FRIENDSHIP

I have recently had the awesome opportunity to reunite with an old friend. After the shock wore off, it was like the twenty years never separated us. At nearly forty, I have a difficult time remembering the names of many childhood playmates. However, even as a teenager, there were people I vowed I’d never forget. Then time goes by, I may recall a face or even a name but there is something missing. Yes, that giggly feeling that made us pals has evaporated into days gone by. Strangely, I cannot put my finger on what exactly I liked about that person or what we could have had in common. That must define an acquaintance.
A person I am sure I thought was funny or nice, but why did I label him or her a friend? I think the test may come when time ticks on and on, thou you lose contact the memories are vivid. For one to find a friend in life is a treasure that needs not be buried. Webster defines a friend as: one attached to another by affection or esteem. Wow! That must be that giggly feeling I have each time I hear my friends voice. The many changes that surround ones life cannot change the impact a friend has on another. As I reminisce, it is clear to me why this person became my friend. I can hear laughter of old times, muse over time spent together, and ask all the “what ifs”. I don’t resent the many years spent apart, but yet I rejoice over the opportunity to hug my friend once more. To laugh, share, and know the true meaning of a friend.

Proverbs 17:17a   A friend loves at all times ...

Smile!

Life is not meant to be so fun!!! Seriously you see people in cars, in the store, walking down the sidewalk, and 90% of the them are not smiling :) Come on people are our cheek muscles that out of shape?  I have been unemployed for 3 weeks, the bills come and go,  my children still desire to eat, and yet I find it a joy to wear a smile.  My joy comes from the Lord.  Won't you allow Him to brighten your day? 

Reality:  Life is hard.

Exception:  Life is better lived for the Giver of Life.

You know,  we will always have problems that don't have solutions, so why not just be okay with accepting some Peace while you endure life's hardship.  It is okay,  go ahead grin (and bear it!) 

Change, good or bad?

Is all change bad? I think not. I have had the opportunity to manage a Christian Bookstore for the last three years. I feel it has been my boot camp to learn to witness to any and every one that has a need. No matter the circumstance, prayer, or praise I became a stranger’s friend. Whether the customer was a repeat or first timer, a Christian or a lost person, a male or female and no matter the race I became ears that listened. Recently there has been a change, God allowed that door to shut, I now see God blessed me with that season for a reason. For the last couple of weeks I have been unemployed and have been overwhelmed with the opportunities to witness to a dying world. I have this hunger, responsibility, and passion to tell others about our awesome Savior! I have been sad about not ministering to my daily customers, but I have found a new joy in taking my training to the streets. Most lost people don’t linger in Christian Bookstores, now I can go to them where ever they are. I find myself striking up conversations at gas pumps, grocery lines, and doctor office waiting rooms. What an awesome God we serve!!! Will you tell somebody or pass up that lost soul? Just wear a shirt that says, “I am okay with the fact that you are going to hell.” That may seem harsh, but that is what your silence says. God bless you in your journey today.

Happy Father's Day

So, it is Father's Day and we went to church to celebrate our Heavenly Father and our earthly fathers.  Strange as it was I kept silently praying for the fatherless.  I sat on the pew with a young man who admitted he never knew his father ... never, not one conversation, not one hug, not even one photo.  How will this young man know how to be a father? His grandfather had passed when he was young, and his mom never married.  Who does he look to for an example? The Heavenly Father is our role model, true enough.  However, I looked around the church as the Godly men sat with a smile. Almost as if they where reassured they had performed their responsibilities as a Godly head of household, Godly father, and Godly provider of their home.  I caught this young man watch as we each stood and thanked God for our fathers,  with curiosity in his eyes.  Was it desire to have a father like the blessed members who stood to testify or was it hope that he too would become that Godly husband, father, and provider?  Maybe a little of both.  May God quench his thirst.

I want to praise God for giving me a double blessing :) Yes, my dad (James Fry) and my step-dad (Wilburn Bagwell), are both a blessing to my life.  They are both Godly men.  Their prayers, devotion, endurance, faithfulness, and lifestyle has been an inspiration to live as Christian lady.  It is because of the strong relationship I have with them that I am able seek such a intimate relationship with my Heavenly Father. I am thankful for the men they are and the God we serve. 

