Hope Archives - Page 6 of 28 -

A Sisterhood of Priceless Friendships

………….Planning April 27 Sisterhood in Christ Ladies Retreat at Olive Point Baptist …………………….. Cheryl, Shae, Diana, Cathy, Carol, Pam, Heather …………

“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9

Yes, friendships do refresh the soul. My friendship circle includes family, friends from school, workplaces, and church.

However, if I am not careful, my circle of friends will be only those in my church or community who think as I do. Comfy folk. They will mostly agree with my beliefs and choices in life. Easy, breezy!

To learn more about what the Bible says about friendships, click here.

In the photo above are our Women’s Ministry Director, Cathy VanDruff, and a few of the many ladies seeking God’s direction as we plan our 24th annual DCASB Ladies’ Conference: SISTERHOOD IN CHRIST. I can tell you, it will be the best yet. Please pray for the mtg., for the attendees, and for what God would have you do… help? attend? invite someone?

Being an author and writer, some of my friendship circles include guys and gals who do not have Jesus as their main priority, if at all! Sometimes, the stories they are working on can stir my heart to pray for them quietly. But, here’s the thing. I learn from them. As I get to know them better, I grow in understanding our communities better. Hopefully, I will become not only a better writer but a better person because of their friendships.

God has been stirring my heart lately about the many women who hug and smile in church on Sunday and leave with a heavy heart and no ‘real friends’ to share their deepest thoughts. I realize not everyone will come to a ladies’ conference, but everyone needs to be encouraged. I am asking God to open our spiritual eyes and hearts each day.

So, I have to ask you. How wide is your friendship circle? Are you ready to ask God who He wants you to include? Has He pricked your heart just now with the name or face of one who needs a friend? Please, pray for me as I continue to grow and seek God’s will in all I do. Praying for you, dear friend is a joy. And, I look forward to the day when you call for that friendship coffee. Sending hugs and prayers,

Hugs,

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he hath not another to help him up.” Bible: Ecclesiastes

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

The Innocence of a Child

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

I walk by a store window and go “Yuk! Who is that woman?” I continue to ponder. Why am I not taller? I look so old and bent!

My friends’ hair is so cute blowing in the wind! Why is mine so straight? Wish I had different hair!

Hold on, Susie! Stop that! Do you know what you are doing? Do you think God made a mistake when He fashioned you in your mother’s womb?

If we are totally honest, most of us entertain these kinds of feelings; especially in today’s world! Taking our eyes off God and allowing these negative feelings to grow will affect all other aspects of our lives!

Father, I want to return to the innocence of this sweet little girl. She’s not concerned about her appearance; she is joyfully laboring to make her mother happy with her coloring.

We say we believe the Bible. It’s God’s word; it never changes. We believe God is the giver of life. We enjoy telling little children how God made them special- just like He wanted them to look. Why do we have such a hard time believing it for ourselves?

Click here for a proven way to improve your looks.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

I know sin creeps in and destroys my vision. When I fail to give quality time to God each day; the old evil one has a heyday! He is constantly roaming through the earth to see whom he might devour. It begins with one little negative thought, then another, then another!

Did you catch that phrase above? We (YOU) are “God’s masterpiece”. That’s a fact! As they say, you can bank on it! If you want a revival in your heart and soul, read and study Psalm 139 in its entirety. Trust God to do work in your spirit as only He, your Creator, can.

For a very good article entitled “What does it mean to be Fearfully & Wonderfully Made”, click here.

Precious readers, I pray as we enter springtime together, we will enjoy the joy God has for us. I pray for you often; and thank you for praying for me.

Schedule and Budget meet Reality

This was not a Minor Leak

“Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.” Psalm 4:5 KJV

My schedule and budget have been filled with more than time should allow. Today was to be a much-needed free do-what-you-want-day for me.

Munching on another cookie, I gathered my mailing list, gifts and packaging, and books to autograph as I settled down for some tea and planned my strategy.

There was a plumber on his way to fix what surely was just a slow drip under my kitchen sink. That should not interrupt my schedule and budget. I was organized and ready to enjoy the rest of the day as soon as he fixed my little leak and left.

An hour later: “Ma’am, could you bring me a few towels? How long has this water been dripping? You have a serious problem here.”

He has to be wrong. I need him to patch the thing and let me get on with my day! Not only did I not have time for a major problem, it sounded a bit expensive. Can’t he wrap some tape around the pipe until the holidays are over?

Friend, have you had days like that? Do they seem to be more strenuous during the Christmas season? I seriously believe the devil pulls us down at every opportunity, especially as we are preparing to celebrate our Saviour’s Birth. I don’t know about you, but I seem to have a shorter fuse during the holidays. I want everything to be perfect; with no surprises.

Today our scripture for the day hit my heart. I think The Message says it best. “Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.“

Yes, it was an interruption in my schedule. Yes, it was costly. It has been drizzling (not dripping) long enough to rust the pipe! Who knows how long it will take the cabinet floor to dry? And, yes, some of my wants for the day were left unattended. But…

YES, Jesus spoke directly into my heart. Only by His grace, I could offer the following prayer as the plumber worked.

“Thank You, Jesus, I have a home! Thank You, Jesus, I knew someone to call. Thank you for him, and please bless his family as he helps others. Thank You, Jesus, for providing for me so I can pay him.”

I continued to breathe prayers of thanksgiving for a warm fire, a filled pantry, friends and relatives who are healthy; for my health, and plentiful provisions. For family and more friends than I ever deserve. For Jesus. For a Father that loves me just as I am.

Sweet friend, if you are having an abundance of bumps and detours in your holiday, trust God to work through it. And, if you want a shoulder to cry on… I am here and I am praying for you.

Hugs,