"A friend loveth at all times..." Prov 17:17
The Lord is so good to give us friends! I've recently been reminded of just how many friends I have.... so many of those provided directly from the Lord himself. I can trace my friends through the places I have lived. That is one great advantage of moving a lot... you get to meet many people!
There are friends from when I was a little kid in TX. Two of these just sent me e-mails this week.. it's good to know that I have not been forgotten.
I also received two e-mails from high school friends in MO. It was very nice to catch up with them. All but one of my high school friends have been saved over the years; so it's wonderful to have godly fellowship with them.
Then it was off to CA. I may not be able to say many good things about California itself, but I left many loved ones there. One of my dearest friends, Rachael, is one among many of those that I still talk to on a regular basis. I was a baby Christian when I got to the church there, but she took me under her wing and helped me along my spiritual path, without ever once judging me for my baby Christian ways. She will readily admit that she is a little scatter-brained when it comes to remembering occasions and sending things (although she is getting better!), so you can imagine my surprise when a package from her arrived in the mail yesterday. She stuffed that flat-rate box full with candy and goodies for everyone. The kids were most excited about this part of the treasure:
Actually, my husband was pretty thrilled about this as well ;) I don't think that box of Good & Plenty lasted very long! I don't eat candy, and the kids are only allowed a couple of small pieces on Sunday, but they are so looking forward to the treat that's coming to them.
She also sent a book for me that the ladies' group at her church will be using for their monthly devotion time. But my biggest surprise was what she said was my late birthday present:
These are the first three books from the Hymnproviser series by Majesty Music. Rachael has been the church pianist, and sometimes organist, at her church for at least 10 years now. I remember her telling me on the phone a couple of years ago about getting these books and being so excited about them. From what I understand, they teach an easier and more interesting method of playing hymns. I know that she treasured getting these books, so for her to send them to me was very touching. I know that she understood my need to learn more about playing hymns in church, and she knew these would help. When I called to thank her, I also had the pleasure of hearing about the soul that she led to the Lord recently...AMEN! She is such a blessing to me!
At this same church in CA the Lord put everything in place for me to meet more wonderful friends. We were getting ready to move again, and we were trying to do research on the internet to find a good church in the area we were going to be living in. I wasn't getting very far unfortunately. One day at church, my pastor mentioned to the congregation where and when we would be moving. After church a new lady, who I hadn't really met yet, came up to me and said that her dad was the Assistant Pastor at a great church in that very town! The more she told me about the church, the more I knew the Lord was leading us there. She even gave me some preaching tapes to listen to! She told her Mom and Dad about us coming there, and when we walked in the doors that Sunday I got a great big hug from our new "family" waiting to meet us. That was the beginning of another God-given friendship. You see, this lady's mother was.... Hope. Hope and I have adopted new "labels" for each other, since she is so much more to me than a friend. She is now my "Mother-in the-Lord", and I her "Daughter". We have spent many hours of loving fellowship, and have had many wonderful times over Cherry Limeades at Sonic :) We didn't live in this place very long, but I made several dear friends that I still talk to, and that still provide loving edification through their letters and e-mails.
Next stop was Okinawa, Japan. This is the time in my life when I really came out of my "shell", which resulted in many, many friends. "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Prov 18:24 I remember when we first arrived at this church feeling so alone; not knowing anyone. I had enough of this after a couple of weeks, and not talking with anyone. One morning I saw a lady with a Pampered Chef catalog in her lap. I decided to shatter my shell and show myself friendly! I walked right up to this stranger and said, "I'm new here, but I was wondering if I could come to your party so that I could meet some people?" Of course, she agreed, and that was the beginning of my new, friendlier life. Life truly is so much happier without that shell of shyness getting in my way.
