Integrity

You examine our hearts and rejoice when You find integrity there.

I Chronicles 29:17

FRIENDSHIPS

"A friend loves at all times"

Proverbs 17:17

Baltasar Gracian, a Spanish Jesuit scholar wisely stated: “Look for friends who can last, and when they’re new, be satisfied that one day they will be old. The best ones of all are those well salted, with whom we have shared bushels of experience. Life without friends is a wasteland.”

Friends, old or new, are treasures! Especially old friends with whom you’ve had a history. Old friends seem to pick up conversations where they left off 25…50….100 years ago. Have you noticed that? New friends add something precious to our lives.

Recently I have connected with a cousin whom I haven't seen since I was ten years old. We have some family history and genealogy to share! I have also been connecting with some high school friends. It is amazing the paths over which God has led us these many years. Also, a yearly reunion for ladies who came to my home for two years for Bible study has just been established. The year went by fast but it was so heart warming as 12 ladies shared what the Lord was doing in their lives since we last saw each other. I have also joined a world-wide photography 'group ' on the Internet - flickr.com which opens the world to new friendships being developed from as far away as Germany, Canada, Portugal, Russia, Thailand and some nearby throughout the United States…and I didn't even have to leave home.

Take some time and ask yourself:

Which friends from my past would I enjoy connecting with again? Is God bringing someone to mind? It may take a little detective work on your part, but it is possible to find almost anyone today.

What are some new areas which I could explore which would open my up world to new friendships? A writing group, photography club, small groups at your place of worship...

Don't forget, to have a friend, first one must be a friend. The following are some of the qualities found between friends in a healthy, growing relationship:

* There is a willingness to nurture growth in each other.

* Each listens with her or his heart - not only to what is said but to what is not said.

* Trustworthiness is exhibited in matters discussed in confidence.

* Patience and forgiveness are practiced for inadequacies and mistakes.

* Through the inevitable joys and sorrow of life, being available to each other during those times is an essential ingredient.

How do we keep our friendships growing?

1. Take the initiative. Your friend is probably as busy as you are. Don’t wait for him/her to take action. Taking the initiative shows you really care.

2. Make time. If we wait until we find the time to develop friendships, we will never do it. We must make the time. Specific time must be set aside for your relationship to grow and prosper.

3. Keep in touch regularly. In these days of e-mail, Facebook, texting or the telephone, there is almost no excuse for neglecting to keep in touch on a regular basis.

Is God bringing anyone to mind with whom He would like you to connect? Step out in obedience to Him, He is trying to enrich your life.

Heavenly Father, please still my mind so that I may hear You - if there is anyone with whom I am to connect or re-connect, please prompt me to do so. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Everlasting Joy

All who seek the Lord will praise Him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.

All the families will bow before Him.

Psalm 22:26-27

The Lord's Goodness

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living.

Psalm 27:13