Thanking God for all the women in my life, whether you are related to me by blood, marriage or the blood of Jesus Christ, I want you to know how much I thank God for you, loving you like a sister. I often think about so many of you wherever you are today. Whether in the great states in the midwest, or the southwest or here in the northeast. I wish I could have a cup of coffee or tea with each one of you. But that will have to wait for heaven I'm guessing. Our lives take us in so many different directions, but if you love Jesus, then we are headed in the same direction our destination heaven.
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him...
Thank you for being a friend.
Showing posts with label Friendship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friendship. Show all posts
Friday, May 21, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
De-Friended Part 2
My disappointment with this particular incident lies in the fact that Person A looked for me, has known me for over ten years and knows Who I love and why. Person A knows I make it my goal to love God, His Word and His people. Because Person A has chosen some lifestyle choices that I don't agree with but have never spoken out against to Person A specifically, found it necessary to leave my life as Person A the same way Person A appeared. 'Hi, how are you?' 'Click' I no longer want to be your friend. I am not hurt, saying, 'O poor me, I have fewer friends'. That is not it at all.
I sense loss in a just renewed friendship, I wanted to love as Jesus loves without judgement, I wanted to be salt and light.
But as a dear friend reminds me, often, 'it's not about you', it's about Him. I will continue to knock on the door of heaven, imploring God to draw Person A to Himself and continue to make this(me) person like His son.
I sense loss in a just renewed friendship, I wanted to love as Jesus loves without judgement, I wanted to be salt and light.
But as a dear friend reminds me, often, 'it's not about you', it's about Him. I will continue to knock on the door of heaven, imploring God to draw Person A to Himself and continue to make this(me) person like His son.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
De-Friended
I was recently 'defriended' by someone on a social networking site. I was disappointed to find this person didn't want to be "friends" anymore. Had I said something to offend this person? Had I been obnoxious in my postings? What did I do to not be a friend anymore?
These questions have left me wondering the benefits of social networking. Why do I take the time, sometimes wasting my time, to look through the pages of people who have called me their friend? Can I use it for the glory of God? Does it benefit others? Does it further the kingdom of God?
My point with this post is not to determine what I will do with my blog, facebook, twitter, gmail, etc.but to remind myself everyday who I am pleasing, living my life to the glory of God, loving my neighbor as myself, learning to apply Scripture to everyday living.
The recent messages on Sunday morning continue in the book of Romans. This past week the message from His Word was Romans 12:14-21, excellent message by the way.
These questions have left me wondering the benefits of social networking. Why do I take the time, sometimes wasting my time, to look through the pages of people who have called me their friend? Can I use it for the glory of God? Does it benefit others? Does it further the kingdom of God?
My point with this post is not to determine what I will do with my blog, facebook, twitter, gmail, etc.but to remind myself everyday who I am pleasing, living my life to the glory of God, loving my neighbor as myself, learning to apply Scripture to everyday living.
The recent messages on Sunday morning continue in the book of Romans. This past week the message from His Word was Romans 12:14-21, excellent message by the way.
I am taking to heart verse 9 and 18:
"Let love be genuine...
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."
I want my love to be genuine, abhoring what is evil, holding fast to what is good. I want to outdo in showing honor.(Romans 12:9,10)
Never perfectly but always praying the beauty of Jesus will be seen in me. If that means being 'defriended', just another opportunity to be transparent and authentic in love.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Game On!
I have had a great time watching college basketball this year. I grew up in the midwest, so I'm a die hard Big 10 fan, although, the team I love to watch is the Kansas Jayhawks, for the time being anyway. I now live in Big East territory and may have to switch my loyalty to the Syracuse Orange. I made my first trip to the Dome in Syracuse last night to watch the last home game of the season. Watching it on tv just doesn't cut it now that I've seen a game in person with over 25,000 screaming fans. The best part of this evening was spending it with a friend who loves Syracuse basketball.
As I've moved from Iowa to Kansas to Indiana to New York, I've left dear friends behind who could never be replaced. Every time I leave I have very little faith in God that He will provide new friends. Why I have such little faith is a mystery to me, because EVERY time God brings many women into my life who make it very rich. God knows what I need with the desires of my heart to connect with other sisters in Christ.
Whether it is working in ministry together, drinking lots of coffee, hiking the hills, maybe the mountains someday, of upstate New York, cheering on basketball teams, or lunch on the weekend, my life is full because of the people God brings into my life. Never doubting He will always meet every need I have according to His riches in glory, even enjoying basketball when the Kansas Jayhawks may meet the Syracuse Orange in the NCAA tournament.
Game On!!
Game On!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
As I was preparing my lesson for the Mothers of Preschoolers, God in His providence directed me to a blog post on Tuesday that was perfect. You can read the entire post at www.truewoman.com It is edited for this post.
We as women need other godly women who will point us to the truth of God's Word whatever we are facing. Whether it is exciting news, a recent heartbreak or disappointment. We need the wisdom of God's Word applying it to our daily lives so we may live to God's glory. Is my behavior saturated with God's truth so I am not reacting according to the emotion of the day or the time of the month or season of life? We need to be ruled by God's Word and not the roller coaster of emotions.
