Hope Archives - Page 17 of 28 -

The Value of a True Friend

The value of a true friend really came home to me this week.

I looked at my calendar and work load and decided to cancel a monthly get-together with a friend. I could not spend time chatting over coffee, getting further behind.

Perhaps a short meeting would work.

Before our coffee had a chance to cool, we were laughing and crying and thankful to be together. We giggled like silly school girls. We relaxed and talked about insignificant things that mattered to no one but us. It was refreshing to “let our hair down” and just be ourselves.

In years of meeting together, we had developed a rare trust.

As we continued, we talked freely about our deep personal struggles not meant for others to hear. Confidential thoughts. Serious heartfelt issues that could only be told to a true friend. Very personal prayer requests for ourselves and for our family.

She, too, had considered changing our date.

As we parted company, we knew our one True Friend, Jesus, had encouraged each of us to meet. We needed the camaraderie of a simple friendship; tried and true. We needed hugs, tears, laughter and the encouragement that comes only from a true friend.

I wonder about you; do you have a true friend?

Each of you hold a special place in my heart. Many I know quite well; others slightly; still others only through seeing your name on my list and praying for you and your family. I wonder how your life is going. And if you have a true friend to lean on in the good times as well as the bad.

A few moments with True Friend can change your day.

My workload is still there; somehow it seems lighter. Later I walked outside on the deck, drank in the cool, clean air, and felt as though I could conquer the world (for a brief moment.) I’m thankful for those times. I pray fresh air and sunshine and true friends for your busy days.

I can’t come by your house today and hold your hand or hug your neck, but

Here are a few things I can do for you today.

1. I can encourage from an understanding heart. I have been there, in the trenches and in the good times. I know firsthand that every caregiver, parent, or child needs hope, love and understanding.

2. I can pray for you. I believe that the love of God knows no boundaries. I believe He cares for us in ways we cannot understand. I believe He wants to comfort you and strengthen you and those you love.

3. I can listen to you. I am a good listener. Sometimes, just talking helps. And when you can’t talk with someone, I want to encourage you to set aside a few minutes each day to journal your thoughts and your feelings.

Lots of chattering today. Sometimes it’s good to just sit down and talk to an old friend. I really do care about you; I hope you know Jesus cares, he is the True Friend.

So, do me a favor, next time you have the urge to throw up your hands and scream, let me hear from you! Please let me know when a column meets your need. How can I be a better encourager for you personally?

Hugs, prayers, and blessings,

Take Time to Celebrate Spring and Share Joy

It is time to celebrate spring and share joy.

Winter has been long, dreary, and tiring. Now the sun shines brighter; grasses splash vivid greens over barren soil; birds explore new food sources and I want to rush out and take it all in.

These baby kittens call me outside!

Miss Kitty had 3 little ones by our front porch. I want to play with them; to pick wildflowers in the meadow; sit by the budding dogwood. But, I have work I must do; or do I?

Are you feeling too overwhelmed to celebrate springtime?

Here is a message for you: there will always be too much to do and too little time to enjoy God’s wonders unless you plan now for it. The truth is, my desk is piled high with urgent needs and those in my care require more of my time. My dining table I cleaned last week is over-flowing again with “stuff”.

Here is truth: there will always be work to do; you may never be caught up!

Consider this: I made a decision about my world. It’s not earth-shattering, but life-saving for me. I decided I won’t ever get my work caught up and we may not eat at the dining table again, ever! I will never be the perfect caregiver, homemaker, office manager, or writer; there will always be work waiting for me.

Decide to celebrate spring, make a plan and stick to it.

So, here’s the thing. I am going to allow a little time to celebrate the arrival of SPRING and to share the joy with others who need encouraging! I am positively little-girl giddy as I think of it. You may laugh when you hear what I plan to do this week.

You, too, can share joy with these easy and inexpensive tools.

