Five Minute Friday — Direction

Posted on January 10, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Time for Five Minute Friday. You know what that means. I’ll write for five focused minutes  on a specific prompt, then get together and share with my fellow writers at Kate’s spot on Facebook at fiveminutefriday.com.

To entice you to check us out, I’ve also been sharing some of the experiences my fellow writers have shared as chronicled in Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat. This week, I’ll include the words contributed by Karrilee. I hope her words inspire you to join our writing club.

“I had been blogging for years, unaware that there was community available for writers like me. I started way back before blogging was a ‘thing’ and in the olden days it was lonely work. But in 2012, after God called me to be more consistent with my writing, I stumbled upon Five Minute Friday and immediately fell in love. Kindred hearts … sisters, friends, fellow word lovers who knew what it meant to hit publish and to doubt … who traded secrets, and prayer requests, and belly laughter and more than a few recipes. A tribe of writers who longed for community an inspiration, for freedom and authenticity. I had no idea how much I needed them until I found them and now? Well — now, almost every Thursday night I can be found tweeting and chatting over on Twitter for the #fmfparty as we wait for the One Word Prompt. It’s a community who loves fierce, lives brave, and writes truth — in five minutes(ish) flat! It’s my favorite online community (and if you know me, you know that is saying something!) and one of the things I love the most is how, truly, everyone is welcome. There is no need to walk this bloggy world alone!”

There you go. The prompt this week is DIRECTION and the timer is set so it is time to GO…

I know a lot about direction. During this trip, I was constantly keyed into the direction I was going — north, east, south, west. It made a difference. If I knew I was supposed to be heading south for example, it was good to know the compass wasn’t pointing north.

That’s the simplistic answer. There is another more important direction to keep an eye on — up or down.

I often sign off posts or messages with the phrase, “Keep looking Up.” It’s important for me. I not only do it as a  tagline, but also as a reminded for both myself and whomever I’m writing for. Simply stated, Up is God and heaven and Jesus in the sky and down is, well, you get the picture.

Throughout our lives we should be focused on both our horizontal direction AND our vertical direction. Actually, that’s reversed. Our vertical direction dictates our horizontal direction. You can’t be looking Up and … STOP

… and take wrong turns. Our God has the road mapped out, maybe with a detour here or there, but mapped out nonetheless. Conversely, you and I certainly can find the road that shouldn’t be traveled when we don’t. look Up.

So, my friends. This week, Keep looking Up!

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER:  I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions. — Stephen Covey

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Toast

Posted on January 9, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

It’s the little things in life that give it its flavor.

This morning, I actually had toast for breakfast. I like toast for breakfast. It’s a perfect complement to good, hot, black coffee. Spread a little bit of butter {healthy butter with olive oil for easier spreading and sea salt for a little flavor} and I’m a happy camper. Occasionally I’ll add a little jam, although that’s the exception rather than the rule.

Now all this is, really, just a personal choice. And I bring it up because during my travels, I discovered neither my middle son nor my oldest son owned a toaster. Whaaat!

It’s true. I relocated my toaster from Maine to Massachusetts. I enjoyed it, although the clan — used to toasting in a toaster over — looked at in awe. What was this miracle appliance?

You can use a toaster oven to toast bread — after all it is a TOASTer over. I supposed you can cook in it as well {by the way, they have when their oven went out}. In full disclosure, we never owned a toaster oven. Karen always insisted on a toaster and an oven. In fact, it took several years after introduction before she relented and purchased a microwave. We used it mostly for reheating. With that history, I was always a little skeptical of just leaving bread unattended under hot coils. At least with a toaster, the bread pops up and the coils cool. And there is that awkward moment of retrieving the toasted bread. The tray gets a little, umm, warm.

