Hooray! It’s Five Minute Friday time!
I have no idea where these days are going, but we’re back again and I’m so glad you’re here!
If you’re new in these parts, grab a cup of tea, put up your feet, and make yourself at home. Find out what’s so amazing about Five Minute Friday by clicking here.
Oh, and if you’ve contributed to the forthcoming Five Minute Friday book (which I really hope you did), Susan Shipe is still in need of ten more testimonials. Now, testimonials are not the same as posts. Briefly tell us what you love about FMF, how it has impacted your life and/or your writing, or what the FMF community means to you. Send your words to Susan at hopehearthome<at>gmail<com> as soon as possible. The first ten submissions will be included as a box quote with first names only in the book!
Can’t wait to see the finished product!
This week, we’re writing on:
[Tweet “Join us for a five minute free write on the prompt, WHOLE! “]
Ready: GO.
When my youngest was born, we named him Caleb, and prayed that he would follow the Lord with his whole heart, just like the Caleb of the Bible.
It’s a tall order — especially in this world where so many voices are vying for our attention, our affection, our souls.
Now I’m writing a memoir about home, and how my heart has been torn for decades — first, through my parents’ divorce, then from an overseas move. I’ve spent my life stretched and displaced, my love spread thin over vast lands and multiple houses.
I read in the Bible about asking God for an “undivided heart,” and I wonder what this means. Especially when I find my loves and longings staggered and scattered over countless people, places and things. Am I doing it wrong? Should I stop caring?
Or maybe it’s all related. Maybe loving God’s people, His places, His things, is just an extension of my love for Him. Maybe if I acknowledge that He is over all and in all and through all, the scattered pieces of my heart become connected, and through Him, I am made whole.
What about you? What does loving God wholeheartedly mean to you?
STOP.
[Tweet “Come join the fun! This week’s Five Minute Friday prompt is: WHOLE #amwriting”]
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Hmmm “an undivided heart”…what a prayer! What a scary, incredible, audacious prayer! And yet, what is more amazing that being able to love wholeheartedly and live with an undivided heart!
It is a scary prayer — and something I struggle with so often! Love having you back with us, Jen! Enjoy your weekend (especially game night and brownies)! 😉
Oh, Kate. I loved this post. How many of us live with hearts divided by life’s circumstances, mixed messages and other things? I do. I’ve been pondering a decision and I JUST realized part of the reason it’s hard is because my heart is divided about it. Hmmm, sounds like I need to take it to prayer. 🙂 And yes, acknowledging that Jesus is Lord over all is such an important part of having a heart that’s whole.
Beautiful post, my friend.
Thank you, Jeanne! May God lead and guide you as you move toward making your decision! Hugs to you.
Just means carrying on, I think. Kate.
Thanks so much for the help in posting. Trying to visit a few family members here at FMF.
My only real family.
We love you, Andrew Budek-Schmeisser. xo
Always a pleasure to have you with us, Andrew.
Every week my heart is so glad to see your post appear here dear brother. We are so thankful for you. I pray that you will be held close by Him. and that your dogs will bring you some form of comfort. Be blessed dear brother.
Kate, Tweet Chat quit working on me last night as I sat up in bed with my Kindle waiting for the prompt – this morning when I saw WHOLE, I honestly had no idea where Holy Spirit would take my words. I always have to begin with an opening paragraph – it’s almost that’s “where” He moves…today? He took me where I had no idea I would go with the word WHOLE. But, I was obedient and now feel whole!!! Ah…the BEAUTY of five minute Friday.
Funny how that happens, hey, Susan? I could probably write several different five minute posts on the same word, and none of them would look alike. Love how you were sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. Grace to you!
Kate! I so totally get your post! Parents divorce, moving to the mid west from the south. I still feel divided with that one. Divided between the world and the desire for Heaven. Your question brought tears to my eyes.
Especially when I find my loves and longings staggered and scattered over countless people, places and things. Am I doing it wrong? Should I stop caring?
And then your answer is it! It’s through the caring, through our love for Jesus. The realization that without Him we’d still be divided that we find wholeness.
See ya soon sister!
Aw, thank you, Christy! Can’t wait to see you soon! Safe travels!
Beautiful post Kate…thank you so much for your words today and for hosting.
Thanks for being here, Chris!
My first born is also named Caleb and I have always prayed a similar prayer as you wrote. 🙂 An undivided heart – to me, means to seek after Him wholly and purely.
Yay for Calebs! 😉 Happy weekend to you, Julie!
Kate, I love the thought of an undivided heart, but it seems as women, that is the story of our lives. I recently read a book called Pilgrim’s Inn by Elizabeth Goudge (fiction). The book’s symbol was an herb (herb of grace) that represented compassion and single-mindedness. It reminds me of the undivided heart, whole, and intact. Centered. P.S. I’m so thrilled to read your book!
It’s a struggle, isn’t it? Thanks for the encouragement! Happy Friday!
Loving God wholeheartedly means that I learn to talk to him BEFORE I make decisions that will impact my schedule. Just because a fellow Christian asks, doesn’t mean it’s God-ordained :).
Good point, Anita! Thanks for chiming in!
Really loved this post!!
Thanks for being here, Denise! Have a great weekend!
Kate, I think it means loving without a prenuptial mindset. That you don’t offer less than your whole heart, trusting that God will restore you to wholeness if ever you experience brokenness.
Beautiful post. I’m so proud of you for persevering with this book! God has plans to restore others through it and your willingness to go to those places again.
Love,
Tammy
Ooh, I love your use of the word prenuptial here. Never thought that way in terms of one’s relationship with God. Thank you for your thought-provoking and encouraging words! xx
Thank you for the prompt! I used it in a poem (along with several other prompts) for my April A to Z Blog Series and NaPoWriMo (National Poetry Writing Month).
I’ll be back!
Gone for Good – Verses from Vintage Visages
I’m so glad, Linda! Hope to see you again!