The Hope of Christmas

It was not surprising.  The church was filled to capacity on Christmas Eve. Folks who showed up once or twice a year were there.  The “Specialty Christians” she had dubbed them.  Usually felt the call on Easter and Christmas.  But it was good that they were there. Perhaps this service, this congregation, would ignite the thought to come more often.

Her oldest son sat beside her husband at the end of the pew.  Daughter in law and younger son to her right.  Young granddaughter roamed between them all.  Her granddaughter’s mommy was in the choir loft, readying to sing her solo part with the a cappella group.

The service was lovely.  The sanctuary filled with red Poinsettias, beautiful words and music.  Young granddaughter sang along, not knowing most of the words. Communion proved to be a challenge, but forgetting the bread, granddaughter entertained herself with the neighbors behind them. And then, the long awaited ending.  Rows of candleholders singing “Silent Night.”  She was reluctant, at first, to hold a lighted candle…for fear of her granddaughter torching the lady sitting in front of them. But her son gave her an encouraging nod and she shared the candle flame with her husband. 

For a few moments, it became a tug of war with her granddaughter over who was to hold the candle.  The rights fell to the grandmother who was holding her granddaughter with one arm and the candle with the empty hand.  Soon the granddaughter was in awe of the warm candle glow throughout the sanctuary.  “Ooh, it’s dark,” she said, as she looked up at the ceiling and out through the wavy window glass reflecting the lights on the Chrismon Tree.

Perhaps it was a combination of the softness and the majesty of the evening, but as the grandmother looked at the reflection of the single candle light in her granddaughter’s eyes, she shed a tear for the hope that Christmas brings.  Her granddaughter would never be this sweet, beautiful age again, but the memory of this evening and the wonder of Christ’s birth would live on.

“Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.” Psalm 97:11.

Home Sweet Home

How blessed we are to have a home that is warm in winter and cool in summer. A home in a safe neighborhood with nice neighbors. The word "home" brings pleasant thoughts. A fireside, a special room, a happy family. I remember my grandmother telling me about her elderly mother who had come to live with her. My grandparents were busy with four children of their own but they always had room for one more. When her own mother came to stay, she told my grandmother, "I would rather live in a hovel with you than in any fine palace in Britain."

After all, it isn't really the walls and roof of a home that means the most. It is the people living there who can make you feel like a queen or a servant. God has taught us to love and respect one another and if we follow His word, the rooms we inhabit will forever be blessed.  Isaiah 32:18 says, "My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places."

Memories are made of the simplest things. A clean bed, a warm meal, sharing the sofa with a family member or friend. "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."   1John 4:11.  

 

Be thankful,count your blessings, and share them with others!

  

One bright star...

“He turns not back who is bound to a star” Leonardo daVinci

Cool Autumn weather brings clear night skies and a perfect time to view the firmament.  I remember as a child, getting up in the darkness to take a family trip.  Up before the sun and sleepy-eyed, filled with excitement for the day ahead. Watching from my back seat window as the car rambled down the road, and searching... for the brightest star.

         

Numbers 24-17 says, "Falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel." Clearly, the brightest star shall lead us. His name is Jesus Christ. No other is the brightest star.

 

It is a great comfort to know the star is always there; even on a cloudy night, He leads us. "We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." 2Peter 1:19. When we ask Jesus into our heart, there is no longer clouds or darkness, but light.

Revelation 22:16 says, “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” Do not fear or worry, look to the brightest morning star. Faith will guide you...and faith is all you need.

Poetry in nature...

There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.  ~Minnie Aumonier

I am a huge fan of trees. Not just oaks or maples, but trees in general. I love to gaze at their shapes, their colors, the way they reach up to heaven.  Trees provide enjoyment in the ascent of their branches by young climbers or in the cool shade at the base of their trunks for those with less energy.

Some of my favorite Bible verses are about trees. Psalms 52:8 says, "But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the loving kindness of God forever and ever."

"I will put the cedar in the wilderness, The acacia and the myrtle and the olive tree; I will place the juniper in the desert Together with the box tree and the cypress, That they may see and recognize, And consider and gain insight as well, That the hand of the LORD has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it." Isaiah 41:19-20.

My favorite verse is Isaiah 55:12: "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."

Indeed, there is poetry in nature. In every musical movement of leaves on branches, swaying rhythmically  in the wind. In every expression of new growth in spring and even in the stark limbs of winter. It is all God's creative gift to us. The Bible was written long ago, but even today it offers us glimpses of the poetry and wonder of the Lord.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Wanting it all...

