It seems like there has been so much tragedy and illness in our community lately and with people I know and love. There have been tragic deaths, injuries, illnesses. We try to help others in need but often they say "I don't need help. God is in control. He will help me."
Well, that brings to mind a story of a man who was sitting on his roof during a flood. First, a boat came by to take him to safety. He refused help and said he trusted God to save him. Next, another boat came by and tried to take him to safety. He again refused and gave the same response. Finally, a helicopter came and tried to take him to safety. Again he refused, saying he trusted God to take care of him.
Finally, the man drowned and went to heaven. He had one pressing question - "Lord, I trusted in you. Why didn't you save me?" The Lord replied: "I tried - I sent two boats and a helicopter!"
The point to this story is don't be blind to the ways that God may be trying to help you! He may be sending friends your way to ease your load and to rescue you from your problems! And, on the other hand, if you see a way to do good and to help someone. Don't deny God the chance to use you as an instrument for his Kingdom!
Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good.
Ephesians 5:16 (TLB)
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A LONG BUT BLESSED DAY
It has been a really, really long day. I am not used to getting up at 6 in the morning anymore! My body truly cannot handle a 12 hour day. I am physically and mentally exhausted. But, as exhausted as I am and even though I know it will take me a few days to recover from today, it has truly been a great day. I got a lot accomplished, made a few dollars, met a friend for lunch, handed out some flyers for a Community Thanksgiving Dinner that my friend is organizing, purchased a vacuum cleaner for my daughter which she desperately needs for her allergies, talked to another friend on the phone - just a good day overall.
I am so grateful when I have days that I can do things and accomplish things because there are many days where I can't. I feel blessed that God has given me days that I can feel part of the world and not so isolated. And even though there are days that I am unable to do much of anything, I still feel truly blessed for the life God has given me.
Even though I am exhausted tonight, I am very happy. I once read where someone said "It is better to wear out doing good than to rust out doing little or nothing." I am so grateful that today was a day that I was able to wear out doing good!
Lord, instead of complaining and be depressed about the days that I can't do anything, I pray that You will help me to be grateful for the days like today that I can do things. Help me to see all the many blessings Y0u have given me. Show me ways, Lord, where I can serve You even on those days when I am limited. Help me to see that everyday is a beautiful day when we serve You, in any way we can. I thank you, Lord, for all that You have done for me and all the blessings You have bestowed on me. I truly am blessed.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 NIV
I am so grateful when I have days that I can do things and accomplish things because there are many days where I can't. I feel blessed that God has given me days that I can feel part of the world and not so isolated. And even though there are days that I am unable to do much of anything, I still feel truly blessed for the life God has given me.
Even though I am exhausted tonight, I am very happy. I once read where someone said "It is better to wear out doing good than to rust out doing little or nothing." I am so grateful that today was a day that I was able to wear out doing good!
Lord, instead of complaining and be depressed about the days that I can't do anything, I pray that You will help me to be grateful for the days like today that I can do things. Help me to see all the many blessings Y0u have given me. Show me ways, Lord, where I can serve You even on those days when I am limited. Help me to see that everyday is a beautiful day when we serve You, in any way we can. I thank you, Lord, for all that You have done for me and all the blessings You have bestowed on me. I truly am blessed.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 NIV
Friday, March 28, 2008
FRIENDS AND FAMILY
I went to Atlanta for a few days with my daughter over her spring break. To be honest, I was very nervous. I was afraid to see people I hadn't seen in several years - feared I had aged too much and looked too ill.
In hindsight, how ridiculous that fear was! I had a wonderful time. I got to spend Easter with two families that I care very much for and laughed more than I have in a very long time. It was so good to catch up on old times and make new memories! Although I did not get to see everyone I wanted to because I did not have a car while I was there, even those I did not see were in my heart when I thought about all the wonderful memories.
So much has changed in my life over the last 10 years. Nothing is like it was or like I thought it would be. But, it is how God had it planned, and it is perfect!
Sometimes I wonder how I will make it financially, how I will make it physically and emotionally, but God is always there and always gets me through. He has brought so many wonderful friends in my life who mean more to me than I could ever express, and they are my friends no matter how far apart we are.
I was so grateful that my daughter and her boyfriend let me ride to Atlanta with them because I couldn't have gone by myself. The trip truly helped me realize, once again, that I am right where I am supposed to be but that no matter how far away I am, I truly have friends and family in Atlanta and wonderful friends in West Virginia, and lots of places in between! I truly never have to be lonely - I do have "family"!
Thank you, Lord, for the family you have given me. Thank you for the gift of friends who are just like my family. You have truly blessed me with the most wonderful friends and family to help me through the hard times and to share the good times! I pray that I can be just as good a friend to them as they are to me!
God sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:6
Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you. Mark 5:19
In hindsight, how ridiculous that fear was! I had a wonderful time. I got to spend Easter with two families that I care very much for and laughed more than I have in a very long time. It was so good to catch up on old times and make new memories! Although I did not get to see everyone I wanted to because I did not have a car while I was there, even those I did not see were in my heart when I thought about all the wonderful memories.
So much has changed in my life over the last 10 years. Nothing is like it was or like I thought it would be. But, it is how God had it planned, and it is perfect!
Sometimes I wonder how I will make it financially, how I will make it physically and emotionally, but God is always there and always gets me through. He has brought so many wonderful friends in my life who mean more to me than I could ever express, and they are my friends no matter how far apart we are.
I was so grateful that my daughter and her boyfriend let me ride to Atlanta with them because I couldn't have gone by myself. The trip truly helped me realize, once again, that I am right where I am supposed to be but that no matter how far away I am, I truly have friends and family in Atlanta and wonderful friends in West Virginia, and lots of places in between! I truly never have to be lonely - I do have "family"!
Thank you, Lord, for the family you have given me. Thank you for the gift of friends who are just like my family. You have truly blessed me with the most wonderful friends and family to help me through the hard times and to share the good times! I pray that I can be just as good a friend to them as they are to me!
God sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:6
Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you. Mark 5:19
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
THE RIGHT WORDS TO SAY
A friend of mine is going through a really trying time. I don't even know all of the circumstances but I do know that she is hurting. I have tried so hard to be there for her through it all but sometimes I feel like I just don't say the right things, that I sound more like I am preaching.
Lord, give me the right words to say to her. Help me to let her know that even though I am not right beside her physically, I am beside her with my arms around her. Let me be able to show her how much I love her and how much You love her. Give me for the wisdom to know when to speak, what to say, and how to say it.
Lord, thank you for Your love, for your wisdom, for your patience. Help us to remember that no matter what we do, You are always there for us. Help us to show your love and patience to others when they are in need. Help us to always be a friend to others and not judge them, just love them.
A friend is a friend for all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17
Lord, give me the right words to say to her. Help me to let her know that even though I am not right beside her physically, I am beside her with my arms around her. Let me be able to show her how much I love her and how much You love her. Give me for the wisdom to know when to speak, what to say, and how to say it.
Lord, thank you for Your love, for your wisdom, for your patience. Help us to remember that no matter what we do, You are always there for us. Help us to show your love and patience to others when they are in need. Help us to always be a friend to others and not judge them, just love them.
A friend is a friend for all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17
Monday, February 4, 2008
KEEP THE FORK - THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
A friend of mine sent this to me today. I haven't seen her in so very long but she is so close to my heart. This really touched me and I hope it does you, too!
A Woman and a Fork
There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.
She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. "There's one more thing," she said excitedly. "What's that?" came the Pastor's reply. "This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."
The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.
That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the Pastor.
The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming... like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork the best is yet to come."
The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.
At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled. During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.
So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us. Show your friends how much you care. Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be their time to "Keep their fork." Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share... being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.
Thank you, Lord, for my friends that I cherish so much! And thank you, Lord, for the blessed assurance that the best is yet to come!!
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring under his control, will tranform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Phillipians 3:20-21
A Woman and a Fork
There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.
She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. "There's one more thing," she said excitedly. "What's that?" came the Pastor's reply. "This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."
The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.
That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the Pastor.
The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming... like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork the best is yet to come."
The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.
At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled. During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.
So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us. Show your friends how much you care. Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be their time to "Keep their fork." Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share... being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.
Thank you, Lord, for my friends that I cherish so much! And thank you, Lord, for the blessed assurance that the best is yet to come!!
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring under his control, will tranform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Phillipians 3:20-21
Friday, February 1, 2008
THE PROBLEM WITH PAIN!
The problem with pain is that it comes in many forms. Physical pain, emotional pain, financial pain. It can test us to our limits. Pain can overwhelm us at times and plunge us into deep discouragement and despair. We often wonder if we can handle the pain any longer - it is there in the morning, at night - unrelentless pain!
It truly is possible to handle such pain. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed by the pain it seems that we can't even pray. But God is present, close and caring, even if we are unable to ask for His help. He can and will get us through the pain.
God will provide friends to encourage us and pray for us. He will provide doctors and medicines to help heal us. He will give us the faith and strength to conquer whatever we face! In our worst moments, shattered by pain in body, mind and spirit, God has promised not to leave us alone or without comfort.
Thank you, Lord, that in the midst of the pain You are always there to give us the strength to get us through the pain. Thank you for the friends, the doctors, and the courage You give us!
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE - POINT OF GRACE
It truly is possible to handle such pain. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed by the pain it seems that we can't even pray. But God is present, close and caring, even if we are unable to ask for His help. He can and will get us through the pain.
