"There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friends sticks closer that a brother."
Proverbs 18:24
My Take Aways
Something Old:
Don't stop listening to instruction. Always be a student.
"If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"
Ecclesiastics 4:10
"If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"
Ecclesiastics 4:10
Something New:
The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself to bad friend, there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (AMP)
Don't seek to be a friend to many, especially those who are "a friend of the world."
Something to Do:
Be a sticky friend. If I hurt a friend, quickly restore the relationship.
Something to Do:
Be a sticky friend. If I hurt a friend, quickly restore the relationship.
28 Comments:
There are three verses in today's reading that I really enjoy.
Proverbs 17:17 a friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
Proverbs 18:24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
In 17:22 did you notice the word saps? Wendy gave us the word sap to mean stop and pray. In 17:22 this word is used to mean to take away someone's strength. When someone has a broken spirit and it saps their strength we aught to sap for them.
I looked up these three verses in the KJV and it seemed like parts of these verses meant something different. I have not yet looked at other versions.
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
I may not always leave a prayer for you all but I want you all to know that as I read a request I do sap and pray for you all during the day.
Dearest Wendy,
Your message effected me deeply today! Your love pours out of you and your tender heart is so present in you. Thank you!
Jennifer Renee, thank you for your post of the different translations of the verses that speak to you. It is good to look at the contrasts and seek a deeper meaning.
Ladies who posted yesterday, I sat in awe. I cannot tell you how much you all touched me! (I know I will leave someone out, so please accept my apologies for the omission up front) Jacque, Rhonda, Jeanne from NC, Dixie, Brandee, Lori, (and welcome Elizabeth; praying for your job situation), Amy, Allie, G&P, Jennifer Renee, Lynn, Susan, Susie.... So many cyber friends! I fell into a wonderful community and I am reveling in it!
Jeanne from NC, today opened up with a verse for you: Grandchildren are the crown of glory for the aged. Now, I am sure you are not aged, but I was really touched by your discussion re: taking care of your three precious grandchildren yesterday. A dear friend of mine began doing this when her first grandchildren were born, and though it is hard, though it is time consuming, though it limits her freedom to go shopping or for coffee with her friends, she finds she has been blessed in so many other ways and I don't think she would make a different decision today if she could do it over again.
Dixie, your words yesterday also resonated with me. I too react negatively when someone tells me they know just how I feel. Each person is different and the feelings of each are based on life experiences that are unique. Being open to the expression of grief, or frustration, or love, and listening with a sympathetic ear without inserting myself into the other person's feelings or situation, that is how I want to interact with my friends and my neighbors.
Today I also noticed the verses that spoke to how we are created to be in relationship (familial, communal, and with friends). Today's instruction for me was about being a peacemaker:
- Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separated close friends (ouch!) Prov. 17:9
- Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. Prov. 17:14
- An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city, Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. Prov. 18:19
- If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD- and He will repay you!
And several verses on parents and children, husbands and wives.
My to do today; don't start quarrels, don't keep record of wrongs, don't nag my husband, but fear the Lord and get all the instruction and advice I can today. Live in harmony.
I am traveling tomorrow to the US for 2.5 weeks. I am praying that my husband will find a job and be happy and feel productive while I am away. I will try to check in during my travels, and I will SAP for each of you along the way.
Blessings,
Karen, Basel
Wendy, I don't find it hard to read Proverbs but as I read I also sometimes find it challenging to zero in on a point. It was great to see that you also zeroed in on the word friend. I had a big smile on my face as I listened to you today.
Thank you for telling us about your bff. I have three friends who have stuck closer than a brother. I've mentioned them before, one being my Spiritual mom. The other two I've only known for a year. I cry quite often when I think about how much I love them and miss them and how much they love and care about me. They're always there to give me advice and encouragement.
My one friend Holly found a pillow that has "A friend loveth at all times" embroidered on it for us to give my Spiritual mom for her birthday. That's such a wonderful verse and fits my Spiritual mom so perfectly.
I'll be going to bed with sweet thoughts of my best friends.
(((HUGS))) to you all who have been a friend to me.
Wendy,
I got weepy with you when you mentioned your bff. It shows you really have a very special relationship. I agree with praying for a good friend. Sometimes when you pray, He will even give you -- 6 of them. Divine connections are the best because Jesus is the basis.
