Friends

This is a quick sketch of some little people who were running around in my head today.  They seem to be best friends.  I'm sure they share fun and games and scrapes and squabbles as well.

I have been praying intensely for some friends this week.  One in California whose family was in the path of the wildfires.  Today a friend in Boulder, Colorado, had to evacuate because the flood waters are rising near her home.  Another friend is seeking employment, another friend is in last stages of cancer, one's little boy just had 2 brain surgeries in one week, and the list goes on as I'm sure does yours.

We grieve with friends and we celebrate.  We are refreshed by friends. Friends are so important to our soul.   It is written that David loved Jonathan as his own soul - that their souls were knit as one (1 Samuel 18:1).  I have only had a few close friends, but time, distance and moving has intervened in those friendships.  Yet when we have opportunity to talk it is as tho' we begin where we last were.

A true friend can keep you in check and even kindly point our your error.    "Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend " (Proverbs 27:17).

Celebrations are not complete without friends.  The woman who lost a piece of silver called her friends to celebrate when she found it  (Luke 15:8-10). 

Jesus reflected that "greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).  Several of my friends and a cousin have children in the military.  One has been to Iraq three times, and one is currently serving in Afghanistan.  You may not know them specifically - but they are my friends in need of prayer.

The greatest friend of all has already laid down His life for us.  And He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).  Jesus desires to be your friend, to give you comfort, encouragement, counsel, to share your joy and your sorrow.  Draw near to Him and celebrate His friendship.  Share your worries, your triumphs, your prayers for your friends and your love.  

Celebrate your friendships today.

Laura

Thanksgiving Is Everyday!

'In everything give thanks' 
(1 Thessalonians 5:18a)

When those little girls open their eyes what will they say to the little boy?  What would you?  'That's not fair?  I'm gonna' tell!'      Children always want things to be fair and even. As adults we know that doesn't always happen.  Events and circumstances change, sometimes for the worse.

I've been rereading some of the "Little House on the Prairie" books.  Ma Ingalls would always say, 'there is nothing so bad, that some small good can't come from it.'  The Ingalls lost their cash corn crop to huge flocks of blackbirds - but they ate tasty blackbird pie.

It's been in some of my life's most difficult situations that I have grown the most.  Have I always given God thanks for the trials?  To be honest - not until someone either reminds me or when it's the only remaining thing to do. And I'll admit, my giving thanks may only be half-hearted. But amazingly, it seems when I start thanking God even for the trials, or sorrow, or humbling of my heart,that God begins to change the circumstance and even my attitude about it.

Today, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, and I pray that your heart will give thanks in everything, and remember that the God of all will help you through the trials.

May God Bless you,

Laura

FRIENDS and Giveaway

   I praise the Lord for my sisters in Christ.  My youngest daughter and I gave my oldest daughter a

baby sprinkle shower for her third child and first boy this past weekend.  Without even asking I had a dear lady say "what can I bring?', another called before coming to see if I had any last minute needs, and four ladies in the kitchen afterwards washing, drying and sweeping.  All without being asked!! And not to forget all the ladies who abundantly blessed my grandson to be. It reminds me of Jude 1:22 "And of some have compassion, making a difference. . ."  Sometimes we do not realize how we can help until we have been through a trial or situation ourself.  Then when we see someone else in that situation we know what can be done to help.  It just takes our compassion and willingness.  Have I made a difference for someone? Or am I too wrapped up in "my things"?   Lord, help me to be aware of the needs.        Now......just thinking about allllllll those leaves on our lawn and the mulching mower is broken. . . perhaps I can get a leaf party going???  Or maybe do the Tom Sawyer thing...build a leaf pile and start jumping in it....well if I did that - maybe someone would at least pick my broken bones up off the ground and get me to the hospital.    May you have the blessing today of good friends and labourers for Christ!!

Also remember my GIVEAWAY.  Click here for details.