The weekly Five Minute Friday word prompt for this week is “risk.” 

I’ve always loved watching a Jeopardy. It’s one of those game shows that makes me feel smart when I know the answers. I’m way better at some categories than others. Recently I downloaded the Jeopardy app onto my phone. I do ok. I love the religious categories because I seem to do pretty great at them.

When it gets down to final Jeopardy, it’s always a decision to decide how much money to risk. Do I know the category or not? Will I gain money or lose it? It reminds me of the risks we take in life.

What dreams are we willing to try? To take a risk for? My friend K recently interviewed for a job and she got it! She is now moving from North Dakota to Iowa. I’m so excited for this new adventure for her. I also am hopeful a new adventure is on the horizon for Luna, Nevy and I.

I also am taking a risk reaching out to publishers about my children’s book on mental illness. It is so much needed in our world.

The weekly Five Minute Friday word prompt for this week is “experience.” 

Life is made up of experiences, isn’t it? Sometimes good, sometimes bad. Learning to drive, ride a bike, talk, college, first job, losing a job, etc.

A few years ago, I found myself in Anaheim California for one of my favorite continuing education events: the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza or as it is affectionately called the “E!” It often occurs over Super Bowl weekend which it was that year.

Instead of watching the game, my friends and I headed to Disneyland which was only a few miles from our hotel. It was my first Disney experience ever. I was like a kid in a candy store. We watched the parades. My favorite was the Paint the Night parade. We rode on many rides. My friends took me on the Its a Small World ride. I can still hear the music playing in my ears. I got my first timers pin. We looked through many tourist shops. I bought a Mickey tshirt. We laughed and laughed and laughed. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

I also remember the first time I rode my first bike. I didn’t even have training wheels. My friends put me on the bike and pushed me. I fell a few times but got right back up. By the end of the day, I was riding my bike alone…never needing training wheels. Another neat experience.

What is a fun experience you remember?

The weekly Five Minute Friday word prompt for this week is “talent.” 

“Mom, Are you ok?”

You’ve been in bed all day.

Is there anything I can do?

Mom, are you sad?

Are you mad?

Or are you glad?

I want you back

The mom who would play with me

Read to me

Laugh with me

Instead of just lay in bed.

Can a doctor heal you?

Give you medicine to make you feel

So much better.

Some call you crazy

Others call you lazy

But you are neither

You are a beloved child of God!

I love to write. I would call it a talent. My new goal is to write a children’s book about mental illness. This is a very first draft. What do you think? What’s missing?

Accompaniment=”an instrumental or vocal part designed to support or complement a melody; an addition (such as an ornament) intended to give completeness or symmetry to something.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

In music, it is the accompaniment that brings life to the piece as the melody comes to life. Accompaniment is also what makes something whole. Accompaniment is not to be alone but rather walk alongside.

Since October, I’ve been patiently waiting for God to show me what’s next. Despite interviewing several places, God hasn’t led me to that right place yet. Because of this reason, I almost didn’t attend the ELCA Children, Youth and Family Network Extravaganza or as it is affectionately called the “E.” Yet I went because I knew it is where I needed to be.

The Extravaganza is such a gift. I sat and chatted with so many colleagues and friends and processed through the last several months. My friend Laurie made me this magnificent gift. I left feeling so at peace.

But it’s not just the Extravaganza, but the network too. The Network allows each of us to walk alongside and accompany one another through life’s joys and sorrows. Since October, I’ve gotten emails, phone calls, texts and so much more reminding me that I am not on this journey alone,

I have sat with colleagues as we said goodbye to our friend at his funeral. Our lives connected through the Network. I have grieved alongside other colleagues as they have said goodbye to their children way too early. I have celebrated with others too. The Network weaves together this beautiful tapestry that connects us through time and space.

The Network is being church together. It is a place where we are reminded that we are never alone. The Network and the E have been a gift to me in more ways than I can count or even imagine. Thank You dear people for accompanying me on this never ending, uncertain journey of where God maybe calling me next. I know I am not alone but am being accompanied through prayer, laughter, tears and the Network! And that’s enough…..more than enough!