daily prompt

Small Southern Town

/ The WheatandTares / 4 Comments

What do you love about where you live?

I love where I live because it’s beautiful, quaint, and comfortable. It’s also filled you all kinds of options. I’ve always been a “small town girl,” and while growing up, I always thought I’d live in the same small town forever, raising my kids and living in a “little white house with a little white picket fence.”

Well, God kinda had different plans for me. Since moving from my home town, I’ve lived in 2 states, 5 towns, and 1 city. I’ve gone to 3 schools, lived in 12 houses, and have been actively involved in 6 churches. And 3 of those towns have been while raising our sons. But each have been small towns, at least in the scale of metropolitan areas.

And truthfully, I’ve loved every town I’ve lived in. That’s just being content in where you are and who you’re with, but that’s another blog for another day.

So, you ask why I love where I live… it’s a small town that really has grown quite a bit since we moved here. However, we live on the outskirts of town, and we don’t normally deal with the busier side. Our city officials have taken great care to beautify the downtown, moderate what comes in and out, and worked hard to keep that “small town feel” to the area.

I love our church, the people, and the atmosphere of community and family. I love our neighborhood that is well kept, and the people are always friendly. I love that we’re located just minutes from the lake, a few more minutes from the mountains, and less than an hour from a major city. So, you can be anywhere you want within a short amount of time. And I love that we live in an area where people still long for togetherness and a sense of camaraderie among the (smaller) masses.

And I believe that’s what builds love for where you live. When it’s all about you and yours and competition, stress, strife, and success, I believe you loose that sense of community and forsake care and compassion for cutthroat self ambition and ego.

You don’t have to live in a small town to achieve this, but I think it helps. However, I’ve had friends who live living in a big city, and they have still accomplished this by creating a community of family, whether it be in their neighborhoods, churches, or workplace. Where it is doesn’t matter as much as with whom it is. If you are gathered together with likeminded people, accomplishing a common goal for a greater purpose, that sense of family and belonging will naturally arise.

So, what about you? What do you love about where you live?

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 12:15-18

What’s Your Plan?

/ The WheatandTares

Create an emergency preparedness plan.

Creating an emergency preparedness plan will be determined by which emergency it might be.

Is it flood, fire, water spout? Is it earthquake, tornado, or tsunami?

If you’re rising high to avoid the flood plains, the tornado is going to call your name. If you’re digging under to avoid the quake, the tsunami might find its way through the tunnel. If spreading waves to avoid the flames, the water spout might feel too comfortable to join.

Emergency Preparedness Plans must be in tact for all disasters; yet, one plan is often over looked and forgotten.

What about your heart? Does your heart have an emergency preparedness plan?

This one isn’t really complicated. It doesn’t take a lot of time nor do you have to buy a thing.

Just have a little talk with Jesus. Tell Him all about your troubles. Repent of your sins, and believe.

That’s it. It’s that easy.

And you’ll be prepared for life.

You’ll be ready for anything they might come!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Really!

/ The WheatandTares / 3 Comments

What is a word you feel that too many people use?

Really is a word that is often overused by too many people. And sometimes, I can be that people. “Really” is an adverb that is used for convenience and often, also, as my English teacher grandmother used to tell me, it’s used out of laziness.

When you say, “That elephant was really big!”, you could have used a more descriptive words and made the sentence more interesting: “That elephant was ginormous!”

We are often too lazy in our descriptions and in our speaking, and if we would use better words, our stories and conversations could be much more enjoyable and intriguing!

Unplug Along the Way

/ The WheatandTares

How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?

I suppose I work to not have to unplug, as I set up disciplines ahead of time to keep that from happening. Now, I’m certainly not perfect, and there have been many times that I’ve had to purposefully unplug from electronics because it all just got too much. But those particular times taught me so much and have helped me to develop routines that shield me better from having to “make myself unplug.”

The disciplines that help me to live a life of unplugging would be not letting that so I’ll media, texting or internet browsing be the first thing I grab ahold of in the mornings or the last thing I am consumed with before I sleep. I’d like to say that about the phone itself, but the only reason I do have it in hand at these times is I’m opening up my Bible app to read Scriptures to begin and end my day with the right frame of mind.

No matter if you consider yourself “a religious person” or not, reading Scripture can bring encouragement, strength, clarity and peace. Making a habit of reading Scripture brings these things into your heart and mind on a consistent basis, and as you repeat this over and over, it becomes part of your lifestyle. A lifestyle of reading Scriptures can surely change you from the inside out.

