I know I said I would probably be on the road today, but — surprise! — things change. I moved the trip to next week, so here I am for Five Minute Friday on Friday. Next week it will probably be a Saturday post.

Most of you know what Five Minute Friday is, but for a quick review, it’s a chance for a group of dedicated writers to get together weekly to write on a one word prompt for five minutes. Nothing fancy. Nothing too deep [unless that’s the direction we writers are convicted to do]. Technically, no edits — including spelling and grammar — although I’m sure we all fudge on that one. I know I do. When I just let my fingers wander, they often can’t keep up with my free range mind and the gibberish on the screen needs deciphering. And we do it all in five minutes! [Well, that’s the goal, although I’ve been known to go a tad beyond at times.]

It all starts with a Twitter party Thursday night where the prompts come to life. One of these weeks, I’ll have to “chaperone” that party. Then it’s work time.

The exciting part is after we post, we share. We visit Kate’s spot on Facebook at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and link our words before settling in to read the remarkable takes on the prompt word from other writers in the group. I encourage you to visit as well, even if you’re not inclined to join in. It is painless … and so rewarding.

As an extra inducement, I’ve been including testimonials on Five Minute Friday from other contributors as collected in Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Flat. This week’s it’s by Sarah. May her words sway you to give us a look.

“I LOVE the Five Minute Friday Community! When I have writer’s block they are always on hand to encourage and motivate me. Having a focus word to write from is an incredible tool for any writer! Even though I don’t join in every week … I know there is always an invitation and a place for me at the FMF Party table!”

So, there you have it, I guess it’s time to get to work. The prompt this week is DISCOVER. The timer is set for five minutes. GO …

As a way to keep in contact with the family, we’ve been sharing little blessings of the day. Sometimes they’re silly. Sometimes their more poignant. Always they stop us for  a moment to just show the awesomeness of God in our lives.

Those are discover moments. It could be a sunrise or sunset, or a flower sprouting in a place not expected, or ducks swimming or a host of everyday things we usually take for granted. Our little family exercise {okay we don’t all always participate} keeps us connected and often leads to other discoveries.

I love looking for gems in the ordinary. That’s God showing me His talents and encourages me to move forward and not dwell in the past. Each day has a new discovery that shows His presence in my life … in your life.

Yeah, sometimes, it can be a little hokie. But if we commit ourselves to discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary … STOP

… the ordinary becomes extraordinary and adds flavor to our everyday lives. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He shows me His wonders, I can get through the day.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Success is not hitting the top — success is how you bounce when you hit the bottom. — George Patton