God will provide friends to encourage us and pray for us. He will provide doctors and medicines to help heal us. He will give us the faith and strength to conquer whatever we face! In our worst moments, shattered by pain in body, mind and spirit, God has promised not to leave us alone or without comfort.
Thank you, Lord, that in the midst of the pain You are always there to give us the strength to get us through the pain. Thank you for the friends, the doctors, and the courage You give us!
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE - POINT OF GRACE
Saturday, January 26, 2008
TRUE FRIENDS
Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away.
--George Eliot
Do you have such a friend? Are you such a friend??
Thank you, Lord, for the dear friends I have, both near and far, who make me feel safe and loved. Help me to be a true friend to others.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
FRIENDS - MICHAEL W. SMITH
--George Eliot
Do you have such a friend? Are you such a friend??
Thank you, Lord, for the dear friends I have, both near and far, who make me feel safe and loved. Help me to be a true friend to others.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
FRIENDS - MICHAEL W. SMITH
Friday, January 11, 2008
DELIGHT ONLY IN HIM
There are times when we all worry about our appearance. We are too fat, too skinny, too many wrinkles, the list goes on and on. I certainly worry too much about my appearance. Since I have been ill and because of the medications, my appearance has changed dramatically. It has made me very insecure.
Today as I as praying about what to write in my devotion, I came across this verse that I thought was perfect for how I was feeling about myself:
"His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of man; the Lord delights in those who fear him,who put their hope in his unfailing love." Psalm 147:10-11
This verse really struck me. I deal not only with worrying about my weight but about the fact that sometimes I don't walk well, my legs don't work well at times. I worry about how others view me when I walk slowly or have a funny gait. I realized that I am sometimes more worried about others opinions than I am about God's!
God does not care how I look or how I walk. He cares about what is in my heart!
God has given me a wonderful daughter and wonderful friends who don't care about anything but the person I am - not what I look like! I am so grateful to Him for that!
Let us all remember that God loves us and what us to be happy! We all come in different shapes and sizes, different health issues, some people have more finances than others. We are all different. Our worth is not based on our outer appearance. God loves each of us - no matter what! He just wants us to live for Him and put our hope in Him!!
Lord, while I may not have perfect health or the perfect body, I do have the perfect life You have given me and I praise You for that! Thank you for the friends and family You have given me who love me! Thank you for Your love! Let me always put my hope and faith in You!
Today as I as praying about what to write in my devotion, I came across this verse that I thought was perfect for how I was feeling about myself:
"His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of man; the Lord delights in those who fear him,who put their hope in his unfailing love." Psalm 147:10-11
This verse really struck me. I deal not only with worrying about my weight but about the fact that sometimes I don't walk well, my legs don't work well at times. I worry about how others view me when I walk slowly or have a funny gait. I realized that I am sometimes more worried about others opinions than I am about God's!
God does not care how I look or how I walk. He cares about what is in my heart!
God has given me a wonderful daughter and wonderful friends who don't care about anything but the person I am - not what I look like! I am so grateful to Him for that!
Let us all remember that God loves us and what us to be happy! We all come in different shapes and sizes, different health issues, some people have more finances than others. We are all different. Our worth is not based on our outer appearance. God loves each of us - no matter what! He just wants us to live for Him and put our hope in Him!!
Lord, while I may not have perfect health or the perfect body, I do have the perfect life You have given me and I praise You for that! Thank you for the friends and family You have given me who love me! Thank you for Your love! Let me always put my hope and faith in You!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
JUST FOR TODAY
Just for today -
Mend a quarrel, search out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage others. Manifest your loyalty in a word or deed.
Keep a promise. Find the time. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Examine your demand on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more.
Express your gratitude. Worship God. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of God's good earth. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still again. Speak it still once again.
--- Author Unknown
Mend a quarrel, search out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage others. Manifest your loyalty in a word or deed.
Keep a promise. Find the time. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Examine your demand on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more.
Express your gratitude. Worship God. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of God's good earth. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still again. Speak it still once again.
--- Author Unknown
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
ONE OF GOD'S GREATEST GIFTS
One of God's greatest gifts are friends - both old and new. I have been so blessed with friends. Today made me realize it even more. I received an out of the blue email from a fairly new friend here in Morgantown who I haven't talked to in a while who just wondered how I was doing and if she could do anything for me. And of course I always have my best friend to lean on through good times and bad, no matter how far apart we are. Don't know what I would do without her! And there are so many others God has placed in my life. I am so grateful!
Dear God, I want to thank You for putting these people in my life. They are such gifts from Your hand to my heart. Bless them today!
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
Dear God, I want to thank You for putting these people in my life. They are such gifts from Your hand to my heart. Bless them today!
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)