Five Minute Friday. Just to remind you what the exercise is really about, it’s free-style writing on a specific prompt word for five minutes, then linking and sharing at our place on Facebook.

I’ve also been sharing snippets taken from Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat. They are a testament to the value of the exercise. This week, I’ll share some perspective from Elizabeth, who I hope inspires you to check us out or, better yet, encourage you to try your hand at focused, unscripted writing for just five minutes. And don’t forget to share it on our page.

“Lisa-Jo’s blog [the originator of Five Minute Friday] was one that I started following and pretty soon, I couldn’t keep myself from joining in FMF. At first, I tried to limit it to the comment box but I had things to say, and I needed a place to say them. I started a blog strictly so that I could participate in FMF. My blog became my writing incubator and I didn’t share it with anyone except the lovely FMF participants. My own mother didn’t know I had a blog! I needed to start writing again but I wasn’t ready to share that writing with the world. FMF gave me a supportive but private community with which to share my heart through writing again. I’m incredibly grateful for the push that joining this writing community gave me.”

So, there you have it. Each of us has a story to tell. One of them is how we found this unique group and what it has meant to us. The simple format — one word per week — often is the catalyst that forces us to write. By getting in the habit, we hone our word skills, while honoring the Skill Giver.

Enjoy. This week’s prompt is DEEP. The time has been set so it’s time to GO …

I’ve been known to venture into the deep end of the pool a time or two or a hundred, And I’ve gotten into some deep doo doo when I neglected to keep my kids in my travel loop. It seems when I focus on me rather than the end game, I certainly can get in trouble.

It’s usually a slow migration — cut a corner here, shave a few minutes there, stop the heavenly conversation for a day or two. Next thing you know, you’re {I’m} flailing along treading water with my toes far from the bottom of the pool.

Luckily, I have a Lifeguard {who I keep is far too busy} keeping an eye on me. More than once He has tossed a life preserver my way. He has even come to me and lifted me out of the surf and back on solid ground.

I don’t like calling for help but it is comforting to know there is Someone around when I need Him keeping an eye on me … and making sure I don’t venture out too deep. It’s a blessing I deeply appreciate … STOP

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Find joy in the ordinary! — Max Lucado