I counted the purchase of a toaster for my oldest son as a blessing last night. It was and it is. In fact my morning toast will probably be tonight’s blessing — unless the Lord shares another bigger one. My response from Massachusetts? “I think we have use the toaster once since you left. 🙂 The toaster oven is just a go to for us.” Oh well, at least my toaster will be no worse for wear when I make it back to Massachusetts.

I realized my older son didn’t have a toaster when I arrived in Kentucky a few weeks back but just dealt with it. Since he doesn’t toast much of anything, when his roommates moved out they took the toaster and he just never replaced it. As I backtracked my route, I decided to buy one for him.

I know what I’ll be having for breakfast tomorrow. In fact, I think I might have toast with butter, peanut butter and jam for lunch.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. — Albert Einstein

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Midweek Mirth

Posted on January 8, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

One of the misconceptions about being a Christian is non-Christians think we don’t know how to have fun or have a sense of humor. Trust me, if the Big Guy can have a sense of humor when it comes to dealing with us mere mortals, so can we.

The difference for Christians is we don’t have to debase ourselves or others to generate a smile. Laughter at life or ourselves is a gift from God.

So, let’s smile a little!

The Haircut

A father was getting his hair cut at a neighborhood shop, and asked the barber when would be the best time to bring in his two year old son. Without hesitation, the barber answered, “When he’s four.”

… And now for the bonus …

Walk The Talk

For years, a couple had complained bitterly about the lack of sidewalks in their small town, observing often if only they had sidewalks, they would walk daily and become models of fitness. So they were thrilled when a community sidewalk project was announced, and watched eagerly as paving neared completion. Then wishful thinking and reality collided. “Well, dear,” the husband said. “What’ll we use as an excuse for not walking now?”

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: When we surround ourselves with people who bring out our playful, child-like selves, we can laugh and love with abandon. – Beth Frates

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Change the World

Posted on January 7, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Don’t read anything into this post or between the lines, but the adventures of the past three months have focused on my mortality. I am hopeful there will be many more years of blogging and sharing, but I’m also cognizant, as a septuagenarian, there is more sand in the bottom of the hourglass than on the top. And only the One who knows how many granules are left is my Lord.

One of the issues I’ve been facing is the legacy I will leave behind. I like to think it will be positive, as reflected in my writing and outreach. Whenever I pen a blog post … or share a message on social media as I do daily … or offer messages of hope {and sometimes with sarcastic humor} to family and friends, I try to focus on the positives and encourage all to look Up. I try to be the conduit and soften hearts to be receptive to the love of the God I know.

But I  also realized my sphere of influence would probably stop at that last heartbeat. Until this week.

I  am so proud my two oldest children appear ready to keep my message of positivity alive and continuing.

My oldest, Joe Jr., has been sharing messages of hope, motivation, and daily inspiration on social media as a springboard toward possible life coaching. A sample from today, for instance, reads, “We live in a world filled with pain and we never know the battle others are facing … today I challenge each of you to be a light on dark days. It’s the little things that matter. It doesn’t cost anything to be nice and you never how big of an impact it can have.” He started his latest venture with the words, “Let this be your year for change and let something good into your life.”

Hmmm. Sounds a lot like the messages I post.

Just yesterday, my daughter Deanna launched a new website which includes her writing projects, services like editing and social media consulting, and a re-introduction of her blog. Her re-entry to the blog world was titled “Change the World” where she detailed the steps — the measured steps that included thoughtful prayer and overcoming her reticence to move beyond her comfort zone.

She noted,  “I have compiled some thoughts on how we could do some little things here and there in our everyday lives which, when combined with the forces of others doing the same little things, would have a great impact. Your words and my words; your kindness and my kindness; your generosity and my generosity – none of it will make a big impact on its own. But combined? Can you even imagine?

“You see, there is truth to the ripple effect. When someone experiences joy or feels hope or is energized by an interaction with me, they are changed, if even in a miniscule way. Those experiences then alter the course of their next steps. It is more difficult to be rude when someone has just shown kindness. We tend to encourage when we have been encouraged. When others are generous, we follow their lead. It is the ripple effect and it is magical in a way.

