The Value of Friendship by Guest Blogger Donna L.H. Smith

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times. And a brother is born for adversity.” The Hebrew word for friend is re’a (ray-ah) Strong’s 7453 It means friend, companion, neighbor, fellowman, a familiar person. The present reference is a prescript for a healthy friendship; a friend should love at all times.

What are your friends like? Do they encourage you, support you, influence you in a positive way, bring out the very best in you; go out of their way to help you in time of need? Do they remember important events in your life? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then you’ve got some true

friendships.

We visited a friend in a retirement home. Kirby’s known this friend most of his life. I only met her about twenty-five or so years ago. Her name is Rochelle, and she is a treasure. We worked together on our local election board. We’d talked many times before I actually served on the board, first as a clerk, and eventually as judge of elections. Because of her vast experience on the board for many years, she was valuable in helping me to think ahead, especially after long lines of the 2004 Presidential election. She suggested we change the venue. Neither of us is still on the board, about three years ago, Rochelle fell and is now locally in a nursing home. This is the first time we saw her since her accident.

Prayer: Lord, help me be a friend today.

LESSON 4: WORTHWHILE AIN’T NECESSARILY EASY (OR QUICK)! - Guest Blogger Lillian Duncan

Habakkuk 2: 3 (KJV)

For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarry, wait for it.

I recently released a short non-fiction book entitled GOD, LIFE & HULA HOOPS:

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

SPIRITUAL LISTENING LESSONS. It's meant to be light-hearted but with a serious message. This devotion is from Spiritual Listening Lesson 4. 

It took me fifteen years to get my first traditional contract. That’s right! Fifteen years! Fifteen years of writing. Fifteen years of rejections. Fifteen years of coming close but still not getting that contract.

To say I was frustrated was a bit of an understatement. I was firmly convinced God wanted me to be a writer so I didn’t understand why it wasn’t happening. If God wanted me to do it, wouldn’t he make it easy for me?

Absolutely not! 

God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus. And look at all she and Joseph went through—shunned; humiliated; chased out of her homeland; and watching her son die on the cross.

Worthwhile ain’t necessarily easy or quick!

And then there’s Moses God gave him the assignment of leading the Israelites out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. It took Moses more than forty years, and in the end he didn’t get to go into the Promised Land even though the new generation of Israelites did.

Worthwhile ain’t necessarily easy or quick!

Just because God wants us to do something doesn’t it’s going to be easy. Just as parents know (or should know) if you make everything too easy for a child, they won’t grow up—they won’t mature. God knows that as well. After all, He is the perfect parent!

It wasn’t quick or easy, but all those years of perseverance were worth it! Four years and ten contracts later, writing still brings me so much joy. But what would have happened if I’d quit in year ten? Year thirteen? Year fourteen and a half?

When I’m asked what advice I would give to unpublished writers, I always include DON’T QUIT!

Life is like that. As I write this, it’s been more than three years since I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors—and believe me, it hasn’t been easy or quick. There’s been countless times in the past 3 ½ years when I wanted to throw in the towel. Give up. Quit.

 Instead, I’ve learned to keep my eyes on Jesus, knowing that he will see me through once again. 

It doesn’t matter what goals or dreams you have, you’ve got to stick to it. If you quit, you won’t get there. Doesn’t matter if it’s to learn to play a piano, lose weight, be a writer, or even to hula hoop.

If you quit, it won’t happen.

Worthwhile ain’t necessarily easy or quick!

BIO:

Lillian Duncan: stories of faith mingled with murder &mayhem!

Lillian is a multi-published writer with several Amazon bestsellers, including The Christmas Stalking and Betrayed. Lillian writes the types of books she loves to read—fast-paced suspense with a touch or two of romance that demonstrates God’s love for all of us.

 

Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net. Tiaras & Tennis Shoes is her personal blog at www.lillian-duncan.com. 

GOD, LIFE & HULA HOOPS BLURB:

God uses the oddest things to teach us what he wants us to learn—what we need to learn in order to have a better life. I’m sure there are weirder examples, but God used the hula hoop to teach me new things, give me more wisdom, and clarify some old ideas for me.

In 2012, I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors. It’s not been an easy journey, nor is it over. But God has held my hand every step of the way. 2 Corinthians 1:4 tells us to comfort others just as we have been comforted by God.

In God, Life & Hula Hoops, I share some of the spiritual lessons that have helped me during this difficult time in hopes that you will be comforted as well.

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Thanks Lillian for guest blogging while I recover from surgery.

