It's Five Minute Friday when I join with a tribe of writers. We are given a one-word prompt and get to write for five minutes flat. START If only I hadn't ... I would be doing great, if only ... If I had _____, then life would be fantastic. If only this happened, I would be happy. Oh, that word if. So many phrases enter my mind. LIfe doesn't go the way I plan. People don't act the way I wish they would. Circumstances happen that are beyond my control.  God doesn't always answer my prayers the way I anticipate. But God is in control. …

I walked into my preschool classroom. It is summer camp time, so things looked different. Scattered across the tables were arts and crafts, glue sticks, cotton, cut out headbands. Most of the campers were in the pool outside, but two of my students were sitting in their seats as they attempted to assemble their project for Star Wars week. Her dark eyes spotted me, and she squealed, "Miss Debbie!" and there was that magical smile. Her arms extended, I couldn't help but pick her up to hug her tightly. After the past week of worrying about m…

It's Friday so I'm linking up for Five Minute Friday . Our word for today is OCEAN . START I grew up on the south shore of Long Island across the street from the canal, where the clam boats docked. The smell of salt air permeated the air. I now live in the desert. Although I've grown to love Phoenix, Arizona, I have to admit I miss the ocean. We have many lakes to visit, but there's something special about hearing the crashing of the waves and feeling the ocean air on my face. Thank goodness, California is only a short plane trip away! At …