Friday's Five Takeaways
July 28, 2023
1 – Every once in a while, I have nothing to say. This isn’t one of them.
2 – The feeling of God working through you is one of the most fulfilling blessings He offers.
3 – When the world is in chaos it’s no time to wither and hide the truth. It will be the only thing that keeps you from being dragged down with everyone else.
4 – I got this from a podcast, and I think it’s pretty profound: “How we feel often reveals what we believe.”
5 – Some days are “one step at a time” days. Others are “one giant leap” days. I, personally, prefer the “I can fly” days…less bumps in my path.
July 21, 2023
1 – Dogs aren’t so much interested in going potty outside when it’s thunder storming.
2 – Though many may try, God cannot be put in a box! He is uncontainable! I, for one, am glad that God works outside my expectations.
3 – The world would look like a completely different place if greed didn’t infect everything from individuals to corporations to governments – I mean, completely different!
4 – Apparently, we are so desperate to get our “stuff” that packages now have to be delivered on Sunday. I’m pretty sure I can wait one more day. Please take the day off.
5 – I think that maybe the secret to overcoming our trials is spending more time worshiping.
July 14, 2023
1 – People’s negative comments (on social media or anywhere) act like a virus rapidly infecting and poisoning those around them while destroying community. Where’s the vaccine for that?
2 – There’s something about the sound of thunder that speaks to me – announcing just a hint of God’s magnificent power.
3 – I prayed, and it rained. Maybe because I was seriously contemplating doing a rain dance and God said, “Please don’t!”
4 – We cannot shed light on the darkness if our light isn’t shining.
5 – The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18.
June 23, 2023
1) I’ve concluded that the zombie apocalypse has already begun because something is definitely eating people’s minds.
2) A grateful heart keeps you close to God.
3) The slippery slope we find ourselves on has greatly increased its pitch.
4) Our job isn’t to point out how other Christians “have it wrong”. Our job is to help seek and save the lost.
5) I believe listening to praise music makes the devil flee. And if I want him to scream, I start singing.
June 16, 2023
1) Sticking one’s head in the sand is never a good look.
2) God cares more about my heart than my perfection.
3) Freedom facts: It isn’t free. It comes with responsibility, AND it is not a literal free-for-all.
4) Age doesn’t make you wiser, God does.
5) If I stand on truth then my ground cannot be shaken.
May 26, 2023
1 – I remember when I could scroll through Facebook and see news from my friends. Now I see more ads and things from strangers than I see from my friends. (I hope that doesn’t lead to me having to buy friends.)
2 – You can’t have a relationship with someone you don’t take the time to get to know. And by “someone”, I mean God.
3 – Tic bites really itch. Tic bites on the rear are particularly hard to scratch in public.
4 – Small choices matter. Rebellion for a momentary pleasure can lead to life-long consequences.
5 – There are those who doubt we were intelligently created…and yet…here we are capable of being able to think intelligently (or not).
May 19, 2023
Just one today and it’s bittersweet….
Today my little girl is graduating from high school. I love her more than words can say. I have loved watching her turn into a beautiful young lady and am so proud of her. She has grown, she has conquered, she has persevered. We have laughed and we have cried and soon I will watch her fly away. I’m happy for her and excited for her future. But that doesn’t mean I don’t long for the days when I could pick up that sweet little toddler and hold her in my arms once again.
April 21, 2023
1 – It’s okay to eat cake for breakfast as long as the word “coffee” is in front of it.
2 – How can we have an International Women’s Day if we don’t know exactly who it is we’re celebrating?
3 – A defeated nation is full of self-absorbed people. A great nation is full of people who find God and others more valuable than themselves.
4 – Spring is my favorite season…it puts a “spring” in my step and a song in my spirit.
5 – God does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone. Lamentations 3:33
April 14, 2023
1 – Watching a new calf playfully follow my husband around makes me smile.
2 – A partial lie can sure convince a lot of people it’s truth. That’s why the devil uses this tactic so often.
3 – There are very few “political” environmentalists that are willing to live like “actual” environmentalists.
