In the darkest corner of my life, I keep believing because … without belief there is no hope, there is no light!
It seems as if there has been a dark cloud hanging over our family this summer … following us around. Yet there is hope! God made these promises:
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.
“For the Lord your God is a merciful God – he will not abandon or destroy you …” Deuteronomy 4:31 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
As I sat in a hotel in Springfield on July 31 I started my journal with “Here I sit alone.” But God was quick to remind me that I was not truly alone. God has been with me (us) every step of the way! From wise doctors, to amazing nurses, to quick answers from disability, to generous family and friends.
I will admit … it hasn’t always been easy to see God in our circumstances but as I look back He has been there! He always is!! We just have to open ourselves up to Him; to see Him and feel Him!
They say that every cloud has a silver lining. Well I don’t know about your clouds but mine are paved with gold!
“It’s hard to see the light in the midst of the storm. But remember, just beyond the cloud cover is an amazing sight. Today allow God to show you life from His perspective.” (Quiet Moments with God Devotional Journal for Women, Feb 28)
I pray you will always see and feel God in all your circumstances!
Showing posts with label true friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label true friends. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Friends by Tana LeMay
We meet many friends throughout our life time. Some are with us for many years, while others come and go. Some will always live in our memories. Others may be so fleeting, the memories hazy, we may not even recall their name. But each leave an impact, teaching us things about ourselves and the world around us.
I met my first friend in kindergarten. Her name was Katie. We were inseparable for the next three years. Katie had a vivid imagination. She taught me to dream, to find the magic in stories and songs. We "filmed" many movies in her backyard. Most involving a damsel in distress, rescued by her knight in shining armor. Yes, we loved those kind of fairy tales, with happy endings.
My friend Diana taught me that pain is a part of loving others. Her family moved to Newton when I was in second or third grade. Diana was a take charge person. Sometimes, a little bossy. She loved to play games; board games, outdoor games, anything with a little challenge. She only lived in Newton for a couple of years. I was heartbroken when she moved away, sure I would never have a friend like her again.
Diana's moving was an opportunity, though. A chance to widen my horizon. I was fortunate to be in a class of kids that got along well with each other. I attended many slumber parties with 10 to 20 giggling, loud, shrill girls. (Those parents were saints, or maybe just plain crazy.)
The first of my lifelong friends came into my life during junior high and high school. The four of us did everything together. You knew where one of us was, the other three would soon follow. We all live in separate communities now, but the strong ties of friendship remain. Time has not dissolved that link. We shared each other's joy of first love, college graduation, marriage, children, and our children's graduations. We've also shared each other's pain - news of debilitating illness, loss of loved ones, employment woes, etc. Miles may separate us, the busyness of life may keep us from speaking for a few weeks/months, but we each know we're only a phone call away.
All relationships require a gift of sacrifice, a willingness to take time to enjoy their lives. I've learned to cherish my friends, to be thankful for their presence, to appreciate whatever time we have together.
Proverbs 17:17 -
A friend loves at all times.
I met my first friend in kindergarten. Her name was Katie. We were inseparable for the next three years. Katie had a vivid imagination. She taught me to dream, to find the magic in stories and songs. We "filmed" many movies in her backyard. Most involving a damsel in distress, rescued by her knight in shining armor. Yes, we loved those kind of fairy tales, with happy endings.
My friend Diana taught me that pain is a part of loving others. Her family moved to Newton when I was in second or third grade. Diana was a take charge person. Sometimes, a little bossy. She loved to play games; board games, outdoor games, anything with a little challenge. She only lived in Newton for a couple of years. I was heartbroken when she moved away, sure I would never have a friend like her again.
Diana's moving was an opportunity, though. A chance to widen my horizon. I was fortunate to be in a class of kids that got along well with each other. I attended many slumber parties with 10 to 20 giggling, loud, shrill girls. (Those parents were saints, or maybe just plain crazy.)
