Found in Translation

I was looking up some Bible verses last weekend and stumbled across a familiar verse.  It stuck out because I looked it up in the Message Bible, for a modern version of familiar words.  This is what it said:

But the Master said: “you don’t need more faith.  There is no ‘more’ or ‘less’ in faith.  If you have a bare kernel of faith, say the size of a poppy seed, you could say to this sycamore tree ‘Go jump in the lake’ and it would do it.

I always thought that verse was talking about the amount of faith you had.  But since reading it in the newer translation, I realized that I was sort of off the mark.

It’s about having faith, period.  We just need to believe.  Assigning a quantity to it doesn’t make it any more or less effective, since we tend to think that answers to prayer are a direct proportion to the size of our faith.  As long as we have faith–as long as we believe in God, we’ve got power.  I think the mustard seed vs mountain comparison (or poppy seed vs sycamore tree, in this case) is trying to help us form an idea of God’s grandeur.  God’s looking to us to believe, to trust Him.  He doesn’t have a faith sizing chart, that puts us all on different levels in our spiritual journey.  As long as we believe, He can move.  And move He does! 

I’m so glad to have found this verse.  It was liberating.  No longer do I have to worry about whether or not I have enough faith.  We can give ourselves complexes in trying to “get more faith” in order to see results/changes in our lives.  But that’s not how God works.  I just need to trust Him and give Him space & time to do His thing in my life.

This renovated thinking doesn’t change certain points though.  Having faith does not guarantee an immediate response to prayer.  God’s not going to do seemingly bigger or smaller things in my life because My faith is bigger or smaller.  But having faith does means that I will trust His works & His timing.  It means I’ll have more of an understanding and respect to His timing.

Five Minute Friday: Home

Ahhh, home.  It’s found where the heart is.  The problem sometimes though, is that we’re afraid to let our hearts rest in one spot.  We’re scared of pain, of feeling hurt & crushed by someone or something, so we pick up our carefully packaged, bubble-wrapped hearts and head off in search of the next safe abode.  Sometimes, I think like is like one big, long caravan-type journey.  You pitch a temporary shelter in a safe-ish spot for a bit.  And when you’re ready, or the resources are all depleted, you pack up and move on.

But isn’t it nice to just settle in for a while?  To have a place, at least one place, that you know you can always come to and relax.  Shed the masks, shed the fears, shed the worries, hey, even shed a few tears and just be.  Be yourself.  Be with your own thoughts, dreams, hopes.  Be with God.  Pray.

I want my home to be a place where all are welcome.  (I’m working on the part where an invitation actually goes out to “all”).  I want my kids to feel absolutely comfy and want to invite their friends over.  I want their friends to feel safe here.  I want my kids to feel love in all corners of this home.  I want my family & loved ones to feel hugged when they walk through my door, as though they never want to leave.

Most of all, I want people to have experienced God in my home.  Not the in-your-face type of “are you saved?!” fanatical bus stop-type approach.  Rather, the kind that’s subtle and heart-warming.  An experience where you’d see that having God in your life, your home is a good thing.  Something worth trying for yourself.
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Wanna try it?  I know you do.  Grab a journal & pen.  Go to create a new post.  Whatever you’re most comfortable with, and write.  For five minutes straight.  Kiss editing goodbye for the next five minutes.

If you’re feeling brave enough to share, link up at the button below.  Or leave a comment here too.  Let me say this–this five minute Friday business is quite addictive.

Enjoy!

Five Minute Friday: Backwards

I saw this week’s topic and I immediately thought of Kris Kross.  Anyone else remember that rap group:  they wore their clothes backwards. 

I consider going backwards a talent.  Some people can’t even walk & chew gum at the same time–I’d love to see them attempt to walk backwards.  It’s also easy to pedal backwards, at least on a stationary bike.  I’ve seen people skate backwards.  Skillfully and quickly backing your car into a parking space–not that simple.

But there are times when going backwards isn’t so good.  Vomiting–so not fun!!  Having to retract something that’s been said–embarrassing!  Having to turn around and apologize for words that you can’t take back–both humiliating & humbling. 

Yet, thinking backwards in time (not backwards thinking) helps us to remember the good as well.  Go backwards in your mental timeline and think of the carefree childhood days.  I do hope you had some.  Think of the times when birthdays were happy and you got fun presents.  Think of elementary school, first kisses and the day you felt the most beautiful.  Makes us smile, right?

Go backwards on your mental blessing timeline and see the hand of God in your life.  See how He proved His power and love over and over and over again.  That’s a reminder that He’s still working in our lives today.

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And there you have it.  Wanna play along??  I’m totally borrowing what Lisa-Jo says today:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word.  Just write and not worry if it’s just right or not.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. Get a little crazy with encouragement for the five minuter who linked up before you.


