~Influence~ (Five Minute Friday)

Influence

My parents’ love and care for animals when I was growing up, has influenced me to value them and see them as an important part of creation. My dad was a gentle man who was always kind to animals. He never kicked a dog or was rough with any animals (or people). My mom has the softest spot for animals. I’m sure she gives them human qualities without even thinking about it!

This past week my husband and I were away for a week, visiting my elderly mother and other family and friends in Alberta, about an 8 hour drive from where we live. I had asked a good friend in my semi-rural neighbourhood if she would watch our little chihuahua Enzo. She happily agreed. She is a kind and caring person, so I had no qualms. In fact, this isn't the first time she’s helped me out in this way. As everyone in my family knows, Enzo is a big part of our family. He was a rescue dog at one point. It’s a long story, but let’s just say, we love him to bits and he’s a little coddled, haha!

Midweek, my girlfriend called me on my cell.  I knew something was up. “Enzo is lost!”, she said, obviously quite upset. Enzo is not an outdoor dog by any stretch. He wouldn’t survive long in our Canadian winter. “He bolted when my son let him outside, after I left to go to yoga”. She had scoured the neighbourhood.

Now, Enzo has never bolted before. He was obviously distressed at my friend leaving without him, I surmised.  I gave her the name of our vet clinic (which was on the dog tag), and asked her to call them.

My mom was with me when I heard the news. “Oh no!” she gasped. I felt sick.  My first response was to quietly pray and then text other family members as well, via WhatsApp (they all know Enzo). Her first response was to pray audibly, right then.

Happy Ending! Within minutes, my friend texted me back and said that she had called my vet. A kind soul in our neighbourhood had found Enzo and taken him to the clinic, where he was waiting to be picked up.

My mom and I hugged (and I may have shed a few tears).

My mom’s influence in my formative years has given me a firm foundation that God is interested in all that goes on in our lives, including the ‘little things’ like little lost pets, lost keys, or an available parking spot.

a loved dog

a tiny dog! 

This post is part of the Five Minute Friday community.   (I'm a day late, I know!) You are welcome to join in, too!

~Close~

Day 31 Close

Well, I didn’t post for exactly 31 days, but I came close! 

I’d have to say this month really flew by for me. It wasn’t as difficult as I expected it would be. I didn't spend a lot of time formulating my posts. They really were little 5 minute freewrites with light editing. Sometimes finding just the right photo to go along with the post took longer than it should have! 

 I’ve been pretty rusty on regular writing of any kind. Besides journaling a few days a week, there haven’t been many words flowing out of my fingertips lately. So, this has been a good exercise for me.

I have enjoyed the writing and also reading what others have shared. I’ve ‘met’ some interesting people and am grateful to all who visited my blog, and especially those who commented.

 I sometimes ask myself, why am I blogging? Is it for others or for myself? I’ve heard that when writing, think of the ONE person you are writing for… the audience of one. I haven’t really figured that one out yet. Who is that ONE person? What is the focus of this blog?  I have yet to figure that out.   I’m really not sure, because I am really a very random writer and my topics are really all over the map. Perhaps I'm writing simply for me and simply for the joy of writing. But perhaps it is more than that. 

Nevertheless, thanks to Kate Motaung for setting up this 31Day Freewrite Challenge. It’s been a joy to participate in it! I hope to be back for the Friday freewrites most weeks!

~Voice~

Day 30 Voice

Are you a fan of The Voice? It's my favorite reality singing competition TV show, hands down.

I’ve always loved music and enjoy listening to a variety of musical genres. But it’s not just the music. It’s the journey that the competitors are on. When I listen to their stories of where they’ve come from and what motivates them to compete, I begin to really root for them. 

It's interesting how many of these competitors started singing in church. Where else do children learn to sing, unless they are in singing lessons or perhaps in a school choir?   Are the arts valued in schools as much as sports are?

Whenever I look after my little grandson, I turn on the music and dance with him. He usually lets me know he wants to listen to music because he starts shaking his head and moving his little body side to side -- he's got MOVES! It is sooooo adorable!

