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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,

Basic Steps to Avoid Misplaced Documents

Life was simple when we were young. We didn’t worry about misplaced documents; our important “treasures” were safely tucked away in a pretty box or little boy’s jean pockets.

Now, as adults, we gather more papers, more numbers to remember, more people needing information from us. Life doesn’t stay simple, does it?

Homemaking and caregiving isn’t just meeting physical needs.

We might help loved ones (and ourselves) avoid heartache as family circumstances change. It is easy to get so busy with the daily grind that we overlook critical details. A little time and attention now will save stress and often dollars in the end.

Misplaced documents can prove costly.

When a loved one passes away, if insurance policies and other records are stuck in a box or drawer “somewhere”, they will be overlooked when needed most.

Millions of dollars go unclaimed due to neglect.

The New York Times recently reported hundreds of millions of unclaimed dollars every year. Most belong to beneficiaries who did not realize policies existed when a loved one died.

You will benefit with these tips and a little time.

While this may seem overwhelming right now, scheduling just thirty minutes a day will make it a doable project for you with rewards in abundance.

#1 Organize — begin today!

Simply begin by putting all your important files in one place. Start with a small filing box (or large one for me.) An empty drawer will help get everything in one place in the beginning; then you can work more efficiently—and faster!

#2 Determine a permanent storage place.

A small waterproof, fireproof safe is large enough for most households. You may feel more secure getting a safe deposit box at your bank. Be sure someone can access it later if you are not able to do so. In addition to original documents, include a list of all policies, account numbers, birth and marriage certificates, and any important financial information.

#3 Evaluate each item.

For instance, in working on your home insurance policies, is your latest copy up-to-date? Is it adequate? Do you need to make changes? Do you have birth certificates for each member of your household? Are account numbers for credit/debit cards in this file? Include the phone numbers to call if lost or stolen.

#4 Who will need access to this information?

Your spouse? Your children? Attorney? Will they know where to find the information if needed? Be careful as you choose a trusted family member or friend for this important responsibility.

#5 Keep all items up-to-date.

Set a definite time each year to review this file and up-date any policies or records. Make sure any legal paperwork is correct; contact an attorney if you have any questions about the legality of any documents, especially those having to do with healthcare, mortgages, etc.

#6 This will prove time well spent.

Yes, I know! This will take time—maybe a lot of time you feel you do not have. However, the time and frustration you will be saving yourself and others when these things are needed will be worth it.

Trust me on this one. I’ve been there!

Hugs,

Click on this website to learn more about unclaimed property: http://unclaimed-property-finder.com/ Be sure to read the “About Us” section first to find your state and more details. Hope you find this helpful; let me hear what you are doing to keep important documents organized.

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.