It was at this church that the Lord gave me the Ladies' Visitation ministry on Tuesday mornings. We weren't doing much for the Lord though, since no one ever came! That is, until Heather moved to the island. I could go on and on for several posts about this amazing woman, but if you read her blog, then you probably already know. Heather was always faithful to this ministry, even when she was 9 months pregnant! When I left, the Lord gave the ministry to her; and I can't imagine it in better hands. I love how the Lord gives you just the right person, at just the right time in your life. Heather and I are able to encourage and lift-up one another in ways that we probably wouldn't have been able to do years ago....... when we lived across the street from each other!! We lived across the street from each other in CA for over a year, and never met once. But, the Lord has perfect timing, and I believe he allowed our close proximity to show just that. That HE can bring the right people together when he wills for it to be. Heather surprised me last week by sending the kids and I some books. She sent some fun books about Israel for the kids, and she sent me this:
I have never read Hinds' Feet on High Places, but I've always wanted to. I don't know how she knew that I didn't already have this book; I don't remember mentioning it to her. If I did mention it, then that shows how well she listens, so that's good too. I just got this a few days ago, and I'm already half-way through...... needless to say, it is a good book! Heather is definitely another big blessing in my life!
I was also blessed (and surprised) yesterday to receive a "Skype" call from the pastor in Okinawa. It's always nice to know that you haven't been forgotten, and that there are people all over the world praying for you.
My trail of friends has now led to Israel, where there have not been friends present to walk with. I am blessed beyond measure to have so many, many friends to talk with through my blog, e-mails, and Skype. But, there's just something to be said for a friend right where you are. Someone to fellowship with and even to be held accountable to. I am so thankful for my husband, who truly is my closest, and dearest friend. And I never have to move and leave him behind.... he always comes with me (or me with him, to be more accurate). Yet, there's something about having another woman to talk with. You know, those things that your husband really doesn't care about, but listens to anyway, just to be polite. The one lady that goes to our church speaks Arabic and lives in the West Bank, so she was quickly eliminated as anyone I could be really close to. And then intervenes the LORD!....
Several months back now, Theresa, from "A note from Theresa", wrote a post about a missionary visiting her church. This missionary was on deputation, raising support to go to.... Jerusalem, Israel!! I was immediately excited to read this. I went straight to Google and started searching for who this was. Long story short, there is a lovely family coming here!!! I've exchanged several e-mails so far, and we're looking forward to meeting our new, sure-to-be friends. They even have children that are close to the ages of my children. A little 9-year-old girl for my 8-year-old daughter, and some little boys for my son. When you stand back and look at the statistics of a matter, you can really see GOD showing himself through all of the "impossibilities". There is no way that any of this was "chance". I'm hoping to have many more wonderful things to post about this family in the future.
FRIENDS, one of God's greatest gifts to man.
There are friends from when I was a little kid in TX. Two of these just sent me e-mails this week.. it's good to know that I have not been forgotten.
I also received two e-mails from high school friends in MO. It was very nice to catch up with them. All but one of my high school friends have been saved over the years; so it's wonderful to have godly fellowship with them.
