Saturday, October 19, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes Challenge ~ Strong


The word prompt for day nineteen of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes is...Strong.

"GO..."

One thing about this our journey of ours, no matter where, no matter what, the one thing that keeps us strong is our faith.

It has been a very tough week trying to keep my head above all the nonsense thrown at me. 

But I did not break!

I might have shed some tears out of frustration, but I am not letting them disregard everything I have done to better my world. I am not a cookie-cutter, textbook kind of person. I believe I am a unique human being who didn't bury her head in the sand, or run in the other direction when things got tough. I prayed, and I listened. I heard, and I saw all that God wanted me to so I could move forward.

When my voice doesn't sound healthy or strong, it doesn't mean I am weak. Wait for me to catch my breath. When the tears begin because I am not being understood, don't expect me to continue talking with you. Can't they see it is difficult? 

"STOP!"

Unfortunately, that one appointment wiped out any thoughts that caused me not to finish my five-minute-write!

It's taken a few days to get back on the ground I once walked. One small link in my health team changed, and we might need to omit that which isn't as strong as the others. 

Forward I go, even though I am behind on my 31-Day Challenge, I did get my Five-Minutes completed.


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.

Friday, October 18, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes Challenge ~ Active


The word prompt for day eighteen of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes and Five-Minute-Friday...Active.

"GO..."

It's important to remain active even when you are going through things. 

Doctor appointments come and go, but life continues. Work and school schedules, writing, housework, to even working outside in the yard, are regular things that fill my days. 

In between my appointments this week, the grandson and I had the opportunity to watch the "Big Boy" 4014 leave the station early Wednesday morning. We got there just as the sun rose above the train. We waited as the crew prepared for departure. I couldn't wait to see the steam rise, and the grandson was excited to hear the whistle blow that they were ready to pull out. It would take another 15 minutes before it would leave the station, so we moved to find a place further down the tracks. After it passed us, we took off for the next area it would chug through. Pennies were placed on the train tracks by some of the bystanders, hoping to be flattened by the massive wheels. 

"STOP!"

We didn't stick around to see if it worked. We wanted to catch up with it again in Dome Valley. In all, we were able to see it a few more times before we turned around and head back to town. 

I'm sure it will be a day he won't ever forget!


If you're interested in catching it as it continues its journey, here is a map and schedule of the towns it will be going through next.


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes Challenge ~ Consistent


The word prompt for day twelve of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes...Consistent.

"GO..."

Every now and then, a word prompt has been chosen that just happens to be one of my favorite words. It's an important word and not just for a writing tip.

Having consistency in my life is just as important as in my writing. Reality is I'm not as consistent with my book as I am with other areas of my life. Things run so much smoother when certain things are done a certain way. Throw in a bit of OC, and even an empty spot in the fridge tells me we are out of something. Folding the clothes as they come out of the dryer. Going to bed with a clean sink to making the bed within minutes of waking is just part of it.

As we continue along our journey ahead, being consistent has always been my saving grace. It creates a wave of peace within me, knowing that all the I's were dotted and the T's crossed. From doctor appointments to packing the RV for a trip, even grocery shopping, being consistent can settle any anxieties that nothing was missed, as well.

"STOP!"

Sometimes thing being consistent is out of my control. I can't help but wonder how much it would improve the doctor's office staff that is far from being consistent with proper paper procedures. Waiting till the day before or even the day of an appointment to submit an approval doesn't work. They should already know that! As the patient, it can throw me off-kilter. 

It's been a tough week where we've had to rearrange our time due to their mistakes. It caused me to fall behind on the 31-Day Challenge that I consistently try to achieve each day. 

I'm determined to catch up!


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes Challenge ~ Avoid


The word prompt for day sixteen of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes...Avoid.

"GO..."

Lately, avoiding the wrong path has been our top priority.

It's getting tougher and tougher to navigate these detours created by others not doing their jobs. The frustration, anxiety, and panic attacks I experience are overwhelming, all due to the postponements, delays, and rescheduling that continues to interrupt my quality of care.

People who are not doing their job is getting ridiculous. The excuses are becoming a concern. The wait is daunting. I'm doing everything within my power to avoid traveling down the depression road, that could spiral out of control if I'm not careful. It's already affecting my concentration and creativity.

