Happy New Year! Welcome to the first Five Minute Friday link-up of 2026! I hope you had a lovely holiday season.

I have a daughter graduating from college in May this year, and I can hardly believe how fast the time goes . . . But here we are at the cusp of another year, and another round of opportunities to write!

Special thanks to Andrew Budek-Schmeisser for volunteering to host the link-up on his site while I was on medical leave in November and December.

It turned out to be a good decision for me to take an extended break, as it has taken a while for me to get back into the swing of things after my surgery in Cape Town in early November. Thank you to those of you who prayed and sent messages of encouragement! I’m not 100% yet, but I’m trying to remind myself to keep resting and acknowledging my limitations as my body continues to recover.

And on that note . . .

Our first official FMF writing prompt of 2026 is: MEND

Starting my timer for five minutes, and . . . GO. 

Just over two months ago, I had a planned surgery in Cape Town, South Africa. With four incisions in my abdomen, I was most comfortable propped up against three pillows while lying on my back for the better part of five weeks before I got on a plane to fly back to the States.

I’m not great at doing nothing, but I didn’t have a whole lot of choice in the matter at that point in time. Before the surgery I had high aspirations and expectations that I would have all kinds of time to revamp my website, prep for my upcoming book launch, create some resources I’ve been dreaming up for a while, and so much more.

Ha.

Instead, it took almost all I had in me just to hold up my phone to play Solitaire.

I was on so many prescription drugs, my most sophisticated thoughts were to notice how windy it was outside that day.

Looking back, I know that the only way for my body to mend and heal properly was with rest and time. Time and rest. (Okay, and a concoction of prescription medications at the proper intervals around the clock.)

Even after more than nine weeks, I’m still not back to full strength and I still have to acknowledge my limitations (or pay the price in the currency of extra soreness and pain).

Though it goes against my natural bent to be busy and productive, in some seasons we do best to give ourselves time and rest and let the Lord heal us from the inside out.

STOP.

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In case you missed it . . . 

I have two fun announcements to share!

First: My next book is now available! 

Introducing

Longing for Home: 52 Devotional Reflections on the Hope of Heaven

Isn’t she pretty?

ORDER ON AMAZON HERE

or find it at your favorite retailer!

Affiliate links used in this post

Next: After a long hiatus, I’m offering another Writing Accountability Group in February!

Woo hoo!

Join us as we write together in real time every Friday in February.

LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP HERE

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Now it’s your turn!

Join us with your own five-minute freewrite below,
then visit your link-up neighbor to read their post and leave an encouraging comment: