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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

Be Content in Every Situation

Oops! My “Mr.” Kitty’s Surprise – SIX Wee Ones

“… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation… ” from Phil. 4:11-13 NIV

On one of my lowest days, a very tiny, scrawny kitty made his way to the back porch where I was crying out to God. I missed my hubby. I was disappointed in myself. The list goes on…

“Mr. Kitty” was just what I needed; something to take care of and to cuddle on my down days. Well, I should have checked. Surprise! A few weeks ago, MISS Kitty gave me six little bundles of cuddlebugs!

God, in His wisdom, always gives us exactly what we need. I learn daily from Miss Kitty and God’s care for her. Feast your eyes on that momma’s face as she cares for her wee ones under an old rusty wheelbarrow in my front flower bed. Wind and weather never deterred her from her duties. She always meets me at the garage door for a bit of petting and heads back to her babies.

How is your life? Ever had times of discouragement? Is your life not always a bed of roses? Truthfully, each of us at times feels more like we’re rolling in a bed of thorns. My prayer for each reader is that you never lose track of God’s care for you; His love is beyond measure.

Find strength in God’s Word. Click here for encouraging Scriptures.

Here is one of my favorites. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

Monday, six adorable little balls of fur discovered how to climb onto my front porch. Prayers appreciated!

This week I am asking God to stir my heart as well as the hearts of my readers. “Teach us, Lord, when discouragement comes to look to You. To trust You. To praise You. You, oh Lord, are enough!”

Hugs,

Drop me a note. How can I pray for you? How have you found comfort in God this winter?

The Goodness of the Lord

For the word of the Lord is right, And all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Psalm 33:4-5

Do you find yourself complaining about our world today? Truthfully, I do. With all the noise about climate change, gender identity, low wages, increasing costs, and—dare I mention it—politics?

Amid my murmuring over world situations, personal issues, and concerns for my family, a friend posted this photo of her mother cuddling a little one.

I know sweet Ottilla. I am sure her gaze is not on her uneaten food; her thoughts are consumed by that precious child in her arms. She loves God and trusts Him as she loves and prays for her family and friends.

Ottilla has seen a world in turmoil more than once; yet she believes in every word of the Bible. Amidst the storms of life, she looks for “the goodness of the Lord” in the world. She trusts God now and for the future.

The longer I gaze at this picture of pure love, the more I think of God’s overwhelming love for His children.

Friend, do you fully understand that our Father in Heaven sincerely desires to hold you like that? He knows you. He knows what the future holds for the world and you. Will you pause just now and close your eyes with that picture in mind? Ask God to hold you in His arms. Let Him be the Father He wants to be. Trust Him to bring peace, comfort, and direction in every circumstance you are facing.

God’s love is so much greater than any love we will ever experience here on earth. “The word of the Lord is right,” you can trust Him. Journey with me as we seek to live by the verse above. Let us look for the good in the world; trusting Him with what we do not like or understand.

I am closing this note with a prayer of peace for you. Please, let me hear from you.

Hugs,