Karen,
Travel mercies for you as you travel back here. Are you going to be in the WEst Coast again?
Jen Ren (((HUGS))) back to you.
I will type my comments later.
G&P, yes I will be in the bay area, Salt Lake City, Boston, and back to the Bay Area before coming home on the 18th.
Michelle, I will be sending prayers and thoughts your way for the wedding! I can't wait to hear the stories and I hope Dennise can attend!
Loice, thanks for your prayer.
Jen Renee, such a touching story! Did your spiritual mom get the pillow yet or is it still to be gifted?
Peace-
Karen
I noticed, too, just how many times the word 'friend' popped up today. I think I need to go back and make a list of all those good 'friendly' qualities! And yes, still praying for a friend for those in need!
Wendy, I keep hoping you'll come to the Triangle or closer ... I'm watching ...
Off to get ready ... it's a firemuff day!
Wow Wendy, your vlog really touched me today. Especially as a kid, friends absolutely defined who I was; I too found my security in them. Some of those friends I have carried forward into today.
I too have found the Proverbs difficult. I find myself reading and re-reading the lines to really grasp the meaning. I read much better when it is in a story format.
A common thread I have seen in the readings of late is "understanding". When I read that word in the Bible I interpret it to go along with "wisdom"...and I now get it - that "fear of the Lord" begets true wisdom which is real understanding. If someone doesn't know personally our Lord and Savior they can not have true understanding/wisdom. It is impossible, because the real meaning of wisdom is fearing (reverence, respect, awe of) the Lord.
I agree G&P....the Lord is so good, sometimes He blesses my soul with a group of Sister Believers that become the best of friends!
Blessing to all on this Tuesday
Sister Believer
Morgen
Wendy Thanks for your weepy and your heart.
Lynn
Wendy and GIGS--sweet blessings to all of you this morning! Precious post...you touched our hearts. Friends truly are a gift from the Lord.
Did y'all notice 17:27? " A truly wise person uses few words...?" Hmm...that's one for ME to focus on! :)
Hugs!
Susan
Wendy,
Thanks for your message today. You gave me something to really think about, sometimes I feel like I need more friends, but maybe what I really need to do is grow the relationships with the ones I do have.
Hope everyone has a great day.
Renee
Good Morning GIGs! Thank you for the kind words through the weekend.
I kind of played word-nerd today on the verse that stood out for me 18:12 "Haughtiness (arrogance, pride, self-importance) goes before (lead to) destruction (the complete eradication, the end or termination), humility (humble, neither arrogant nor prideful) precedes (comes before, leads to) honor (respect, approval)"
My to do: look at my actions as I don't want to be haughty, rather I want to bring glory and honor to the Father.
Thanking the father for each of you and asking Him to meet the needs and the requests brought forth.
Loving you,
Gaylene
What a great post today Wendy! I went through a time right after I had my son where God pretty much took away all the friends I had. Looking back I see why He did this, the friends I had at the time were not Christians and not walking with Him and He wanted to draw me to Himself. During that first year of Will's life He sent me a dear friend by way of the weight watchers online program. We did not actually get to meet in person until about 3 years later but our friendship was just as close as if we were next door neighbors. She is the one who introduced me to Stormie Omartian, Beth Moore and Joyce Meyer. God used her in a big way in my life. I really did not have any close friends here in TN so I began praying just as Wendy said to do and God did exactly that in His time. Will was almost two and He brought some very special women into my life through MOPS. He also brought a special women into my life this year as Will started school.
The best friendships are the ones that are centered on God and that He orchastrates. I have always wanted a prayer partner and have tried to make it happen on my own with several women, but it never worked. I know it was because that was not God's plan, it was not who He wanted in my life to fulfill this role. Within this last year He has brought me that very special woman- I love you Lori!- and recently He has added 5 more. The deep reverence for God and the love between the group is amazing. It is all because of God and Him bringing us all together. I love them each so much and I hope one day we all get to meet on this side of heaven :)
The verse that stood to me today was Proverbs 17:9, "Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends." If we dwell on offenses they get down into us and develop roots of bitterness and resentment. It will separate, I have walked it out with several people. Over the weekend we also read Prov 10:12 and the second half of that verse said, "love makes up for all offenses." The Lord is teaching me so much right now about not judging and loving instead. We are not to judge but to pray and love. Trust God to handle the offenses, take everything to Him and keep praying. In my prayer time today I was reminded of Eph 6 where we are told to put on our full armor. We are not battling the people in our lives, as much as it seems that way, we are battling the enemy and we have to take our stand against him by not repaying evil for evil but repay through good and love. It is hard to walk out, but what God asks of us and in His strength we can do all things!