The first of my lifelong friends came into my life during junior high and high school. The four of us did everything together. You knew where one of us was, the other three would soon follow. We all live in separate communities now, but the strong ties of friendship remain. Time has not dissolved that link. We shared each other's joy of first love, college graduation, marriage, children, and our children's graduations. We've also shared each other's pain - news of debilitating illness, loss of loved ones, employment woes, etc. Miles may separate us, the busyness of life may keep us from speaking for a few weeks/months, but we each know we're only a phone call away.
All relationships require a gift of sacrifice, a willingness to take time to enjoy their lives. I've learned to cherish my friends, to be thankful for their presence, to appreciate whatever time we have together.
Proverbs 17:17 -
A friend loves at all times.
My Friends by Theresa Zuber
A friend is a shoulder to cry on, a sympathetic touch, an all-knowing smile, a friendly face and an ear to listen. A friend has feet that come running, arms that hug firmly, laughter that is contagious, and a heart that understands disappointments & hurts. A friend applauds successes, shares joy and sorrow, and loves through it all.
God made each of us in His own image. I suppose that’s why at times when I see my friends, I get a glimpse of my Savior Jesus.
I only pray that I can be a good friend in return — that they might see Jesus in me!
God made each of us in His own image. I suppose that’s why at times when I see my friends, I get a glimpse of my Savior Jesus.
I only pray that I can be a good friend in return — that they might see Jesus in me!
Friends by Joyce Schafer
I have often thought that friends are special angels that God sends to help us and teach us here on earth. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them we have for a short time and some we have for a lifetime.
The first friends I remember making were in second grade. These two little girls and I were best friends all through grade school. We played together, had sleepovers and most importantly shared the same opinion of boys. They were Stupid! One friend was Catholic, one was Lutheran and I was Methodist. God was teaching me at a very young age that we are all His children.
Then in high school there were six of us that became really close. We met in Home Ec. Class. A class all of us were taking not because we wanted to but because our mothers insisted. Thankfully we had a wonderful teacher that made the class bearable. As everyone knows, as a teenager your life consists of a lot of highs and lows and we helped each other through all these phases.
By Senior year things really started changing and some of the six decided boys were not so stupid and started becoming couples, leaving little time for their girlfriends. Another valuable lesson was learned. Friends change and not all friendships survive.
As a young adult another special friend came into my life. She eventually got married and moved out of state. Lesson #3: friendships can survive long distances.
About this same time I met someone who has been my best friend for almost 40 years. This friend has been there for me through the bad times and the good times. The most important lesson I have learned is it is truly a gift from God when you marry your best friend.
My life has always been and continues to be blessed by friends. They truly are my angels on earth and I thank God everyday for sending them to me.
The first friends I remember making were in second grade. These two little girls and I were best friends all through grade school. We played together, had sleepovers and most importantly shared the same opinion of boys. They were Stupid! One friend was Catholic, one was Lutheran and I was Methodist. God was teaching me at a very young age that we are all His children.
Then in high school there were six of us that became really close. We met in Home Ec. Class. A class all of us were taking not because we wanted to but because our mothers insisted. Thankfully we had a wonderful teacher that made the class bearable. As everyone knows, as a teenager your life consists of a lot of highs and lows and we helped each other through all these phases.
By Senior year things really started changing and some of the six decided boys were not so stupid and started becoming couples, leaving little time for their girlfriends. Another valuable lesson was learned. Friends change and not all friendships survive.
As a young adult another special friend came into my life. She eventually got married and moved out of state. Lesson #3: friendships can survive long distances.
About this same time I met someone who has been my best friend for almost 40 years. This friend has been there for me through the bad times and the good times. The most important lesson I have learned is it is truly a gift from God when you marry your best friend.
My life has always been and continues to be blessed by friends. They truly are my angels on earth and I thank God everyday for sending them to me.
Give and Receive by Julie Short
Give
An ear,
A hand,
Honesty,
Your time,
Unconditional love,
Expecting
Nothing
In return.
Be
Understanding
Forgiving
Available.
Be
A
Friend
And
You
Will be
Blessed.
An ear,
A hand,
Honesty,
Your time,
Unconditional love,
Expecting
Nothing
In return.
Be
Understanding
Forgiving
Available.
Be
A
Friend
And
You
Will be
Blessed.
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