Category: Friendship

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Big Hearts!

Bigger Buts – Bigger Boats – Bigger Hearts!

I’m developing a pattern here and I didn’t realize it. The crisis we are going through, and we are going to get through it, is causing some to lose their hope and their perspective. They have become short-sighted and self-centered.

We need to be big-hearted people.

I read about a tattoo parlor on the East Coast who took all their supply of masks and latex gloves to the local hospital and donated them. They said they felt there would be plenty of supply once they were able to start business again.

Locally, a resort restaurant had to close and they made food boxes for all their employees who were being laid off. A restaurant in Tucson donated all their food to the local food bank. Instead of thinking only about themselves they were thinking how they could benefit their communities, their neighbors.

Churches are creating teams to check on their members. First with phone calls and then with people to do odd-jobs and grocery shop.

They are thinking with big hearts.

We should be Christ-like in our actions. That is the true meaning of Christianity. Christ was selfless and we should be too. Let’s look around our neighborhood and ask “what can I do to help”. Maybe it’s something as simple as writing a note of encouragement and putting it in a mailbox. If someone can’t get out, ask if there’s something they need from the store and pick it up for them. A mother of small children may need some extra craft supplies, a plate of cookies or some game ideas. Thank a first responder, the mailman, the delivery truck driver and certainly those still working in the retail markets.

We mustn’t allow this situation to side line us. The Apostle Paul teaches us that we all have God-given talents and abilities that will benefit others. Let’s use them.

“I realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you. 4 A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. 5 That’s how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.

6 God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount of faith we have. 7 If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach. 8 If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully.

Be sincere in your love for others. Hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good. 10 Love each other as brothers and sisters and honor others more than you do yourself.” Romans 12:3-10 CEV

Let’s make it our goal to help someone today. Right now the world needs big-hearted people!

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Be Encouraged!

Have you ever had an Eeyore kind of day? You know what I’m talking about – nothing seems to be going right. You’re up and ready for that first cup of coffee and find you’re out of your favorite creamer or maybe you overslept and don’t even have time for the first cup.

Then there’s the traffic on the way to work and it’s moving at a snail’s pace. The big meeting that was scheduled for 11 has been moved up to 9:30 and you’re not ready…

These are just small things but they can get you down. What about the real crises that present themselves? The “cancer” diagnosis that you just received, the loss of your job or the loss of a loved one – these make the minor obstacles dim in comparison. What do we do? How do we handle this? Sometimes we just can’t do it on our own; we need someone to help.

Be encouraged!

I’ve been reading about the Israelites journey in the desert. They were a bunch of complainers if ever there were any. They complained about the water, the food, the people, they complained about God. They are the kind who would have complained that their ice cream was cold. Really, they had an issue with ingratitude.

One man, Joshua, had been Moses’ assistant through all of this and the Lord had just chosen him to be Moses successor. Not a job that you would choose for yourself. This is what the Lord told Moses.

“…commission Joshua and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them all the land you now see before you as their possession.” Deuteronomy 3:27-28 NLT

The Lord knew what these people were like and the challenges Joshua would face so He wanted Moses to see that he was encouraged for the job ahead. Do you ever feel that a job or challenge is just too big for you? Isn’t it great when someone comes along side and encourages you to keep going? They tell you, you can do this – don’t quit!

Just in case Joshua wasn’t encouraged enough by the words of Moses, God spoke to him personally with this.

“Joshua, you must be strong and brave! You must lead these people so that they can take their land. I promised their fathers that I would give them this land. 7 But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:6-9 ERV

Don’t be afraid because the Lord will be with you wherever you go! Take that personally. __________________(fill in the blank with your name) don’t be afraid wherever you go because the Lord is going with you.

It’s great to have the encouragement of a friend but so much greater to have the Lord as your cheerleader and counsellor.

Maybe you don’t need to be encouraged today, maybe things are going great. Praise God! Look around and see if you can find anyone that you can encourage – you may have just the words or the hug they need to make it through the day.

