong direction Nevermind the arrows (plural) that aim to guide them in the right way. The honking horns go unheard. The flow of traffic heading north while you’re aiming to turn south seems invisble.

Too often, the mistake is only realized once the driver has completed the turn.

Mrs. Lot came to mind tonight. Heading down a deserted, one-way path, she was reluctant to go. She’d never asked to leave the comforts of home and the familiar life that she’d grown accustomed to. And the nerve of these ‘visitors’. They just grabbed her arm, and yanked her out of there. She was not prepared for a vacation of any kind. Perhaps she felt a bit of comfort with her husband and two daughters by her side.

The directions were clear. They were to keep running forward, no question asked. Do not look back!

Why ever not? She wondered. That was home. What was happening there that she couldn’t watch? I hope she had one of those inner arguments with herself. Those self-debates where you weigh the pros and cons of making a decision, hoping to choose wisely even when it doesn’t make sense.

Well, we know her choice. Ignoring all warnings, Mrs. Lot turned. It was too late for her.

There are times when God permits u-turns. His Word is a guide on how to live and why we should trust Him. Yet, too often, we find ourselves caught up in self-debates, battling between right and wrong, particularly when we’re on a one-way path. There are times that we do make the mistake and turn where it’s not accessible. However, God in His loving kindness, protects us and is willing to redirect our steps.

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Linking up with Kate and the Five-Minute Friday community tonight.