Then it was off to CA. I may not be able to say many good things about California itself, but I left many loved ones there. One of my dearest friends, Rachael, is one among many of those that I still talk to on a regular basis. I was a baby Christian when I got to the church there, but she took me under her wing and helped me along my spiritual path, without ever once judging me for my baby Christian ways. She will readily admit that she is a little scatter-brained when it comes to remembering occasions and sending things (although she is getting better!), so you can imagine my surprise when a package from her arrived in the mail yesterday. She stuffed that flat-rate box full with candy and goodies for everyone. The kids were most excited about this part of the treasure:
Actually, my husband was pretty thrilled about this as well ;) I don't think that box of Good & Plenty lasted very long! I don't eat candy, and the kids are only allowed a couple of small pieces on Sunday, but they are so looking forward to the treat that's coming to them. She also sent a book for me that the ladies' group at her church will be using for their monthly devotion time. But my biggest surprise was what she said was my late birthday present:
These are the first three books from the Hymnproviser series by Majesty Music. Rachael has been the church pianist, and sometimes organist, at her church for at least 10 years now. I remember her telling me on the phone a couple of years ago about getting these books and being so excited about them. From what I understand, they teach an easier and more interesting method of playing hymns. I know that she treasured getting these books, so for her to send them to me was very touching. I know that she understood my need to learn more about playing hymns in church, and she knew these would help. When I called to thank her, I also had the pleasure of hearing about the soul that she led to the Lord recently...AMEN! She is such a blessing to me!At this same church in CA the Lord put everything in place for me to meet more wonderful friends. We were getting ready to move again, and we were trying to do research on the internet to find a good church in the area we were going to be living in. I wasn't getting very far unfortunately. One day at church, my pastor mentioned to the congregation where and when we would be moving. After church a new lady, who I hadn't really met yet, came up to me and said that her dad was the Assistant Pastor at a great church in that very town! The more she told me about the church, the more I knew the Lord was leading us there. She even gave me some preaching tapes to listen to! She told her Mom and Dad about us coming there, and when we walked in the doors that Sunday I got a great big hug from our new "family" waiting to meet us. That was the beginning of another God-given friendship. You see, this lady's mother was.... Hope. Hope and I have adopted new "labels" for each other, since she is so much more to me than a friend. She is now my "Mother-in the-Lord", and I her "Daughter". We have spent many hours of loving fellowship, and have had many wonderful times over Cherry Limeades at Sonic :) We didn't live in this place very long, but I made several dear friends that I still talk to, and that still provide loving edification through their letters and e-mails.
Next stop was Okinawa, Japan. This is the time in my life when I really came out of my "shell", which resulted in many, many friends. "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Prov 18:24 I remember when we first arrived at this church feeling so alone; not knowing anyone. I had enough of this after a couple of weeks, and not talking with anyone. One morning I saw a lady with a Pampered Chef catalog in her lap. I decided to shatter my shell and show myself friendly! I walked right up to this stranger and said, "I'm new here, but I was wondering if I could come to your party so that I could meet some people?" Of course, she agreed, and that was the beginning of my new, friendlier life. Life truly is so much happier without that shell of shyness getting in my way.
It was at this church that the Lord gave me the Ladies' Visitation ministry on Tuesday mornings. We weren't doing much for the Lord though, since no one ever came! That is, until Heather moved to the island. I could go on and on for several posts about this amazing woman, but if you read her blog, then you probably already know. Heather was always faithful to this ministry, even when she was 9 months pregnant! When I left, the Lord gave the ministry to her; and I can't imagine it in better hands. I love how the Lord gives you just the right person, at just the right time in your life. Heather and I are able to encourage and lift-up one another in ways that we probably wouldn't have been able to do years ago....... when we lived across the street from each other!! We lived across the street from each other in CA for over a year, and never met once. But, the Lord has perfect timing, and I believe he allowed our close proximity to show just that. That HE can bring the right people together when he wills for it to be. Heather surprised me last week by sending the kids and I some books. She sent some fun books about Israel for the kids, and she sent me this:
I have never read Hinds' Feet on High Places, but I've always wanted to. I don't know how she knew that I didn't already have this book; I don't remember mentioning it to her. If I did mention it, then that shows how well she listens, so that's good too. I just got this a few days ago, and I'm already half-way through...... needless to say, it is a good book! Heather is definitely another big blessing in my life!I was also blessed (and surprised) yesterday to receive a "Skype" call from the pastor in Okinawa. It's always nice to know that you haven't been forgotten, and that there are people all over the world praying for you.
