Five Minute Friday--Looking for a Hero

The topic this week is HERO

GO:

Everyone is gathering in the school halls to collect the children about to be released. In he walks. He zooms around the room. Today he is wearing a spider man costume. Often it is a batman costume. Always a costume.

He is a three-year old super hero. Happily chatting away with anyone who comes his way.

Adorable.

All the little girls swoon at him. Competing for his attention.

All the moms smile affectionately. He is so personable, we all have fallen in love with him.

And my two year old. He follows every move, mesmerized. This little hero was his first friend. And his first hero, outside of his daddy.

Everyone is looking for a hero. Whether you are the two year old gazing adoringly at the three year old in costume or his momma looking for a hero amongst the ladies chatting. We all want someone to look at us....and occasionally rescue us...from the mundane of our lives.

Kind of humbling to realize I'm looking for a hero among the crowd. Shaking my head I wonder how many of them are also looking for a hero? Wonder if they ever look at me. *laughing* They would be sadly let down if I'm their hero. Just like I'm let down when I make them mine.

Must remember to keep my eyes on the true Hero.

Stop.

Join the ladies at lisajobaker.com writing what they think when they hear of heroes. You'll be blessed!

Five Minute Friday: Learning to Visit

Blogger wouldn't play nice yesterday, so I am doing a "Five Minute Saturday". This week's topic is VISIT.

GO

The giggles pour in from the other room. They are having a "smart tea party" complete with real tea cups, sugar cubes and milk. They pass the sandwiches. "Would you like another, Madam?" That's the rule, all sentences must end with "madam". More giggles. More sharing.

Their voices drop as they talk about this, about that. All of a sudden one asks, "Do you know all of the Lord's Prayer?" They begin to recite it. They correct each other and eventually get it right. Why the Lord's Prayer? Who knows. Why does any conversation go the way it goes?

They talk about school, about the weather and about church. They tell jokes and tease one another. They talk quietly and seriously and they talk loudly and boisterously.

Then it hits me, standing in the next room ready to make more tea, these little girls are growing up. They are not playing at a grown-up tea. They are having a grown-up tea. They are learning the art of how to carry on a conversation and visit. They are learning the charms of their nature.

It makes me smile. This visit from these little girls. And it reminds me I need to visit with my girlfriends as well. Maybe I'll call one up to meet me for a cup of tea soon.

STOP


Thank you for visiting my little corner of the web. I hope that you will come again. To read more brave writer's visiting on the topic of VISIT please join us at lisajobaker.com

Five Minute Friday--Let me Encourage you to join

So, I've been attempting to write along with Lisa Jo on Fridays at her Five Minute Friday. It may seem like a strange thing, to limit yourself to a one-word topic and only five minutes. But it is so much more than a topic and a few minutes. It is an encouragement.

It is an encouragement that whatever is on your heart is worth pouring out. It may be messy. It may not be polished. You may look back later and cringe at the glaring grammar mistake or the seemingly lack of coherence. But perfect grammar and beautiful construction is not the purpose. Giving voice to the things inside you is the purpose. They matter--before they are polished. So it encourages me to say what is in there. Sometimes there is more to say, and I write it out later. But it is the initial encouragement to just write.

It is an encouragement to use a little time to do what I love. It is only five minutes. Even on my busiest day, I can take five minutes. And when the five minutes is complete, I am encouraged that what I value is worth the time.

It is an encouragement to read what others are saying. The one-word prompts are open-ended so there is loads of interpretation. It is great to get a different perspective on a common theme.

It is an encouragement to have others read my words. The most important rule of Five Minute Friday is to visit your neighbour and encourage them. I won't lie, I love the feedback.

So it is not a strange little exercise to take part in on a Friday. It is an encouragement. I would encourage you to give it a try--there isn't anything difficult about it. In fact, I just did it---today's word is ENCOURAGEMENT!

Blessings on your day and your weekend.

To read more ENCOURAGing words, please visit Lisa Jo. You will be encouraged.

Thankful Thursday--Leadership

Today I am grateful for a godly husband's leadership.  Without going into detail, we were facing a situation that was uncomfortable.  Not end-of-the-world bad or even really shake-the-world bad, but uncomfortable.  I would have loved to have been an ostrich with head in the sand.  But, he didn't allow that.  He asked me to take a first step ("you won't like it, but I need you to....") and then he followed up by doing the harder riskier thing.  And both actions went well, and things are much less uncomfortable--actually they are very good.