On a recent trip to the Florida coast, my husband and I returned from a long beach walk to encounter a strange sight involving a bagel.  What looked like a whirlwind of white, was a flock of gulls, each trying his best to claim the bagel for his own.

One of the more decisive gulls snatched the bagel and tried to fly away with his catch. Time after time he attempted to take flight and time after time the bagel proved too heavy to lift. Watching this comedy of errors made me think that seagulls are much like humans. We tend to dream big and to want it all. Hebrews 13:16 says, "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." As children we are taught to share, but as life goes on, the lesson tends to get lost in translation.

 

The seagull?  Well, he learned to eat what he needed and leave the rest for others who are also hungry. Being selfish was much harder on him in the long run than sharing with the flock.  

It was a great visual lesson to all of us beach walkers who were able to take time off for a holiday, complete with wonderful meals and comfortable lodging. We must never forget to thank God for our blessings and, being more like Him, offer what we can in kindness to others.

        

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15.

   

 

 

Summer pleasures...

With the arrival of Autumn, I reluctantly cast a look back on the wonderful warmth of summer as it sifts through time.  It is hard to break a habit, and I have felt this way about summer all my life. 

Remember the last day of school?  The sweet sadness about leaving a favorite teacher or special friends for a long stretch of summer? Three full months lay ahead....a child's dream. Time moved more slowly in those days and each summer day was filled with a newness, showered in sunshine and play.  "As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near." Luke 21-30.

 

Now the pace of summer quickens and we face Autumn, stubbornly wanting to hold fast to what we love. Cooler days and falling leaves lead into the bleak, coldness of winter.  Sweet memories of summer can warm our thoughts, but only God can light the flame in our hearts.

 

"Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains." James 5:7.

 

Summer is fleeting, but isn't it amazing how God gives us beauty and blessings in each coming season?  Yet, as the months rotate through the year, we are promised that God never changes. How blessed we are that He remains constant in our world and in our lives!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you want?

“Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.”
― Pearl S. Buck

Recently, I celebrated a birthday.  My husband asked, "What do you want?"  Throughout the years, this question has become increasingly difficult to answer.  I am not lacking a material thing. I have family, friends, and joy in my life. I am content.

But there is one thing that no one on earth can give me.  My life is a gift from above, and therefore; through God's grace, I want to be a better Christian.  Proverbs 16:20 says, "Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord."

 Each day I pray to be a gift in some way, through thought, word, and deed.  I want to live this year with greater praise and active fulfillment of God's word. Think about it: Each day we live is an awesome gift. It is time to give back.

    "Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24.

Lending a hand...

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”
― John Wesley

 Every day there are ways to help others.  In our hearts we know this, but we often let distractions rule our minutes. We don't take the time to stop and assist someone; we are in a hurry. Recently I had the opportunity to help families in our community who aren't as fortunate.  I helped distribute new and used clothing and school supplies to children who would otherwise not be able to attend their first day of school with a new outfit or a backpack filled with crayons, pencils or notebooks.

To see children excited about a gently worn shirt or pair of pants was humbling.  When they moved on to the boxes of new clothing, their excitement mounted. Each child was able to choose their favorite color and style and spoke with joy about wearing that outfit on their first day of school!

Micah 6;8 says, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"  Each day we are given the opportunity to do good deeds. We can look the other way or we can offer our hands. In helping others, we not only become a blessing, but we are also richly blessed.

"Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours." 

                                                                      Teresa of Avila







           

Love and understanding...

Humor for today:
A boy says, "Daddy, Daddy, I want to get married!"
The father says, "For that you have to have a boy and a girl."
The son says, "I've found a girl."
"And who might that be ?" his father responds.
"My grandmother."
"Let me get this straight," the father says. "You want to marry my mother? You can't do that."
"Well, why not ?" the son says. "You married mine!"

Children verbalize the sweetest thoughts! Their fresh little minds are constantly acquiring and trying to assess new information.  In their minds, many of the sweet things they say are fact.  And with love and understanding, they learn as they grow.

Just as children learn and love, reading the Bible gives us new understanding and love for our Lord. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."  We are given the recipe for a good life in just one book. Our education will last a lifetime if we are diligent in our studies. And benefits?  We will forever be children of God and loved by Him who designed us.

 John 1:1 says,  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." We are never too young or too old to learn and understand. How blessed we are that God awaits.

 

 

Quiet time...