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Building Relationships

It takes time to build a relationship. Getting to know someone is an act of love; it is a commitment to hear their heart and give them a safe space to be who they are without criticism.

Do you have relationships like that? I hope so.

Think about the relationships you have built over the years. The ones that have stood the test of time and those that have failed. What is the difference between the two? I generally say it is the length of time and our ability to listen more than we talk.

I try to remember little things about my friends. Since one of my ways to build relationships is over food I try to remember the little things. The way they like their coffee (or if they like coffee at all), some friends don’t like green vegetables and others don’t like raw onions. Some are vegetarian and others only like meat and potatoes. That’s all surface stuff but when we listen to those things we prove that we are interested in them and they will open up and we can learn more.

We can learn things in casual conversation but it is in the deeper quality time that they can share their heart. Do they face struggles with self-esteem and worthiness? Are their issues from their past that still hurt today? Why do they pull back in certain situations and seem to withdraw for weeks at a time? Greatest joys and worst fears, when we are trusted with these we know we have reached their heart and we need to protect that confidence that has been placed in us.

At the same time, a good relationship is never one-sided. We have to be able to open up and share our hearts too. When we lived in Montana I had a friend and we did what we called a “walk and talk”. We were neighbors on a country road and we would walk a couple days a week and talk. In Iowa, I had a friend that shared morning prayer time with me; I loved that time. I have another friend that shares “morning coffee” with me even though we live 1400 miles apart; we email each morning and have for over nine years.

That’s why I enjoy my morning quiet times so much. It’s my time to “sit and talk” with my very best, life-long Friend. He and I talk, sometimes for hours, each day. I ask Him questions and He answers from His word. I learn about Him; his joys and his sorrows. He tells me honestly when I need to change or correct things that I’m doing. He’s always there no matter what. I love our times together – any time I want to talk He’s there.

“Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ 9 and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ. 10 All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life.” Philippians 3:8-10a CEV

I encourage you to develop a “walk and talk” of your own. Deepen your friendship with the Lord and as a result, your other relationships will be strengthen as well.

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Natural Beauty

Yesterday I had a bit little of time so I went out and did some pruning. A few weeks back we had a cold snap and some of my flowers and plants were frost bitten. They needed my attention.

I took my pruning shears and nipped off the ends that were damaged, loosened the soil and applied a little TLC. As I was getting ready to come in I saw that the hyacinths were beginning to bloom. I love the smell of hyacinths and their rich color makes me smile.

As I sat here with my computer in my lap I was reminded of the beauty that the Lord has placed in my life. Family, friends and even strangers add a touch of color and beauty to my days. Some are likes roses that need regular attention and others are like wild flowers that grow vicariously when their seeds are transported by the wind. But their blossoms bring color and a fragrance that I am grateful for.

“Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return until they have watered the ground.
Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow, and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat. 11 In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don’t come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do…All this will happen to make the Lord known, to be a permanent reminder of his goodness and power.” Isaiah 55:10-13 ERV

God has made my life a well-watered garden. Seeds of family and friendship have been planted, taken root and grown strong. He has added those who are temporary and have a seasonal purpose. They are all reminders of God’s goodness and His power.

God’s word is like a seed and when its planted causes strength, wisdom, faith, joy, love and kindness to grow in my heart. The word of God not only nourishes my soul but it also brings beauty to my life.

I never want to become immune to the goodness of God. I never want to take it for granted. “Lord, let me always see your goodness and power in the beauty of nature and let me see Your marvelous plan in the lives of those you bring to fill my life”.

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Loyal & Faithful

Recently I saw a post by a woman who talked about the faithfulness and loyalty of her canine friend. Those of us who have dogs know the wonderful love, devotion, companionship and concern that we receive from them. The saying goes “dog is man’s best friend”.

I don’t know that I would take it quite that far but I do know that my Glory is such an amazing example of faithfulness and love. When I see how she is always there, wanting to be close, concerned when I am away and constantly by my side when she knows I am upset or unwell, I have a small glimpse into the faithfulness of God.