“In order to tap into the magic, I commit to sharing some thoughts and ideas for you and me to throw the first pebble into the water. The next step is yours and I couldn’t be more excited to see the ripples on the water of the world in which we live. Are you ready to change the world?”

I’m in … and I challenge all you to join in as well.  I’m also so thrilled because it was Dee who introduced me to the blog world. Well, actually, after years … and years … and years of procrastination, she set up my blog site.

I know Dee will do a great job. She did before.

When you put words “out there” you do so with some element of risk. I know that and she knows that. She promises not to post anything too controversial, stay away from the hot topics, and usually post about food, coffee, fitness, and Mr. Rawlings, her terribly rotten dog {her words}.

Hmmm. Sounds a lot like the stories I post.

I hope to be sharing my thoughts and my faith for many moons to come, but my heart beats to a little happier rhythm knowing my legacy doesn’t have an expiration date. It will live forever through my children — all my children who each have unique skill sets.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. — Michael Jordan

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Once Upon a Time

Posted on January 6, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

This week’s Words for the Week …

Once upon a time there was a bunch of tiny frogs who arranged a climbing competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.

A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants. The race began. No one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. You heard statements such as: “Oh, WAY too difficult!” “They will NEVER make it to the top.” “Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!”

The tiny frogs began collapsing one by one, except for those, who in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher. The crowd continued to yell, “It is too difficult! No one will make it!” More tiny frogs got tired and gave up. But ONE continued higher and higher and higher. This one wouldn’t give up!

At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower, except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!

Then all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it. A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal.

It turned out that the winner was DEAF!

The wisdom of this story is, Never listen to other people’s tendencies to be negative or pessimistic, because they take your most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you — the ones you have in your heart!

Always think of the power words have. There’s life and death in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Because everything you hear and read will affect your actions! Therefore: ALWAYS be … POSITIVE! And above all, be DEAF when people tell YOU you cannot fulfill your dreams! Always think: God and I can do this! If you fall down 10 times, stand up 10 times.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. — Mark Twain

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Another Gift

Posted on January 5, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. (Matthew 2:1–12, NRSV)

A gift of the scriptures is it provide lenses through which we see and interpret our lives and circumstances. The familiar, valued story of the magi traveling from their home country (perhaps Babylon) is a many-layered account that opens our eyes to the opportunities and challenges of our own time.

The magi were likely a learned class of astrologers, searching the night skies for key symbols of the meaning of life. Spotting the unusual star, they followed it to Bethlehem, with the help of Herod and religious leaders in Jerusalem. The magi startled the leaders and the people in the process.

I view the homage (or honor) the magi shared with the newborn king in Bethlehem as an early interfaith encounter. These eastern astrologers searched for the one the star signified, shared their honor and their gifts, and then returned to their country and their stargazing ways.

A recent, moving Michigan Avenue Forum at Fourth Presbyterian Church immediately came to mind. Eboo Patel, a Muslim interfaith leader, along with Cardinal Blase Cupich and Rabbi Wendy Geffen demonstrated how we are to approach our differing faith traditions: with openness, curiosity, and deep respect. The stories they shared echoed in my mind as I read of the magi once again. Yet for some of our neighbors, a different tradition is not inviting and insightful but threatening and dangerous—just as the magi’s visit to Herod stirred up anxiety and fear in Jerusalem.

May we follow the model of the magi in our own interfaith encounters.

Prayer —  Mysterious God, I pray You keep me ever open to differing faith traditions, learning and growing with my interfaith friends and neighbors. Amen.

This reflection was written by Jeffrey Doane, parish associate for older adults at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER:Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. — Napoleon Hill

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Thank You, Lord …

Posted on January 4, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

As we build this community prayer platform, we ask the Lord to listen to our petitions with full confidence they not only are heard but acted upon by God according to His holy will. These requests are on my prayer list and I hope you consider putting them on yours as you place your petitions before the Lord Sunday.