So I am thankful that he is willing to step in and lead even when it isn't fun.

What are you Thankful for today?  Join others at Grace Alone to share our gratitude.

Five Minute Friday--SEE

  It's Friday, so time for the "writing flash mob" over at LisaJo Baker's blog.  This week's writing prompt is: SEE

 Timer set, GO:

He pulls at my glasses and demands that he wants glasses, "I need see." Emphatically shaking his head.  He's so cute and determined it is tempting to just run right down to the store and get them.

But I don't, because he does not need them.

He stomps into the room wearing his $2 sunglasses bought for those rare sunny days.  He has them on upside down, using the elastic band to hold them on his head.  He declares, "I see."  We all suppress our giggles.

He sits down with a book and proceeds to begin reading.  Then gets frustrated.  He throws off the dark glasses and says "I don't see."

I find him amusing and endearing.  But he also teaches me so much.  How often do I reach for the thing that I think will make me like the others only to be told I do not need it?  How often do I insist on wearing the fashionable when it is not useful?  How often do I do the very thing that blinds me when I am trying to see?

What lessons do I need to see in my two-year-old's antics?   Hopefully I am willing to see the truths that are being taught.

STOP

Come and join the fun!  Have a great weekend.

Thankful Thursday--A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

It's been a long time since I participated in Thankful Thursday at Grace Alone.  But with the multitude of changes that have taken place in our lives the past three years, I'm encouraging the girls to look for the gratefulness instead of the grumbling.  Maybe I should practice what I preach!

This week I'm thankful that we live in a place that did not have the extreme weather in many parts of our circle of the world.  We had some wind, but none of the gales that tormented much of this country.  The very small part of our fence that came down has already been put back up by the landlord!  We had normal temperatures for this time of year.  None of the frigidness our US family has faced.  Although living near a river, there was never any thought of flooding.

We have been warm, secure and without weather stress.

And I'm grateful.

January 2014 Goals

I find that I really do accomplish more when I post my goals somewhere.  So, it is a discipline that I will continue here in 2014 (plus it is a nice record at the end of the year to see what was accomplished).  I do have a master 2014 goal list, but will only post the monthly progress reports here.

So without further adieu,

DECEMBER goals:
1. Four Christmas ornaments --only did 3 since there was no board ornament exchange this year
2. One block on Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow--completed 1/2
3. Christmas cards--done
4. Enjoy Christmas--thoroughly

January Goals:
1.  Complete 1/2 block on AAHRH
2.  Complete 1/2 border on Tea Sampler
3.  Read 2 books
4.  Post 8 blog posts
5.  Write 2 letters
6.  Find missing cross stitch to frame

photo credit: purchased at www.istock.com

Five Minute Fridays---FIGHT

Joining with the amazing writers that write for Five Minutes every Friday at Lisa Jo's place.  Just five minutes, to get something on screen--less edited, more real.  This week's prompt is: FIGHT

GO:

They are arguing again. Over who's turn it is to do something. Or who left the book on the floor. Or where the sweater should be.  They argue, they fight.  Comes with being sisters who are sharing a room (one that is less space than the last room they shared). They fight because they are both head-strong and confident and independent and hate to yield.

And I fight to hold a little self-control and not shout at them to get along. And sometimes I lose that fight, but sometimes I win.

Then just when I think I cannot take any more, I hear singing. And giggling. And joyful chatter. Because they do that. They stop fighting and start enjoying each other's company. They do that because they are sisters.

And now I am fighting to not smile and tease them about liking each other.  Usually I lose the fight to not smile. 

They fight...and they love...because they are sisters.

STOP.

New Year Reflections 2014

It is time for the annual review and choosing a “year word” to guide my learning this year.  Last year I wrote, 

First, I believe that 2013 is a year of TRANSFORMATION. Now, that word in and of itself is terrifying to me. I am a creature of habit and change is not always my friend (yes, you can laugh knowing how many changes that our family has made in the last 3 years). I prefer quiet and home and the transformations in our lifestyle over the last few years I have known were preparing me for something. Maybe this is year I will more clearly define the something. The verse that accompanies this thought is probably obvious but here it is:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (ESV)

This year I want to be intentional about the things that I put into my mind, that I put things to memory that will transform me and edify me and aid me in edifying others.
Secondly, I believe that 2013 is a year of EMERGING from one way of life into something that God has been preparing me for all along. I don't know exactly what that is yet, but I believe that it will involve a more intentional emphasis on ministry and writing than I have had in the last few years. I can't wait to see what is planned!

