Five Minute Friday: Collect

It is a happy Friday in the Five Minute Friday Community.  We are all giddy over the release of the Five Minute Friday book.  It is a beautiful collection of stories written in five minutes flat. So, I guess it is only fitting that today's prompt is Collect.

Once upon a time, my husband and I would collect things. Nascar and KISS items for him and Barbie dolls for me.  That was BC: before children.

Now our children collect things. Rocks, Pokemon cards, maps, coins, knives.

Collecting is fun.  I always liked the challenge of finding something that was unique and hard to get my hands on.

But now, those items my husband and I collected are sitting in boxes, collecting something themselves: dust.

Those boxes are doing us no good whatsoever.  They could now be considered a waste of money, space, and time.  Although I wouldn't go that far.  We had a great time bonding with one another as newlyweds to find those items.

But now, I try to store up other things.  I live differently and try to teach my children differently.  The things I do and buy now have more of a purpose.  Hopefully, they are more meaningful.  Now, I want the things I do and buy to make a difference, strengthen, encourage, or be helpful to some one.

And I think of what my sweet friend Glenda always said, "Store up things in heaven.  Lead others to Christ, for those are the things that matter."

Isn't that a beautiful thought?  Oh, that we would have heart so filled with love and compassion that everything we do is a treasure in heaven. Souls saved, hungry fed, naked clothed, hurting loved.  We should be the hands and feet of Jesus in all we do.

And I want to say this about the Five Minute Friday Community.  They love, they encourage, they make a difference. They do it each week through these writing prompts, and Susan Shipe has helped by publishing a collection of five minute stories.  This proceeds from this book are going to help two amazing charities.

Get your hands on one of these books today.  You'll be blessed by the collection of words inside. Oh, don't forget to get your Five Minute Friday gear too.  I have it on good authority that I'm getting something from this collection for my birthday. Thanks, Mom!

Before you go, read this week's blog posts and enter to win a copy of the Five Minute Friday book.  Yep, that's right.

I've got one for me and one for you!  You can enter write now by clicking on my picture!  Good luck and happy Friday!

What's all the Hype About?

A few years ago, I came across this thing called Five Minute Friday.  It was this online writing community of amazing people.  I found it hard to believe they were able to write such awesomeness in a matter of five minutes.  There's no way I could ever do anything like that, I thought.

But then, one day.....

I wrote.

For five minutes flat.

Stay
As we cuddled on the couch admiring our Christmas tree, I longed to stay in that moment.

With your arms around me.

The quiet.

The two of us.

Our children fast asleep in their beds.

As I heard your alarm go off this morning, I longed for you to stay in bed longer, pushing aside what had to be done today.  I climbed back into bed with you, hitting snooze. I wanted to stay that way.

As I think about what is about to come, the "going" you must do, I am reminded that we are not called to stay, but rather to go. We are called to make disciples of all nations. We are called to go to the outermost parts, just as you reminded us in your sermon Wednesday night.

Some people actually go, while others of us stay behind.  Whatever the case, I will stay strong, growing in the Lord, making you proud, being the wife I have been called to be. I will stay with arms wide open.

That day, the words came to me. I saw how it was done.

That day, I knew I could do anything because I had just said goodbye to my husband as he left for war.  Nothing could be any scarier or more difficult than that.

So, I looked at Five Minute Friday as my comfort blanket.  I had such a love for words, and this community allowed me to express myself.  Strangers would stop by the blog to read what I had to say.  My heart was touched when they found comfort in my words, when my words were what they needed to hear.

During a difficult time, the Five Minute Friday community became my people.  Online relationships grew. We encouraged each other each week.  My confidence grew because of these amazing people.  This boost led me to do something I never imagined I would do......

The Five Minute Friday Retreat....Yep, a weekend getaway with online friends and strangers who quickly became friends. Laughter, tears, writing, bible study, sunrises, coffee, and bacon. All of my favorite things.

So the hype is about this.....

Five minutes can change your life.

Five minutes can strengthen and encourage you.

Five minutes can touch the heart of a stranger in amazing ways.

Five minutes.

Words are power.  How we use them is of utmost importance. You know...words are like toothpaste. Once you speak them, you can never put them back where they came from.

So, that's what the hype is about.

And why am I promoting this book?

Because I love this community, and I want you to be a part of it.  I want to share with you the people and words who have changed me, loved me, and encouraged me.

If you want to be a part of this community, I encourage you to get a copy of the book. You can order at Amazon or by clicking here.  You can also leave a comment below to enter to win a copy.

Lost

A few years ago, something had happened, can't remember what, but I had said to Colin, "I've lost my marbles."