Am I A Titus 2 Friend?
Kimberly Wagoner
Edited by Jody Gates
Titus 2:3-5, especially verse 5 talks about being sensible. Some things to think about in looking for Godly women to befriend and being this type of friend.
Yesterday was a great day spending the morning with a group of moms, having lunch with a fellow pastor's wife, then spending time with my daughter at college. Back to work today!
We as women need other godly women who will point us to the truth of God's Word whatever we are facing. Whether it is exciting news, a recent heartbreak or disappointment. We need the wisdom of God's Word applying it to our daily lives so we may live to God's glory. Is my behavior saturated with God's truth so I am not reacting according to the emotion of the day or the time of the month or season of life? We need to be ruled by God's Word and not the roller coaster of emotions.
Am I A Titus 2 Friend?
Kimberly Wagoner
Edited by Jody Gates
Titus 2:3-5, especially verse 5 talks about being sensible. Some things to think about in looking for Godly women to befriend and being this type of friend.
- Listens Well-Proberbs 15:28; 18:13
- Doesn't get caught up in the emotions of the situation, sensible in her reaction-Proverbs 31:25-26
- Offers Godly comfort-2 Corinthians 1:3-7
- Speaks words of hope, grace, and truth-Ephesians 4:29
- Demonstrates Faith-Hebrews 11:1
- Humbly leads by suggesting ways to practically apply the truth of God's Word-Proverbs 22:17
- Is discreet and confidential-Proverbs 25:9
- Directs her to the One who has all wisdom as her Ultimate Counselor-Psalm 9:9-10
- Prays with her-Colossians 1:9-12
Yesterday was a great day spending the morning with a group of moms, having lunch with a fellow pastor's wife, then spending time with my daughter at college. Back to work today!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
I'm Not Your Girlfriend
On my way today to speak to a Mother's of Preschoolers group. We will be discussing the Friendships of Women and how we shouldn't expect our spouse to fulfill all of the needs we have as women. I certainly can relate since my wonderful husband told me shortly after we were married, in a loving, tactful way of course, and I quote "I'm not your girlfriend"! I was a little surprised when he said that to me, but knew what he meant.
Over the years we have both learned to like what each of us enjoys, but there are just some things better done and enjoyed with girlfriends.
I wanted to go see Julie and Julia, the movie about Julia Childs. He was a happy camper when I found a girlfriend to go with. And he really doesn't want to know how I cure diaper rash or how I can cook a roast in half the time, etc. We all need at least one female friend that we can be an open book with, a confidante, who will encourage us to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul, a friend who will hold us accountable while at the same time giving us their favorite recipe while we take a hike together.
Titus 2:3-5 tells us what kind of friend to look for and what kind of friend we can be to other women.
More on that tomorrow.
Over the years we have both learned to like what each of us enjoys, but there are just some things better done and enjoyed with girlfriends.
I wanted to go see Julie and Julia, the movie about Julia Childs. He was a happy camper when I found a girlfriend to go with. And he really doesn't want to know how I cure diaper rash or how I can cook a roast in half the time, etc. We all need at least one female friend that we can be an open book with, a confidante, who will encourage us to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul, a friend who will hold us accountable while at the same time giving us their favorite recipe while we take a hike together.
Titus 2:3-5 tells us what kind of friend to look for and what kind of friend we can be to other women.
More on that tomorrow.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Check This Out
A fellow blogger and life time friend has a beautiful blog of pictures I wanted to share with you. These aren't just any pictures, but snapshots of her heart and soul. She, in my opinion, is truly gifted. Check it out at Peripheral Reflection.
I hope you all have a friend you've had forever. Her mom and mine have been friends since their early elementary years, and are still good friends today. We grew up playing and going to school together, drifted apart for some of our adult years, and it was her shoulder I wept on a few days after my dad passed away. We now get together every time I make my way back to the midwest, picking up where we left off from our last visit. Although not sure I will show up next summer when it's time to make salsa again. Ha! The best part of our friendship? We both love Jesus. It doesn't get any better than that.
I hope you all have a friend you've had forever. Her mom and mine have been friends since their early elementary years, and are still good friends today. We grew up playing and going to school together, drifted apart for some of our adult years, and it was her shoulder I wept on a few days after my dad passed away. We now get together every time I make my way back to the midwest, picking up where we left off from our last visit. Although not sure I will show up next summer when it's time to make salsa again. Ha! The best part of our friendship? We both love Jesus. It doesn't get any better than that.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Simple and Real Friends
I borrowed the following from a fellow blogger and one of the best friends I have. She lives too far away but I know we will always be real friends.
This is also in honor of a very good friend who will be pulling out of her driveway early this morning to begin a new season with her husband in another state. She has and will always be another real friend.
A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.
A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first name.
A real friend has their phone numbers in her address book.
A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean up.
A simple friend hates it when you call after she has gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.
A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.
A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.
A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps herself.
A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend knows that it's not a friendship until after you've had an fight (or disagreement).
A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!
This is also in honor of a very good friend who will be pulling out of her driveway early this morning to begin a new season with her husband in another state. She has and will always be another real friend.