4 – Hammocking on the back porch isn’t quite as enjoyable after the neighbors spread manure on their field.
5 – I need a personal assistant to do all the icky stuff so I can do all the fun stuff. Oh…the dreams I have.
March 31, 2023
1 – There’s just something special about the soothing sound of a cat’s “motor”. (Now I must go find my cat and make him purr.)
2 – I don’t understand people who think we shouldn’t express emotion when worshipping God. That’s kind of the point of worship.
3 – It used to be that people hid their sin and/or their crimes, now they’re done in plain sight.
4 – The phrase, “Everyone was created equal.” has taken on a whole new meaning.
5 – The Holy Spirit is my “soul mate”.
March 17, 2023
1 – When my husband says we’re going to bring in a “couple” load of firewood, he really means 4 or 5.
2 – True freedom is knowing who you are in Christ and fully understanding the depth of strength behind that truth.
3 – When I read the news, it’s hard not to wonder if we’re the collective “frog in the pot”.
4 – It’s funny that people actually think they can remove God from places.
5 – A very determined calf can find an escape route anywhere.
March 10, 2023
1 – Remind me to never write a book so that someone can rewrite my thoughts after I die. But then again – I’d be in good company since people have been trying to rewrite God’s words forever.
2 – It’s hard to remember the good things you’ve taught your children when you’re focused on all the things you didn’t teach them.
3 – Happiness is fleeting. Joy is constant. So…seek joy!
4 – In heaven, our main job is going to be worshipping God. It seems appropriate that we should train as much as possible before we get there. (Don’t want to be “that guy”.)
5 – It’s really hard to capture a calf in a big field with just two people.
February 17, 2023
(A little focused today on one theme)
1 – It’s a shame when the world sees God moving in a big way, some Christians feel the need to explain it away as something to be “cautioned”. (I guess because they don’t really believe He can move in big ways.)
2 – Let God do His thing! It will be glorious if we just stay out of the way.
3 – Every light God wants to shine in this dark world is fully welcomed. Big or small.
4 – One of the most exciting things to see is the transforming way God moves in the lives of His people. And we ARE His people – and He is ours!
5 – I look forward to celebrating the victories with Him! It will be a great party!!
February 10, 2023
1 – It might be redneck to walk down the driveway in your “long johns”.
2 – Who knew balloons had so many uses? And here I thought they were only good for popping and making staticky hair.
3 – We’re willing to take so much from God yet willing to give Him so little.
4 – Teaching 1st graders (or substituting them) is not for the faint of heart.
5 – Never underestimate the influence you have on those around you.
February 3, 2023
1 – Trials of life are kind of like a mini prison sentence. Good behavior/attitude might get you out sooner. Bad behavior (like complaining) might mean we have to sit in it a little bit longer.
2 – The Bible proves over and over that Godly leaders are ESSENTIAL to a Godly nation.
3 – Bad things happen when we begin to imitate the nations around us.
4 – The sky is still blue in my world so that’s a good sign.
5 – A good song can speak directly to the soul.
January 27, 2023
1 – The less you use your brain and your body, the harder it is to get them to work for you.
2 – “Virtual school days” are the new “snow days”.
3 – When the masses are confused about who they are, it doesn’t take long for someone to swoop in and tell them who they are, what they believe, how they should act, and what they can say.
4 – We must be secure in the knowledge of who we are (in Christ)!
5 – Rabbits in the country like to play “chicken” with cars when the sun goes down.
January 20, 2023
1 – Remember the good old days when all we wanted was “peace in the middle east”? Now we long for peace in our backyard.
2 – The only things in life that can be regretted are the things we either don’t say or don’t do.
3 – Fear keeps us from living our truly, blessed life.
4 – The more programs the government creates the more control they gain.
5 – The devil can’t give what he doesn’t have (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc.)
January 6, 2023
1 – There is hope for everyone!
2 – We let the world into the church instead of taking the church into the world.