Later he went to the store with Jeff, and when they were shopping, he told his daddy, "We need to get some marbles."

Jeff asked why, and Colin replied, "Because Mama lost hers."

Bless his heart.

How many times have I felt like I've lost my marbles?  Too many to count.  But I thank God everyday that He helps me to find them.  He may take a few away and replace them with better ones, but God always provides (my marbles).

He provides by answering a prayer.  He provides by sending a friend.  He provides by bringing peace.

He Provides.

I will continue to lose my marbles, my patience, my temper.  But God will continue to be there for me to pick up the pieces, to calm my nerves, to find me when I'm lost in my own sinful nature.

Amazing Grace!  How sweet the sound! I once was lost, but now I'm found!

Thank you, sweet Jesus!

This Five Minute Friday post was originally published on June 27, 2014.  What is Five Minute Friday you ask?  It's a wonderful online community of writers who take a one word prompt and write for five minutes flat. No overthinking. No editing (although some of us ELA teachers have to).  Just writing. The love of writing has brought forth the Five Minute Friday book, an amazing collection of some of our favorite posts.

You can order your very own copy now!  You should probably go ahead and get one for a friend to because each purchase will benefit the Ten Dollar Trip and The Vine School.  You can order HERE at Amazon or HERE at Create Space.

If I were you, I'd enter below to enter to win a copy.  I'll even sign it for you since I am contributor to the book!


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While you're at it, check out the Five Minute Friday gear available.

These items are available for a limited time.

Morning

I am totally a morning person.  My favorite thing to do is make a pot of coffee, check out the sunrise, and read my Bible.

Morning is just a special time. It's quite for the most part (I'm usually the only one up). The beauty of the sunrise amazes me.  Although the view out the back door is the same, the image is always different.

And morning reminds me of renewal.  A fresh start.

There's so many ways to connect that thought to Christ.

Joy comes in the morning.

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

He makes all things new.

The earth is filled with His glory.

I like to think that God is a morning person too.  Its full of beauty and peace and so is He.

I'm thankful for mornings, not just for my routine during this time, but for the new start.  Waking to the realization that God has blessed me with a new day, and regardless of what the day brings, He is in it. He's ordained it.

Because I know, "This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."

And I can rejoice each morning because of Him.

This post was originally published on February 26, 2016 for the Five Minute Friday Prompt: Morning.  Did you know that three ladies have their Morning posts published in the Five Minute Friday book?  One of those is my dear friend Christy.

Melinda, Me, and Christy

I would love for you to check out this book!  You have two ways to get your hands on a copy.  The first way is to visit Amazon or CreateSpace to purchase your very own copy.  Go ahead. Order one, two, or eight.  Your purchase helps benefit The Vine School and Ten Dollar Tribe.   Another way is to enter to win.  If I were you, I'd do both.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the prompt Morning.  Click below to enter to win a copy of the Five Minute Friday book. 

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Don't forget to order your Five Minute Friday gear too!

These items are available for a limited time only!

Wonder

It's Release Day!

Today is the day you can get your copy of Five Minute Friday Book: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat.  Go ahead, do the Happy Dance!

This week, I have a treat for you.  I will be reposting some of my favorite Five Minute Friday posts. AND you will have the opportunity to win a signed copy of the book. A book, signed by me because I was blessed with the opportunity to contribute to this book!


This Five Minute Friday post was originally published on November 30, 2012.

I remember being so excited about Christmas as a child. The anticipation. The laying in bed hearing noises and wondering if it was Santa I heard.

Now, I watch my own children. Trying my best to raise them in a godly home, I watch the wonder of the season in their eyes. How they touch the tree. Watching the lights. Flicking the ornaments.  The quietness. The stillness. The holiness of it all.

We talk about the true meaing.

The birth of our Lord, our Savior.

Jesus Christ.

The truth.

I wonder how many people really truly believe.

Not in Santa.

In Jesus.

The first gift.

The only gift that matters.

Oh, how I love Him.  How I want to please Him.

Jesus.

Awesome. Holy. Wonderful.

Because of Him, I live. Because of Him, I have a hope and future.  Because of that gift of His life. Of His death. Of His Resurrection.

Thank you, God, for the wonder of the season.  Thank you, God. for your Son, Jesus Christ.

Are you wondering about the Five Minute Friday Book?  Want your own copy?

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First you can click HERE  or click HERE to go ahead and order one or two or ten.  Second, click on the Rafflecopter thingy to enter to win your very own signed copy.


All profits from the book will be divided equally between two ministries in South Africa: The Vine School in Cape Town, and The Ten Dollar Tribe!

