Hooray for long weekends, and double hooray for Five Minute Friday!
A huge welcome to all, whether you’re brand new to this gig, or a long-time veteran. We’re so glad you’re here!
Learn more about Five Minute Friday here!
I want to start by inviting you all to check out the Breathe Conference, happening October 7-8, 2016!
It’s a conference for writers, featuring Keynote Speaker James Scott Bell, as well as dozens of fabulous breakout sessions — including one led by Ann Kroeker, co-author of On Being a Writer!
Early bird pricing ends May 30th, so go ahead and register now!
[Tweet “Check out the Breathe Writers Conference! Early bird pricing ends 5/30! http://breatheconference.com/home/”]
Also, don’t miss the huge Dayspring Memorial Day sale!
Use code MEMORIAL25 to get 25% off sitewide, now through Monday, May 30th! Click here to start shopping! (affiliate link)
This week’s Five Minute Friday prompt is:
Setting my timer for five minutes, and … GO.
As Memorial Day approaches, I’ve found myself looking back to past years, standing on the sidelines of the parade as the veterans march past. I always blink back tears, especially when the cars drive by with family members inside, and a poster on the side of the vehicle that starts with “In memory of …”
[Tweet “I want to teach my kids to respect the act of service.”]
So we stand up whenever a person in uniform passes by, to show due honor and respect.
And I wonder, What else am I teaching them to stand up for? What else am I standing up for myself?
I hope they see me cheering for others who sacrifice, who serve in all kinds of ways, who pour themselves out for the good of others.
[Tweet “Am I cheering for the right things?”]
I hope they see me cheering for what’s right, standing up for truth, raising my hand to salute integrity and biblical principles.
I know it’s far to easy to follow the current, to be swept up by the latest trends, whether they match God’s words, or not.
I heard a quote recently that really struck me: “Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you” (Luke 6:26). It made me think — am I cheering for the exact same things as the rest of the world, or can others see that I march to the drum of Christ?
STOP.
AND — I totally did not plan this, but I just clicked over to my friend Bronwyn’s site, and she has a post up this week called Cheer Mom — a guest post by author Melanie Dale.
Bronwyn is also giving away a copy of Melanie’s book, Women are Scary: The Totally Awkward Adventure of Finding Mom Friends. Click over and check it out!
Link up your own five minutes of free writing below!
And don’t forget to register for the Breathe Conference, and shop the Dayspring Memorial Day Sale!
Affiliate links used in this post.
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Kate, this is a very deep and thoughtful post…it made me think, and I’m sure others will be pondering your message as well.
Well, I try … 😉
I always wonder how you come up with the word prompt – and today I see where you went with the Memorial Day weekend looming – I hadn’t even thought of that. We are all so unique and different. I can hardly wait to see where CHEER took everyone in their writing. Such a fun exercise to end the week. Thanks for your faithful hostess with the mostest, each week! Have a glorious weekend and I’m glad you and your family are staying with us here in America for a while longer!!! (((xo)))
Glad to have you with us, Susan! Hope you’re enjoying your long weekend!
Kate, thank you for this beautiful encouragement. Believe it or not, this Scripture encourages me right now: ” “Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you” (Luke 6:26). I’ve faced a lot of criticism and mockery in publishing my book from very close quarters: a book I would never have written or published if it weren’t for God’s leading. Until I took a break from Facebook and Twitter I was letting myself fall prey to the lie (rooted in my own pride) that popularity determines my worth. No, my worth is in Christ alone. And so, I’ve decided I want to be cheered on by godly people for choosing to speak the truth even when it hurts and makes me unpopular. And I want to cheer others on, who are also choosing to shine God’s Glory in and through their own human frailty: turning us to God and not themselves.
Anna, I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve received some backlash after stepping out so bravely with your writing. Glad you were able to retreat for a while, and hopefully re-calibrate your perspective. May you continue to find encouragement in the true source of lasting hope!
“Am I cheering about the right things?”
This reminds me of a homily I once heard. The priest made the comment that it was such a shame that Jesus can’t even get a fraction of the uproarious adulation as a sports team can. He said, “can you imagine what it would be like if we cheered for Jesus like we cheer for the KY Wildcats?”
I’m so happy to have been invited to this fun, weekly event. It’s so much fun to read so many inspirational posts.
Such a good point, Birgit! I’ve had similar thoughts as well. So glad you’re part of this community!
“Am I cheering for the right things?”
Whew. Girl, that’ll preach. I know that I’m far too easily distracted, far too quickly get wrapped up in things that will fade away quicker than smoke from an extinguished candle. This has especially been true during this (long, exhausting, ridiculous) election season. Thanks for the reminder to step back and consider my priorities.
It’s a frequent temptation, Marie! As always, so glad you’re here.
Kate, this hit home for me because I’m in a deep bed of easy criticism teaching junior high and high school. Your woe when all speak well encouraged me because if I parent well or teach well, I have high expectations and will meet resistance. Am I trying to please God or people? Very deep post. (And it’s a healthy sign if your children don’t always “like” you at the moment-if they are upset that you held firm)
Love you and your writing!!
-Tammy
(#68 tonight…it’s still Friday for 45 more minutes here)
Exactly! You’re doing great work, Tammy! Keep pressing on, even and especially in spite of criticism!
As always, when I need a little encouragement, this is the place I have found I turn to!
Thank you!
This makes me smile, Kisma! I’m so glad!
It’s always worried me when I start to get too much acclaim from the world (and I’m a girl who, admittedly, likes acclaim!!). This was such a good reminder to check our priorities and know that our hearts should be tuned to pleasing One. Thank you, Kate!