Let’s remember to approach the throne room and respond with faith and not fear, knowing the promises of God and His mighty hand will hold us through any situation! Sometimes, all it takes is just one prayer to change everything. Something extraordinary happens when two or more agree together in prayer.

What is one of the most important things we should do as Christians? Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).

We’re a little light on requests because I’ve been on the road all day. Most of the requests received were unspoken. Those shared include:

Joe seeks prayers of discernment.

Christy and her family need healing prayers after an eight-hour cancer surgery Friday.

Paul has cancer bad and is home hospice care. He’s  under 135 pounds. Please pray for his comfort and for his wife Connie for strength and God’s love as she cares for him.

Mike asks for prayers for healing.

There were a host of unspoken prayer requests and we heard of a number of deaths this week. Prayers for their families as they go through this earthly trial. We grieve … heaven rejoices.

We come to You, Lord, because prayer is the least yet the greatest thing we can do for each other. When two or more are gathered in Your name, we confidently know You are with us. What better company can we have? You reign and we trust You! We may be broken and battered but know You heal and quiet the soul. You are the source for all that happens in our lives. We thank You for the progress being made. We thank You for the many blessings we have received this week — some we unfortunately didn’t notice. Nonetheless, those blessings are ever-present in our lives. We thank You for healing. We thank You for slowing us down. We thank You for providing us our daily needs — no more and no less. We thank You for being with us, listening to us, walking with us on this journey. We thank You for the support of our family and friends … for seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary — sunrises, sunsets, flowers, kids laughing, adventures, good news amid the bad news. We know we can come to You with our concerns and they will be heard. Through Christ all things are possible. We lift up those family members and friends who are battling various physical, emotional, financial, career or spiritual issues and ask not for Your guidance and healing (although that would be welcomed) but to keep reminding us we are not alone in our battles. Specifically we lift up Joe, Christy, Paul, Mike, and all those needing Your healing and guiding touch. We pray for the families of all those You have called home. We grieve … You celebrate. We pray for obedience to Your Will so Your “Son” Light shines through us through the power of the Spirit. And we come to You through the confidence of the words taught by Your Son Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Keep your joys and concerns coming. They have been and will be included during my prayer time and I trust they will be on your lips as well as you approach the altar. All it takes is a couple of keystrokes under the “Contact Me” button on the top bar {or to the right if you’re not a follower yet}. I hope it becomes your best friend as you navigate around the site so we can all be viable prayer warriors. You can also comment or reach me at wisdomfromafather@gmail.com.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: “Thank you” is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding. — Alice Walker

 

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Friday

Posted on January 3, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

It’s Friday and I’m at a writing loss. Normally I would have a Five Minute Friday prompt to guide me but, well, we’re on a well-needed holiday hiatus. Normally, I would have  about a thousand random thoughts racing through my head, but, well, I think my mind went on hiatus as well.

If I’m honest, I haven’t really been thinking words. I’ve been busy soaking in the family and family activities. I’ve been making memories … not necessarily sharing them.

Take today, for instance. Angelina and I got up before dawn to take in the sunrise over the ocean at Garden Beach. The sun didn’t cooperate. A heavy cloud cover over the ocean dulled the vibrancy of the sun rising. Tonight after dinner, the family headed back to the beach around sunset. Fast moving low clouds dimmed the rising moon with Mr. Sunshine nowhere in sight.this evening.

However, it really wasn’t the sun or moon. It was the rhythm of the waves crashing the sands. It was a quiet roll this morning … it was  faster cadence.