A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.
A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first name.
A real friend has their phone numbers in her address book.
A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean up.
A simple friend hates it when you call after she has gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.
A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.
A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.
A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps herself.
A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend knows that it's not a friendship until after you've had an fight (or disagreement).
A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tribute to a Friend
Friend= a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard- dictionary.com
I've moved several times in my life. Whether it was off to college, or moving from one pastorate to another, God has always given me special friends to spend my life with. Thanks to facebook I can now talk to friends I made in college who live in other states. I also have a girlfriend I've had since we were born. Our mothers are friends, becoming closer in the past year as she has walked the path of grief with me. And other girlfriends in several states keeping in touch by phone, emails, the occasional letter and Christmas card.
In a couple of weeks I will be saying goodbye to another dear friend who is our church office administrator. My husband has been her boss, but she has become like a sister to me and a dear friend to our youngest daughter. He wrote his newsletter article for the month of September in honor of her and her husband, who also helped birth the church we now serve. He included the following quote from C. S. Lewis and it immediately tugged at my heart as I think of her and the many friends God has given me.
I've moved several times in my life. Whether it was off to college, or moving from one pastorate to another, God has always given me special friends to spend my life with. Thanks to facebook I can now talk to friends I made in college who live in other states. I also have a girlfriend I've had since we were born. Our mothers are friends, becoming closer in the past year as she has walked the path of grief with me. And other girlfriends in several states keeping in touch by phone, emails, the occasional letter and Christmas card.
In a couple of weeks I will be saying goodbye to another dear friend who is our church office administrator. My husband has been her boss, but she has become like a sister to me and a dear friend to our youngest daughter. He wrote his newsletter article for the month of September in honor of her and her husband, who also helped birth the church we now serve. He included the following quote from C. S. Lewis and it immediately tugged at my heart as I think of her and the many friends God has given me.
"True friends don't spend time gazing into each other's eyes. They may show great tenderness toward each other, but they face in the same direction--toward common projects, interests, goals--above all, toward a common Lord."
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
Proverbs 18:24
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
Proverbs 18:24
The best part about saying goodbye is that it is not a final goodbye, for we will see each other again around the throne of God worshipping Him whom we love.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Mother's Day
3Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Titus 2:3-5
This month as we remember Mother's Day, I am celebrating by honoring the mother's in my life and the "older women" who have been like Moms to me. To my mom and mom-in-love, you have been shining examples to me, showing me how to love my husband and children, how to love in sickness and health, for richer for poorer. Now that they are both widows, they continue to teach me how to live.
In our first pastorate I was the new kid in town, young not knowing very many people except those in our congregation. A retired pastor and his wife were part of our fellowship. She was my first spiritual mother, taking me out to lunch, praying for me and helping me when our first child was born, thank you Pat.
In our next two churches there were women who again helped me raise my children, teaching me how to be a mom. One of the things that impressed me most was they were godly women who lived honestly and transparently before God. They taught me to not take life so seriously and laugh along the way.
Which brings me to LaFayette Alliance and the women of God who are teaching me to serve God beyond retirement, loving God with all their heart, mind and soul, loving their husbands, children and grandchildren, being servants of God wherever God calls them whether that is taking food to a new mom or visiting someone in the hospital or going around the world to share the love of our Savior with other women, and sharing many cups of coffee or lunch with me, praying for and with me, again shining examples to me of what it means to be a True Woman so that God's Word will not be reviled. To those who are not biological mothers, I would encourage you to be a "mom" to someone, the world could use more women like those I've just mentioned.
Happy Mother's Day
"Motherhood is the greatest tool I know for God to shape me and mold me and chisel me for eternity." Holly Elliff
This month as we remember Mother's Day, I am celebrating by honoring the mother's in my life and the "older women" who have been like Moms to me. To my mom and mom-in-love, you have been shining examples to me, showing me how to love my husband and children, how to love in sickness and health, for richer for poorer. Now that they are both widows, they continue to teach me how to live.
In our first pastorate I was the new kid in town, young not knowing very many people except those in our congregation. A retired pastor and his wife were part of our fellowship. She was my first spiritual mother, taking me out to lunch, praying for me and helping me when our first child was born, thank you Pat.
In our next two churches there were women who again helped me raise my children, teaching me how to be a mom. One of the things that impressed me most was they were godly women who lived honestly and transparently before God. They taught me to not take life so seriously and laugh along the way.
Which brings me to LaFayette Alliance and the women of God who are teaching me to serve God beyond retirement, loving God with all their heart, mind and soul, loving their husbands, children and grandchildren, being servants of God wherever God calls them whether that is taking food to a new mom or visiting someone in the hospital or going around the world to share the love of our Savior with other women, and sharing many cups of coffee or lunch with me, praying for and with me, again shining examples to me of what it means to be a True Woman so that God's Word will not be reviled. To those who are not biological mothers, I would encourage you to be a "mom" to someone, the world could use more women like those I've just mentioned.
Happy Mother's Day
"Motherhood is the greatest tool I know for God to shape me and mold me and chisel me for eternity." Holly Elliff
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