 

Five Minute Friday: Every Day

Every day that comes along is like a brand new start.  Tomorrow is not promised, so I really need to make the most of today.  Yet, though tomorrow isn’t promised, I still can’t live as though there is no tomorrow.  I still need to plan ahead and organize and not overcrowd “today”, in fear that I may not see a “tomorrow”.  The verse about God’s mercies being new every morning just came to mind.  He too, offers newness with each new day.

I’m trying to live more in the present with each day.  Trying to learn from the past, rather than dwell in it and move forward.  Being a wife & mom helps with that too, the moving ahead part.  The children certainly weren’t there for my past.  They don’t know my experiences, good or bad.  They haven’t met many of the same people I’ve met.  And the times certainly have changed drastically from when I was their age to now.  But I don’t have to hang onto anything and bring it into today.  Each day, I make a choice to start fresh; begin anew.  Every day is a choice to love more, laugh more, live better & play lots. 

I also like what Matthew 6:25-34 has to say, especially verse 34.  Look it up sometime.  Here it is from the Message Bible:

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

That’s so cool.  I appreciate this reminder to live outside of myself and to let God do what He does best:  be God.  He will take care of me.

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Today’s topic was hard for me.  The words weren’t jumping at me, as they usually do for these five minute Friday posts.  Maybe part of my issue was the fact that what came to mind wasn’t as “light” as some of the other things I’ve posted in this blog.  That’s okay.  I need to get out the box more often anyways.  And if I ever hope to work my way up to a writer someday, I’ve got to be prepared to be honest, even if it’s a tad uncomfy.

Alrighty.  Guess what?  Yeppers–your turn.  Just try it for yourself, even if you don’t feel like posting.  The guidelines:
1–Just write for 5 minutes straight.  Once time’s up, you’re down.  No revisiting to edit.
2–Visit other blogs and encourage them.  Leave a comment, should you feel so moved.  I came from Lisa-Jo’s blog.  Click the button below to visit her site.

A Weekend Getaway

This weekend, I’ll be “retreating”.  The women’s ministries department from my church has organized a mini-retreat; a scaled down version of their usual getaway.  They were gracious enough to let me know that Rishayla can come with me, her Dairy Queen.  I didn’t even have to ask them; they volunteered this info to me.  (I wouldn’t have even thought of asking them if nursing infants were allowed).  Two lovely angels offered to cover my retreat costs.  That was probably another sign that I should be going.  The fee was a big obstacle for me, which was knocked over without any doing on my part.  The last tip was talking to a friend who was feeling impressed that I needed to be attending the event this weekend.  Since I wasn’t feeling a definitely “no”, I opted to join in.

The theme:  “Finding Joy in a Broken World”.  Yeppers–the world is most definitely broken, busted & battered.  People are cruel, greedy, selfish & self-seeking.  It seems that most are out for feel-good solutions; anything that will bring instant gratification.  The fact that these things are most often temporary doesn’t stop them.  There are a select few that seek joy.  Despite all of the circumstances in their life, they don’t let those negativities tie them down.

We’ll see what lessons are in store for me this weekend.  While I don’t consider myself to be completely lacking of joy, I do realize that I’m not exactly full of joy either.  I don’t ever want my attitude to be such that I can never learn from anything or anyone.  So, I’m looking forward to the weekend.

Five Minute Friday: On Forgetting

Funny how we forget the simple things, but remember some of the more complex.  We easily forget some of the happiest, most carefree memories, but remember the cruelest and most painful.

We forget to pay bills (on time or even at all).  We forget names, places, objects.  We forget grace and God’s promises.  We forget about answers to prayer.  We forget how it feels to ride a bike–2 wheeler, and how it feels to hold and cuddle a newborn, before any screaming starts.

When I saw this prompt, I was immediately reminded that God forgets too.  When we confess our sins to Him, He’s quick to forgive and just a quick to forget.  It’s gone.  So why do I bother remembering?  If there’s something to learn from God, something that though it defines human logic and explanation, it’s this aspect of His forgetfulness.  I wish I could be so forgiving and so forgetful with those around me, especially my loved ones. 

Most times, I’m quick to forgive.  That’s easy to say.  But then I still remember.  It sometimes still pops into the back of your mind, in that niggling area where annoying thoughts play hide & seek. 

I’ll think I’ll try forgetting today.  Forget the bad stuff and remember the good.  What’s done is done and can’t be changed anyways.  Might was well focus on taking time to create new memories today and onwards.  New things to remember and smile about.

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I’m done.  Your turn to write.  The “rules” are simple.  Okay, they’re not hardcore rules; the honour system applies here. 
1–Just write for five minutes straight. 
2–Throw out the editing mindset.  That’s right–have a verbal spit up, without stopping to neatly dab at your mouth.
3–Go visit someone else’s blog (or leave a comment here if you’d like) and encourage them.

I was inspired by Lisa-Jo.  She’s got a cool blog–check it out sometime. 

