Tag: pray

  • Loyal

    This week’s Five Minute Friday writing prompt is: LOYAL            

    Loyal. When I think of the word loyal, I hope that other people think of me as loyal. I consider loyal to be a person who sticks to their word; doesn’t hedge or change their mind mid-stream. This person can be counted on when the chips are down, and you need a helping hand. Maybe they would help physically or emotionally. Sometimes it means praying for that person or their circumstance. Being present physically when they need you most.

    I have a few loyal friends and family members. Those whom I can count on with words of encouragement, someone who “has my back.” When I need to cry, explode, or just plain vent, these gals will listen. Even if they’re in the middle of something else, they are there for me. If not in person, then on the phone talking or e-mail or text message. They aren’t too busy for me or ask me to call back another time. Available. Honest. Sincere. Accountability. And Wisdom. These are special quality traits I find in my loyal friends and family members. What separates these individuals from the rest of my world. My go-to buddies. Sure wouldn’t want to go through life without them! Thanking God that they are here for me.

    *****

  • Homeward Bound

    Teresa-Karen cross country trekBaldwin sisters on their trek home. Karen and I nicknamed ourselves the Baldwin sisters–remember The Waltons television show?

    Our trip proved a mix of enlightenment, frustration, joy, anger, sadness, sympathy, and loss. We found our dad—at least a shell of who he used to be. His body and mind fails more often than not.

    My mind longs to forget the now and return to the then. I choose to remember his quick wit, willingness to help others, when his body moved freely and without constant pain, his insatiable quest for best bargains and love for food.

    Dad, we love you and hope and pray only the best for you.

    *****

  • Steady as she goes

    Bad news comes in all shapes and forms. It could be: a car breakdown, loss of job or hours at work, strained relationship, death of a loved one, inability to become pregnant, health issues, or a rebellious/wayward child. Regardless of the bad news content, we do not welcome it’s intrusion into our busy, pre-planned lives.    image001 (Copy)

    Life was going so well, but then _______ or _______ happened! When life seems to go swimmingly along, I tend to revert to “neutral/coast” mode. Yet when life throws me a curve, insignificant details don’t seem to matter all of a sudden. Then I’m all about seeking wisdom or a cure. Daily mundane tasks are put on hold. I may cry out to God, Why me? Why now? I tend to search out Scripture for comfort. Or, humble myself and ask others for prayer support.

    I looked up the definition of the word ‘steadfast.’ You don’t hear the word used much these days. Here’s what I found:

    Fixed in direction, steadily directed, firm in purpose, resolution, faith, unwavering, firmly established, firmly fixed in place or position.

    What I hear the psalmist saying is that I must keep my heart firmly fixed on God. To be steady in my direction and purpose. Do not waver on my convictions. Stand firmly planted on what I believe and in Whom I believe.

    •  Where do you go when you hear bad news?
    • How steadfast is your heart?

    “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord”—Psalm 112:7.