 I can’t imagine a world without the arts, be it music, drama, dance, or visual.  I think it’s extremely important for children to be given some exposure to the arts when they are young, so they can learn to appreciate it. Through enjoying the arts, they will discover whether they have a passion for it, and then, hopefully pursue it further. 

Each of us has a unique contribution to make in this world, and for many, it’s expressed through the arts.

Photo by Felix Koutchinski on Unsplash

~Together~

Day 29 Together

Several of our area churches came together on Friday night for a fundraiser in support of our local Pregnancy Care Centre.  Various musicians and worship leaders from several denominations s played together as one band in a worship concert experience and it was wonderful. The music was loud, energetic, and inspiring. Each vocalist was distinct and the quality of singing was superb. 

It was heartwarming to see so many people come together for this cause and support it both financially and simply by showing up. The new Executive Director of the PCC in our city was so grateful for the visible support shown by each person who attended. As well as music, there was a food truck and several firepots and chairs outside for socializing. It was well organized and the atmosphere was one of hope and camaraderie. 

One young mom gave a testimony via video and reminded us all of the impact the Pregnancy Care Centre makes in the lives of moms and their children. Together we can make a difference. I hope there’ll be another opportunity for our city church musicians to come together in support of this good work.   

~whole~

Day 27 Whole

Wherever you are, be all there. Be wholly there. Be whole. Be holy. Be complete. To be whole means to be fully integrated, which leads me to the word integrity. Integrity…  I love that word. It reminds me that a person who is whole has integrity. What the person says, she will do. Her actions are integrated with her words and thoughts. 

 I aspire to be a person of integrity; of course, I’m not wholly there yet. Have you ever met a person who said one thing to you, but you realized they were saying opposite things behind your back? Not a great feeling.  Thankfully, I am blessed with family and friends who value being honest and real with me. 

But, when dealing with the general public, this is not always true. I have decided to go with the wise saying: What others think of you is none of your business. My business is to do what I am responsible for. I’m responsible to be as honest as I can be and say what I will do, and give others the benefit of the doubt. I strive to set boundaries for myself when I’m in an unhealthy situation.

Sometimes we need help to become whole. My relationship with God is so important, because ultimately  who He says I am is what matters. As well, I’ve had the benefit of talking with both a therapist and a spiritual director in the past few years. They have both helped me on the road to becoming whole.

Nearing the end of the 31 Days of Five Minute Freewrites!  Read more about it here.

~Moment~

Day 26 Moment

A life can change in a single moment, and I was freshly reminded of that this past week.

 In our small city there are two main highways which converge at one point and head up a long hill. As I was driving up from the valley this past week in my little Honda Civic, a large one ton pickup truck merged from  the northern highway. I wondered if the driver was aware of my car, as he merged into the lane of the main highway. He proceeded to keep moving into the left lane, intent on passing a slower transport truck in front of him.  I was in his blind spot and he failed to do a shoulder check! I could see him moving closer and closer to me, until he was partly in my lane, right beside me. There was no place for me to go but into the cement median which divides the highway!  

I remember thinking “This is it. This is how I’m going to go”. My instincts kicked in and I leaned on my horn like I was pounding  furiously( one handed) on a drum!  That’s when he suddenly swerved back into his lane. I could feel tears at the back of my eyes. I know how close I was to being in a very serious accident.  I felt relief, fear, and anger all mixed together.

One driver’s moment of inattentiveness could have become the moment  that would usher me into the next life. It made me appreciate my life—I guess there’s a reason I’m still here! Thank you Lord, for your angels of protection!

Nearing the end of the 31 Days of Five Minute Freewrites!  Read more about it here.

~Capture~

Day 25 Capture

Capture- v.; to record accurately in words or pictures

If you are blogging, then you are probably trying to capture words or pictures accurately – trying to convey what you want your reader to understand, by using just the right words. 

Poetry captivates me. I’d really like to spend more time composing poems. The thought of using only the strong, necessary words to paint a picture intrigues me. 