Hope you all have a blessed day, dear blogging friends. Will and I are off to the first day at the pool. He was up and had his swim bag out ready to go at 7, lol :) He can't wait!
Check in with you guys this afternoon when we get back.
Brandee, TN
Proverbs 17-19 had a lot of different verses that I had highlighted but one that really captured my attention was the second part of Proverbs 19:13, "...and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping." I started laughing because there is nothing more torturous (to me) than a leaky faucet! So it really put it in terms that I could relate to...not to be quarrelsome (or naggy) toward my husband.
I'm going to share this with my husband when he gets home from work and I'm guessing he'll be thankful! Ha!
Happy Tuesday All,
Jennifer Renee, I loved your insight & wisdom on relating sap of strength to stop and pray. It is good to sap when we are lacking strength. :)
Wendy thank you for your words from your heart today. I need to call my bff today!
Today Proverbs 19:8a touched me; "To acquire wisdom is to love oneself" Luke 10:27b, Jesus said love your neighbor as yourself. Self love doesn't mean you think you are the best, brightest or put yourself 1st, It means you are a child of God & God doesn't make junk. If you hate yourself how can you love another? Lord I pray that you will give me wisdom & grace. Show me how to love others as I should also love my self.
1Corth 13:4-7, Love is patient & kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. I does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, & it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful & endures through every circumstance. v13 Three things will last forever -faith hope & love- & the greatest of these is love"
Thank You Lord for answered prayers!
Enjoy your day that Lord has made!
Blessings & Peace, Mary
Have a great day, dear friends!
Love,
Ruth
God has truly been speaking to me in today’s reading. The first thing that hit me (more like a slap) was Pro 17:5b those that rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.
I have someone in my like that is a big thorn to me and I found myself feeling glad at his misfortune recently (almost happy). God is telling me that I need to continue to pray for this person to release me from the resentment that I have. Pro 17:9 love prospers when fault is forgiven
Continuing to pray for all the prayer requests. Have a great day everyone,
Linda
I don't post often but am here reading and absorbing all of your wonderful thoughts. Today I felt compelled to tell you, Wendy, that your sincerity and transparency gave me chills. We meet so many people in our lives but we have so few true friends. I think of Jesus as my greatest friend, one who I can tell whatever I'm thinking, of course He already knows, and He will never judge me and loves me unconditionally.
Everyday each of us encounters so many people, each will touch us in a special way. Today I will remember those special friends in my life who have given of themselves to mold me into a honest, open Christian.
Have a glorious day,
Mary Ann
Happy 1st day of June “My Friends in God”….
Wendy...you really gave me lots to think about.
Karen...Safe travels. Welcome back to the USA...I will have your husband in my prayers. May Jeanne's comment give you comfort and fill you with understanding.
Jeanne from NC thank you for the reminder and the knowledge of all whom were in a waiting period. So many Proverbs we hear that God's wisdom moved in creation from its very beginning. God's signature is in the world. The Apostle Paul tells us we can boast in our suffering. In the worst of times the Spirit of God pours into us to bring us hope. In John's Gospel, Jesus assures us that although much is left unspoken, more will be said Christ promises the Spirit who "will declare to you the things that are coming.".....I will be praying for your decision. Sounds to me like you are making a great one.
Jennifer Renee... Love how you picked up SAP out of verse 17:22. That was good and some pondering with it.
Morgen..A common thread I have seen in the readings of late is "understanding". Me too! Love how you put it.
Lori...Missed yhea in your spot. Praying for you as you are at an orientation. Are your sons done with school? Thinking so much of you as you have your first son graduating. Send you (Hugs) today. Son #1 started about 2 weeks ago bring home brochures about getting senior pictures taken. Am I ready for this????
Michelle...Oh Michelle, Thinking lots about you too this week. ((Warm Hug))...Today take a few minutes to focus your attention. Let the distraction of the day gently slip away as you settle into the pressence of God....Praying for your sister Denise strength.
Thanks everyone!!
Gaylene….I was focused on the same verse as you today….WoW!!