Five Minute Friday: When Seasons Change

The first thing that came to mind was the “change” aspect of this week’s topic.  Many have seen that email forward that talks about friends being in your life for a reason or a season.  Life stages are sometimes described as seasons.
My point?  Life changes.  And change is okay.  We tend to balk at change, resist it and fight hard against it.  But switch up are good, healthy and they’re nothing new.
Jesus, when He walked on this earth, was only here for a season, a short time.  Less than 34 years.  And the main part of his ministry only happened for the last 3.5 yrs; a fraction of his lifetime.  But He didn’t question His heavenly Father.  Rather, Jesus stepped into His role and got right to work. I’m also reminded of John the Baptist.  His disciples were jealous of Jesus’ following.  John had to remind his boys time and time again that his main duties were to lead people to Someone else, not to attract all the attention for keeps. 
So, it’s okay if there are different seasons in my life.  It’s okay if nothing stays the same.  I need to be willing to trust God’s leading.  I need to also launch into a new season with a heart full of willingness to just do whatever needs to be done.
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Well, this was definitely a different kind of post for me.  But it was the first thing that came to mind when I saw today’s fmf topic.  Since I’m trying to be a more honest blogger, I went with my first thoughts, rather than sift my brain for something else to say.  If you’d like to play along:

1–Just write for five minutes flat.  Throw all caution, grammar, editing & second-guessing to the wind and just write freely for five minutes.  Set a timer; it helps.
2–Go visit, read and encourage someone else.  I was inspired by Lisa-Jo at The Gypsy Mama–thank you!  (or click on the button below)

My Phone Get Used For More Than Talking

I was wracking my brain because I knew I needed to post something, but couldn’t think of what.  Then, as I published the post below, I remembered that today is Thankful Tuesday.

I’m thankful for my iPhone.  Not because it often gets used for conversational purposes (the thing rarely rings!) but because of it’s other uses.  The video function on the iPod portion is a lifesaver for my Toddler as we sit in a waiting room.  She is entertained and sits quietly.  I’ve also got some educational, kid-friendly apps, so that they can learn too, not just be entertained.

I’ve figured out how to transfer library-borrowed ebooks to the phone as well.  It’s a very compact and portable bookcase.  There’s a camera & video camera that allow me to capture cuteness and email or text it to adoring relatives.  I’ve got an awesome Bible on there, with numerous translations in many languages.  The Bible app also contains devotional plans and reading plans.  And, of course, games.

Drama aside (BlackBerry vs Android vs iPhone), this gadget has definitely come in handy and is very useful.

I haven’t yet found a blogging app though.  Suggestions are welcome :-)

Opportunities Ahead

I like writing.  A lot.  I also enjoy reading, and the library has surely seen a drastic increase in my activity there.  In fact, the last time I was at the library, as I was walking up to the counter to check out a couple books, the librarian grabbed my holds from the shelf.  This was before she’d even accessed my file on the computer! 

Over the last few weeks, since I’ve made a personal recommitment to write more and more often, I’ve seen neat things happen.  I got myself listed as a blogger on the Homeschool Horizons website.  They’re set to relaunch the magazine this fall, and I’ve inquired about their writing guidelines.  I’ve increased my blog activity and am enjoying the healthy challenge.  I’ve helped a friend with her résumé, cover letter and various emails.  My sisters-in-law have approached me to write a story for them as they enter a contest. 

To see all these new opportunities is exciting.  One step at a time. 

PS:  This blog is in serious need of a photo update of the kidlets.  Soon to come.

Five Minute Friday: Deep Breath

We tend to take deep breaths before starting into something different.  Before changing course, changing action.

Deep breath to push with the next contraction.  Deep breath to slow down heart rate after exercising.  Deep breath before uttering a heartfelt and honest confession aloud.  Deep breath to slow down the sobs and the stream of tears.  Deep breath to just relax and take a minute.

I take a deep breath to inhale the scent of mint hot chocolate.  I take a deep breath just because I can.  Thank God for good lungs–not everyone has a pair that function so well.  I also take a deep breath just before changing a foul diaper.  Whew–those can be nasty!

Deep breathing means reaching down deep inside of yourself.  Like pulling the air out from your toes and going forward.  A deep breath is also sometimes referred to as a cleansing breath.  Try it right now.

Inhale deeply.

………………..

Exhale deeply.

See what I mean?  It’s one of the easiest way to take a pause, a mini-break, even when you don’t have a full minute to sit down.  It’s a great tool to use to help you slow down and just reflect.  An entire prayer can be said as you breath deep.

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I’m really enjoying these five minute posts.  I look forward to the next topic, because I know that I will be challenged differently than I usually am during the rest of the week.  If you’d like to play along:

1–Just write for five minutes flat.  Throw all caution, grammar, editing & second-guessing to the wind and just write freely for five minutes.  Set a timer; it helps.
2–Go visit, read and encourage someone else.  I was inspired by Lisa-Jo at The Gypsy Mama–thank you!  (or click on the button below)