FIVE ON FRIDAY - June 6, 2025

 

Five things that have inspired and encouraged me this week: 

1. THIS SPECIAL DAY

Today we pause to honor the 81st anniversary of D-Day, one of the most pivotal moments in modern history. On June 6, 1944 the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare began. Part of a larger operation called Operation Overlord, Allies used over 5,000 ships and landing craft to land more than 150,000 troops on five beaches in Normandy, France. The landings marked a turning point in World War II, which ultimately would lead to the defeat of Germany and Adolf Hitler. 

In the invasion of Normandy, more than 4,400 allied troops were killed (2500 American) and more than 5,000 were wounded. Through strategic execution and sheer determination, the Allied forces overwhelmed the German lines to establish a foothold in Europe. What began on D-Day ended with the surrender of Germany less than a year later. 

We owe a debt of gratitude to the brave military personal who accomplished what few people thought possible. There aren't many D-Day veterans remaining today, but I am grateful for all who gave their all for freedom. 

2. BIBLE VERSE I'M MEDITATING ON

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

This verse came out of our last men's group as we were discussing how we sometimes fail to express ourselves in Christ-honoring ways when we are frustrated or angry. One of our Elders said this verse helps him keep a check on his tongue and attitude. I'm committing it to memory so that it will help me also. 

3. PRINCIPLE I AM PRACTICING

I finished reading Greg McKeown's book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. In his chapter on FOCUS, McKeown tells of Larry Gelwix, who served as the volunteer Head Coach of the Highland Rugby team in Salt Lake City Utah for 36 years. He established an unbelievable record of 418 wins and only 10 losses, and was the inspiration for the movie, Forever Strong. 

Gelwix's coaching (and life) philosophy centered on one primary word W.I.N. which stands for "What's Important Now." Gelwix taught his players to play in the moment, forgetting past mistakes and concentrating only on the present situation and the play they were on right now. Throughout the game, they were to always be thinking, "What is Important Now?" and focusing on what they were doing at the present moment to win. If they were thinking about past mistakes, or future possibilities, they would lose focus on what they were supposed to be doing now. 

"What's Important Now" is a great question to ask myself throughout the day. Though I don't think I have ADD or anything like that, I do find myself getting distracted by unimportant, non-essential things (like Social Media, and TV ). I've been asking myself this question a lot lately, and it has helped me stay focused on what is important in the present situation. It also reminded me of what Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus, 

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT

We can W.I.N. everyday by focusing on making the most of every opportunity the Lord gives us. 

4. QUOTE I'M PONDERING

"In many cases, what you hope to learn by reading books or listening to podcasts can only be learned by attempting what you fear. Some knowledge is only revealed through action." James Clear

James Clear is the author of Atomic Habits and I subscribe to his weekly email 3-2-1 Thursday, which he calls "The most wisdom per word than any newsletter on the web." The quote is from his book, but came to me through the newsletter. 

I'm a reader, and I have often heard that if you read 10 books on one subject, you become and expert in that subject. I don't know if that is true, but I do know that I sometimes let reading be an excuse for inaction. 

One of the elements of my spiritual life that I have been convicted about is prayer. I've read more than 10 books on prayer and I can honestly say I am NOT an expert. In fact, I'm guilty of reading books on prayer instead of actually praying. 

James Clear is correct, there are some things you can only learn to do by doing them, and prayer is one of them. So Clear's quote has been motivating me to pray more. I'm still reading books on prayer (more on that next week), but I am also being more disciplined to actually pray as well. 

5. DAD JOKE I'M DIGGING

IN HONOR OF VBS WORKERS THIS WEEK!

Thanks for checking out Five on Friday. Read my other posts at my website. 

FIVE ON FRIDAY - May 16, 2025

 

Here are the things that have had my attention this week. Thanks for reading!

1. Verse I've been memorizing

"Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer." Romans 12:12 CSB

This verse is actually the verse I picked to not only memorize, but to seek to truly live out this year. I am a natural pessimist and a recovering "chronic worrier." It isn't hard for me to get focused on problems and then escalate to discouragement. I prayerfully chose this verse to help me be intentional about being disciplined to rejoice. It also reminds me to be patient and to be persistent in prayer (another area that I am working to improve in this year). 

2. Book I have been reading

THE GRASSHOPPER MYTH

This is a ministry book written by pastor Karl Vaters. He's the author of five books on church leadership. Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry, featuring interviews about topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context. He has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience.

Having read about half of this book, I already wish it had been available 30 years ago. Vaters powerfully combines his personal narrative of struggle and revelation of his place in kingdom work with essential, practical ministry principles aimed at uplifting those in smaller church congregations. I'm excited to read the rest!

3. Quote I have been pondering

“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” 

I came across this quote by Pablo Picasso in Matthew Dicks' book "Someday Is Today." The quote encapsulates the urgency of pursuing dreams and taking action now. I'm also a recovering procrastinator and quotes like this remind me of the importance of "doing now" what needs or should be done according to my values and desires. 

4. Podcast I have been listening to 

I've been listening to The Art of Manliness hosted by Brett McKay off and on for a few years. According to the site, "The Art of Manliness Podcast is a podcast that aims to help men become better men." I've found a lot of good stuff on the podcast over the years. 

A recent, helpful episode I listened is Podcast #955: The Power of NEAT — Move a Little to Lose a Lot; McKay interviews Dr. James Levine, a professor, a co-director of the Mayo Clinic’s Obesity Solutions Initiative, and the inventor of the Treadmill Desk (yes, it's a real thing). They discuss how regular, simple movement during the day can help lose and keep off extra pounds. Since I am participating in the Healthy Eating and Activity Lab study at the University of Tennessee, the topic appealed to me. The episode is pretty entertaining and very informative. 

5. Song I am listening to

I can't get enough of Josiah Queen's My Promise Land ... seriously, K-Love plays it at least once an hour. But it is a great song, and it is at least partially based on Moses' words to the Lord in Exodus 33. After the Israelites had sinned against God, He threatens to send them to the "Promise Land" without His presence. Moses then intercedes for the Israelites, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here." (33:15). Moses and the people understood that the land God had promised to them would mean nothing without the Lord's presence there. God is our Promise Land!

Bonus: Dad Joke I Am Digging 

Thanks again for reading. Have and awesome weekend!