3 – I have concluded that it’s some people’s sole purpose in life to go onto social media and find things to complain about and to be rude about. I’ve also concluded they need love.
4 – Freedom is on the other side of fear. (Not mine but a goody.)
5 – We have a habit of expecting so much from God when we’ve given so little in return.
December 2, 2022
1 – The greatest thing about the truth is that it can never be proven untrue.
2 – You can’t teach people not to hate by hating on them.
3 – Don’t get so caught up in trying to “find” peace that you miss the peace being offered right in front of you.
4 – One day it will all make sense.
5 – It’s time to get my snowmen out! (Although they might prefer it in the attic. It’s definitely cooler up there.)
November 25, 2022
Thanksgiving Edition
1-We are truly blessed to have a God who desires to be in a relationship with us.
2- He is mine and I am His (true belonging).
3- Imagine this: The love and attention to detail that God put into the amazing creation we see around us is less than the love and attention He puts into us.
4 – There is nothing like the glow of God’s light into our darkest days.
5 – He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and His mercies never end!!
November 11, 2022
1 – I am more at peace when I’m more connected with God.
2 – Bulls will be bulls (see previous post).
3 – Watching God work is the biggest, most exciting thrill. And yes, sometimes, He does show off (and He has every right to).
4 – Growth rarely comes without some level of pain. But pushing through is the only way for us to thrive.
5 – Taxation without representation wasn’t right 200+ years ago and it still isn’t right today.
November 4, 2022
1 – When you give the devil an inch, rest assured, he WILL take a mile.
2 – Even the enemy knows the truth and will do everything in his power to keep you from knowing it.
3 – The phrase “threat to our democracy” being used to describe every chosen situation and/or person means this: Those that carelessly toss it about don’t actually understand the depth of its meaning or its true value to those of us that do.
4 – Ignoring our problems doesn’t make them go away but maybe chocolate and ice cream do – well – just maybe. (I’m never afraid to try it out.)
5 – Don’t be afraid to ask God for anything. He has already proven He’s willing to give you everything.
October 28, 2022
1 – In the airplane world, if you’re even a tiny bit off-course you’ll end up at a completely different destination. Similarly, each tiny, bad choice we make can completely derail us off the path God wants for us. Choices matter!
2 – God is an expert at getting us back on course.
3 – Senior year requires a lot more paperwork and deadlines than I anticipated.
4 – If you don’t share your “God-Moments” with your kids, then how will they know God’s worked in your life?
5 – I fear we have failed to train leaders of the next generation.
October 21, 2022
1 – When the loudness and chaos of life’s storms pass, just like Elijah, we will find God whispering to our soul and we can rest in His peace.
2 – The Bible is more than a treasure map. It’s the treasure chest – and it’s full of the most precious jewels.
3 – When we fail to teach our children the Bible, we fail to make it relevant to them.
4 – (This one is from my hubs.) It’s just as easy to be kind as it is to be mean. Choose kindness!
5 – So…it’s my belly that’s making my clothes smaller and not my dryer? What?? Argh!
October 7, 2022
1 – “The Lord is with you when you are with Him.” (2 Chronicles 15:2) is not as difficult a concept as people make it out to be.
2 – If you don’t have all the facts – always assume the best in people. It could save you a lot of embarrassment.
3 – We could have lived in paradise – but sin gave us this. Thankfully, heaven awaits!
4 – Boredom is overrated and yet, I long to be bored.
5 – A blind dog still knows when and where to be when you’re cooking something meaty.
September 30, 2022
1-It’s okay to eat a donut in the car by yourself because you didn’t buy any for the rest of the family. After all – you bought them broccoli.
2-Some people fight with words, lies, and anger. A wiser person uses prayer. Its power yields much better results.
3-You can’t see what God has done for you if you don’t keep your eyes open. Look around and be in awe of His mighty love for you.
4-Diversity teachers don’t want people to use words like “mom” or “dad” because the ultimate goal is to devalue the role of the parent.
5-Wisdom is wisdom as long as it’s connected to God’s will. Once you take God’s will out of the equation – it ceases to be wise.