INVITE SOMEONE

My daughter, Rheanna, is 16 years old, and has a summer job babysitting. I went to check on her Monday, as I drove off her cell phone road on the top of my car down the bumpy gravel driveway. Oblivious to her screaming, jumping up and down, and waving her arms I traveled on. Not wanting to be left with an eight and four year old and no phone she went door to door with hopes of using someone’s phone. Finally, a lady opened the trailer door and allowed Rheanna to walk the path I drove while calling her cell phone. Once she retrieved the phone out of a ditch, she went to return the ladies phone and thank her. It was then Rheanna noticed the young boy with mental and physical complications. As my daughter thanked the lady, the lady (Mary) began explaining how thankful she was to have some one knock on her door and speak to her. They visited and Mary explained that her son’s condition made it difficult to leave the house and then admitted she never had company either. I was so touched as Rheanna called and told me the situation. I began praying for Mary and her son. I woke up the next day with a hunger to visit this lonely lady. As I drove into her drive way, a young boy slung the door open and began shouting at me. I took a deep breath and walked up, explained to Mary who I was. I thanked her for being so kind to my daughter. The pain, sorrow, and lack of hope in Mary’s eyes tore at my heart. The boy was beating on my legs and speaking rapidly, but I could not understand the message he tried so desperately to tell me. Mary was covered in a veil of shame … and why? Because she had been looked down upon or neglected by the world. Why is it Christians don’t stand out more? I hear people say God is lifting His hand off the United States. Well, as Christians WE ARE RESPENTING HIM, so if God is not being seen so clearly … we aren’t doing our purpose of revealing the Light to the darkness. As I invited Mary to church. She admitted, she had tried many times but the congregation could not hear the preacher due to her son’s uncontrollable fits. I explained we had children’s church in the back. Still, concern coated her eyes. Then I told her how many members at Parker Baptist happen to be in the medical field and her son would be taken care of during the sermon. Today is Thursday, Mary has agreed to let me call her on Saturday to confirm our arrangements Sunday morning. Had this woman imprisoned in her own home cried out to God? Had God sent my daughter to knock on her door? Has an opportunity passed us by today? Do we even see the surrounding evil as a chance to witness to others? Who have you invited to God’s house lately? I have invited Mary and her son, please pray with me that they both come and leave with God in their hearts. Thank you. God bless.

Purpose

As I seek my purpose, I seek God's direction. I become more humble as I realize the constant need for God in this world. I hunger to serve Him, knowing He fulfills my deepest desires. When I blindly trust to be led into unknown territory I find I clutch His hand tighter. Though anxiety threatens to sway me, my passion to minister to others overtakes my own fears. I submit to God's calling on my life. It will be out of my comfort zone, yet may comfort others. May we follow God, no matter the path.

As ONE

So, in just a few hours I will go to a wedding. I will watch as two young people stand before God, each other, and 200 witnesses to declare their eternal love. They will vow to love for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, etc ...you know, trust, honor, serve, and submit BUT mainly, I think the most special part of a wedding is in God's word where it claims they are now as one! Wow, for two people to be bonded in the presence of God is no longer two but ONE! Only God's love can be so defining. However, it will take three to make the marriage complete: God, groom, and bride. I pray their union is one that honors God eternally. Congratulation to Corie & Kevin.

GOOD MORNING!

Good morning! I am just basking in the presence of our Lord, and thanking Him for a beautiful day. A fresh day, an opportunity to serve Him, and a chance to learn more about Him! The Giver of this Day!!! Have a blessed one.

Time

Where does the time go? My son turned 19 years old today! I reflect on the gift he is to me and remain in awe that God gave His only begotten Son that we may have eternal life. Can I possibly love God the way He loves me? Not in this human state of mind, but only by becoming more like God can I love like God. I feel the gift of time is an immeasurable gift. Time to grow, time to learn, time to serve, time to heal, and time to love. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of time with my son. Happy Birthday Chris!

Spiritual Slump

Welcome to my pity-party. Not really, I just wonder how to take the valleys along with the peaks of Christianity. I have heard the grass is always greenest over the septic tank; however, I admit I don't care for the aroma in my spiritual slump.
Just a thought.