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."-  Marcus Aurelius 

Do you have nights when you can't sleep?  I do.  Sometimes early in the morning, after tossing and turning and watching the clock, I decide to get up. I arise in the darkness, unaware of what the day has in store. This is quiet time. Though tired, I find silent comfort in being up before the dawn. I sit and read my devotional. I have a personal conversation with God without distraction, because I know He is here. "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him..." Psalm 37:7.

Soon comes the sun and the daylight brightens the cool of night. The flowers lift their heads to the sunlight, the branches of trees stretch just a bit higher and, for this moment, all is right with the world.

The joy of the morning gives us the strength of the day.  From quiet solace we are able to move to the symphony of life. And, when it becomes too hectic, we find peace in the word of God: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10.

When the tears flow...

"Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariable excites the sensitive soul to tears." Edgar Allan Poe.
 
I admit it: I am a crier. And I don't cry over sadness exclusively.  Most of the time, my tears are tears of love and joy. When I see a beautiful sunset or hear the lyrics to a beautiful hymn, I cry. As I get older, it happens more frequently.

Life brings many emotions, yet the expression of tears seems to be the deepest, and most heartfelt.
Jeremiah 31:9 offers such feeling,"Tears of joy will stream down their faces, and I will lead them home with great care.'  Comforting words for those who weep.

I had never considered tears as a gift until recently.  God gave me the emotion and the tears; therefore, I should not be embarrassed to shed them.  Writer John Ortberg says, "When we see beauty that overwhelms us; when we see acts of compassion that make us choke up; when we feel longing so deep and sweet that everything else in our life recedes; when the turn of a phrase or a bar of music catches us off guard and takes our breath away--then perhaps it is something more than just an aesthetic experience.  Then it is God within us, indwelling every cell in our body, calling out for us to see and open ourselves up to his presence all around us."

Life can be experienced through smiles and through tears.  Remember to praise God for each of these gifts.

                                                    Source: YunaArt

How can you not believe??

A new baby is such a miracle.  A tiny being shaped in His image.  Looking at our new grandchild, I ponder the question: How can you not believe? Each little finger, smile, and dimple are fashioned by Him. God shaped all glories of  heaven and earth, but man is the ultimate masterpiece of God's creation.

"Thine hands have made me and fashioned me." Job 10:8.

 

Even a greater part of the miracle is The Word telling us that when we were each created, God had a plan for us. Jeremiah 1:5 tells us, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you..."

 

Like a new rosebud opening in the dawn of day, each newborn is given the covenant of our Father. Each one of us is blessed in His name. We are each a miracle of the Lord.

 

 

 

 

Isaiah 43:1  "....I have called you by name, you are mine."

Learning patience...

 

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them– every day begin the task anew.”  ~ Francis de Sales

Being patient.  To some, it is a hard virtue to practice.  We go about our days, looking forward to one thing or other.  Soon that event will arrive, but it is hard to wait for it. We are like children waiting for our special day!  Or we are tired, hurting and don't feel like taking our time to understand a loved one. It is quite a test to be patient. "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience..." Colossians 3:12.

God was very patient with many Bible characters.  He waited and listened and still waited.  If we are to be Christ-like, we must practice the test of patience.  God knows when we are earnestly trying and our reward shall be far greater than a special day on earth.

"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." James 5: 7-8.

Inner loveliness...

"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it." Confucius

The garden is alive with color now.  Golden daylilies, blue agapanthus, purple balloon flowers, red roses.  To outward appearances, everything is beautiful.

And when we view other humans, what do we see?  Beautiful complexions, long flowing hair, the perfect outfit, a winning smile?  Are we too focused on the outward to see the most beautiful soul within? 

1 Peter 3:3-4 says, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

We humans are souls living within bodies.  We sometimes forget that God put us here in our earthly bodies to do His good work.  He made everyone perfect in His sight. Therefore, we should not judge others by how they look; rather by how they help. Life is short.  We can either spend it worrying about our outward appearance, or we can live each day fulfilling God's love.

"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

A Precious Gift...

"The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present." Alice Morse Earle.

Wouldn't it be nice to know where life will take us?  We want our world to be wrapped up in a neat and tidy bow so that there are no unexpected surprises or setbacks.  But life is lived one day at a time. When we come to the realization that we are not guaranteed our days, each day becomes a precious gift. Psalms 90:12 says, "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

No matter what we plan, we are not in control. God has planned our birth and our death.  And, as we lead our busy lives in between those two events, we are meant to honor Him. Through our thoughts, deeds, actions and thankfulness we should give God the glory. Many times we feel as if we have wasted our days. God is patient and loving. We are allowed to begin anew. Take time today to be kind to a stranger, offer praise, or enjoy a sunset. Open your gift!

