Five Minute Friday

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Risk

It seems like life has been all about risk lately.

Risking my reputation to follow the Lord’s calling.

Risking my heart by putting these words out for anyone to read. Daily.

Risking rejection by hitting enter on a sponsorship pitch to a company where I know the owners. (It’s so much easier to pitch to strangers!)

But I have to trust and believe that life is worth the risk. I only get to do this thing once. Looking back and saying, “I wish I had…” is not an option for me. I’d so much rather look back and laugh saying, “I can’t believe I…“

So let’s do it together. Let’s be daring. What do you need to do that’s risky? Change that…What do you WANT to do that’s risky?

Hit Publish on that controversial post? Send that e-mail? Make that job change?

Do it. All we have is today. Risk it.

This post is linked with thanks to:

Company Girl Coffee
3in30
Favorite Things Friday
Weekend Whatever
Faith Filled Friday
Just for Fun Friday
Homemaking Link-Up

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http://www.karisslynch.com Kariss Lynch

I love your writing style! But more than that, I love your heart in this post. Right there with you, my friend. Ready to risk it all, even though it terrifies me. I can’t wait to see what the Lord does when we step out in faith. May He give us the strength to be daring no matter what! Thanks for taking the risk and sharing. It is such a blessing.
- http://newlifesteward.com/ Mary Beth
  
  Thanks for the encouragement and compliment! I was apprehensive about posting this one because I didn’t really like the style of writing that came out! (especially when I compare it to Lisa Jo!!)
  
  Thanks girl!
http://simplystriving.wordpress.com/ Nikki

You did it!!!!! EEEK! (and talked me into doing it today, too) I’ve missed it.
Beautiful 5 minute write. I’m with you. Let’s do this thing…
- http://newlifesteward.com/ Mary Beth
  
  Yay!! Glad you joined in! It only takes 5 minutes! Why not?! I found it a relief to not spend hours perfecting a post! Just once a week, I can get it done fast and move on!
http://writingcanvas.wordpress.com/ Writingcanvas

Indeed, we sure need to take the risks, especially the ones God lays on our hearts. Thank you for sharing!
- http://newlifesteward.com/ Mary Beth
  
  That’s an excellent point! We definitely want to spend time seeking the Lord about the risks we want to take!
http://www.CreeksideMinistries.blogspot.com/ Linda Stoll

Yes!

Love the way you put the risks by name right out on the table!
http://ourgoodfamily.org/ Aurie Good

I love this!! You go girl
http://www.danapittman.com/ Dana Pittman

Life is worth it. My dreams are worth it. Let’s do it!
- http://newlifesteward.com/ Mary Beth
  
  Yes ma’am they ARE!
Mindy Bowman

You keep going girl! I love what you’re doing here so keep taking those risks!
http://www.redemptionsbeauty.com/ Shelly Miller

Risk is that thing that presents itself that makes you a bit shaky but determined, and motivated from love all at the same time. I have some risky things to say and praying about how to do it without comprise. Nice to visit with you Mary Beth, you got me thinking.
- http://newlifesteward.com/ Mary Beth
  
  It’s definitely a challenge to say the risky thing but with tact and grace. My the Spirit lead you as you write. Let me know when it’s done if you share, I’d love to read it!
  
  Mary Beth
http://www.halfbakedhomemaking.com/ Brandy1977

Best of Luck! Great post and May God be with you as you take more risks!
http://contradiction-in-an-apron.blogspot.com/ CaptainConundrum

Awesome thoughts. And something I needed to hear too. I’m such a timid little sheep when it comes to following my dreams or taking a risk. I’d always rather go the quiet, nonconfrontational, same-old same-old route than actually witness to that friend or send that short-story to a publisher or apply for that position. I need to remember that I only have one life on earth… why not live it to the fullest?
http://www.1familysjourney.blogspot.com/ Carey

{Visiting from Company Girl} Great post! In itself being Real is Risky, isn’t it? But what a great thing if all of us took that risk! Thanks for sharing.
Julie Anne

I need to create a sponsorship pitch to Joyful Living Media for Allume…and I keep procrastinating! I would love to look back some day and say “I can’t believe I … And God…”

Julie
http://whimsywords.blogspot.com
- http://newlifesteward.com/ Mary Beth
  
  I love that! When we take risks, it’s a chance to give glory to God!!
  
  Mary Beth
Pamela Kuhn

I’m with you–so much more frightening to pitch to an acquaintance than a stranger. I’ve been thinking the last few days about a risk I want to take and you’ve encouraged this woman to take it! I love how God brings blogs across our path just when we need it!
- http://newlifesteward.com/ Mary Beth
  
  Oh come back and let me know how it goes!!
  
  Mary Beth
http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

Mary Beth – I have read this week about getting out of our comfort zones and to do so is really to take a risk. Two or three years ago, God spoke to me and told me that if I wanted to be a writer I had to get out of my comfort zone. I believe that first step was in starting my blog, but now I don’t want to use the blog as a “comfort zone” if indeed God has plans to take my writing elsewhere. I needed to read this post. Blessings!
- http://newlifesteward.com/ Mary Beth
  
  It’s funny how what was once the risky thing now becomes our comfort zone! May God bless you as your expand your influence to the next level!
  
  Mary Beth
http://contradiction-in-an-apron.blogspot.com/ CaptainConundrum

I just wanted to come back here and say thanks for your inspiring words on taking a risk. I guess some seed of it must have taken root in my heart, because my whole outlook has seriously changed since I read it: I’m preparing a short story submission for a fiction contest, and I’m getting ready to set up a shop on Etsy to sell my jewelry and projects (something I’ve been wanting to/people have been suggesting I do for years!). Thanks for being faithful and inspiring me to live wholeheartedly!
- http://newlifesteward.com/ Mary Beth
  
  Oh that is so exciting AND encouraging to me! I’m so glad you came back to update me. Give me the info on you Etsy shop when you get it all going and let me know how the short story submission goes!
  
  Mary Beth
  - http://contradiction-in-an-apron.blogspot.com/ CaptainConundrum
    
    I definitely will. And just so you know, I gave you a little blog love today (linked to this post as the one that inspired it all).