Now, let me give just a bit of clarity here. Some read scriptures, and you never really see a change in the way they talk or the way they live. And this would be because they never apply what they read to their lives. That’s no different than if you’re learning the English language by reading a textbook, and you never take what you’re reading and apply it to your language. This is what I call having head knowledge but no heart knowledge.

However, if you’ll read those scriptures and apply them, you’ll be amazed at what a transformed human you can become! When you let those Scriptures permeate the depths of your heart, and you begin to live out what you’re reading, you’ll not only be the one impacted, but those around you will also begin seeing a difference, and you’ll have the opportunity to help them change as well.

Another key discipline for my life of being unplugged is “being present where you are.” Too many people live their lives missing what is right there in front of them because they are constantly looking toward their tomorrows or always dwelling on their past. You’ll miss the beautiful people and endless possibilities if you don’t live presently where you are. I love the quote, “Wherever you are, be all there.” – Jim Elliott. I don’t know anything about that man, but he his statement hold so much truth.

And this doesn’t mean you never assess your past or plan for your future. These things are important and a must if you are to go forward in life. But if you’re not present in today, you can very well miss the healing of a past wouldn’t, neglect to see a promise for tomorrow, and become blind to the beautiful miracles of relationships traveling along either you.

I have several key disciplines, but I’ll only choose three today to save boredom of a too lengthy post… so, the last discipline world be to be intentional in whatever I’m doing or wherever I’m going or with whomever I’m with. I can defiantly attest that I’ve not mastered this nor even achieved it well from time to time. However, I am intentionally engaging everyday to get better at it. When I’m with someone, I try to be intentional with what I say, how I act, why I respond a certain way. When I’m carrying out a task I work hard to be intentional in its completion not just to finish it but to complete it with a spirit of excellence. And when I’m out in nature, taking a drive, or simply walking down the hall to another coworkers’ office, I attempt to be more intentional than I was “the last time.”

I don’t want to look at a waterfall the same way I have every time and risk the chance of growing bored with my awesome Creator’s creation. I don’t want to drive along some of the same backroads and grow apathetic to the beauty that surrounds me simply because “I’ve been there before.” And I never ever want to take for granted someone who has been in my life for a day or a decade because after all, we’re none guaranteed the next breath, and everyone has value, and I want me last effect to be an admirable, memorable one.

And when I’ve failed at these disciplines, and I’ve blogged too long, typed too long on social media with old and new friends, or simply scrolled the internet too long with mind numbing scrolling powers, I shake my head, repent of my apathy, and out that electronic device. I step outside into the bright sunshine and go find a more productive way to spend my hours.

I encourage anyone who might be reading this to do the same. Set the electronics aside, step outside and breathe the fresh air. Do what my husband and I call, “getting off the pavement”: go somewhere where there’s trees, waterfalls, dessert valleys, rolling hills, the ocean tide, or majestic mountains. Move beyond your day to day routines and experience something more. Grab that hand of someone you love and look deep into their eyes and remember why you fell in love the first time. Wrap your arms around your child, grandchild or even a parent or grandparent, and remind them of your love and your desire to be present in their todays and their tomorrows.

You’ll be so thankful that you did!

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:33-34

What a Funny Question

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

Do you practice religion?

What a funny and revealing question to ask if someone practices religion. But maybe that’s a normal activity outside my little corner of the world.

Practicing a religion creates an image of rituals, traditions and an adherence to a law or laws that has not relationship, no interaction, no love for real persons. Practicing a religion makes me think of practicing for a sport, an activity, or an upcoming event but never allowing that given circumstance to become a part of you. Because practicing for something is very different than embracing something, becoming something, and allowing that something to become a part of you.

When something is a part of your life, and you embrace it for all it is, it becomes who you are. You don’t simply practice a ritual, but you live a lifestyle. You don’t simply follow a tradition, you know it like the back of your hand. You don’t simply obey a law of the religion because you’re told to do so, but rather you surrender because there’s a higher purpose for the obedience than just the obedience.

So, to answer the question directly, “Do (you) practice religion?” I guess, I’d have to answer in complexity and simplicity, all at the same time.

You see, I’ve fallen in love with a man named Jesus, who is both God and man. I have a relationship with Him. I have embraced His ways as my own, and although, I may fall and don’t get it quite right at times, I keep striving to seek His ways and follow them for the betterment of my life.

Some people might call me religious because I do somethings that are considered traditional, like prayer, church attendance, and paying my tithes. And I do somethings that some would believe to be ritualistic like following certain words of wisdom, listening to preachers, or even things I won’t indulge in.

But I’d have to disagree. Because it’s not about a religion, and it’s not about a tradition; although, those things are attached to the reality of it, I suppose.

It’s all about a relationship with a Savior who has completely changed my life and the trajectory thereof.

It’s all about His knowing every tiny intricate detail of me, my emotions, my thoughts, my being and my beliefs, and He still loves me. It’s all about His knowing me, loving me, and long me enough to never leave me the same.

He invites me into a personal relationship with Him, and my mind cannot even fathom everything about Him. And in exchange for my surrendering my will and ways for His, He gives me eternal life and the promise of heaven that is more beautiful than anything ever imaginable.

He’s amazing.

And I’d encourage all who read this to check Him out for yourself…

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Do the Hard With Grace

/ The WheatandTares

What is something others do that sparks your admiration?

I have a friend whose husband has just had his leg amputated this past week because of diabetic neuropathy. He was cracking pirate jokes the day after, and she was back in church worshipping on Sunday.

I have a friend whose husband travels extensively throughout the year as a lawyer who defends faith rights as she stays home with her littles, and she still offers a friendly hand, makes a phone call to the hurting, reaches out to the lonely.

I have a friend whose husband was shot in the line of duty, and she works hard to raise their fifth child while also sharing with others about her faith and the peace Jesus can bring in spite of pain, and she’s also working vigorously on her own degree in the study of law.

I have a friend whose wife died tragically in a car wreck, and the very week following her funeral, with tears still to shed, he got on a plane to fly to her hometown to preach the gospel and tell people about the Jesus that she desperately loved.

Each of these friends have heart wrenching stories with details that might break the next person. But each them stand in their faith and keep loving, keep reaching, keep grieving, and keep worshipping their Creator. I’ve watched some go through much less and blame God, walk away from Him and even curse Him.

And you might wonder what’s the difference. Or maybe look at them with criticism and scoff at their faith. Or maybe you gaze upon their path and wonder how in the world you could do the same.

But I’ll tell you what I admire most: their admiration of their King and their ability to do the hard with the deepest of grace.

Their adoration inspires me.

Their vigor admonishes me.

Their dedication and determination encourages me.

It’s not your circumstances that make you.

It’s what you do with those circumstances that makes the difference.

Choosing grace over anger creates an atmosphere of strength and fortitude that cannot be easily silenced.

Choosing faith over despair creates a contagious courage that cannot be ignored.

It doesn’t mean pain is not felt, and it doesn’t mean fear is not faced, but it is the warrior within who brings a peace to those following which cannot be shaken by what’s to come and is sought after as if for fine gold.

This is what ignites my admiration.

This is what sparks the flames of my praise.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:3-5

Two Peas in a Podcast

/ The WheatandTares / 8 Comments

What podcasts are you listening to?

Well, I’d love to say I’m listening to some podcasts. I’m so far behind in this that every time I hear podcasts mentioned, I hear a little voice in my head that says, “You are too far behind the times!” Lol!

I’ve started a few podcasts from time to time, but I have a bad problem of getting too easily distracted when I’m simply listening to something. I can read a book and be so in tune that I won’t hear you calling my name, and I can watch something and be highly focused; yet, when I set something to audio and start doing something else, whether it be driving, cleaning or writing, I may not catch everything the speaker is saying.

And I’ve really tried. The only time I can be focused with precision with audio is if I’m walking. This does work; however, when I’m walking, I try not to be distracted from those whom I might meet along the way. It seems rude to me to walk passed someone and not say hello, and more so, I don’t like to have my ears plugged when I’m outdoors. So, I’m in a bit of a predicament. Ha!

However, if I were to dive into some podcasts, and the few I’ve listened to before are Dr. Mark Rutland, Pastor TD Jakes, Pastor Jentezen Franklin, Dr. Laura Schlesinger, and a few audio books like Lord of the Rings (the one that used to be on Spotify was phenomenal!).

I’ve heard there’s some dynamic ones; so, maybe if I would just settle in to listen, I’d find some great ones!

The Greatest of These…

/ The WheatandTares

What principles define how you live?

Principles to live by… well, that can be a long list, I guess. But to sum it all up, I suppose the principle that all the rest would fall under would be a principle of love. Yet, if I start describing this in detail, it might look a little different than the societal demand for love these days.

In our current culture, there seems to be a demand to show love by accepting a certain opinion as truth. Or the demand might be that if I disagree with you, then, I’m not showing love but hatred.

