Heart Choices: 2018-10-07 -->

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Five Minute Friday: PRAISE



It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with other writers. We get a one-word prompt and get to write for five minutes flat. Our word for this week is Praise.

START

It's easy to praise God when life is going well. I sing praise songs. I love to worship the God who sustains me and gives me all I have. I thank Him for blessing me.

But what happens when life gets turned upside down?

I had that experience happen to me. Circumstances occurred, and I didn't feel I had any control. What was I to do?

I made the conscious choice to praise Him in the storm. I remember clearly listening to a song that Casting Crowns recorded. I would sing the words through my tears. And it helped me as I remembered that God hadn't forgotten me. He was with me in the storm.

Praise You In This Storm
I was sure by now, God, you would have reached down
And wiped our tears away,
Stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
That it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear your whisper through the rain
I'm with you
And as your mercy falls 
I raise my hands and praise
The God who gives and takes away

And I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
That you are who you are
No matter where I am 
And every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone how can I carry on
If I can't find you
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain
I'm with ...

Even to this day, life hasn't returned to what I envisioned to be the answer to my prayer.  And yet, I will praise Him.

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

"I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace. I will boast of all His kindness to me. Let all who are discourged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together and exalt His name." Psalm 34:1-3 

We are not promised an easy life. But God is sovereign, and I choose to trust Him, even through the storm. 

END

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Become Aware of the Promptings



Have you ever felt prompting deep in your soul?

I seem to be perpetually busy. It's not that I sign up for too many things. But I like to do things well, so I put much effort into what I do. I've also discovered something else about myself.

For me to focus, I need solitude. Otherwise, I'm so easily distracted.

But there are times when the distraction is where God wants me to be.

The other day, I was in my classroom trying to get organized for the next day's lesson. A teacher friend stopped by to chat. Inside I have to admit I was a little bit annoyed since I was intent on what I was preparing. However, as she began to share from her heart, I felt that prompting inside.

"Put aside what you're doing and listen, Debbie."

Yesterday, I was in the teacher's lounge making copies for the following week. One of the teacher aides brought one of my students to me. He is just over two years old and was crying and calling for me. I took him in my arms to comfort him. After a short time, I proceeded to take him to the playground where the other students were.  I was anxious to finish up so I could go home. But inside I felt that prompting again.

"Just sit with him for a time, Debbie."

I get to work early since one of my duties includes a holding room for students whose parents drop them off. Many parents work, and so at 7am, I set up chairs and quiet activities to keep the students occupied. A video plays in the background to keep others entertained for the half hour before I release them. I love this time since I get to see many of my students from previous years. It was almost time to dismiss when a third-grade girl I've known since she was a baby came to talk to me. I gave her a hug and was about to dismiss her, but once again I felt that prompting.

"Listen to her and take some time, Debbie."

She proceeded to share and began crying softly.

How often do we miss out on those seemingly ordinary but so important moments because we don't listen to the prompting?

As a Christian, I believe that prompting is the Holy Spirit who lives inside of me.  I stay close to God through prayer and reading the Bible. I ask for His guidance throughout my day.

And when I listen to those promptings, I have to smile. After all, God knows what's really important.

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
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