In 2013, I did not emerge from the chaos of the year before.  No, I probably became even more entangled. I did not intentionally write much of anything. I did not see huge transformations in my life (other than yet another international move that was far from what I intended when I wrote those reflections).  I did not do much of anything at all with the words that I chose for 2013.

And, yet, I do not believe that it was a failure.

The words that are imprinted on my heart at the beginning of the year are just that---words.  I can use them to guide me and give me boundaries of purpose as I study and learn. I can allow them to give me freedom to explore new areas that I believe God is making me tender. Or, I can make them legalistic tools that dictate my writing and reading and reflecting. If I do the latter, I lose the joy of the year.  Last January I was truly excited about the pictures of metamorphosis I was seeing and knew that the picture could explain some of my yearning.  But I had no idea what God had in mind.  Yes, our life was transformed. Yes I did some things intentionally and furthered those foundations. But, no, it was not as I had planned.  I am choosing to believe that it is more of a success to keep getting up and follow as faithfully as I can what God is showing me than it is a failure to not have brilliant commentary on a couple of words chosen in faith.

So it is with more than a little apprehension that I choose a word for the 2014.  On Christmas morning, one of the ministers at our church was preaching on Simeon and Anna.  He said

 “Simeon was a man ready to recognize the work of the Spirit on the most significant of days only because he had walked with the Spirit on thousands of seemingly insignificant days…..Simeon had been promised he would not die before seeing the Messiah….So Simeon had waited and believed. And waited and believed. And waited and believed. For how long, we don’t precisely know. Years. Decades maybe. Through them all he waited and he believed.”

There are promises I have heard breathed in my heart and spirit.  I believe that they will come to fruition.  On Christmas morning some of those promises were re-whispered in my heart along with the admonition…Wait, and believe.  

My word for 2014 is WAIT.  I am not totally sure for what I am waiting.  It involves ministry and writing and family.  In the waiting I expect to find growth and contentment, but mostly I expect to find the Spirit teaching me to BELIEVE even when the timing is not my own.  As the sermon’s word on Christmas morning reminded me, “God’s people are a waiting people,” I want to be a waiting follower looking for what God is preparing for me.  

Thank you for waiting with me in 2013 when I was quiet. I am glad I have friends who have stayed with me.  As we wait on the Lord this year, may we find together meaning in what we see and experience.

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
    his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning.
    How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
    He’s all I’ve got left.

 God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
    to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope,
    quietly hope for help from God. It’s a good thing when you’re young
    to stick it out through the hard times.

Lamentations 3:22-27 (The Message)

What I Might Have Written

What might I have written if I had written this year?

I might have written about first Independence Day celebrations


 


and seeing amazing architecture

and eating amazing food.

Maybe I would have written about birthdays:

or Christmas presents and Christmas lights

Or a first-ever girls-only trip to Poland

I could have shown you Fairy Tale German Castles:

and German Cathedrals:

and English Cathedrals:

I might have written about school celebrations


I could have written about rediscovering favourite places

I might have even written about the bitter-sweetness of saying good-byes and making yet another international move. Or the elation of returning to a place we have previously loved.


I might have written many things.  But, alas, I did not.  If I had, you would have seen a little of the joy, the sadness, the laughter and even the tears.  Mostly you would have seen this chaotic thing that I call life and (maybe) caught a glimpse of the One who helps me navigate the chaos.  I've missed you.  I hope to be here more.  There are thoughts bouncing around this head that need a place to be voiced.  There are things to record for the pure joy of remembering.  There are others to recount so that lessons are not lost.  Looking forward to a year of new beginnings and re-starts of old passions.

Happy Year's End My Friends.  May 2014 Bring Us Together More.

Five Minute Fridays-SHE

I know it has been far too long since I wrote.  Life is incredibly busy.  I hope to be more regular in writing soon.  Until then, the 5 Minute Fridays cues always intrigue me and challenge me, but this one drew me in, reminding me of what I had just witnessed.  So, for 5 minutes, here I go:

SHE

She catches my eye from across the bus.  She tosses her hair--in a messy ponytale-off of her shoulder.  The sun catches the red glints in her blonde tresses.  A beauty.  "I wonder how her Dad will cope with all the boys," I muse.