"Come now, you who say, “...You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes..." James 4:14.

A sense of accomplishment...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

                                                        source: {Getty images}
 A course of study seems to the student to be an endless amount of reading, studying, test taking, presentations, internships, and results.  The student might not think about the blessings that God has bestowed upon her.  How blessed she is to have been given the brains, the aspirations, and the ability to imagine the outcome!  There may be delays and setbacks, but with trusting focus comes the desire to accomplish a dream.

And so the months go by and soon, the golden ring is in sight!  A sense of worthiness and satisfaction is at hand. On graduation day, a prayer is spoken and a diploma is received.  But in this path of life, God lights the way.  Graduation is not an end, but a beginning.  A new opportunity with many more blessings. A time to listen to the Word. “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21.

 

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

 

Joyful giving

It always turns into a personal joy when we lend a hand to others.  Isn't that what God intended: a blessing to the person helping as well as to the person assisted?

When our oldest son was in fourth grade, he took it upon himself to befriend a student who was rarely included in "the group."  He spent time talking to him, helping him with school work, and including him in recess fun.  It made our son feel happy inside because no one should be without a friend.  It was a great lesson for the other students as well.  Not everyone marches to the same beat and that is why we are called individuals!

                                         { Source: Science Daily}

Philippians 2:3 says ,"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." Jesus spent his earthly life helping others.  He never thought of His own wants along His journey.  It is the least we can do to extend a hand in kindness. It is a joyful thing to do when we share God's smile.

With all my heart

It has been over a quarter century since our youngest came into the world.  The joys of a new baby and the adventures of childhood still remain tucked inside the part of my brain that smiles with special memories.  John 16:21 says, "When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for her joy that a human being has been born into the world."

What begins with nine months of anticipation does not end with the birth of your child.  There is anticipation for baby's first smile, first steps, first words... and soon it seems that every year is wrapped with new anticipation, joy, and much love.

Sweet moments of childhood, are revisited again and again through God's gift of memory.  Songs, the excitement of summer, friends, Sunday school, the "grand finale" Christmas present, soccer games, first job, goals, dreams, and prayers. And then, in the blink of an eye, college graduation, a successful profession, and a loving marriage.

The best part of it all?  That God has been there, a constant guide through life, blessing each of us with simple joys, many opportunities, and unfailing love.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 1:4.



         

Shades of green...

Before our granddaughter was born, I wrote about shades of spring green in her journal.  I thought when she was old enough, these thoughts would give her an appreciation for each small miracle of God.  In my own life, I find great hope in springtime as I survey the branches on a winding parkway, watching for signs of new growth. 

When my mother was living, we would welcome spring together with a favorite drive to experience the new leaves of green. Later, with failing eyesight, my mother wasn't able to enjoy the colors of the season. On my weekly visits, I would describe this glorious time of year while offering her a moment of new eyes filled with wonder. She never tired of hearing about the contrast of greens as their branches waved on a beautiful spring morning.

                                               [source: Mindful Walker]
There are still shades of green as the season progresses now with flowers of various color. Yet, each year as winter hangs on, my eyes look to the trees with new hope.

"The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food." Genesis 2:9.

Childhood memories

As we age, the blessings are in the memories.  Thank God for childhood memories where we can return to innocence and excitement in small doses.  In spring I like to return to the Easter memories of my youth.  When the grass turned green and the world seemed to awaken.  Easter vacation as it was called back then, was long awaited for a simple afternoon of  a dozen eggs and colorful dye. And the day prior to Easter Sunday, special flowers were picked to place on the cross at church.
 1 Timothy 4:12:  "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

Summer memories bring to mind swimming lessons, and playing diving games at the local pool. Vacation Bible school conjures up the smell of glue for crafts and graham crackers and juice. In summer, special friendships always grew closer and weekly adventures ranged from exploring the local creek to riding bikes through the vineyards. A family vacation, as summer drew to a close, usually meant camping and sightseeing in various states. Rewarding times of togetherness and love.

School years were filled with activities and memories special to each age. Even now, decades later, those times are brought to life through vivid recollection.  And so the years go by and new memories are made especially for our children and our grandchildren. We make the effort for them to experience the simple joys. All because God has blessed us with the capacity to remember own wonderful childhood.

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children—" Deuteronomy 4:9. 

Spring lambs...

When the landscape begins to green, there is an excitement about all things new.  As Easter approaches, we associate this time of year with birth and replenishment.  This is where lambs come into the picture. Spring is lambing season.  Those sweet little creatures frolic in the meadows and soon grow into woolly sheep.