Or if I’m not giving you what you want, then I’m not showing love. Or maybe if I’m not giving up something I want, or maybe I’m not suffering in a certain way, then I’m not showing the kind of love I’m supposed to be showing.

Pure, unadulterated love is sacrificial, gracious, and compassionate; yet, it is also full of truth, strength and courage.

True, unblemished love is is not one of these without the other. It is both.

If a parent loves his or her child but allows that child to run in the street to play while the truck is barreling down the path, is that really love?

If a spouse declares his love yet leaves and showers everyone else with his affections because he wants more, is that really love?

If a friend promises to share love and friendship yet breaks every confidence because she wants her liberty to share, is that really love?

If a child proclaims his love to his parents yet steals and destroys because he wants his freedom to live as he pleases, is that really love?

True love will rejoice in the truth, will bear all things, will believe all things, will hope all things, and will endure all things. Love never fails.

And love is impossible without abiding in the Only One who gave true love.

So, what principles define how I live? I guess I could begin with 1 Corinthians 13. I certainly don’t live it perfectly, but I strive toward it daily, only by seeking Him first.

Because He loved me first, now only can I begin to truly love.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. … And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 13

What’s Love Got To Do?

/ The WheatandTares

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of advice would actually be two statements given by different people, but the statements work together:

It takes 1,000 tiny miracles to make a marriage work.

Marriage will only last best when Christ is at the center.

These might sound a bit cliche, and if you don’t have a relationship with Christ; then, it might not even make sense to you. Or if you’ve “been a Christian but everything went wrong in my marriage/in life,” then, it might be a difficult concept for you to accept.

Let me say this loud and clear and long:

Just because the statement did not/does not ring true in your own life, does not make the statement untrue.

That’s why these two statements work so well together. It truly takes a 1,000 tiny miracles to get the right two people together, at the right time, in the right location, under the right circumstances, and in the right context, in the right season for each.

Much more is it tiny miracles that keep those two love birds together over time. After all, he is marrying a woman. And she is marrying a man. Imagine that. Lol. They think differently, act differently, speak differently, react differently, even feel differently. How in the world can that work?

And that’s where God comes in. He is the Creator of our very lives. He designed every part of us and breathed breath into our lungs. How could He not be the miracles working within our lives? But there’s one caveat. He allows us to have the freewill of choice.

You heard me right. He’s the Almighty, great Creator of heaven and earth and all that we see. He is the Master Designer of all creation and of the intricate, complex beings called humans. He is the Alpha Omega, the Beginning and the End, meaning He can create and finish life and everything in it and around it.

Yet, He in His ultimate design, He gives us the ability to choose. We can choose Him or not. We can choose love or hate. We can choose life or death. We get the beautiful freedom of choice.

And what we do with that choice will determine the beautiful finality of those 1,000 tiny miracles that it takes to make a marriage work. What we do in choosing determines where we end up in life and who we end up with. What we do with the choices determines how we think, how we speak, how we act, interact and react, and it determines how we live our lives.

Every. Single. Day.

Every. Single. Minute of that Day.

Every. Single. Second of that Minute of that Day.

These choices don’t automatically make us somehow perfect. They don’t make us sinless. But if we’re daily choosing Christ and the things of Him, it will make us seek perfection, and it will make us sin less. And if two people are seeking, choosing, sacrificing and loving in these ways, it surely helps to support and strengthen a healthy union.

So, what will you choose?

Or better yet, WHO will you choose?

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Joshua 24:15

Music to My Ears

/ The WheatandTares / 6 Comments

What would your life be like without music?

Honestly, I think any life would be dull and lifeless without music. There’s a quote that says, “Music is the words of the soul.” And I believe it’s true.

I’m not just referring to music with instruments, vocals and different genres, but I’m talking about any music. There’s a melody in the trees as the wind rustles the leaves. There’s a lullaby in the setting sun basking upon the mountains. There’s a cadence in the insects that hum and the birds that sing. There’s a crescendo in the waves crashing upon the rocks and shoreline.

In all actuality, there’s probably more music to be found in the nature around us, or in the children’s laughter that rises above the chaos, or the babies cries that surround a mother’s comforting coos than there is in the simple clanging of cymbals and piano keys.

This music brings peace to the soul and laughter to the lips. It brings strength to the mind and healing to the whole being.

So, where my life be without music: lost. Totally and utterly lost without hope. And I am eternally grateful for great melodies, regardless, of where they come from.

How about you?