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Friendship— An Abode Of Both Reward And Sorrow
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 NIV
Women have a greater need for friendships than men do. Our friendships run deeper. Men like to “do things” with friends. Women want to “know things” about each other. We like to do things together too, like shopping, but we want to talk while doing it!
Girls are naturally drawn to each other. When friendships are lost, women grieve. A girl’s first experience with heartache may have been over a lost “best friend” rather than a “boyfriend.”
We grieve not just for the friendship but also for the secrets shared, trust, and acceptance enjoyed. No one can cause you more harm than someone you have trusted deeply. If betrayed, the pain runs deep….
I would appreciate if you would continue to read the rest of the post at Woman To Woman Ministries.
Photo by Alvin Mahmudov on Unsplash
Linking up this week with Remember Me Monday InstaEncouragements Tell His Story Let’s Have Coffee Imparting Grace and Grace & Truth Imparting Grace Tune In Thursday and Faith On Fire
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Jesus In The Path Of The Samaritan Woman
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”
— John 4:7 NIVThe noonday sun was scorching. Jesus has been traveling for hours by then, and He’s tired. And tired as he was from the journey settles down by the well and stays there for a while.
He was purposeful about choosing this spot to rest. He was waiting for someone.
Soon he saw her coming, an unnamed Samaritan woman. She reminds me of a Samantha, though— I’ll call her Sam for short. Jesus asked her for a drink of water; this surprised her. She was thinking that most Jews looked down on her. The kind man begins a conversation with her.
This was refreshing to hear. During the conversation, she confesses that she doesn’t have a husband; she braces herself and waits for rejection. Again.
Jesus In The Path Of The Samaritan Woman. This time it was different. The rejection never comes.#Godinthedetails #christianliving #grace #bgbg2 #faithwriter Click To TweetThis time it was different. The rejection never comes.
Who is this kind man, she thought? She had never met someone this kindhearted. He’s shown her only grace.
As they continue to talk, she tells this kind man that she knows the Messiah is coming. Wait for it, then Jesus declares, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” (John 4:26)
Imagine her surprise. Okay, I bet she was shocked! Of all the people He could have revealed His true identity to, Jesus chose HER! Of all the things that Jesus could have been doing, He made time for a conversation with a lonely samaritan woman.
So “Sam” is so filled with joy she goes running back to town, excitedly telling everyone to come see the man who told her everything she ever did. The Massiah! The townspeople came out and believed. Do you think Sam was an outcast any longer? No, how could she be now?
Just like in Sam's situation, maybe being a disciple of Christ means that sometimes we have to put down the to-do list and serve those in front of us. #bgbg2 #womenoffaith #christianliving #grace Click To TweetJust like in Sam’s situation, maybe being a disciple of Christ means that sometimes we have to put down the to-do list and serve those in front of us.
Maybe that means pausing your grocery shopping long enough to offer to help someone. Perhaps it looks like taking a homemade meal to a sick friend or neighbor. It could also mean stopping to listen to your pre-teen share about her day, even though there’s a pile of dishes waiting in the sink, cleaning to be done, and dinner to be made.
Father, help me be attentive to loving and serving those around me. I confess at times; I get absorbed in my lists and things to be done. Please help me to be attentive and recognize if you place someone in my path this week that I could slow down and love on. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo by Charly Darque on Unsplash
Linking Up this week with Remember me Monday Tell His Story InstaEncouragements Let’s Have Coffee Recharge Wednesday Grace & Truth Imparting Grace Tune In Thursday Faith On Fire
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I Can See!!
This post is part of the Five Minute Friday blog link-up. Where I join up with a community of writers and bloggers of all ages and stages who gather around a single word prompt to free-write, unscripted, unedited, for five minutes. This week’s word prompt is {VISION}
I can see!! I said to Jesus while driving home from picking up my new glasses a few months ago.
I was behind on getting an eye appointment and new glasses. My vision had been getting blurrier and causing me concern— You know, having to lift my glasses to read, and it was strenuous to see way out there. I couldn’t believe the difference; everything was clear.
Similarly, when Satan throws a roadblock in our lives, our spiritual vision may become blurry.
But we have an anchor when we draw into Jesus during hardship seeking him in the everyday mess. By his light, he makes our vision clear so that we can navigate the winding paths of life.
Photo by Deena Englard on Unsplash
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Hello Spring
Hello there, spring, my old friend; we meet again. I’ve missed you so throughout the cold and snow. You bring flowers, warmth, and sunshine that are oh so divine. Our God brings forth rebirth and renewal; these natural changes are essential. I praise my God for renewing me; his living water makes me free.
I love to watch the seasons change. I’ve been a long-time observer of the intricacies from dormancy to rebirth. Each seasonal change brings about awe within me.
There’s a tree close enough to my house that I pay attention to throughout the year. I watch as the leaves fall in autumn, change to barren limbs in the winter, and turn into budding sprouts in the spring, ultimately transforming into lush green summer leaves. I can’t help but be in awe and praise God as he turns his canvas of colors from ashen into vibrancy.