This here comes from the New American Bible…
Bible verse today:
Proverbs 18:12, Before his downfall a man’s heart is haughty, but humility goes before honors*.
*Footnote for 18:12 says: Compare the Savior’s words: “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).
g, Proverbs 11:2, When pride comes, disgrace comes; but with the humble is wisdom.
Proverbs 16:18, Pride goes before disaster, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Sirah 10-15, The roots of the proud God plucks up, to plant the humble in their place:
To Do: Lord, Help me to stay humble. If I reject discipline, I only harm yourself.
Gentle words are a tree of life,
Rhonda
Sharing the nuggets from Jon Courson for those passages which convicted me this morning:
Prov 17:4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. (ESV)
Here is Courson's comment: "The listening ear must share responsibility with the destructive tongue. That is, if a person is destroying someone with his tongue and I listened to his destructive talk, I am just as responsible as he is for the damage taking place. How people talk about you is what you become for the minds of those who listen to such talk. It could be totally false. But those seeds are planted. Thus, you are participating in a destructive practice when you listen to that kind of pollution."
In the NLT it says wrongdoer - here it is translated as "evildoer." Well, that is certainly a lot to digest early in the morning. What do we do when someone comes to us venting about someone else? I know plenty of people like that and when they start talking, I just politely listen. But here it seems we are not to do that as well or we are called evildoers. If someone has figured out how to handle this one,let me know. For now, my prayer is Lord, help us not be evildoers.
Prov 17:17
"Jesus had nothing to gain by loving me, for God is, was and always will be completely self-sufficient. And yet, being the essence of love, He chose to create you and me and then to call us friends even though we rebelled against Him."
Courson cited the example of Ruth and Orpah. Ruth clung to Naomi, while "Orpah cried and kissed Naomi as well but she went back to the land of idolatry. How like us. Yes, we allow tears to stream down our cheeks from time to time and we kiss our Lord on occasion, but in reality, all too often we return so readily to the land of idolatry." Ouch, ouch and ouch.
Great "face to face" with you today, Wendy. I know it must be hard to teach, but it is so wonderful to learn. I have read the writings of the wise Solomon before, but I have gotten more out of them this time then ever before. I have talked with you GIGs before about having our Sunday School lessons from Proverbs, and that teaching and learning is coming back to me as I read it now, 54 years later.
17:22 in our NLT is "and a brother is born to help in the time of need". I called my daughter and read that to her. We lost her brother 26 years ago now, But "he was born to help in our time of need." praise our LORD that he knows ahead of time to meet our needs.
Jennifer Renee, can we make sap into a noun, rather than a verb. I promise to sap you many times during the day.
Donna - TX
Oh, Donna, you don't know what you did to lift me up just now! My very bf’s are my sisters. They sincerely can say, “I know how you feel” about so many things. Today, a year ago, one of the youngest of my little sisters, Maureen, passed away and was released from her struggle with cancer. Eight of our sibs and our mom got to gather together at her gravesite Sunday to tell her how much she meant to us. We relived her last weeks of ministering to us selflessly from her bed. We spoke of all the intangible gifts she gave us from the depths of her faith. We sang our family Irish Blessing together, along with a sweet song or two from our favorite, James Taylor (11 sisters with a JT crush is powerful!) “Shower the people you love with love…” is our mantra. I also popped into Mass this morning just because. Will you friends please bless me with a prayer for Maureen’s husband and three children today? Her youngest graduated from HS this weekend without his mom. Maureen truly was our "help in the time of need" by playing out her role with grace and faith. Sorry this is so sad. Thanks.
Wendy, your talking today about bff's is crazy! When I was home over the weekend, I got to see my bff Mary as a wonderful bonus. She was home also, but sadly to plan her mother’s funeral service that is today. We have weathered good/bad times and distance for 48 years and are much closer because of it. It was so special to get to share stories about her lovely and gracious mother, who was a mother to me too. I love how God puts the puzzle pieces of time and opportunities together to help fill us up with His grace along the way just when we need it!
Michelle, I am with you and Denise in spirit, praying that all of you can be together, and that she will be able to share completely in your day of celebration!
Susie WI-- your daughter Kelly, son Ryan, bless them! It has to be a struggle, but you are being a truly loving mom. God is giving you the strength to take care of each of your childrens' needs the very best you can. You are such an inspiration to me with your strength and devotion to your children and family!
