Pondering Friendship...

Today at church, Pastor Jason challenged us with a sermon about friendship using the friendship of David and Jonathan as a basis for the sermon.  As I meditated on the words he issued I realized I have many types of friendships in my life -- facebook friendships, acquaintances, friends I keep at a distance, friends I have thru my family, and true, meaningful friendships.  I want more of the true, meaningful friendships -- the friendships you can count on in a pinch, the ones you nurture and develop.  But as I say this I realize that even Jesus only had a few very close friends and maybe that is the way it is intended to be so that we can maintain these friendships.  Look at the friendships he had.  First of all, the disciples themselves.  There were only 12.  But of the twelve, there were 3 special ones, ones closer than the others and of those John was the one laying on his chest before He departed from the Last Supper.  And then there were Lazarus, Mary and Martha.  These 3 were so close to Him that they knew He would come and save Lazarus from death.  I want to be this kind of friend and have these kind of friends.  I already have some.  I hope you are one.  If not, let's try to become covenant friends.  Everyone could stand one more intimate person in their life.  Won't you be my friend? 

An Unexpecting Blessing

Yesterday, I was blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with JuJu (see note on profile).  During the course of our conversation which was a wide range of things which I won't go into afterall secrets are secrets but she said something I will never forget, something which blessed me so that I had to hold back the tears.  You see, my Grandmother has always loved the Lord, for as long as I have known her (45 years) and for these words to cross her lips still gives me the shivers.  In reference to attending a church service with us a few months ago she said, "I left JD a note letting him know that was the first time I had ever been in the presence of the Lord."
Tears ya up, doesn't it?

Patience

Trusting in God and waiting is a hard lesson to swallow.  Pastor JD talked on it today and this is what I gleaned.
   Where do you find the resources to wait?
     1.  Trust in God's sovereignty!!  God reigns over all and is in control.
     2.  Trust in His steadfast love for you!!  He works ALL things for our good.
     3.  Have selflessness.  Put God first.  When was the last time you asked for things but said I will praise
               You in ALL things bc You are God!!!
     4.  Satisfaction.  Be satisfied where you are, knowing He is working for your good and believing in Him!!

Psalm 57: 2 "I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me."

Ouch!!!

The Tears of a Parent

How often must a parent cry for her children?  How often does she want to take them in her arms and caress their problems away?  It occured to me tonight that our Father must feel that way everyday with us and want to envelope us in His love and care and tell us everything is going to be okay; afterall, isn't that what a good parent does for His children?  As my heart aches tonight for my own children and their lives and their problems, I pray that I will not cause my Father any further heartache than He has already endured for me.

Cardboard Boxes, Newspaper & Bubblewrap

What do these things have in common?  I AM SICK OF THEM ALL!!!  This move is gonna kill me.  Yes, that's right sports fans, we are moving again, downsizing, in fact, by 1200 sq ft which means eliminating a whole bunch of crap!  OMG, I am going crazy!!  :-/

It's ok -- I'll survive -- as Juju would say, "It's just life. This too shall pass." LOL

In the Midst of Giants

I live in the midst of giants.  I am afraid most of the time of those giants.  My giants are a lot of things -- losing my kids, losing my husband, my health, financial burdens, loneliness, depression, etc etc...  These giants leave me tired and weary but I have a fearless advocate ready to fight for me all the time.  He fought the ultimate battle 2000 years ago and conquered my giants and I needn't be afraid anymore but still I battle.  Why do I fear when my Jesus has won?  Why can't I step out in faith and be more like David, big and confident in the field with Goliath instead of the Israelites, afraid and little?  Lord, help me be more like You!!

A New Difficulty???

Well, it's official, my son has signed a new contract with the NAVY.  OMG!!!  There will be a lot of worn out knees is all I have to say about that...LOL.

The Lifter of Mine Head

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.  Ps 3:3

I've always loved this verse.  Long ago I was given the vision of a Father lifting up the head of a child, with a single finger, by the chin, smiling into her face and letting her know all was going to be alright.  To this day, I envision this and also see the sight of Mary Magdalene at the feet of Jesus wiping his feet with her perfume and drying them with her hair.  Again, I picture that he lifted her head with His single finger and smiled at her letting her know all was going to be alright.

I don't know if this helps you but it helps me thinking of my Father as a merciful, gracious God, kind and generous and tender, the lifter of mine head.