My prayers continually include asking for help in any way to keep the light shining within me. 

He is one who always does his job. 

He doesn't avoid anyone or anything.

He will bring me through this!

"STOP!"


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minute Writes Free Challenge ~ Open


The word prompt for day fifteen of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes...Open.

"GO..."

An open heart...

An open mind...

Open my eyes.

Just open the bible see His words work in your life.

The doors that may open.

When we pray, things change. Doors open and possibilities become realities in ways only God can direct. Trust that He knows which doors need to open for our future with Him and through Him. 

Open your heart to the way God has planned...

As we move forward through this uncharted path we are on, I'm reminded He already knows how it will all work out. Keeping an open mind, keeping my eyes on the open door, is always His plan.

Not my best five-minutes, but at least I opened my laptop, and typed away.

"STOP!"


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.

Monday, October 14, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes Challenge ~ Voice


The word prompt for day fourteen of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes...Voice.

"GO..."

Oh, the voice of a child! 

Such a sweet sound to my heart. Sometimes it's endless words rambling together, excited over what they just learned. Other times, they're singing a song along with the radio, not catching every word, but still on key. It's an incredible journey listening to their vocabulary increase from the two-word sentences they began with to completed sentences describing a topic of interest.

I wish I could say it's different for God's children who might not be in the most ideal home. So many are still not being acknowledged and are falling into the cracks of a broken system. Taking the time to sit and talk with them about whatever they address might be just what they need. Our words are like seeds, quietly making their way to a questioning heart, where something has the opportunity to grow within them. 

Children are like sponges, and they want to absorb everything they can about the world around them. Unfortunately, that world might not be one with God's presence...

"STOP!"

...in it. The words we share with them might be what brings them closer to God, even if not immediately noticed or allowed. Other Christians might come around picking up where you left off. We are not alone in this stewardship or God's calling. We have a responsibility to share His words of love through our stories of how He fixed the broken hearts in ways they wouldn't have known or expected.


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes Challenge ~ Reach


The word prompt for day thirteen of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes...Reach.

"GO..."

I think I have reached the point were everything I needed to get down on paper, oh more like written on the laptop, have been put into place and make more sense than they did when I started. I still have my many, many notebooks of the thoughts all jumbled around from page to page that made no sense until the order it eventually has gotten to. I never thought, or maybe I didn't want to consider how long it would take. How haunting it was at times to face those ghosts I had tucked away in boxes, neatly stacked on a closet shelf. 

There is still more work to be done, along with other decisions such as a title and cover, before I am ready to make that call. A call that can reach down and chill me to my bones. I am not afraid of rejection, and that is a possibility, but it's more like what changes will they want me to make? Would they want me to change the title? Will I be able to handle someone else having control of something that is so much a part of me?

Sometimes I reach that point where...

"STOP!"

...I begin telling myself I am in over my head! As often as that word "doubt" appears on my pages, it runs through my mind even more. I believe it might just be here to stay! We'll see. As I see it, doubt has not only hindered me; it has helped me as well. It might just be what helps me reach the place I am heading. 


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes Challenge ~ First


The word prompt for day twelve of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes...First.

"GO..."

Life is full of first...

First steps.

The first time you rode a bike.

First day of school.

The first time you made it across the monkey bars.

First boyfriend.

First concert.

Dancing to rock and roll for the first time.

Drove a car for the first time.

The first time you met the man you would marry.

The first kiss.

The first place you lived together.

Your first fight.

Your first anniversary.

Your firstborn.

Their first smile.

Their first steps.

Their first tooth.

Their first day of school.

Their first day of college.

Their first child.

Our first grandchild.

The first grandchild graduating from High School. 

I could spend the whole five-minutes creating a list of all the first our forty-four years have experienced. I guess I did! There have been so many memorable first along this journey.

My mother taught me to praise God first, in everything! Even when I was doing wrong, sometimes the first thing that would come to mind was Him. Thankful, for even when I ignored him, He continued to put me first. 

What an incredible, sometimes crazy, journey of so many first this and then that's!

"STOP!"

Sorry to have taken the easy way out today. We had a surprise visitor distract me and welcomed him. I'm so curious as to what other firsts still await this old gal. As hubby is getting closer to possibly retiring in a few years, the chance of more first is almost inevitable. 


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.