During Lent a few years ago, I decided to go through a book called Writing to God:40 Days of Praying With My Pen by Rachel G. Hackenberg. It was an exercise in prayer, but in sort of a free verse way. Bible verse prompts and meditations were given. It was a very meaningful activity and I really felt connected to God during those 40 days. It definitely was a discipline to sit down each day and take time to ponder the words and then let my writing flow freely and honestly as prayer.

 Do you enjoy capturing your words and pictures to communicate with others? There is something about sharing together using the written word. I’ve always enjoyed writing. This challenge of freewriting for only 5 minutes has freed me from being so perfectionistic.  I don’t have time to be too fussy about how I say things.  I’d like to try 30 days of writing short poems sometime. Wouldn’t that be a great way to capture some thoughts and share them?

I'm enjoying being a part of the 31 Days of Five Minute Freewrites. Read more about it here.

~Brief~

Day 24 Brief

Sometimes short, brief statements make the biggest impact. Less is more, as they say. 

I’m sorry.

I love you.

My mistake.

Your call.

Just do it.

Please.

Thank you.

I do.

Tell me more.

No.

Yes.

You first.

Watch out! 

Beautiful!

I'm listening.

Good work!

Try again.

You can do it.

Let’s do this.

Together we can.

Stay put. 

Pull over. 

Love wins.

It is finished. 

Those statements are brief, but pack a punch. The right words at the right time are gold. 

Can you add to these? 

I’ve  joined the 31 Days of Five Minute Freewrites. Read more about it here.

~Common~

Day 23 Common

My husband has told me more than once that he’s intrigued by the friends I choose. “Most of your friends are so different from you,” he tells me. And so I ponder that and wonder if that’s true. 

Many of my friends have strong personalities. Maybe that’s what he means. One of my friends, a single mom,  is a well respected family therapist.  I met D when we were both attending  a small Christian liberal arts college in Langley, BC in 1978! (yikes, that sounds like a long time ago!). She was from Liberia, and had heard about this college through some missionaries. I was living a half hour away from the college, never having travelled out of the country at that point.  We became roommates part way through the year. 

She was an extrovert, made friends easily, and was very popular, always looking for the next party or event. She was tall, thin, black, and beautiful. I remember thinking she was the most beautiful person I had ever met. 

 I was a shy introvert, didn’t need a lot of friends, just an average looking girl, and was content to go home on the weekends, so I wouldn’t have to socialize too much!   On the surface we had little in common! Yet, we gravitated towards each other and have maintained our friendship for over 40 years, even though we have only lived in the same city for a few years when our children were very young.

 She and her daughter are a part of our very large extended family, attending camping trips, family reunions,  family weddings and funerals.   She is really more than a friend-- she is like a sister.

 I guess what we have in common is an appreciation and love for each other just as we are. We have learned that trying to change the other just doesn’t work!  

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

I'm enjoying the 31 Days of Five Minute Freewrites. Read more about it here.

~help~

Day 22 Help 

It's not easy to get by without a little help from friends. In a world where independence is almost considered a virtue, it can be difficult to ask for help.

How many times in the last few days have you  needed help? 

I know I’m going to ask for help with my computer once I’m done blogging. Apparently my music app Spotify says it's ‘offline’ and I can’t get it to play, even though I AM online! 

 I’ve also asked for help with getting my phone to work last night. It seemed stuck in ‘headphones’ mode and I couldn’t hear anything unless it was hooked up to Bluetooth or to my earbuds. 

The other day I used google to figure out how to slide open the rear window in my husband’s truck. We had purchased some long pieces of lumber and wanted to slide them part way into the cab. The truck is new to us, and we hadn’t used the electronic rear window  slide before. 

 I gave my daughter in law some help the other day when I offered to take my grandson for a little excursion to the park for a few hours. I didn’t complain about that at all! 

My girlfriend asked for help the other day when she needed a ride into town. And then she helped me later by hauling some furniture for me. 

Most days I feel surrounded by people who are willing to help out. We take care of each other. We all need help now and then. 

Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help,  though.  “Do you need some help?” are sometimes the most welcome words to hear. I read an excellent book recently called Option B by Sheryl Sandberg, about how to survive when life throws huge curveballs and the life you thought you had goes up in smoke. One suggestion that really stuck out for me was to be specific when helping a needy friend out. Instead of saying "Let me know if you need anything", tell what you will do and do it. It eliminates the suffering person having to expend more energy to contact someone and ask for help. She probably won't. Sometimes life is just too overwhelming to do that. 

Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed by all the needs I see in the world. Do you?

Sometimes that leads to my prayers becoming very simple: "Help!"

I’ve  joined the 31 Days of Five Minute Freewrites. Read more about it here.

~Start~

Day 21 Start

Twice in my life I’ve written 50,000 words in one month, as part of National Novel Writing Month. How did I do that?  I simply started writing. 

Pretty well every single day of those two consecutive Novembers, I put my butt in my chair, put on some inspiring music, and began typing. I knew that I had to write at least 1600 words every day in order to meet my goal. I put off doing other evening activities during that time because I seriously had to write! 

Every day was a new day to start writing. It didn’t matter that my writing wasn’t the best.  I just wanted to accomplish my goal. And it worked. By the end of the month, I had a sense of satisfaction knowing that my book was completed.  And I was amazed at the ideas that flowed once I got into the writing groove. At times I didn't know in which direction my story would go or what would happen to a character. The writing wasn’t necessarily great, I know that. BUT I was amazed that it was coherent and made sense, and I was really enjoying myself. The first book was called Goodbye to Yesterday and the second was titled One Thousand Words  (as in ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’, but you’d have to read the story… ). Riveting titles, eh? ;)

Nothing really gets done if we don’t decide to just start, putting our feelings aside. I guess that’s called discipline. 

Does this reminiscing inspire me to start a new NaNoWriMo Challenge come November? I'm starting to think about it. 

~Who~

Wow, my mind was really blank for this one. I'm amazed I could actually write for 5 minutes on the word WHO! 
I’ve  joined the 31 Days of Five Minute Freewrites. Read more about it here.

Day 19 Who

Who would willingly use random writing prompts to freewrite on a blog for one whole month?  Me, that’s who. 

Why did I decide to do this? 

Firstly, I think it’s a great way to get those writing juices flowing again after being stagnant for quite a while. Knowing I have to write for 5 minutes without my inner editor wagging a finger at me and forcing me to correct everything is good for me. I don’t really like to put out unedited writing (or, okay let’s be honest, slightly edited), but that in itself is good for me, who can be slightly perfectionist when it comes to writing for public scrutiny. 

Secondly, this is a great way to meet a few new bloggers and I’ve already come across several whose blogs I’m returning to because they are interesting people and write well! Inspiration, I say. 

And thirdly, it’s Fall, and I just feel like getting back into a little bit of blogging again and what better way to make a commitment to something than to sign up for it? 

Who wouldn’t join a freewriting challenge when there are at least three benefits to it?  And besides, it’s really not too risky. Skipping a day or two or three doesn’t really matter. Who doesn’t like that?

~Search~

Another 5 minute freewrite. Just start, don't overthink. Oh my.. 

I’ve  joined the 31 Days of Five Minute Freewrites. Read more about it here.

Day 18 Search

There is no need to search if there is nothing valuable to search for.  When we search, we are seeking something that has immense value to us. Searching is mindful and intentional and sometimes intense! 

 It reminds me of the story in the gospels that Jesus told of the searching for a lost sheep. He was explaining what He was like. The Shepherd left the 99 other sheep back in the fold and went out and searched for the one lost sheep. How valuable that one little sheep must have been to Him. It’s a great way to show the immense value that God places on us, those who are prone to wander. He doesn’t give up on us.

  

Are you a researcher? Do you search over and over again for answers? I have had some health issues this past year, and without research, I don’t think my outcome would be as positive as it is now. I’m thankful for internet searches!

photo property of anetac

~Pause~

Day 17 Pause

I can’t wait to put my feet up tonight. It’ll be the first time I really paused all day. The sitting on a chair and relaxing sort of pause. 