Franny, I love the image of you praying for us in the field! God’s country. Thank you!
Lori glad you had fun family time this weekend, and hang in there with University orientation! Yikes!
Karen travel safe and let the Lord do His work for your family.
Susan, the trail race must have been such an awesome experience! You did get rewarded for your hard work and dedication-- with God moments!
Thanks Amy for link to praying for my husband. I don’t have Stormie’s book, but the concept seems so invaluable and integral to the vocation of marriage. It gives me inspiration.
Nancy TX- -so excited that you’re reading Praying in Color! I remember you said you had an artist friend with ADD! I am a “pink” girl (like Jeanne with her pink ink) so there is lots of pink in my work… I add each new bible study member to my prayerwork as her name comes up, and I doodle around the ones who are especially on my mind. But I pray for you all collectively too: I run my fingers over your names and family/friends’ names, and touch you all gently as I pray. It makes me feel physically connected to all of you.
Jeanne, your comments about faith in the midst of job insecurities wasn’t meant for me, but they blessed me and comforted me so much! Thank you for your wisdom in counseling others. The difficulties in clearing your moma’s things must be bittersweet. My mom has a huge houseful with 60 years of raising kids/grandkids, and the stuff is not as much valuable as it is memorable. The memories are what we cherish, much more than the objects. How special to have this book with her bookmark! She must have been an amazing woman.
Wishing you all bountiful blessings today,
Jacque
PS Dear Donna, I am lifting up a prayer for you and for your daughter, in memory of your son, her brother. I share your loss. A mother never forgets; there is always an empty spot in your heart, no matter how many years have passed. Your verse is so comforting. Hug from me.
Jacque
Jacque,
Blessing you at this moment with a prayer for Maureen's husband and his 3 children.....I will continue with them in my prayers each morning. Jacque, your heart...It is so unexplainable...Kind,compassionate,loving. You continue to surprise me with your many many talents...and your expression of love towards others (serving in the vietnam as a ICU nurse.) Like I said your heart so full of compassion. Sending you a compassionate hug right now. Did I read that right? ALL of you were girls? You have 10 sisters!! love your mantra.."shower the people you love with love" that is so nice to see in families. One of our sisters since last year has distanted herself from us. Lot to explain sometime I will....Have to go and get supper making 2 hungry teenagers home soon.
Donna TX, Nice seeing you more and more. Prayers for you and your daughter. Your son...no words will fill the void...just know the feeling I'm having right now just to stop and send a hug to you both.
Grace & Peace...I was saying ouch ouch and ouch with you. OUCH!!
Sisters in Christ,
Rhonda
Grace & Peace,
I also wanted to say I politely listen too. I'm with you for an answer... to this situation. You have me pondering and will be looking.
Rhonda
Hi to all,
I've been reading along, just not commenting. My new blog keeps me busy. I was discouraged, with only 2 comments left. Then my daughter showed me how to find the stats counter-21 in one day. I'm encouraged in the Lord's work.
All these proverbs need time to digest. Solomon had so much wisdom.
19:21 says "You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail. That is a comforting. I've made a lot of mistakes, going here and there(jobs mostly). Now I seek His will before instead of after the fact.
Three more days and we are heading back into regular reading.
Praying ya'll.
Linda from Ark.
Hello Everybody,
Wendy, I too struggle with Proverbs because there is so much to understand from every verse and I think I have to grasp it all.
It is interesting the teaching was on friends today. I have been praying and asking the Lord to provide/show me that special friend. I honestly have to say that my husband of 29 years is my best friend. But sometimes I just long for a woman to share things with that sometimes a husband just doesn’t understand. I think I’m just too much of a private person to let anybody come close. I’ll keep asking God for one that “sticks closer than a brother”.
Michelle – thinking of you this week as you make the final preparations for the wedding. It is bringing back memories of 5 years ago when my daughter (she’s a pretty good friend to me) got married. It was such a joyous time and once the day came it really went fast. Remember to relax and enjoy!
Praying for all the other requests also
Kris
Well, I started reading early this morning and spent a lot of time with Matthew Henry.;) He helped me out with Pr. 17:6 about the g.children and Pr. 18:4 and 10. I thank God for Mr. Henry and for the fact that G&P introduced us.
