The countdown is on for your chance to snag a spot at the first ever Five Minute Friday Retreat!
Registration opens at 9pm EST on Thursday, April 16th.
There are only 30 slots available, so make sure you save the date! More information can be found here.
And this week, we’re so excited to introduce our …
FMF Retreat Sponsor
ViBella Jewelry
God has graciously connected us with ViBella Jewelry, a wonderful company who has agreed to partner with our retreat by providing sponsorship!
Let’s all show our appreciation in a thunderous round of applause by tweeting this thank you note, eh?
[Tweet “Thank you, @ViBellaJewelry, for sponsoring the Five Minute Friday Retreat! We are grateful! “]
ViBella is a jewelry company “committed to providing employment, education, and opportunity to artisans in Haiti, Mexico, and right here in the United States. When you purchase Vi Bella jewelry, host a gathering, become an ambassador, or hold a fundraiser, you join the beautiful story which is bringing hope and healing to our artisans, their families, and their communities.”
Check out more of their story by clicking here — and while you’re at it, go ahead and follow ViBella on Twitter, @ViBellaJewelry.
Here’s a short video that gives faces to ViBella’s work and ministry:
If you can’t see the video, click here.
Stay tuned for more information about ViBella in the coming weeks — and to those of you who plan to attend the retreat, you’ll get an extra special ViBella treat in Nashville in August! Thank you again, ViBella, for the sponsorship!
This week I also get to introduce you to another FMF community member, Tara Ulrich. Isn’t it fun to learn more about each other through these videos?
You can find Tara’s blog right over here, and be sure to connect with her on Twitter @diakonia78! Thanks again to Asheritah from OneThingAlone.com for another great interview! Enjoy!
The prompt this week is brought to you courtesy of Jen Underwood. Thanks to all who gave ideas on Twitter when I asked!
So let’s set our timers and get ready to write on …
Ready? GO.
I’m still thinking about her.
The one who not only wrote The Hardest Peace: Expecting Grace in the Midst of Life’s Hard
The one whose light blazed hot and bright, a wildfire over mountains of culture and community — bringing good and hope, not harm.
I still think about her, though she’s been gone for weeks, and I wonder what it’s like for her now.
I still think about that initial washing of emotion that came over me when I heard the news:
Relief.
Not relief that she is gone, oh goodness, no. Relief that nothing more can happen to her now. She’s safe. She’s free.
She’s home.
And there is this sweet relief in knowing Jesus, the sweet relief that only He can bring when all else seems lost. When hope is buried in pits of despair and even the smallest seed seems squashed by darkness and the heaviest load of dirt.
Even then, there is Jesus.
He is our anchor, our stronghold, our refuge.
[Tweet “He is our relief. “]
I don’t know who needs to hear these words this week. Maybe it’s you. Maybe your vision has gone dim from the cares of this world.
Do one thing, will you?
Make like Kara and cling to Jesus. Grab hold of Him for dear life, and
find your relief.
STOP.
Related post: The Sweet Relief of Jesus
Link up your five minutes of free writing on RELIEF below:
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She keeps popping into my mind as well. Praying I can rest in His love and grace as she did, knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt that everything we go through is all for our good. No matter what. And all for His glory.
Her life is such a beautiful testimony to living life well, and honoring God through it all.
She was an inspiration! Thanks for writing, reading and linking up tonight, Jen!
Kate, what a beautiful post. And yes, Jesus=relief, doesn’t He? I keep thinking about Kara too. Praying for her family and friends. Won’t it be amazing to meet her one day?
I’m so thankful for Jesus’ sweet relief, both here and in eternity.
I always appreciate your thoughtful comments, Jeanne! I don’t always get a chance to respond, but I read and am thankful for each one! You are a blessing!
Amen to the relief of Jesus! I have learned so much about this as I was reflecting and immersing myself in remembering the huge sacrifice Jesus made for us. What struck me the most was knowing that the gift that was so graciously shared by Jesus is ours to now share with others. Thank you for these words and for opening your home to us each week!
Amen. He is our relief. Looking forward to meeting Kara in heaven. Beautiful testimony.
Kate,
oh what a touching post tonight. I’ll admit, I was actually checking my computer off and on for an hour waiting for tonight’s prompt. It was worth the wait! And yes, oh yes, the sweet relief of knowing Jesus! Thank you again. It has been such a blessing to join this community.
I think of her often. She cast quite a shadow, and left a glorious legacy.
Trying to do similar, in my own way.
Glad to see you here this week, Andrew. I think of your situation often as well. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Strength to you.
She has been on my mind too! I look up to the heavens and wonder what it is like for her now. Let’s all follow her example and cling to Jesus!
Great word this week.
I have thought of her often as well. I have continued to be blessed as her blog continues sharing her powerful testimony. Blessings to you!
I am loving this so much, Kate! I have thought a lot about sweet Kara, too. She was such an inspiration to so many, wasn’t she?
Okay, I must confess, my FMF was *almost* about the relief I felt after reading about your ‘books, books, books’ post. That has sooooo been me for the last several years and my stack is much higher than 3 or 4 books. Nice to know someone else has suffered from that syndrome. It’s all good stuff by great authors, so I can’t figure out if I’m too tired to keep reading when I read at night OR if it’s just not grabbing me for whatever reason? I dunno. Maybe need to stick with one book until completion…..
Blessings,
Tammy ~@~
You know, Kate, I still think of Kara and I find myself going over to her blogsite…I watched the memorial and shed tears for someone I never met yet felt so connected to. She has definitely received her relief. I love that you honored her in your post today. xo
“Even then, there is Jesus. He is our anchor, our stronghold, our refuge.” Just makes me want to sigh. Beautiful, Kate.