Well, actually I did pause today. I had the opportunity to meet a friend for a hike and lunch, and there were a few moments in our day where we just stopped talking and walking and simply drank in the scenery. It was one of those mornings where the fog was moving through and the view was constantly changing.  It was so beautiful and scenic. So, we just stood there for a minute or two. We paused. 

all photos property of anetac

In the book of Psalms in the Bible, there are some verses that are followed by the word 'Selah'. One word. It means ‘pause’. Instead of continuing to read, it’s an invitation to take a breath and ponder what’s just been encountered.

Sometimes we race through activities when really, pausing makes us appreciate them so much more.  It could be when reading a book and a sentence just grabs you. Or it could be listening rather than speaking in a conversation. It could be sitting quietly in a chair and just … sitting. No phone, no book, no knitting. No multi-tasking.  Just sitting. That’s a hard thing for me to do. I think it’s easy, until I attempt it and then I realize my brain is really buzzing! 

Have you had an opportunity to pause today?  What gave you cause to pause?

~When~

Another day of freewriting. This idea came to me minutes before I began typing.  There's more I could say about it, but I only have 5 minutes! 

Day 15 When

The question that has got me thinking lately is this: When does midlife start? When does it end? Can I still call myself a woman  in midlife and if not, what do I call myself at the ripe age of 59? I still consider myself in the middle years. I’m not in the beginning years and definitely not near the end. And I refuse to believe that any of my children are in midlife, because.... that’s just  ridiculous ;) 

Well, here’s what I think. I believe midlife starts at about age 40.  I think thirty something is just too young to be considered midlife. Besides, these days this group  is  young, active and amazing and the thirty somethings I know probably wouldn’t settle for being considered middle agers yet.

 I prefer to think of middle years as being from age 40-70. I know it makes no sense, but I think I’d be okay to be considered an old person after I turn 70. And not a day before!  

Photo by Mitch Lensink on Unsplash

~Ask~

Day 14 Ask

Ask for what you want. 

That was one of the Points of Power I learned from a personal growth seminar I attended years ago. And I think it’s good advice. Not always easy, though. And it might even feel selfish and a bit risky. 

How many times do we get into arguments, experience relationship issues,  or just feel frustrated because we haven’t asked for what we wanted? We might assume too much and then become disappointed. 

Some things I’ve wanted but often don’t voice:

A hug

Time together

A listening ear

An apology (this one can be tricky)

Time alone

Time to process things

An explanation

Forgiveness

This is where we can learn from children.  We know that little ones always ask for what they want, until they learn that that doesn’t always work for some reason. Maybe they’ve been discouraged from being so forthright. Maybe they are avoiding disappointment. then they stop asking or begin asking in a round about way or become manipulative.

 I remember when my children were little, they would see something they wanted and say things like, “It sure would be nice to have a second bowl of icecream” or “That pie sure looks yummy”. 

And I’d say , “So, what is it that you want? Ask for what you want.”  

 “May I have a second bowl of ice cream?”

“Why, yes you may!” J  

Well, it didn’t always turn out that way, but they did learn to ask for what they wanted.

Do you have a hard time asking for what you want? Does that sound selfish and risky to you?

~Talk~

There's a time to talk and a time to NOT talk.

This morning was a perfect example of when to talk. I called up a friend and we headed out to the Farmer's Market in town. Even though we'd seen each other less than a week ago, we still had so much to talk about! She's a great listener and we have a lot in common, so there's always something to share or discuss. I don't really think we stopped talking since she stepped into my car. We drove downtown,  walked through the Market, headed to our favorite coffeeshop, sat face to face across the table from each other with hot drinks in our hands, and then ambled back to the car and drove back. All the while... talking! It was a nice little time out. Sometimes I don't want to be home alone and this morning was one of those times!

Photo by Juliana Malta on Unsplash

When not to talk?  At the movies! Apparently, also when you're watching a movie at home. Well, that's the opinion of most of my family members. I actually do like to converse during movies watched at home, if the comments are relevant and not unnecessarily distracting. It becomes more of a shared experience, don't you think?  Anyway, a pause button on the remote is there for a reason, isn't it? Sometimes when I don't quite understand what's going on in the movie, I like clarification. But I recently found out my husband really doesn't like to be interrupted  during a movie. He hasn't really told me so before, though. So, I guess I'll hold my questions and observations and just watch the movie next time! Won't he be surprised!