G&P, about your question about the venting friend: My former Pastor Paul would tell us just to say, "Let's stop right here and just pray for ______." He said the person would either pray or choose to discuss something else, or just hush. :) That method does work!!! May it help you too. ;)
Karen, Rhonda, and Jacque, I thank God for your encouraging words. I am praying about what will be best for the g.children and my son and his wife as they live about 25-30 minute drive from us. My son thinks it will be a lot on me to have 3 at one time, and they already have a wonderful home that Nicholas and Emma will stay. Nicholas is loved so dearly AND corrected too. I know for sure that I will keep my daughter's baby as she will go back to teaching after Christmas break. God is working all of this out for us. However, I covet your prayers.
Jacque, you are always so kind to share your heart about my moma. I could visualize you, your siblings, and mom at the cemetary singing.... Last Wed. I did my first prayer time for our prayer list AT the cemetary where moma and daddy are buried. I knew that it would be quiet, peaceful, and God's Presence would be with me. It was perhaps one of the best times I have had with the Lord in prayer and feeling His closeness. I visit the gravesite often even though I know my parents aren't there...I just can't explain the closeness to them and to the Lord that I feel. I will pray for Maureen's husband and children.
How ironic that one year ago today, my step-niece was killed on her way to the Capping Ceremony at 5:30 pm; she had just passed her mom on a country road right near her home, swerved, and ran off the road. Her mom saw the entire thing; she waited with Kim until the EMT people got there, Kim's brother was with her...unharmed except for arm. All of her friends are gathering at her gravesite tomorrow night for a candle vigil. Her mom, Robin, so desperately needs our prayers. She is a Christian with strong faith, but she just is not handling all of this well. How would any of us be??? Then tonight, a yr. later, another Capping Ceremony, where I watched as one of my former students graduated without his mom there as she died before Christmas. This fella has such a love for the Lord and knows that his mom is in heaven. Sorry, I got carried away, but God has placed so many special students in my life that have lived with such pain and hurt. I feel honored to be a part of their life...even if I have retired.
Donna, do you have words of wisdom that I could share with Robin???
Mary Ann, I have to agree with you that Jesus is my best friend too. He is there with me every time my heart is hurt; He holds me up. He knows me better than anyone that I know because I tell Him everything I feel...even though He knows. I do feel that He places people into our lives for a season or as Donna stated from scrip.:"a brother is born to help in time of need." God knows who we need and when we need them, but we always need Him. I think that is why Pr. 18:10 really spoke to me today; He protects me; He keeps me safe!!!
I will be praying for you all tomorrow---probably at the cemetary in my car.;) (I'm not a weird person, honest)
In His Safe Place,
Jeanne, NC
I have not posted in awhile, but it is a joy to share in this community, to be learning from your wonderful insights, and Wendy how you teach us as you share your heart, to be praying for joyful things-like weddings, and sharing one another's burdens, illness, relationships, etc. Truly a blessing and adds to the excitement of reading my Bible daily and spending time with Him.
Friendship, wisdom, fewer words and gentle words, Ruth and Orpah (yeah ouch), lots of good things today in our reading and your comments.
Jeanne, my husband and I have 3 grown children and due to some circumstances we are adopting 2 little boys that we have had since they were infants. They are 1 and 2 right now, and we also have a 13 year with some special needs. Chet and I will never at this point be empty nesters, we have gone through many sleepless nights and are going through all of the issues of time to myself and ourselves that the younger mothers are expressing. When do I squeeze in exercise and quiet times and all of those things? I completely understand why God gives younger women children! It is hard sometimes, but we have no regrets and we are absolutely blessed beyond measure! I love watching them in their Sunday school class and telling them that the cross I wear reminds me that Jesus loves me and He loves them too. I love being part of giving them a solid grounding in Christ and doing it better than I did the first time around.
So, I will be praying for you and your husband as you make this life changing decision for you, your children and your grandchildren
On a note of praise, my daughter, Jessica, just got back from her interview with the agency that will be sending her to Ghana to teach if this is what God directs for her. She has a phone interview with the director of the school/orphanage tomorrow afternoon. She is so excited about this possibility of serving these children in Ghana and has learned a lot more about the situation and is still excited. So, thank you for praying and for your continued prayers.
One more fun note, I get to go to church with Jennifer Renee this weekend! I am so excited to get to meet and worship with her! We will be thinking of you all!
Blessings to all of you dear sisters in Christ!
Michelle in VA
Post a Comment
Home