September 16, 2022
1-Every generation likes to come up with new words or new definitions for old words. Why? What’s so wrong with thee, thou, and henceforth? Or indubitably? (Okay – I can’t even say that one.)
2-Bullies are cowards who fear fighting on a logical front so they fight the only way they can – through control and intimidation.
3-I still haven’t figured out who let the idiots out? And I’m NOT happy about it.
4-Returning shopping carts to their designated spots appears to be way too labor-intensive for people who don’t care if your car gets dinged.
5-We are incredibly blessed to have a God who desires a connection with us – loves to spend time with us. Let that sink in – He has plenty of things to do – but He wants to be with you! What a good, good Father!!
September 9, 2022
1-Godly freedom comes with great restraint, responsibility, and respect for others. Worldly freedom is self-absorbed, creates chaos, and is only an illusion.
2- Some kids grow up too fast and yet some kids don’t grow up fast enough.
3- When these 4 things meet in unison (God’s will, our own desires, our Spiritual gifts, and our God given talents) wonderful things begin to happen and we are where we’re meant to be.
4- The older one gets, the harder it is to read young people’s text messages. Punctuation still matters. Without it words are very confusing.
5- God makes beautiful things. (Take notice of at least five today.)
August 26, 2022
1 – God is greater than the sum of our faults.
2-If you look hard enough, you can find the bad in everyone. Better to focus on the good in them lest they focus on the bad in you.
3-Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him, do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7
4-The more self-indulged people get, the less they value other people. We are called to serve yet it’s hard to serve those we value less than ourselves.
5-You will never be a success or accomplish anything as long as you’re rooted in the belief that you’re a victim and must stay that way.
August 19, 2022
1-The ability to share every thought and opinion that comes into your head is extremely dangerous and unwise.
2-There was wisdom in what our mommas said: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” (How I miss those days!)
3-Never underestimate the power of a smile. You don’t have to feel happy to make someone feel at ease or welcome. Blessing others blesses you!
4-Watching the news can leave me feeling hopeless. Spending time with God (reading, praying, serving) reconnects me to the source of hope and reminds me that He’s got it all under control.
5-I count myself blessed to be on the Lord’s team (even if sometimes I feel like a “B” player). God can do great things with a willing heart!
August 12, 2022 (Parent Edition)
1-Watching my baby begin her senior year of high school stirs up all sorts of emotions and really makes me want to find a time machine.
2-There’s no pressure greater on a parent than the pressure of not ruining your kid’s life by getting it all wrong.
3-Loving a child well is more important than the best laid plans.
4-Missing the days when a kiss and a band-aid fixed all the ouches.
5-Watching your child thrive is one of the greatest joys in the world.
August 05, 2022
1-Rainy days are lazy days. But since we’ve gotten so few of them, I won’t beat myself up for not being productive.
2-For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Cor 1:18) so don’t worry if people think you’re crazy for your faith.
3-Listen to others and let them finish their thoughts even if you don’t agree. Character matters in relationships.
4-Sometimes waiting for the right moment backfires.
5-It saddens me that people value their “rights” over morality. They’ve forgotten it was the desire for morality, all those years ago, that gave them their rights.
July 29, 2022
1-The solution to the world’s problems isn’t found in the world. It’s found in the heavenly realms.
2-New math, new science, and new definitions of words? No thanks! I’ll stick with what I know. When the dust settles, I’m going to look like a genius.
3-God doesn’t answer the prayers we don’t pray.
4- One side can belligerently yell in people’s faces but when the other side calmly speaks their own views, they’re accused of pushing their beliefs on people and should be silenced.
5-Every knee will bow.
July 22, 2022
1-You can tell a lot about a person by the way they respond to other people’s pain.
2-Diversity is tolerated. Diversity of thought is not. (Not my words but so true.)
3-When you lose an appreciation for truth, you eventually lose a grasp of reality. And therefore, a conversation not rooted in truth is just crazy people talking.
4-It is incumbent on Christians to fight back against those who say we’re the haters of the world. We must prove them wrong every single day by our love of all people.
