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Monday, December 23, 2024

I Want Friends With Courage

 Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity. 


written December 23, 2010: 

When I choose my friends I look for certain qualities...one of them being a sense of humor which is very important to me. The other important quality I look for is a friend who has the courage to stick up for me should the time arise and a sense of loyalty. The story below I thought was a great way to describe what I look for in a friend.....

IF A DOG WERE YOUR TEACHER, You would learn stuff like.....


When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.


Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.


Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.


When it's in your best interest -- practice obedience.


Let others know when they've invaded your territory.


Take naps and stretch before rising.


Run, romp, and play daily.


Thrive on attention and let people touch you.


Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.


On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.


On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.


When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.


No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends.


Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.


Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.


Be loyal.


Never pretend to be something you're not.


If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.


When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. 


In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. 

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

There is no love quite as unconditional as the love a pet can give!


 This picture was taken at the zoo when I visited in 2012.

Friday, December 20, 2024

A Busy Christmas

 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:39-42 


Martha's priorities sound so much like all of us at Christmas. We concern ourselves so much with all the details of the holiday that we forget to spend time with our Savior. It seems that all the other things become the priority of the season. 

Jesus tells Martha that there is only one thing necessary in life. According to the passage, it seems that Mary has figured out what that is. Mary stopped everything to listen to God. Let's not tell ourselves that if Jesus were with us in flesh and blood then we too would stop everything. God wants a relationship with us and has provided His Word and the Holy Spirit within us. 

We can still listen to Christ just as easily as Mary did unless we are too busy just as Martha was to hear Him. 


This picture was taken at Sunset on the lake in Door County Wisconsin in 2009.

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

A Different Path

When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. Exodus 13:17a

As children we begin to dream or plan of what we want to be when we grow up. When I was young I believed that I would be a missionary in some far away country leading people to Christ and a better life. I never saw myself married or having children. Instead I have been married, divorced, re-married with 4 children and 11 grandkids. I have served in ministry since the age of 21 here in South Florida and to some people this is a far away country. God had a different plan for my life and it is not at all the plan I was making in my head. 

When I read the passages of scripture in Exodus it reminds me that God controls our destiny as He did the destiny of the Israeli nation. Life brings us things that we do not always understand what the purpose is in our lives and the lives of those around us. This is where our faith comes in and we must trust God in what He is doing. 

Everything God does in our lives is about His Kingdom so I have learned not to take it personally when my life takes a different path. There are many things I did not plan such as dealing with alcoholism and drug addiction with those around me. This is an area of difficulty for me to watch those close to me who are ruining their lives with their addictions. I used to believe I had all the spiritual answers to assist them to control or change their behavior only to be disappointed. I now realize I can't change anyone not even myself  but I can continue to pray for them and help when they ask.

 
An unplanned route will often strengthen your faith!