People let us down. But we will never experience that from the Lord.

“We are still alive because the Lord’s faithful love never ends. 23 Every morning he shows it in new ways! You are so very true and loyal (faithful)! 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my God, and I trust him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 ERV

Every morning He is always here! Even when we are unfaithful to Him, he remains faithful. Before we put our feet on the floor He is waiting to spend time with us. Before we have our first cup of coffee the Lord is here waiting to start our day with us. He is faithful!

“Lord, your word continues forever in heaven. 90 You are loyal (faithful) forever and ever. You made the earth, and it still stands.” Psalm 119:89-90 ERV

The word faithful or faithfulness is translated in these verses as loyal. But it’s more than that. A dog can be loyal but when God is faithful it means He is “faith – filled”. He is faithful to all generations.

His faithfulness is who He is and what He does. He created the earth and said light be. Today, He is still faith-filled and so the light continues to shine. God, the Father, IS love and as such He says He endures all things and thinks the best of us at all times. He is faith-filled and His love never fails.

“Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.” I Corinthians 13:5-7 ERV

He is faithful to forgive, which means He chooses to forget our sins and our failures. He only sees the best in us!

Let’s live like the Father, be a “faith filled” person. Look at others through eyes of faith and see them the way the Father sees them with their sins covered by the blood of Jesus.

He is faithful!

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My Favorite Place To Be

Where is your favorite place to be?

Dave and I spent quite a bit of time watching YouTube videos of people who RV full time. It gives us a great perspective on different areas of the country and helps us with our “wish list” of places we would like to travel. We were telling our neighbors about the place I refer to as my favorite place, Virgin River Recreation Area. It’s located on the border of Utah, Nevada and Arizona. It’s gorgeous! The rock formations are absolutely beautiful. After talking about it for several months, they booked a trip for the end of the month. Dave and I plan to go in March sometime.

However, when I really began to consider my favorite place or places this wasn’t it.

“You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness. Being at your right side will make me happy forever.” Psalm 16:11 ERV

My favorite places to be are in contentment, relaxation, peace, safety – in the presence of the Lord! The list of places I desire to travel will lose their appeal and the experience of being there will be lacking if I’m not focused on His presence.

“The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. 5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.” Psalm 27:4-5 NLT

Each day can be the most wonderful vacation spot when we focus on the Lord’s presence. King David said that life can be like a green pasture and a quiet stream when we let the Lord lead us.

Where will you go today? Make it a place where you recognize God’s presence and then you will be filled with joy!

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One of the Least

For about ten days Dave and I had been under the weather with these winter flu/cold symptoms that are going around. Dave came down with them on Christmas Day and about five days later I began to feel the same effects.

I took care of him and he took care of me. We are feeling healthy and strong once again and so grateful for loving neighbors and those who sent their prayers, texts and calls. No one came to visit, thank goodness, but we felt the love as if you were here.

It was a true example of Scripture.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Matthew 25:34-30 NLT

There are so many across our nation who are sick right now and others are being effected adversely by the bad weather. We should be looking out for these “who are the least” among us.

It’s what Jesus would do!

Neighbors asked if we could use anything from the store. One neighbor brought over some homemade chili, rang the bell and left. They didn’t want to be exposed to the germs and we didn’t blame them; their kindness was shown. We felt loved.

If there’s someone on your block, in your work area or your social circle in need of a helping hand – reach out. Run an errand, make a soup, do a chore, take a child to piano lessons – help. In showing compassion we reveal the love of God that lives in us.

When we do it for the “least” we’re doing it for Jesus!

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I’m Excited!

I have such great expectation for the year before us. I’ve never lived in 2020 before and neither have you. We have so much to look forward too!

The one thing we can be certain of is our loving God and Heavenly Father knows every detail and He has designed wonderful and marvelous things for us to enjoy. Walking with the Lord is like prospecting for diamonds; the treasures are limitless.

