Bad me. I haven’t been in the mood for writing. It isn’t writer’s block, but I’ve been fighting a cold for a couple of weeks and it has taken me to the mat.  I’ve been pushing myself to get some actual work done. After that, I’m ready to sleep … and sleep … and sleep — or at least snooze … and doze … and nap.

Because of that I’ve been missing in action from the blogging scene. Didn’t do Five Minute Friday for two weeks. Haven’t written anything except Five Minute Friday in almost a month. It’s not because I haven’t had ideas. Just see the first paragraph.

My lethargy has to stop. So, I’ll use this time and space to sort of catch up by combining a few thoughts.

First and foremost, today was moving day for my wife. She is now nicely nestled on the mantel and out of the gazebo. I think she would have preferred to stay outside through the winter — and I wouldn’t be opposed to that — except I visit with her every morning. Part of that visit includes spending time with the Lord as well. I delve deeper into the Word. I just finished Ezekiel and am now working my way through an introduction  to apocalyptic literature, Daniel and the 12 prophets.

The problem isn’t sitting outside — even in the snow and cold. The problem is seeing in the early hours of the day, especially as we return to daylight standard time. I just don’t like to get too far into the day without getting into my study time.

That routine — spending quiet time first thing in the morning — predates Karen’s death. But after she died, spending quiet time was a natural prelude to spending time with Karen. After all, she had faithfully supplied me with each volume of The Interpreter’s Bible.

So, each morning, I go either outside or into the living room to read, then have my coffee and breakfast with Red. I still continue to share a cartoon. And I have laughed with her, cried with her and talked to her. She may not be with me in the flesh, but I sense her spirit — and her counsel — even after five years.

This is still her “home” so I’m comfortable with the decision I’ve made. If the kids or grandkids want to spend some time with her, she’s here. And when I’m gone, my ashes will rest next to her in the matching bronze urn side by side connected by interlocking circles and I’ll leave the decision of where we permanently settle up to the kids.

And that brings us to the last two Five Minute Friday prompts … DARE and LEAVE. I’m not going to take five minutes this week, just make two statements. I DARE you to look inside yourself and decide if you’re living every day to its fullest. I know I haven’t. And I DOUBLE DARE you to embrace each day.

And that’s what I am going to LEAVE you with.

PS — To see what my fellow Five Minute Friday writer contributed, visit Kate’s spot at http://katemotaung.com/2014/10/30/five-minute-friday-and-a-giveaway-day-31-leave/.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: You may be going through a difficult time, but be encouraged. God promised He will give you beauty for those ashes.