She is talking with a friend.  Oblivious to all the commotion around her.  Totally focused on her friend's face and their conversation. She tosses her head back and laughs heartily. Just then, she notices me watching. She ducks her head, slightly embarrassed to have been caught, smiles slyly and continues her conversation.

She probably doesn't realise that she draws eyes with her beauty and her confidence. She wouldn't want to know that. But she does, and it makes me smile.

"Thank you God for giving her to me," I silently whisper.  I'll never know why I was so blessed. But I am thankful. She is mine.

Stop

Join others in the 5 Minute writing quest at lisojobaker.com.

Five Minute Friday--Song

Time for another 5 Minute Friday writing blitz with Lisa Jo Baker.  Today's prompt is SONG.

Go:
It's just a song. That's what I tell myself as I stand there with the tears, suddenly, unexplainedly falling down my cheeks.  Just a stupid (or beautiful or cheesy) song.

Yet, here I am again. Filled with emotions. Songs trigger memories and emotions in me quicker than anything else.

"Truth Will Rise" and I weep---hopeful that it will, months later grateful that it did.
"Saved a Wretch Like Me"--why me, I wonder. Why? Grateful tears flowing.
"You are my Sunshine" I whisper as I remember those first glorious moments of holding my baby.
"Listen to my Heart" I sigh as I cannot find the words to praise or petition.

Songs. Reach into the part of me that needs to release--to sing--and allows the emotions to flow when I am trying to hide them. Makes me vulnerable and strong.

That's why songs are my favourite part of worship services. They prepare me. They empty me. They fill me. All at the same time.

And why music is always on in my home. It calms. It evens. It lays the groundwork for my life.

It's never just a song. It's always something more.

Wonder what song I'll sing today?

Stop!

Five Minute Friday---Brave

Linking up with Lisa-Jo and the Five Minute Friday writers today. The topic is BRAVE.

Go:

I am not brave. There is not a brave bone in my body. I fret, I stew, I worry. I even hyperventilate. But I don't face things bravely.  I am a coward.

Yet, I moved from Kentucky to Washington as a newly minted social worker with just the cat to a place where I knew no one for a job. (Later I found out I had family there! Go figure!)
And I quit my job to start a single's ministry at the church (and then working part-time in social work).
And I got married. ;-) Actually for someone determine to remain single, maybe that was brave.
I followed my husband to another state and then another country (and another and another).
I gave birth to three amazing blessings. I said good-bye to two blessings before they grew big enough to meet them beyond the "blip" on the screen that faded to nothing.
I homeschooled my children.
I send my children to school.
I attempt to learn to speak German.

And people comment all the time that I must be so brave to do the things that I do. I just shake my head.

I'm not brave.

But I trust in a God who can handle any of these things and more. When his hand has directed us to a new place, a new job, or a new aspect of our life, I've learned to just follow. Hyperventilate if I must, but follow nonetheless. The blessings have been amazing.

Call me blessed. Call me faithful. But don't confuse that with bravery. They are not the same thing.

Stop.

Seriously, go visit the other brave women linking up today.  You will be blessed!

Day Trips Post Five of Five

Continuing to travel to Limburg and Koblenz:

Limburg Cathedral is easily spotted from the autobahn driving between Koln and Frankfurt. It had captured our eye more than once, so we decided to explore!



I love the details of statuary around these old cathedrals:


Old houses in town:




Castle:



Koblenz is a town near here where the Mosel River meets the Rhine river, known as the Deutches Eck (German Corner).  There is a 14 meter high statue built to honour William I at the convergence.  A tram lift will take you from river level up to the old Prussian fortress on the hill.  It was a dreary grey day, so the pictures are slightly dark.












Thanks for traveling with me! Hope you enjoyed seeing this little corner of the world.

Day Trips Post Four of Five

Continuing our Travels....to Luxumbourg.

Although Luxumbourg city is a lovely town, we had explored it on a previous trip to the area. So this trip we were looking to find something different. Due to the wonders of the internet, I learned that Luxumbourg was the final resting place for many American soldiers who died during battles of WWII in this area. In addition, it is the final resting place of General George Patton, Jr. So that became our destination.

There is something about rows of white crosses that take my breath away--and make me forever grateful:


This cemetery had many graves marked with Stars of David. Humbling.


Here is Patton's final resting place:



The same day we visited Luxumbourg, we also explored the former-Roman city of Trier. Trier is famous for its gate the Porta Negra:




The cathedral:







Next up: Limburg and Koblenz