THE BLESSING OF FRIENDSHIP

I'm discovering that I just love FB (that's Facebook for you who have not ventured into the great Internet craze!) I read in the newspaper today that more and more middle age people are joining the ranks of the Facebook phenomenon. I'm telling you those college kids who started this whole thing are on to something!

I absolutely love that I can sign in and see what my buddies in Mississippi, Texas, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, etc. are doing. I am blessed daily to check in on my kids and their families all in the comfort of my little study and without burning minutes on my cell phone. I'm blown away to pray for sick children or mission trips around the world from my little corner of Texas. Life is good! It's not as good as going for coffee together, but it sure blesses my heart to get to stay in touch.

Of all the blessing I have been given, friends stand out as one of God's best in my life. There are some folks who have been a part of my "family of friends" for over 30years. There is not much they do not know about me. They have seen me at my best and at my worst. Sometimes that transformation from best to worst has occurred in less than an hour! There are other people who have come into my life because they have shared my life and allowed me to share theirs.

As I think about what it is that friends so special, I am reminded of all those who have blessed my life. I still have friends that I have known from school. I grew up in a small town, so I graduated with many who began first grade with me. We became friends because of the common denominators of age, geography and similar likes and dislikes. (Mostly we agreed from one week to the next who we liked or disliked!) Those were the friends I dreamed and planned with.

I have other friends who came into my life when I became a young wife and mom. Our friendship was based on common interests and limitations. (We could only eat out where the floors were tiled and highchairs were provided!) We never completed a sentence during those years, because we were interrupted every minute by one child or another. These are the friends who help keep my family together. Amazing relationships came from this time in my life.

As I grew older, others came to share in my life and we walked according to need and interests. Age, race, politics or religion were not nearly as important as the person. God taught me so much through those years of friendship. I watched my buddies battle cancer, the loss of mates, rebellious children and straying husbands. I watched them become stronger through the battles they faced. These friends made me strong. I became strong as they allowed me to stand beside them on the battle lines.

Every new friend has been blessed by the gifts in my life given by an old friend. I have been changed by the gifts their friends and friendships left in mine. Whether you connect through FB, email, telephone or a lunch date. Make the time this week for your friends. We couldn't make it without one another!

A FUN AFTERNOON

I had such a great afternoon speaking to the ladies at Jersey Village Baptist Church here in the Houston area. (I wish I had taken my camera, you would have loved the pictures!) Women from the church modeled outfits from an upscale consignment shop. Darling women and cute clothes. Then Erika Wise from Star of Hope Mission spoke for a few minutes about the ministry she is involved in. They meet the needs of women trying to get their lives together after some really difficult circumstances. All the women who attended the event this afternoon brought "gently worn" outfits that Erika was taking back to her office to help these ladies out. We had the cutest little cupcakes for dessert and then I had the honor of sharing a little with these precious ladies. I spoke about "What Not to Wear" in a spiritual sense instead of the fashion sense that TLC's Stacy and Clinton do.

I got so into the whole fashion show thing, that I closed out my time with a runway commentary. I thought I would share with you what I think THE GOD SEEKING, FAITH FINDING, WORD FOLLOWING WOMAN is wearing this Summer season. (Col.3:12-14)

First of all, HER COUNTENANCE IS GLOWING because she KNOWS she is dearly loved by God. She is not first on the runway of life because she let her new neighbor go first. She’s holding back, watching and applauding the loudest for her new friend who has just come out victorious in her latest battle. For those who knew this WORD FOLLOWING woman before, you will hardly recognize her. She just looks so peaceful there in the background. She seems so comfortable with her circumstances, she actually looks younger, it makes me think surely she has had a FAITH LIFT! Reports have said she was really nervous about this year and its events, BUT GOD has obviously assured her she was gifted and qualified for tasks ahead.
She was WEARING TRUTH in a way that looked really good on her. Her NEW CLOTHES FIT HER PERFECTLY. It is like they were CUSTOM MADE just for her. I’m told the LABEL and DESIGN HOUSE is called “THE GREAT I AM ENOUGH” and just from looking, you can tell HE CERTAINLY IS. HE has dressed her perfectly in the wardrobe HE picked out for her: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength and discipline are woven through the fabric of each of the garments she is wearing. I understand the WRAP she is wearing is called LOVE. It really is an outstanding accessory perfect for all climates and always in style. No Woman of God should ever leave home without it.

I encourage you to watch your "spiritual" wardrobe this week. I know I'm going to.

Thank you JVBC for the invitation and privilege of serving with you today.

A WASTED DAY

Today's been a rather difficult day for me. Nothing is wrong. My family is wonderful, healthy and growing. As far as I know, there are no crises on the horizon. But today, I have been nearly crippled by fear. All the "what ifs" of my world have been screaming in my soul. They have spoken so loudly, they have overcome the still, small voice that brings me peace. I know the scriptures about "fear" very well. Most of them have been cross-stitched in my heart for years. I've hung them framed throughout my house. I know my Savior did not give me a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and self-discipline. I am reminded often that perfect love casts out fear (His perfect love, my irrational fears).

While I might know the truth, today I made a choice to walk in the enemy's lies and I am exhausted. Finally about 8:00 I sat down with my Bible and my journal. (It was 8:00 in the evening, I'm such a slow learner!)As I poured my fearful heart out to the Lord, He poured His love and His peace into mine. With only a couple hours before bedtime, I am at rest.

What a waste of a perfect day. I am so grateful His mercies are new every morning, aren't you? Tomorrow will definately be a better day!