Begin with a box of sandwich baggies and a roll of colorful ribbon in hand to fix tiny Joy Bags to share everyday. I keep a bag in the car and in the house to give to the mailman, the delivery guy/gal, the waitress or attendant wherever I am, to the lonely person on the street, people in the nursing home; whoever God puts in my path! Fun!

Here are some great items to tuck in your goody bag:

a few candies … inexpensive, individually wrapped from the dollar store.
a gospel tract (or typed scripture or sayings on a small card)
small hand-written greeting or scripture about God’s love
simple recipes
tiny silk flowers or pretty stickers
crackers or cookies or Rice Crispy snacks
small pads, ink pens; maybe a small stamped envelope, folded
can you see …. the possibilities are endless. What do you have lying around to brighten someones day?

Let the family help you in putting them together and in choosing who will get them.

Have you found some fun way to celebrate spring’s arrival?

The awakening of the earth reminds us of a Loving Creator. Spring seems to bring with it the promise of better days. I pray for you a delightful spring as you care for yourself, family, and others God puts in your path.

Hugs,

Please comment below; I want to hear from you. And share the address with those who need to sign up for the newsletter and be encouraged with a weekly note.

Simple Holiday Tips for Busy Families

Simple holiday tips for busy families – really?

Two Christmas cards arrived in November. The neighborhood is aglow with colorful lights, garland, red bows and poinsettias. Newscasters announce our city parade, and I feel like Scrooge!

Do you (or someone you know) feel overwhelmed?

Making time to decorate and prepare for holidays is often difficult There is no time or energy left after the necessary chores for holiday preparation. Allow me to offer a few tips that have helped me have peace about holiday expectations.

First, kudos to those who can keep family traditions.

I love reading the chatter and looking at the fine cooking some of you are doing right now. Truly I miss that, I do! I’m learning to rejoice at the memories of days past and move on to great times ahead. Here’s how to do it.

#1 Determine what is important to you personally.

The very first step is considering what is important to you and what you actually can do. You cannot do it all; changes have to be made as you take on new responsibilities or face health issues. Be honest in evaluating difference between others’ expectations and your own wants and needs for this time in your life.

#2 Learn to simplify.

If decorating has always been important to you but you cannot drag everything from the storage this year, simplify. Find one or two simple decorations to focus on – perhaps a treasured keepsake. For my needs, I cleared a small table in a prominent place; added a festive tablecloth, small nativity, Dollar Store greenery and candles. It is amazing what one small seasonal display can do to transform an entire room. Keep it simple, uncluttered, and out of the way.

#3 Budget time and money with these easy tips.

Still not feeling the season? If one tiny spot just isn’t enough for you, consider adding a little holiday color in each area of your home. Make big bows from a roll of colorful ribbon to add to plants and picture frames about the house. Inexpensive greenery draped over a shelf adds color and charm. Tuck in a few poinsettias and you are finished! (Here is the winning tip: take time to dust, then put seasonal air fresheners in each room.)

#4 Snacks a must yet no time to bake?

Holiday preparations are incomplete without snacks! We all love them. Plan ahead and again, keep it simple. People come to see you, not check out your latest holiday recipe. Keep a shelf or small table loaded with beautiful paper napkins, plates and cups. Add pretty baskets of packaged nuts, mints, trail mix, jerky. Again the dollar store offers cans of dark chocolate rolled wafers, sourdough pretzels, and mints.

From the grocery, decorated cookies, cheese sticks, fresh fruit and veggie sticks. Be sure to have assorted teas or hot chocolate mixes. If you don’t make coffee, purchase coffee singles (decaf and regular). With little effort you have a beautiful spread that says, “I’m glad you are here.

#5 I saved the best for the last – the most important preparation.

The most important holiday preparation is a merry heart. The Lord said, “a merry heart does good like a medicine.” A cheerful hug and sincere smile goes a long way to remind others of the true meaning of the season.

Praying you will step back and plan for a beautiful December filled with the Greatest Treasure of all—God’s love.

Hugs,

P.S. Be sure to share this link with others who may need these tips and sign up for the newsletter.