The seasons remind me of Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (NIV)
I would be blessed if you continue reading the rest of the article here at Faith On Every Corner Digital Magazine, May 2022 Issue.
Sharing this week with Inspire Me Monday. Remember Me Monday. InstaEncouragements Let’s Have Coffee Tell His Story Recharge Wednesday and Grace & Truth
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Rest For Our Journey
Scripture
This is what the Lord says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” – Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
Jeremiah 6:16 NivEncouragement
Sometimes, while we’re going along on our life journey, we may find at times that we don’t know what to do. Sometimes we may be confused, anxious, sad, hurt, rejected, prideful, lonely, depressed, scared, bitter, and so many more emotions. The list goes on.
We stand at a crossroads and wonder which way to go.
It’s difficult when everything seems to be crashing in our lives, and our soul seems clouded over to remember that God has made the way plain and clear when this happens.
He says that there is an ancient path. A path that has been established and certain. A way that has already been paved for you.
Jerimiah 6:16 Tells us that the right path for living has been marked out by God. But the people didn’t take God’s path; they went their own way instead.
Today, we face the same decisions going God’s old but true way or following a new path that may end up being harmful.
Let’s remember the only way to find peace and rest for our souls is to walk on God’s Path.
He wants you to look. Wait and look again at the direction you should go. Then ask Him which way, Lord? Ask Him for a good way, the way of guidance, direction, and peace.
Seek God in your every day journey and rest for your soul —your mind, will & emotions will come when you do.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for a way and a path in life that brings rest to life. Thank you for always planning out a way before us that is sure and steady. Thank you for being the God of rest today. Rest to our minds. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
Linking up this week with Tell His Story InstaEncouragements Let’s Have Coffee Imparting Grace & Grace & Truth
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One Word April Installment— Intentional Pastimes
It’s that time again as I join the One Word Community monthly link-up hosted by Lisa @ Lisa Notes. Won’t you join me there to read what others and myself are learning or crafting with our one-word 2022?
Lisa provides many activities and prompts for us to explore our words more. Here are a few of those.
Write your word in another language
Greek: εκ προθέσεως
Slovak: zámerný
Russian: намеренный [namerennyy]
Swahili: kukusudia
Madagascar (Malagasy): iniana
Hebrew: מְכוּוָן
Icelandic: VísvitandiWho in the Bible represents your word
God: He is Intentional at its core.
Ways you can Live your life: Intentional
— Stop comparing myself to others
— Learn from others
— Show myself grace and compassion
— Declutter my belongings and intrusive thoughts
— Surround myself with positive people and strengthen essential relationships
— Get organized in my home, time and money management
— Listen to my gut (it’s probably the Holy Spirit whispering to me)
— Set boundaries where needed
— Pay attention to my health and self-careFind a quote with your word
“Intentional living is the art of making our own choices before others’ choices make us.”
― Richie NortonWordArt
Write your one word with crayons, markers or paint
Did this in my planner/journal Photo by Punta y pincel Brushlettering on Unsplash
Linking up this week with One Word Community Remember Me Monday InstaEncouragements Let’s Have Coffee Recharge Wednesday Grace & Truth and Friendship Friday
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Share Four Somethings— April Installment
I’m linking up to this month’s Share Four Somethings Hosted monthly over at Heather’s. The fundamental of Share Four Somethings is to provide a way for you to take a glimpse back over your monthly happenings. The categories written about include something Loved, Something Gleaned, something Braved or Saved and something Achieved. Won’t you join me and read others’ monthly recap at Share Four Somethings. See you there.
Let’s Start
Something Loved
Earlier this month, at the grocery store, I got to see not one, but two acts of kindness played out before me. As I was standing in the checkout line, a few customers ahead of me was a young woman and her young son. They had purchased several groceries consisting of many heavy bags. As they headed to the door, the remaining customers in line, myself included, heard the conversation between this woman and her son. They were talking about carrying their bags as they walked home.
The gentleman who was next in line asked the woman how far they had to walk; five blocks, she said. Wow! The man was having none of that and told the young woman to go out to his car and gave a description and told her to tell his wife that her husband said to tell her they were giving them a ride home.
That’s not all. So the cashier rang up this same gentleman, and he was a few dollars short of making his purchase and said he had to run out to his car and get some more money from his wife. Wait for it! So the gentleman BEHIND him is so touched by what he had done that he says it won’t be necessary because HE was going to pay the difference of this man’s purchase forward.
I can’t even begin to tell you how touched and moved I was to see this exchange. I had tears in my eyes. And said a silent prayer for all of these strangers I do not know.
Something Gleaned
This is me.
The difference between mercy and grace? Mercy gave the prodigal son a second chance. Grace gave him a feast.
— Max LucadoSomething Braved or Saved
Amen, This Is So True 
So True!! Something Achieved
So this is new for me. I’m so honored and excited to be the new edition to W2W Ministries. I will be the Sunday writer.
Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash
Linking up this week with Inspire Me Monday Remember Me Monday InstaEncouragements Tell His Story Let’s Have Coffee Recharge Wednesday & Grace & Truth
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Run Into The Arms Of Jesus
This post is part of the Five Minute Friday blog link-up. Where I join up with a community of writers and bloggers of all ages and stages who gather around a single word prompt to free-write, unscripted, unedited, for five minutes. This weeks prompt is {RUN}
Kate said Run.
Wonderful, counselor,
everlasting Father, Prince
of peace. Run into the
arms of Jesus.God, taking the form of
a servant, is born in man’s
likeness. Run into the arms
of Jesus.In the beginning, he was the
word, and he was with God.
Our high priest, without sin.
Run into the arms of Jesus.Through him, all things were
made. Without him, nothing
was made. Run into the arms
of Jesus.In him, we have life. He is the
light of all mankind. His light shines
in the darkness, and the darkness
will not overcome him. Run into
the arms of Jesus.He is absolute, benevolent, delivering,
deliberate, extraordinary, and forgiving.
Run into the arms of Jesus.He is glorified, Holy, infallible,
Just, loving, merciful and omniscient.
Run into the arms of Jesus.He is and will always be our
protector, righteous, supernatural,
victorious and worshiped.
Run into the arms of Jesus.Amen,
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Let Jesus Uncripple Your Fear
“When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus”
~Corrie Ten BoomImagine this: you are sitting on the beach watching the sunset as waves lap the sand as you bask in the glow. A book lies in your lap as you lose yourself in thought of how wonderful you feel at this moment.
Now imagine the reality: You’re dreaming of traveling to the beach, sitting on the sand watching the sunset. But instead of taking the steps to go, you feel fear. What if you’re needed at your job, your family, or any of your other obligations? What if the plane crashes? What if you get lost? What would happen if you let down your guard? What if…?
You are not alone, friend; I’ve been there. There was a time in my life when fear crippled me. I spent a few years not driving a car because I “knew” something would happen. My dad drove me to drop off my young children at the time at daycare, then dropped me off at work. Then He’d pick us up and take us home.
In the summer, if I was a passenger in a car with the windows down and we passed a dead animal along the road, I’d hold my breath until we passed by, hoping to not breathe in bacteria. Even as a passenger, I would be looking at the traffic lights up ahead, thinking, what if the light turns yellow and we don’t make it. We’re all going to die.
Those what if’s cripple us from truly living the life God intended us to. He never intended us to live in fear. Though he never said life would be without trouble, he never wanted us to crawl into a hole and be a recluse avoiding people, conditions, and circumstances.
Those what if’s keep us from finding peace that only God provides. But to find peace, sometimes you have to face the fears holding you paralyzed.
Facing our fears and getting out of our comfort zone is challenging because humans naturally expect the worst-case scenario. When we have fears, we feel unsafe. Our brain sends us negative information because it is trying to keep us safe. Because of this, we need to discern and realize it’s really Satan who is feeding our minds with these negative, self-destructive thoughts.
How did I face my fears? Truthfully I just got tired of living that way. I was able to see how my self-destructive thoughts were affecting my family. It just wasn’t impacting my life; it was impacting theirs too. I couldn’t let that happen.
There has to be more, I thought. I lamented to God to please release me of my fears. It didn’t happen overnight, but something happened as I drew near to God and dug deep into his word each day. My dad wasn’t home to take me to the grocery store; what am I going to do, I thought. So, I got in the car and went myself. I took back roads on that first trip, but it was just the beginning of being set free of fear.
We all have fears of some kind. They may seem rational to us but appear irrational to others. To overcome your fears, you need to understand why you have them and then work on facing them. Don’t fret, friend; you don’t have to go at it alone. You have an anchor, Jesus! He will set you free by seeking Him every day through his word, prayer, and faith.
Go ahead, step inside the ability of Jesus and find joy, friend.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Linking up this week with Inspire Me Monday Tell His Story InstaEncouragements Lets Have Coffee Recharge Wednesday Grace & Truth
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When Exploring Makes You Think Of A Life Lesson
This post is part of the Five Minute Friday blog link-up. Where I join up with a community of writers and bloggers of all ages and stages who gather around a single word prompt to free-write, unscripted, unedited, for five minutes. This week’s word prompt is {EXPLORE}
Kate said explore
This week’s word prompt brought to mind scavenger hunts.
During my elementary school years, I remember our local community center used to host summer activities for the kids in my town. The summer activities program came to a close every summer with a picnic and scavenger hunt.
The adults (usually recruited parents) would split us into groups and go around town with us kids while we explored and searched for the “treasures.” You know, each group wanted to be the one to find all the clues and win a prize.
Now today, my memory of scavenger hunts made me think about when I read my Bible. I’m drawn to dig deep, exploring all of the nooks and crannies to expand and develop my understanding about what God is saying in his word.
Isn’t it funny how a memory from long ago can make you think of a life lesson today? Keep exploring, my friends.
Photo by Olah Renáta Adrienn on Unsplash