Many people may call you friend in this life but a true and faithful friend is a rare gift indeed. Throughout my life people have said to me, “You have a lot of friends.” Actually, I know a lot of people but in reality I count very few as friends.
A friend is there through the ups and downs. A friend may see your shortcomings but comes along side of you anyway. A friend prays you up and covers you at all times. A friend does not share your personal information or anything you have shared with them. My motto
There is so much offense and division today on every level. Division is a burgeoning split that threatens our homes, our relationships, our communities, our country and the world. Most importantly, a divisive spirit can reside in your heart, for in the end, it is always a heart issue.
As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to “love one another.” This may sound easy enough at face value. But sadly, if you follow the news today it is hard to see this being played out. Do not let what is going on around you be discouraging.
Yesterday I was speaking with a single mom on the phone. She walked into the kitchen to find a broken dish with orange slices all over the floor as her young son ran out of the room. She called him back to her. He came crying saying it was an accident. She asked if he was OK. Through his little tears he said yes. She then hugged him and said, “We can get another dish but I cannot get another you. There is only one you! I am happy you are safe.”
Miracles happen in an instant. Often there is no long lead in, just an instantaneous miraculous moment when all things shift. Throughout the Bible God’s handiwork is prefaced by, “Now it happened…”
Believe in the ‘now.’ Believe in the possibility of ‘it happened,’ whatever ‘it’ may be in your life. Your struggle may be health related, relationship centered, financial or employment focused.
Whatever ‘it’ may be for you, know that God is bigger than all you see around you. He sees your entire situation, far beyond what you can think or imagine. He sees exactly what you need (not to
Are you the same as you were last year? Life should change you. Learning from life experiences should grow you in a positive way. If you remain the same year after year or let life experiences damage who you are, you miss out on the kaleidoscope of possibility that life has to offer.
Jesus died to set you free. If you are bound by your past, your present, your heart (remember, it is always a heart issue), look to Him as the Author and Finisher of your faith.
So many people have walled off parts of their heart as they
Do not limit yourself within the confines of what you may know to be comfortable. Often a comfort zone is anything but comfortable in the end. Sometimes a new horizon can shift you into an expanded, wider place. Do not limit yourself and do not let anyone else limit you.
I am not saying to forsake responsibilities. What I am saying is to reevaluate your life and if you know you are called to more, then pursue that. To remain in the narrow confines of your own or someone else’s limitations is to severely diminish your life potential.
Last week I attended the funeral of a wonderful husband and father who had blessed our community for decades with his culinary skills and gracious presence. My heart broke for the family he left behind and for all who loved him. I so enjoyed watching he and his wife, the “love of his life,” Josephine, look at each other across the room at their restaurant. Even after 32 years together their love for each other was so very evident. There are no words to describe the effect of his sudden unexpected death.
There is such a buzz now about ‘fake news.’ Fake news is nothing new although it has reached epic proportion in our time.
When I worked in Washington, D.C. I would sit in interviews and when I would read the account later in the newspaper there would be just a thread of truth. It was never really close to the whole truth as originally presented.
So…listen lightly and know that only God knows the whole truth in any situation. As humans we do not even know the whole truth about ourselves and what lies in our hearts (remember, it is
When someone shares their deepest thoughts and struggles with you, they have given you access to their heart (and it is always a heart issue!). Matters of the heart open sacred space. Step lightly. Proceed with the utmost care. For, you have been entrusted with the most delicate issues.
Do not judge. Do not condemn. Never share with others. Just listen with your heart wide open. Listen with the compassion of Christ. Use wisdom, discernment and encouragement. Pray for one another.
Each of us is wounded. Some process differently than others. Some do not process at all but rather build