Listen to that still... small... voice! - Guest Blogger JC Morrows

(Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

JC Morrows has graciously stepped in to guest blog for me today while I'm recovering from surgery. Thanks, JC.

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My writing journey did not begin for God. It wasn't even really for me. It was for my mother – and my children.

I started writing, and I struggled along. It smoothed out at times but it was hard. It was nearly impossible at times. And then I sought publication... and that was not for God either. 

At the time, I was bothered that no one... absolutely no one... wanted my story. Now, I can look back and be nothing but thankful. If God had allowed my story to be published the way it was, I would be forever haunted by that.

Not quite a year ago, I was struggling through another story. I was writing for God this time, but I never really felt like it was what I was supposed to be writing – so it was no surprise that every word fought me.

One morning, I was so frustrated, I was ready to throw in the towel and do something else... anything else... when God gave me an answer I never expected.

I asked God what He wanted me to write... and a story exploded in my mind; a story I would never have written on my own – a story about an assassin.

Once I started, I couldn't stop – and the more I wrote, the more I wanted to write. Before I knew it, I had five parts of a story, and still there was so much information left in my mind – about the characters, about their back-stories, about the world in which they live.

It is amazing how much God can fill us with. . . when we let Him.

“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” – Habakkuk 2:2 KJV

This is my life's verse – it is the verse that God has given to me, to spur me on when I'm tired, to inspire me when I feel empty, to encourage me when I feel hopeless. It is my message, my motto, my hope – that I can do something to help spread the word of God.

Even through a story...

Have you listened to that still, small, voice lately? What has God been trying to tell you? Are you following the path He has set out for you? You should...

Website: http://jcmorrows.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCMorrows

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jcmorrows
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JC.Morrows.Author
Instagram: http://instagram.com/jcmorrows

Live Life to the Full

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you;
    take to heart my commands.
They’ll help you live a long, long time,
    a long life lived full and well.
Proverbs 3:1-2 (The Message)

Yesterday I went along with my husband for his follow-up at a doctor's office. We had fun joking around with the nurse who works there. She is always perky and fires off quips right and left. Whenever we have her we find ourselves leaving the building laughing, lighter heart and encouraged.

When the appointment came to a close we had one more opportunity to speak with the nurse. She commented that she believes "in living life to the full." She says she is happier and has more fun that way.

Her words struck me. As a Christian, am I living my life with arms spread wide open like in the photo, desiring to live a full life? Or do I trudge through my days, feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and beaten down by the weights of the world?

I don't know about you, but I want to live a full life... one without regrets. One where I step out and do the things God calls me to do. I refuse to give in to the fears that threaten, and instead want to stand with head held high, arms wide open, embracing the life God gives me.

Thanks for stopping by today, especially if this is the first time to visit, welcome. :) Have a great day.

Do Not Worry

Can any of you add a cubit to his height by worrying? If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?

“Consider how the wildflowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! Luke 12: 25-27 (HCSB)

​

 

In just a few days I will be undergoing some major surgery. To be honest, it makes me a little nervous. I've had minor surgery in the past - two shoulders and a trigger finger release, but this one is a bit more extensive. I must admit.... it's hard not to worry about it.

But... Matthew 6:25 says "Do not worry about your life." It doesn't say, "When you worry..." or "If you worry...." Instead it says, DO NOT WORRY. In other words, no ifs, ands or buts. :)

So instead of worrying, I'm choosing to pray for God's peace and will... no matter the outcome. I'm comforted in knowing I have a Savior who loves me and won't allow anything into my life that hasn't first been sifted through His hands.

What are you struggling with today? How can I be praying for you?

 

 

Abraham and Isaac.... A Lesson I Thought I Would Have Learned by Now...

"Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.

Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22:2, 9-12, 14 (NIV)

I've had several times in my life where God has used this scripture to lead me to a new level of obedience, letting go and trusting Him. You think I would have learned this lesson by now.

The first time occurred when I had to give up my 'then' intended. I knew he was the man God had for me but the only trouble was I allowed my relationship with him to become more important than my relationship with God. I had to put my desire for marriage on the altar. Ouch! It wasn't until I released him that a few months later God brought us back together again.

The next series of testing came when we were trying to get pregnant. All the other spouses in our Army unit became pregnant... except me. In fact, we were the only ones who had been trying. Months later I finally became with child, only to lose it a few weeks later. Again I had to put on the altar my desire to have a child and pray and ask for His will in my life, even if it meant never getting my heart's desire - children. Well, in time, God gave us two handsome sons. 

So now I'm at my third session of laying my desires on the altar. Ever since I was a young girl I've desired to be a writer, to be published and see my books in print. While I have an agent and my works have gotten before quite a few publishers, I've yet to actually receive a contract.