Oh, and don't forget your Five Minute Friday Gear.  I'm definitely getting my hands on these!

You have to order now, because these products are available for a limited time only.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway and leave a comment telling me your thoughts about the one word prompt WONDER.

Happy: A Name to Live Up To - Five Minute Friday (On Sunday)

Meet Happy.  

Yes, this is our family cat.

He became a member of our family about 8 or 9 years ago.

He has a heck of a name to live up to.

Sometimes Happy is happy.  Especially when he attacks me as I'm walking up the stairs, walking across the room, or resting quietly.

Sometimes Happy isn't so happy.  Especially when I am taking too long to fill his food bowl or the neighborhood kids are searching for him when they come to visit.

I guess it is hard to live up to his name all the time.

Like us....are we always happy?

No. Its an emotion. And as a woman, I can tell you that I have been on plenty of those emotional rollercoasters.

But as a Christian, I have a name to live up to.  And to live up to that name - Christian - I don't choose happiness.....I choose joy.

You see, my joy comes from the Lord.

My husband made me happy when he brought home Panda Express Friday night.

But my joy comes from knowing that Christ is with me always and He will meet me right where I am.

It isn't always possible to be happy, but it is possible to always be joyful.  I can find joy in my deepest sorrows.  How?  Because I know Christ.

Thank you for joining me today (Sunday) for my Five Minute Friday post.  Be sure you head to Kate's to read more amazing thoughts on this week's prompt HAPPY.  And best of all......

there is a giveaway and news about the Five Minute Friday book.

Yes!  Our favorite Five Minute Friday posts are being published!!  You definitely don't want to miss out on it!

Spring Fever Giveaway Winners

Thank you so much to everyone who donated prizes for this year's Spring Fever Giveaway.  I was thrilled with the response. I am looking forward to next year's giveaway already!  But I know what you are waiting for.....

The winners are...

Day 1

Ann - Carrot Door Hanger from Creations by Bonnie

Day 2 

LeeAnn - Hand Made Dress from The 7 Year Adventure

Day 3

Angela - Monogrammed Towel from Barn Door Designs

Ashley - Monogrammed Shirt from Rachel

Day 4

Cari - 3D Fiber Lashes from Younique

Christina - $20 Gift Certificate from Mary Kay

Day 5

Barb - Bracelet from KEEP Collective

Pam - Necklace from Mustard Seed Market

Congratulations to each of you.  Please check your email for a message from me and how to get your prize.

Again, thank you to all the prize donors.  You are greatly appreciated!

Spring Fever Giveaway: Mustard Seeds of Faith

I can't believe it's here.....the final day of the Spring Fever Giveaway.  I seriously hope you have enjoyed reading about some of my favorite people, items, small businesses, and blogs.  I've enjoyed sharing with you and have been saddened that I couldn't enter to win these amazing prizes!

Today, I have two special treats for you......Who am I kidding??? All of the prizes have been special.

Our first prize comes from one of the newest small businesses in my hometown, Mustard Seed Market.  Mustard Seed Market is located on the square in historic downtown Franklin, Kentucky.  The Market features art, handmade items, vintage and one-of-a-kinds along with boutique ladies clothing (and plus size clothing), jewelry and accessories.

When I drive by, my purse is calling out to me, "STOP! You need that ---- in the window!" I even want the lawn chairs on the sidewalk, so bad in fact that I made my teenage son take a picture of them as we drove by so I could tell my husband!

One of our prizes today is this lovely necklace from Mustard Seed Market. Isn't it precious?

You will definitely want to check out Mustard Seed Market on Facebook and Instagram.  

Our last prize is from a dear sweet friend of mine. Krista and I met at church and we both share the amazing calling of being the mom of 3 boys!  I love her dearly and am blessed to know her.  Recently, Krista has become a KEEP Collective Designer.  I'm fairly new to this beautiful jewelry, not sure my words could do it justice, but I do know the pieces are lovely and unique.  

Today, Krista is offering you this lovely bracelet below.

Visit Krista's online store page and Facebook page .  

To enter to win one of these lovely pieces of jewelry. Complete the Rafflecopter options below.  Good luck. And a special thank you to Mustard Seed Market and Krista from KEEP Collective for donating today's prizes.

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***Disclaimer***This giveaway is in no way affiliated with any person, company, organization, website, or other group other than the blog owner and the individuals donating prizes. The Spring Fever Giveaway is just a fun way to get excited about spring. Those donating prizes are NOT being paid and are doing this for fun and to get a little free publicity.  All winners will be contacted with information on how to redeem their prizes.