My trail of friends has now led to Israel, where there have not been friends present to walk with. I am blessed beyond measure to have so many, many friends to talk with through my blog, e-mails, and Skype. But, there's just something to be said for a friend right where you are. Someone to fellowship with and even to be held accountable to. I am so thankful for my husband, who truly is my closest, and dearest friend. And I never have to move and leave him behind.... he always comes with me (or me with him, to be more accurate). Yet, there's something about having another woman to talk with. You know, those things that your husband really doesn't care about, but listens to anyway, just to be polite. The one lady that goes to our church speaks Arabic and lives in the West Bank, so she was quickly eliminated as anyone I could be really close to. And then intervenes the LORD!....
Several months back now, Theresa, from "A note from Theresa", wrote a post about a missionary visiting her church. This missionary was on deputation, raising support to go to.... Jerusalem, Israel!! I was immediately excited to read this. I went straight to Google and started searching for who this was. Long story short, there is a lovely family coming here!!! I've exchanged several e-mails so far, and we're looking forward to meeting our new, sure-to-be friends. They even have children that are close to the ages of my children. A little 9-year-old girl for my 8-year-old daughter, and some little boys for my son. When you stand back and look at the statistics of a matter, you can really see GOD showing himself through all of the "impossibilities". There is no way that any of this was "chance". I'm hoping to have many more wonderful things to post about this family in the future.
FRIENDS, one of God's greatest gifts to man.
10 comments:
It sure is a small world when you know the Lord and THEN start blogging.
It was nice getting to know your friends, in a different way, from your point of view, as I read their blogs......and you are so right. Great examples of Godly women.
Deby
My dear Pam, what a dear friend you are and I know the Lord is faithful to fullfill this need also. I was thinking about this very thing when we moved here and knowing I was leaving friends behind. You know what God too answered my prayers about this too. Even though we have been here for a few months I think some friendships are starting too. Rachael and her mother and grandmother are such sweet dear people and I am excited to go on the ladies retreat coming up in march.
Love you my dear.
Dear Pam, I loved your post and just reminds me of how God supplies ALL our needs even for friends. I am so thankful that even though many miles apart, I do feel that you are a friend. Have a wonderful day, dear friend. connie fromTexas
How faithful of the LORD...always providing at just the right time..FRIENDS..encouragement.
The LORD brought YOU along these ways for us too!
I LOVE Hinds Feet on High Places...I have had a copy of this book for years! Hannah Hurnard is an excellent author..I have several of her books. I must get the hardback version..what a pretty book and so sweet of Heather.
Thank you for such a sweet post on Friendship!
I loved your post on friends along the way. We've moved a lot, having been military for 10 years, and then becoming missionaries. The Lord is so good to send friends at just the right time!
I have the Hymnprovisor books, the first level. They are good! I just need to practice more! I hope you'll enjoy them and learn a lot from them.
Pam, I was wondering, you said there's an award waiting in Heaven for your daughter for witnessing. What does that mean? If you witness to someone then you can get what?
Din, follow this link and pay special attention to verse 8:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr003.html#8
There are MANY references in the Bible to rewards that a Christian can earn. Some of the things we do will be rewarded on earth, but others will be rewarded in Heaven. Keep in mind though; this only refers to saved people. The best thing we can receive, salvation, is absolutely FREE... no working for that one!!
Does that mean when people witness they do it for themselves? I was told that it is like a 'point in your favor' with God. Is it true?
No, Din, I would hope that no one would witness just for themselves. God knows our hearts and our motives for doing something. So if someone witnesses just for their own benefit, they probably wouldn't get rewarded at all! When we witness it is for a couple of reasons. 1. Because God commanded us to: "...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15
2. Because the Holy Spirit moves us with compassion for lost souls on their way to Hell, "And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire;..." Jude 1:22-23
The rewards we earn in Heaven are not exactly what they sound like to a lost person. When you think of reward, you usually think of some great treasure for yourself; but that's NOT what these rewards are. These rewards that we earn will all be given BACK to Jesus, to glorify HIM. The more rewards we earn, the more we can glorify him in Heaven. So really, if you want to earn many rewards, you're still not doing it for yourself. You're doing it for the glory of GOD!!
Thanks so much for explaining.
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