fmf | crowd always follows

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It doesn't matter where we go - a crowd always follows.  

Personally, this "happenstance" has never crossed my mind enough to notice - until my hubby (repeatedly) makes mention and now even the kids will say something.   So, for instance... pulling into an empty parking lot...by the time we leave...its full!!  Pull up to any drive-through window... the cars follow.   The restaurant is quiet...and before you know it... its loud and bustling.  Albeit all to say... I know many times, more than we realize, we too are part of any given crowd that follows. It is NOT because we are special, or, of great importance that we notice these crowds, however, it's just become a funny!!  Birds of a feather flock together.  Did you know, though... you can be in the largest crowd and feel the most alone you have ever felt?  I have.

I had to think of crowds and how, in general, I take to them.   I think it depends on what it is...and where.  But... there are days... when a crowded grocery store is NOT where I want to be.  However, a good crowd gathered to fellowship, celebrate or cheer someone on... is so exciting!  Do - I like to be in the center of that crowd or on the fringe?  Oh, I like to say - the more the merrier...but do I really like it?  I'll leave you to wonder that one. 

 One thing I know to be true.  When God's Word says, Where two or three are gathered in my name - there I am, in the midst of them. ~ Matthew 18:20... well, now I'm all over that.

Maybe it is community I'd rather be part of instead of a crowd.  

Do you recognize the difference?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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Joining with Five Minute Friday Community and today's prompt word is: crowd

Keeping it real, folks! (How is this for a Whimsy Wednesday Challenge on a Five Minute Friday - where the word prompt is: Find)

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So, the prompt for Whimsy Wednesday was this:
Don't cry because it's over.  Smile because it happened.
And, this comes out of the fact that Kaitlin is ending her Whimsy Wednesday Weekly Challenge, early.  For now, she says.

I'm a tad sad.  Because I've been having loads of fun, with it.  Apparently, there hasn't been too much of an active response in and amongst other folks and so for now... it's an indefinite good-bye! And, this is her reasoning.  She also said she might pick it back up someday - but, I'm not sure when...! And, I'm not so sure she knows either.)
As for today's link - she may or may not keep up her end of the bargain, I perceive, as she may still be in serious vacay mode.  I hope she comes through!!  Because, she's always so amazing!!

Anyway.  For your reading pleasure... here is...

The story behind today's Whimsy Wednesday photo.  

As I thought about what to do for my part in this one-last photo challenge... there was this one afternoon where, at lunchtime, I requested from my kiddos - that I needed three volunteers!!! They were willing to give me either two smiley faces and one pouting - on the count of one, two, three - or two pouty and one smiling!

After several shots and attempts.  Reality took over.

Folks!!!  This here photo is as real as it gets.  I don't know what the pout was over!! 

 But... I'll take it!  lol!!

Keeping life real, friends.  Keeping it real!!

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Five Minute Friday

How fitting that today's two posts will work to come together into one!!  
I love it when this happens.
Today's prompt is: find.  Taking just five minutes to write real and raw and joining with many other brave souls who all will write together on the same topic.

 
 This morning around the kitchen table, one of my kiddo's asked the question.  Why does this sunflower have to hang his head... so low?
We talked about it a bit.  And, I asked.  Don't you ever have moments, in your day, your life, where you have trouble finding your smile? Yes!, was the relating reply.
 The flower was found bruised... and broken.. from the windstorm the other evening and in our attempt to lift it up, by putting it into some water (with others)  -- well... sometimes, it takes time... to come around.

This explains how today's five minute friday post has come about.

::go::

You're spent.
You've been here before - this is not the first time.
You've struggled to find your smile.
Your head hangs low.
It's easier to stay in the slump and look down and away -- because, it's over.

Then something changes.
Maybe you've been given a taste of new and living water.
It refreshes.
It bathes your soul.  It fills you!
There is more to life than the constant frown upon your soul.
Your spirit awakens.  Because,  hope always does.
Your soul lives.
You find your smile again  -- because, you remember. it happened

It happened!!!  You were blessed to enjoy a moment.  Though gone...
It's not over.
Really.

 Don't cry because its over.  Smile, because it happened 

:: stop ::

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Linking today with two link-ups.
Whimsy Wednesday Weekly Challenge


Five Minute Friday

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I hope you'll find yourself enjoying a wonderful and sunshiny weekend!!  I'll see you back here on Monday - with another Mugs & Muffins special. :)