I’ve said it before but it is worth repeating, especially on this promptless Friday. My centering place is the ocean. It doesn’t matter. I’ve seen the Atlantic displaying her magic in Maine, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, South Carolina, and Florida. I’ve seen gentle waves and angry waves and I’ve challenged them a time or two over the years. I’ve sat on the wet sand for hours and for just minutes. I am constantly reminded of Who is control  — dictating to the waves just how far to roll onshore. I am humbled and realize I’m just a speck of sand standing on the sand, yet God still somehow loves me. I shut down my mind and just listen … to the gulls, to the waves, to the voice of God. Always I leave the seashore re-energized.

I could have recapped last year. I could have talked about my books. I could have picked a random topic. But I spent some time on the beach today.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Do or do not. There is no try. — Yoda

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The Journey Continues

Posted on January 2, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Now that I’ve “officially” completed my late year journey, it’s time to figure out the next step. It’s one of the questions just about everyone asks me, and, of course, my family has been making their respective pitches for why I should settle down either with them or near them. That’s five real choices — Coastal South Carolina, Southern Kentucky,  Northwest Ohio, Upstate New York, and Suburban Massachusetts. And there is always the draw of the Maine Highlands.

I’m pretty sure I won’t be moving in with any of my children. They have lives — and they don’t need me hanging around. I’m quite capable of entertaining myself.

Truth is, I’m not sure what’s next on the adventure. I had intended to do a Route 1/Atlantic Coast trip, but a pesky think like finances kept getting in the way. At some point, I may revisit the plan, either as I initially outlined it or somewhat scaled back. I still would like to do some speaking — perhaps preaching — and I definitely want to get back to some regular writing routines.

At the outset, I had determined the trip would be serendipitous. I turned it over to the Lord. Thus far, He hasn’t answered, although I do know He has a plan. He always has a plan.

Knowing I do have an annual, routine doctor’s appointment in Maine mid-month, I decided the next leg of the journey will be reversing my trip in smaller chunks. Thus I’ll stay here in South Carolina for a few more days, then head to Kentucky, Ohio — with a detour to Indiana for a night — New York, and Massachusetts. That will set me up for an overnight trip to Maine.

The agenda will give me a few more weeks in the car, where I can let the mind wander and see where the Spirit leads me. Who knows?  Maybe the Lord just wants me to do a little traveling and visiting and observing His presence in everyday life. And I’m good with that.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. — Les Brown

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Midweek New Year Mirth

Posted on January 1, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Just because it’s the new year, don’t think you can escape without some New Year mirth.

One of the misconceptions about being a Christian is non-Christians think we don’t know how to have fun or have a sense of humor. Trust me, if the Big Guy can have a sense of humor when it comes to dealing with us mere mortals, so can we.

The difference for Christians is we don’t have to debase ourselves or others to generate a smile. Laughter at life or ourselves is a gift from God.

So, let’s get in the New Year spirit and smile a little!

New Year’s Wishes

May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your cardiologist, your gastroenterologist, your urologist, your proctologist, your podiatrist, your psychiatrist, your plumber, and the IRS.

May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your abs, and your stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, your triglycerides, your cholesterol, your white blood count, and your mortgage interest not rise.

May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you delight them. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind to your blemishes, and tell the world about your virtues.

May the telemarketers wait to make their sales calls until you finish dinner, may the commercials on TV not be louder than the program you have been watching, and may your check book and your budget balance — and include generous amounts for charity.

May you remember to say “I love you” at least once a day to your spouse, your child, your parent, your siblings and others you love.

May we live in a world at peace and with the awareness of God’s love in every sunset, every flower’s unfolding petals, every baby’s smile, every lover’s kiss, and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our heart.

Above all, may you continue to smile, may your life be filled with laughter, and may you never forget the words found in the Book of Proverbs, A gloomy spirit rots the bones; but a merry heart is like good medicine.

And now for the bonus …

The Resolution

My goal for 2020 is to accomplish the goals set in 2019 which I should have done in 2018 because I promised to in 2017 and planned to do in 2016.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: When we surround ourselves with people who bring out our playful, child-like selves, we can laugh and love with abandon. – Beth Frates

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