Photo by Grant on Unsplash

~Door~

I've been thinking about the word 'door' and have not been inspired to write anything. This is a toughie! But, here goes.... 

Day 11 Door

It’s been said that a person who won’t read is really at as much of a disadvantage as a person who can’t read. I understand that there are some people who really only read for information, and not for enjoyment. I get that.  But, still,  I do feel that he/she is missing out.  

Reading is a door that opens to so many interesting worlds. Worlds that couldn’t be experienced, practically speaking, any other way. 

I just finished reading The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah , a story set in Alaska in the 70’s. That book helped me imagine what life would be like living in Alaska. All I could think as I read the book was ‘Well, that’s one place I will never choose to live’. Not sure if the author intended that, but the story and setting were enough to convince me that Alaska and me would not get along. Winters are long enough where I live!  Harsh climates and harsh circumstances --no thanks. 

That doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t want to do an Alaskan cruise, mind you. I think Alaska is BEAUTIFUL (from pics I’ve seen). But the door to driving up to Alaska and spending time up there has been forever closed, in my mind. 

Photo by Christian Walker on Unsplash

Have you read any fiction books lately that impacted you?

I’ve  joined the 31 Days of Five Minute Freewrites. Read more about it here.

~How~

Day 10 How

How? 

That is a questions that has been asked so many times. For someone like me, who needs a lot of information before I set out to do something, it’s a crucial word. How can I get started on something if I don’t have all the information? What do you mean, just start? What if I make a mistake?

Can you relate? I’m a 5 on the Enneagram-- the Observer, the Investigator. This means that sometimes gathering information is my way of procrastinating, because I never quite feel ready to start without ALL THE INFORMATION. Sometimes I just need to step out and do it. And I do believe that most of our learning comes through just doing it.

Years ago we had a carpet cleaner attachment for our late vacuum cleaner (when we HAD carpet in our house). One day it quit working. I was determined to clean that day, so I hunkered down and studied the contraption and wouldn’t stop until I had figured out why it wasn’t working. I learned how it worked. I actually fixed it and was able to clean the rug that day. Now, I could have just gathered information from the manual and never really worked on it, but that day I decided to be hands on and go for it. It was quite satisfying . 

Learning HOW often means taking a risk –- making mistakes--which really is how we learn!

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

I’ve  joined the 31 Days of Five Minute Freewrites. Read more about it here.

~Inspire~

Day 9 Inspire

Inspiration means to ‘breath into’, in other words, to give life. The very first example of inspiration in history comes from Genesis, where God created man and woman and breathed into them the breath of life. Sometimes when I sit and just listen to my breath, I think about that. God breathed HIS breath into a human and this person became a living soul. It’s sometimes quite amazing to think about. We all have the breath of God in us, whether we acknowledge it or not. Air is everywhere. Breath is everywhere. God is everywhere. Where there is breath, there is life. Where there is life, there is beauty.

Inspiration is a wonderful word. Where there is inspiration, there is a dream or a plan or an action about to take place. Sometimes I need inspiration to get me going. This morning I hemmed and hawed about whether or not to go for a workout to the gym, about a 12 minute drive away. I just couldn’t get motivated. Then I decided to text my girlfriend.  

Wanna go to the gym this morning?  

Sure! What time? 

Just after 10:30. 

See you there!  

Done! If I hadn’t texted her, I don’t think I would have been inspired to move ahead with what I knew was good for me. And she told me the same thing!  Now I’m back, and I’m inspired to relax! And I don’t feel guilty at all! 

 Sometimes just knowing that a change must happen or there will be trouble is enough to inspire a person.  Health issues inspire a person to change their diet. A sore shoulder inspires a person to do exercises. A deadline inspires a person to quit scrolling and do what needs to be done. What inspires you?

Photo by Tim Goedhart on Unsplash

I’ve  joined the 31 Days of Five Minute Freewrites. Read more about it here.