Friday, October 11, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes Challenge ~ Deep


The word prompt for day eleven of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes and Kate's regular link-up, Five-Minute-Friday is...Deep. 

"GO..."

As deep as the ocean, and beyond the universe, is the love of God. 

In my early years of abuse, I had no clue that what was happening wasn't right. 

What I had been learning was how much God loves us. Attending a Catholic School where He was present from before the bell rang, while on the playground and after as we walked home. Discipline was strict and firm, as the Bible said it should be. 

Yes, there were a few times I remember a ruler slapping on a desk of a classmate misbehaving. However, I remember God's purpose being more present. Going to mass every Sunday where my father and uncles were ushers, cousins as altar boys, and girls giggling in the pews were the norm. 

Until...it got DEEP!

Someone spoke up, actions were being questioned. My young ears heard responses not intended for me to hear, but the words were loud. I soon realized what was being unveiled, and that it had happened to me. Not just once but many times over a matter of years. There wasn't a lifeguard station available for me. I had no idea how to speak up...

"STOP!

...When a young girl hears words like disown, send away, she's making it up, over and over, the doubt became drowning at times. Uncertainties that would grow over the years and change my direction. 

If I said anything, a chain of events would unfold that would be considered my fault, not that of his actions, caused me to fall into a dark place that would swallow me up.

Back on day two, I shared how the Gift I had received in the middle of it, eventually showed me my lifeguard station, I was no longer drowning in the depths of a vast ocean.

I guess what I am trying to say is, it doesn't matter where you are in your journey through life, He is waiting for you to find your way, and He delights in your arrival! 


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes Challenge ~ Scared


The word prompt for day eleven of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes...Scared.

"GO...

Even the word for today scared me!

Some words come easy to write about. Some take me back to where my journey with Jesus began, Some take me back to a time I was scared to death. So, of course, it would be challenging to write about it. 

It's scary when something happens, especially as a child, you have no idea how to deal with it or make it go away. I was so young and did what any child would do, sought out comfort. Only the adults she would turn to didn't believe her. They would tell her she didn't know what she was talking about, didn't feel what she had, or seen that the touching wasn't inappropriate. You're over-reacting and not to speak of it again. 

After a few years, actions like that were becoming a usual way of life. Everything began to feel like a lie, even what I was taught about Jesus.

I began to rebel. 

Everything I had felt during a time I loved worshipping Him as an innocent young child was taken away by the power of Satan. At one point, he even said, "The devil made me do it!" Seriously!

Instead of feeling God's love like I used to during those years, this devil twisted everything around. And it scared me to know I would never be able to trust my earthly father ever again!

As long as I can remember, prayers were always being said daily by my mother. While in her bedroom, she would read the Bible and spend time with God. I often wondered what she was saying to Him.

Until I became a mother, did I truly understand the power of a mother's love? She was protecting us in the only way she knew how. Her faith would someday become my first stepping stone toward the life I have today.

I realized it scared me more not to have God's love flow through me...

"STOP!"

...and I remained silent long enough.

It took years for me to be able to open up about that time. I soon felt the gift of the Holy Spirit I had received as a teen, and it was still inside me, and it began shinning again. 

The journey continues... 


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minutes Free Writes Challenge ~ Join

No. 4014 - The Big Boy
The word prompt for day eleven of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes...Join.

"GO..."

Since a little girl, I have been fascinated with trains. My Godfather worked for Southern Pacific for fifty years, maybe more. I remember he would come home very dirty, but I never really asked him about his job back then. At an aunt's house in Vallejo, train tracks ran past her backyard. I remember while visiting the rumbling of the ground as I stood by the fence watching it chug by. 

We took our children to the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento when they were young, earning their Junior Engineer Badge. Other train journeys included the Sonoma Traintown Railroad, a few times and then again when our daughter became a parent. Watching our grandchildren experience something our kids had was such a blessing. Hubby and I have also been on the Napa Valley Wine Train a few times, the most recent being for our 40th Anniversary on the day of our first date forty-three years earlier. Along our journey, I have captured so many trains along the way. Our bucket list even has a few more train adventures that we hope to take as well.

When I put together our first ever family reunion back in 2005, for my mom's side of the family, some of us met up at the Western Railway Museum in Suisun City, CA. My mom's brother's family shared their memories...