5-Never underestimate the influence of one. If every Christian reached one person for Christ, then the amount of people saved in the world is doubled.
July 15, 2022
1-I don’t really mind being the thorn in the idiot’s side, but I’d rather be the light in their life.
2-“We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for the lawbreakers and rebels” (1 Timothy 1:8). This concept seems to have gotten a little blurred recently.
3-Once we stop growing, we start dying. The same applies to our faith. If it’s dying, then we’re not doing enough to help it grow.
4-We can’t be surprised that people who don’t value human life threaten to destroy those that do.
5-In the words of Jeremy Camp: “I put my hope in love that never fades ‘cause what the Lord gives, the world can’t take away.”
July 08, 2022
1-The one who spends his time complaining never has time to praise.
2-People who are offended by everything are controlled by everyone else’s “issue of the day”. That’s exhausting. Thankfully, there’s freedom in only caring what God thinks.
3- If you don’t like a law or decision, it’s “unjust” or “partisan”. If you do like it, then it’s “fair” and “good for democracy”.
4-There’s an epidemic of people simply repeating someone else’s talking points as if that makes them knowledgeable. But I understand – research and thinking for oneself is hard work.
5- You’ll never see God’s glory if don’t open your eyes, take the time, and look around you. I promise you, it’s something to behold!!
July 01, 2022
1-When the neighbors spread chicken poo all over their field it really, really stinks!!
2-The more that celebrities raise their voices in complaint of our government, the more I am assured the average, hard-working, faithful, American’s voice is being heard.
3-Those who say our constitution is outdated are likely the same people who, long ago, decided the Bible is outdated as well.
4-When you don’t get the outcome you want it doesn’t mean our democratic republic isn’t working. On the contrary, it means it IS working. Everyone gets a voice not just the ones we agree with.
5-Finally, and most importantly, the freedom God gives can NEVER be taken away no matter how hard people try.
**Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17**
June 24, 2022
1-My house gets cleaned the best when people come to visit.
2-Funny how we don’t know how to define a woman and yet have no problem defining a white male.
3-Learning our history prepares us for our future. Just like fashion – everything usually comes around again (both good and bad).
4-If we put our families back together, maybe then we can put our country back together.
5-My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty. There’s nothing my God cannot do. Let Him be praised!!
June 17, 2022
1-Apparently “accountability” is only important when it applies to someone else.
2-Those who seek to control you will first make you dependent on them. The amount of your dependence equals the amount of their control.
3-Social justice has replaced the moral code.
4-The words “attack on our democracy” have become a catchphrase used by those who don’t understand democracy.
5 -This world will not succumb to darkness as long as Christians are willing to let God’s light shine.
May 27, 2022
1-Showing love and speaking truth are not mutually exclusive. You CAN do both at the same time.
2-No amount of laws or government control and fix the moral depravity that exist in this country. Until God, love, and morals reenter the picture – evil WILL continue to thrive.
3-God’s love is stronger than the devil’s hate.
4-Spending time face to face – connecting with people – is more valuable than any technology that exists.
5-Hugs mean the world!
May 20, 2022
1-A grateful soul touches more hearts than a pious word.
2-In order to stop the power of lies we must be firmly planted in truth.
3-It’s a good idea to cover one’s arms before repairing a barbed-wire fence. Ouch, dear!
4-Not removing black frosting before eating your cake in a public setting could make for interesting lip color.
5-If I exclusively get my “news” from the TV or internet, I might not notice the wonderful things God is doing all around me.
May 13, 2022
1-Do not be afraid. The faith of a Christian is stronger than the mind of the wicked.
2-An imperfect tool (us) in the hands of the master (God) can still get the job done. (Thanks, Casey for this one.)
3-If we fail to hold people accountable for breaking the law, then we can’t be surprised when lawlessness takes over.
4-We can’t justify sin by using a social argument as if God’s law doesn’t apply merely because we’re unable to see beyond human solutions.
5-Be grateful and you’ll be blessed!!