Friday 23 August 2013

Living in the upside-down kingdom

Welcome to the challenging creative writing exercise that is Five Minute Friday.

Here we watch words fall as they will and try to catch them on the way, pinning them to page before they are lost.


It's always a nice surprise to read back and see how we have been inspired in a limited time frame with a one word prompt.


Today's prompt is:'Last'



START...


Seen from above



Look up...

You may be drowning in a mountain of debt
living in a lonely tent of discouragement
worrying about how to survive today, never mind tomorrow
uncertain how to pray when sick, full of grief or sorrow
concerned about how your many needs can be met

Remember...

Nothing we see here is permanent
there is a way to live and love, even when
you feel drained and empty, dry with thirst
for in the upside-down kingdom the
 first will be last and the last first
as heavenly life seen from below
is very different viewed from above

Hold on...

Even when you feel you cannot last another day
for this too shall pass in time to come
and these circumstances won't always hold sway
Don't let the world make you weary 
and sad as you listen to its mournful
dreary tune in your head

Take hold...

of the promises in God's word
the ones you have received and heard
as He speaks to your heart.
You may feel you're at the end of your rope
bottom of the pile and out of hope
but He sees you by His side, forever loved, 
cherished, a winner - not disqualified
©JoyLenton2013


STOP.

Linking here with Lisa-Jo Baker and the other Five Minute Friday participants.

You are warmly invited to join in. 

All you do is set the clock, write for 5 minutes, join the link-up and read the post next to yours (and more if able) so that we can encourage one another. 

No worry about perfection, over-thinking or editing.

22 comments:

  1. lovely... I think what I most needed to hear this morning was the reminder that nothing here is permanent. Thank you!

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    1. It does alter our perspective about the circumstances we may be facing today, doesn't it? I'm so pleased this spoke to you. Thanks very much for stopping by.

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  2. Timely reminder with the eternal perspective, thank you

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    1. Yes, this too shall pass, but God's word endures for ever. Thanks very much for stopping by and leaving a comment.

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  3. How beautiful! We can all use a reminder that nothing here is eternal; someday pain and suffering will come to an end. And then we see Jesus! :) Visiting from FMF.

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    1. Such is our confidence. And we live with eternal hope and promise that takes us to the end of days. I appreciate the visit, thank you!

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  4. Joy, this is beautiful - a lovely reflection and poem.
    Lynn

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    1. Thanks very much, Lynn! So kind of you to stop by and comment. Bless you.

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  5. Dear Joy
    What makes your words so much more special is the fact that you are writing from a place of suffering!
    Blessings XX
    Mia

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    1. Mia, maybe it's in the place of suffering where truth is forged strong, grace is ground deep and hope is heavy? For we have a perspective that leans much on God's word and His promises even as we live with pain and struggle. Thank you so much for your lovely comment, my friend! Bless you. xx

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  6. Joy,

    Loved it. So beautiful. I love the way you call the words and they line up and dance for you.

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    1. Oh, how poetically expressed, Anne! I love it. And I hope we will both be enabled to continue to "call the words and they line up and dance for you". A great thought. Thank you for this lovely comment. xx

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  7. Great, beautiful thoughts Joy:-) Thanks so much for sharing!

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    1. Thanks very much, Lorna. I really appreciate your kind comment!

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  8. Time and time again, you produce in 5 minutes something that has such a lasting profound impact. This is beautiful Joy.

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    1. Mandy, I am very touched by your sweet comment. You are aware how reliant I am on God's anointing and equipping to do this at all, and He has never failed to inspire me. Thank you so much, my friend. Blessings and love xx

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  9. Another lovely post, Joy! Your writing is an encouragement and I always enjoy the poetry style. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Thank you for leaving me such lovely encouragement, Laura! Bless you. xx

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  10. We are ALL winners. This I believe. Wonderful words Joy. xo

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    1. Yes, we are all winners in Christ! Thanks very much for stopping by to encourage me with your lovely comment, Rebekah. Blessings Xx

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