Sheep are known to be followers. They follow to green pastures.  In Biblical times, sheep knew the sound of their shepherd's voice.  Even when grazing among other flocks, sheep would follow their own shepherd, not the voice of another. They were devoted to their shepherd because he would care for them.

"When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36.

Sheep are mentioned more times in the Bible than any other animal. Jesus was lovingly called the Lamb of God. And, aside from spring lambs, we are God's sheep and the people of His pasture. God cares for all of us and asks us simply to follow Him. His great compassion and love is enough to guide us through life.

This Easter season brings great joy and reaffirmation of faith.  Jesus was crucified for us so that we may know and follow our Good Shepherd. How blessed we are to be among His flock!

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:11.

Song of spring...

One morning you wake up and you just know.  Spring is arriving!  The song of spring is heard in the early morning, when the birds signal the beginning of a beautiful day.  The warbler calls out from above. Choruses of wrens and sparrows sing across the breeze.

Spring lifts our hearts with the song of color. The new beginnings of creation are evident in the landscape of life. Renewal in each blade of grass. The vivid hues of azaleas, wisteria and dogwoods speak to us like a famous painting or a special Bible verse. Each tree in our view eclipses the last in shades of spring green.
Life has begun anew and we are watching it, up close and personal!

"Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come..." Song of Solomon 2:12.

And, in each of our lives comes the realization that we are here for the present, to enjoy God's glorious gifts. His masterpiece of color shines around us and within us.  It is with regeneration of Spirit that we shine in the light of day. Spring! How can we not share the joy?

"As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field." Psalm 103:15.

Unconditional love

"Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, these quiet friends, is that they carry away with them so many years of our own lives."

John Galsworthy
 

How blessed we are, that God created such a wide variety of animals! Pets are one of the great joys in our lives. They patiently wait on us, happily greet us, and...best of all, they love us unconditionally. They provide endless comfort, adapt to new babies, and supply wonderful entertainment. 



We treat them like our kids, scolding them when they dig in the yard or bark at company, but we quickly forgive them because we love them like family.



When our pets suffer, we recognize our own mortality. We pray, asking God to gently guard these special creatures He has made. We whisper caring words and provide necessary medication. When it is time to let them go, we cry. We cry because we know there is no replacement for such dear companions who have devoted a lifetime to loving us.

"In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."Job 12:10

A friend, indeed.

"Strangers are just friends waiting to happen." ~Rod McKuen

Life is full of little surprises.  Making a new friend is always a treat for one's heart.  Sometimes, an instant connection pulls two beings together. Other times, new friendships may take extra work. But isn't friendship worth it?  How hard it would be to go through life without a friend!

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

A lifetime friend is a special blessing. Through the years, encouragement and strength become the ties that bind.  How sweet are memories shared through the long journey of life. Edith Wharton wrote: "There is one friend in the life of each of us who seems not a separate person, however dear and beloved, but an expansion, an interpretation, of one's self, the very meaning of one's soul." God surely blesses friends who are faithful through the years.

"But friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold." ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
                                              
Any friendship is a blessing, old or new.  Consider this: Jesus was your first friend.  Even better: He is always with you. He made your heart whole and lives in every breath you take. You are never alone. "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15. Blessings to you, my friend.

It may be up to you....

Recently our pastor discussed the idea that God sometimes places each of us in certain situations because we may be the only one who can help. I remembered a few recent events that, at the time, seemed a happy outcome, but upon further reflection, God's direction made perfect sense. Matthew 25:40 says,"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

A friend was spending a warm autumn afternoon at a corn maze/pumpkin farm with his family.  He encountered an older lady who was visibly upset, calling for her grandchild. She had left the young grandchild sitting outside the maze while she took her other grandchildren through it.  This event could have resulted in a child abduction or, at best, an injury to the child. My friend entered the maze, covered the vast area around the maze, and eventually found the child.

Another friend was at a popular dining establishment with her husband.  She decided to use the restroom while waiting for their table. Normally, the restroom was busy, but this night, she thought she was alone. From the handicap stall at the far end of the room, she heard a woman calling for help.  The woman was slurring her words and had ended up on the floor. Fearing the woman was having a stroke, my friend quickly went to the reservation desk and relayed the information.  She returned to stay with the woman until the ambulance came and paramedics were able to stabilize the woman. 

Is being in the right place at the right time a coincidence? Not at all.  God needs each of us to carry out His good work.  There may be times in your life where it is easier to walk away, but do not let your Father down. He has placed you there for a specific reason.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:1.