I recently attended the Montrose Christian Writers Conference and during one of the opening sessions I knew that I needed to place my desire of being a published author at the feet of Jesus knowing I may never see that longing fulfilled. Still, He has called me to be obedient to write the stories He places on my heart, even if it's only for an audience of One. 

I choose to leave my desires on His altar and trust Him to work in whatever way is best. I choose obedience.

In what area do you struggle to be obedient? In what ways can I pray for you?


(Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

A Shot in the Arm

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Have you ever had one of those days? I remember all the years I took my boys for injections. They hated getting that shot in the arm because of the pain it caused. When they were little they couldn't understand how the procedure would be helpful in the long run in preventing them from catching various diseases.

I was having a discouraging day. I went for a walk and cried out to the Lord for direction. I came back home and read through emails that had been accumulating in my inbox. Through various writers declaring why they write, it provided the 'shot in the arm' of encouragement to me that I needed. Something I'd been lacking.

While I have those time of pain from the sting of 'a shot', I can rely on the fact that God is working even when I can't see results. He promises to strengthen, help and uphold. We have no need to fear or be discouraged.

What truths has God been showing you lately?

When You Pass Through the Waters....

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are Mine.
I will be with you
when you pass through the waters,
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not overwhelm you.
You will not be scorched
when you walk through the fire,
and the flame will not burn you."
Isaiah 43:1b-2 (HCSB)

Do you ever feel like you are passing through the waters... or being swept away by them? I have to admit to being in that state on Tuesday when three inches of rain swept across our area in a very short amount of time. Fifteen minutes after the rain began my husband and I went downstairs to check on the status of our basement, only to find water pouring in from the window wells.

We used two shop vacs. One no sooner filled and my husband went to empty it before I had the next one filled as well. It was the worst flood we've ever experienced in our home. Two rooms were completely flooded. One room has linoleum and the other has a very thin carpet. Since the carpet is put down right on top of cement, we should be able to salvage it.

After hours of moving things out of harm's way, sucking up water, and trying to dry things out, we were exhausted. Now we're handling the aftermath... dealing with everything that had to be moved, etc. Tuesday I felt numb.... I didn't even have words. Yesterday I felt overwhelmed by the task before us of downsizing so that if/when this happens again, it won't be such a struggle to deal with in the future.

I couldn't help but think of a future scene in the novel I'm working on. It's a scene that will depict what was the worst flood my town experienced. This is the bridge that I'll be writing about.

Through all the struggles I face in this life I take comfort in the first section of the scripture above:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are Mine.
I will be with you."
 
What storms have you been going through lately? How can I pray for you?
 

A New Look

I saw this video on FB this morning.

New Face on Dolls

It made me think of this verse from 2 Corinthians 5:17-18.

When anyone lives in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone! The new is here! All this is from God. He brought us back to himself through Christ’s death on the cross. And he has given us the task of bringing others back to him through Christ. (NIRV)

What a sweet reminder of the new life Christ gives us when we ask Him to forgive our sins and ask Him to enter our hearts. He provides us with a totally new look.

Is your face showing the 'new look' you have in Christ? 

Stepping Up

My husband is participating in a Men's Bible study and they are studying the book Stepping Up by Dennis Rainey. That imagery of stepping up has been on my mind lately.

Perhaps you are more like me and you thrive on NOT being in the forefront. You're happy to be in the sidelines. I have to ask myself though, when it comes to the things that are important in my life and in my faith, am I stepping up or shrinking back? Am I like an ostrich, sticking my head in the sand and pretending nothing is going on around me?

I'm reminded of this verse in Hebrews 10:38-39.

“But my righteous one will live by faith.
    And I take no pleasure
    in the one who shrinks back.”

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

I know my natural tendency when faced with opposition or a stressful situation is to clam up.Not necessarily a good thing.

So the question I have to ask myself... and perhaps you too... Am I stepping up in the areas that count? If not, how can I change?

Family

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Ephesians 1:4-6

I've been thinking lately about the blessing of family. It could be because I have a new grandchild and also that we'll soon be adding another daughter-in-law to our family, but I find my life to be full of blessings because of loved ones in my life.

Perhaps when family is mentioned, it brings about sadness or a sinking feeling. For me it's such a sweet reminder that while I love and appreciate my earthly family, my heavenly family is even more important because Christ gave His life for me so that I might have life to abundance. (John 10:10) Christ adopted me into His family on the day that I gave Him control of my life.

Do you have that assurance of being adopted into God's family? I'd love to tell you how you can.