I am so grateful for every opportunity the Lord gives me to share His word. As 2019 came to an end two new opportunities presented themselves and I feel so blessed. The first came in the opportunity to share my daily blog on the Sugar Pie Sisterhood group page. The ladies in this group enjoy homemaking – cooking, baking, decorating, a love for the old-fashioned and classic. If you are interested in these values you should check out the page – it might be just the group for you.

The second opportunity was an invitation to be the speaker at a women’s retreat in September. This particular retreat will be a mini cruise from Long Beach to Ensenada. I’ve never been on a cruise before. It will be an exciting adventure and I am looking forward to meeting new friends and seeing how God’s word will impact all our lives.

I ask you to pray for me as I continue to fine tune a new book and any other opportunities that the Lord opens for me.

If you have friends who aren’t on FB – yes, there are people who avoid it – they can receive my blog each morning via email. All you, or they, have to do is click the subscribe link on my home page and it will start within the next day or two.

Thank you for being faithful readers and prayer supporters of this outreach.

God bless you all. Happy New Year!

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Do You Ponder?

Interesting word, ponder. I wonder if I should ponder over it’s meaning.

In the last few days my heart has filled with memories of Christmases past when the kids were little. There were some very lean times but even in that they were good because our focus was on it being Jesus birthday, being with the ones we loved and not on the gifts under the tree.

I remember one year I insisted that we all write letters to each other on what we loved and appreciated about one another. I still have those letters today – they are tucked safely away in the cedar chest. I guess you could say, I pondered them in my heart.

We need to take a lesson from Mary for that’s what she did that very first Christmas morning.

“and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.” Luke 2:18-20 ERV

As the shepherds arrived telling all the angels had said, she pondered – treasured, meditated – those things in her heart. I’m sure it wasn’t just the words of the angels that she pondered. She probably relived her visit with Gabriel and then her cousin Elizabeth. Her conversations with Joseph, the trip to Bethlehem and the miracle of being alone in a stable and giving birth must have filled her heart as well. Each detail indelibly etched in her memory.

God’s miracle – God’s provision – God’s love – wrapped in a tiny bundle, cradled in her arms, nursing at her breast! Yes, these would be the things she pondered; these would be the memories she would hold for the rest of her life. As the angel told her: “For nothing will be impossible with God”.

We need take time to ponder – to treasure and meditate – on what God has done in our lives and for those we love. Maybe you don’t feel God has really done anything spectacular for you, well then, go back to that first Christmas, He sent His Son to save us from our sins. That’s a pretty good place to start.

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“With” Is Better

Where are you going today? Doing anything special? I always find that even the mundane is more fun when I have someone along to share it with. Yesterday, Dave and I had lots of errands to run and we enjoyed it more because we were “with” each other.

We are never alone even in the dullest or most difficult moments. We have a promise that God is with us. That’s what His name means:

“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].” Isaiah 7:14 AMP

Immanuel, God with us!

God came to walk with Adam in the cool of the day; then He came and walked and talked with Abraham and Moses, David and Daniel, Enoch and Elijah, you and me. God loves being with His people. It’s only fitting that one of His names should mean God with us. That was His goal – to have relationship with us, to walk and talk with us, friend to friend, Father to child.

Do you recall the first time your child didn’t want you around? I remember hearing our toddlers say “I do this”. It was cute but then when they were in their teens, they got too big to need my presence or it wasn’t cool to have their folks hanging out with them. It hurt. I can only imagine how much it must hurt the Father when we exclude Him from our activities, not wanting Him around, taking the attitude “I’ve got this”.

He’ll let us try to handle things, sometimes we succeed and sometimes we fail but He’s always there. He never leaves us alone – that’s who He is, that’s what He does.

“God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never run away from you.” Hebrews 13:5b ERV

Friends may come and go; relationships change. Death may separate us from the ones we love. But the Lord will be with us forever and when we have Him, He takes care of the rest.

What’s on your list of things to do today?

Take Him along. Lunch with a friend, bring the extra guest. Need some down time, the two of you can sit quietly together, after all He IS Immanuel! He’ll be excited you’ve included Him in your plans.

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