"STOP!"

...of when their dad worked for the rail as well.  My aunt had a great time sharing her stories as much as I loved hearing them. I also learned other ancestors were a part of the railways as well. I had no idea, it was like trains were in some of our blood.  

I recently learned that the 4014 Big Boy was coming through town. I instantly joined this FaceBook group for daily, even hourly reports of its were about. The photos shared have me so excited!

Next week, I plan to join other enthusiasts as it rolls into town. The Experience The Union Pacific Rail Car won't be available, but the opportunity to get some phots will be. 

Wednesday's Grandma Day is going to be a blast. I'm picking the youngest "Grand" up at 7:00 AM to watch it depart. I'm so excited to share this experience with him. 


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes Challenge ~ Gather


The word prompt for day eight of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes...Gather.

"GO..."

A day I will never forget!

Cousins who had only met once before, with other children on the beach, came together to dig and gather sand crabs. 

It all began with an adult in our group showing the youngest grand what can be found in the sand along this beachfront. When his cousin arrived, he loved being the older person, showing him what he had learned. For the rest of the day, these two kept digging, getting excited when one became the biggest they had found, or when a shovel full had found multiples. When other kids came over to see what they were so excited about, they shared the knowledge with the new friends. 

Even if for just this day, these six children gathered together, creating memories they will never forget and will more than likely share this day later in life.

Seeds were planted that will grow as they do, that...

"For where there are two or three gathered in my name, there I am among them."
(Matthew 18:20)

They had no clue He was with them, not yet, but someday they will.

For me, as I gazed upon their playing, my heart became so full, and I knew He was among us! 

"STOP!"


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.

Monday, October 7, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes Challenge ~ Same


The word prompt for day seven of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes...Same.

"GO..."

There are times our journeys might appear the same, simply because we have annual trips to the same places. Though the roads might be the same, the route along them might not be. One time the drive north to visit family and friends might include action along the highways, nasty weather, or construction and detours. Then other times, the same roads are clear, the scenery colorful, and the drive can be ever so pleasant. 

Other trips, like to the races, are consistently the same. Same with the doctors that include driving the same way. We usually have the same stops for stops. Yes, it can be boring driving through the desert, where the scenery is almost always the same. Weather can break up the repetitiveness sometimes. Hubby comments ofter how a self-driving car would be nice on those trips. I remind him that taking a nap wouldn't be an option!

Over the last couple of years, there were adventures to places we hadn't been in a long time, to some we have never been. Regardless, some things do stay the same. Like the hundreds of photos I take, what is packed in our ice-chest, the tunes we listen to, and places we prefer to eat along the way. 

I guess we have just become set in our ways, where the same things are comforting or expected. Next year, we are going outside the same boundaries and taking our first ever cruise. There will be nothing the same about this trip. 

We have never been to Alaska!

"STOP!"


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.

Sunday, October 6, 2019

31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes Challenge ~ Notice


The word prompt for day six of the 31-Days of Five-Minute Free Writes...NOTICE.

"GO..."

I tend to notice just about everything! 

I love God's hand in our world. I love it when the sun rises and sunsets. The hummingbirds that fly around my home. The grandchildren that fill my heart. The wildflowers that spread across a field. An old barn in a field. Ocean waves. The rainbows after storms and the ones made by the prisms in my window.

I love capturing as much of it as I can!

I also notice our world of today. More and more, it reminds me of the Babylon era. Where kingdoms rose and fell as God had said they would. Only now, those kingdoms are worldwide! The kings then, who lived lavishly upon the works of the people, are now some of the most prominent CEOs of the world today. 

Will their kingdoms fall as well?

Did anyone notice what was happening around them before Babylon fell? Were they blinded by all the bobbles and festivities? 

I loved the Bible Study I did a while back with Beth Moore's, Daniel. I walked away, wanting to be a Daniel. 

If there is someone like him today, I wonder what dreams God would be showing our kings for him to solve? Who would he pick to go into the lion's den of today? 

God is faithful to keep his word, even when it’s a warning! He continues to warn us. 

Who is listening

Would anyone notice? 

I am. I would.

"STOP!"


For October, I'm participating in Kate's 31 Days of Five-Minute Free Writes. I will be sharing our journey through life, one day at a time using the prompts provided.



LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails