Friendship

                                                                                                        

   Recently I've found myself thinking about the value of friendships. As we go through life many friendships are formed.  In our ever mobile society so many people move about the country and even the world that often many of these friendships fade into memories. There are some who live in one area throughout their life. I believe they have an advantage in the keeping of lifelong friends. For those of us who have moved around several times over the years friendships are formed in many places. Some of these we lose contact with even though at one time we shared a close relationship. Those friendships maintained can be very special.

   I have been blessed in life with so many dear friends. I wonder sometimes what has happened to some of them which for one reason or another all contact was lost. We don't realize many times just how much our friendship means to someone. As I look back over my life I can think of so very many friends who have made an impact on me.

   During a time so long ago as a young single mother, I remember a couple who provided a nice little cottage on their farm for my family. Later when my car broke down, for the last time, they surprised me by leaving a really nice car parked in my drive along with keys as a gift. Though we've gotten together only once in over twenty years, we still keep in contact via email. Then there was an older lady who rented her upstairs apartment to me, along with my three young children, who always offered a smile and a word of encouragement. After more than thirty years I still receive a birthday card from her each year. Another dear friend during those years would often  pat my hand after we'd visited, leaving a twenty dollar bill, telling me she knew I could use it. How can you ever repay such kindnesses?

   Along this road of life there have been hard times, when help from others was a blessing. There have also been times of plenty when I have been able to do for others and hope to "pay forward" the goodness God has shown me. As a young woman I had many who encouraged me to further my education. The urging of those friends helped me realize a future that led me into over twenty-five years of nursing. I could never say enough about some of the fine friends I  worked with that literally gave their best years in the care of the sick and dying, the young and the old.

   There have been many spiritual friends in my life over the years who have been faithful to teach and guide me . What a joy it is to have good friends you can count on to pray for you and with you during times of loss and sorrow as well as share in your happiness in times of great blessings. How precious have been several Pastors wives over the years who have shared insight and teachings of God's Word. They may not realize how the words they shared helped carry me over the rough areas of life. Their dedication and sacrifice for others made a lasting impression on me.

   As I think on friends I've known "best friends" quickly come to mind. I've had several during my life and one most precious. About twenty-seven years ago I met a lady who instantly, it seemed, was my kindred spirit. We have shared watching our children and grandchildren grow up. We have shared marriage, divorce, rebellious teens, menopause and the births and deaths of many we've loved. Laughter and tears have been a part of our friendship. The glue in our friendship has been a love for the Lord and a desire to follow him. She has been ever steadfast and during times in my life that I "lost my way" she was always there to care and encourage me and to point me in the right direction. Though many miles have separated us over the years our friendship has been held close. Now as I enter the "Autumn" years of life I am so glad there is only a brief drive between us. We are able to get together for lunch, and spend hours talking, laughing or crying, whatever we need at the time. A true and faithful friend, I have found to be a rare treasure.

   I would surely be remiss in a discussion of friendship not to mention my very best friend on Earth. He is the one who is there every day to share the good and the bad. He is always there to encourage me in whatever I set out to do. He is a loving and kind man, one who has a most tender heart. He shares a love for and faith in God and is my prayer partner. He is a wonderful father and a most loved Papaw. My husband, my dear friend is the one I want to share all the days of my life with. His value to me is far greater than gold.

   I have saved the best for last in this discussion. A man that hath friends must show himself friendly and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.  Pro. 18:24  Ah, that friend that is closer than a brother, Jesus Christ. How very grateful I am to have been introduced to this friend at an early age by a loving grandmother. He accepted me "just as I am" and has been by my side always, the dearest friend I ever had.

   This has been a bit wordy, I realize. I  hope though, as you read you were reminded what a treasure a good friend is. I fear many are just too busy with life to invest in a close friendship. Take the time, maybe there is an old friend you need to contact just to see how they are. Maybe you have a friend who just needs to know how special they are. It is my prayer that most importantly every one that reads this has made the acquaintance of that friend which is closer than a brother.

   May you be blessed along your way with many good friends.A   

A Glimpse of Spring

   Finally, emerging from the long months of Winter! It is with excitement I look forward to the beauty and new awakening of another Spring. While walking in my yard a few days ago I found Tulips about five inches tall and Daffodills scattered about just waiting for a bit of warm sunshine in order to bring forth their blooms. Oh, how the mere discovery of these simple flowers brought a sense of renewal within me. We have had an unusual amount of snow, here in Kentucky, this winter. It has seemed a long wait for days of warm sunshine and the song of Robins in the air.

   As I looked at the flowers found in my yard it was if I were peeking through a cracked doorway gazing into days ahead. I was able to see beyond the lingering days of cool breezes and see the green leaves emerging from the huge Oak in my yard, Bluebirds building nests in their houses on the fence and the cows grazing in their green pasture just across the fence. I could hear the laughter of children flying kites and playing tag and smell the fragrance of Honeysuckle. I had caught a glimpse of Spring, my favorite season, a time of newness and beauty and now it is with anticipation I await its arrival.  I am so very ready for the new season.

   With the thoughts of Spring came also thoughts of Spring Cleaning. Now this is a chore in recent years I had most dreaded and somewhat ignored, in part. This year I came up with a schedule, of sorts, which has helped me get a head start. I hope to be finished before Spring officially arrives. If you find yourself wanting to really get your home clean and organized, yet feel overwhelmed, remember each person and each home are different. For me making a list of all the rooms and areas that needed to be cleaned and deciding how often each task needed to be done was helpful. By dividing the tasks into daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal duties and assigning them to specific days, I had my plan. The first few weeks were taxing, to say the least, for I was way behind on my cleaning. Soon, however, I saw "light at the end of the tunnel". Now with minimal time and effort I am able to wake each morning to enjoy a clean, good smelling home. This has been such a boost and encouragement to my state of mind. There are lots of websites that offer help with cleaning tips and organization. A few that I have found helpful are:  http://www.flylady.net/, www.dailyhousecleaningschedule.com/, www.cleaning.lovetoknow.com.  

    Recently I had opportunity to read a devotional presented by the daughter of an old friend. It was about "Spiritual Spring Cleaning" and was quite inspiring. Applications were offered comparing all the dust and dirt accumulated in ones home after months of neglect to the "spiritual" dirt and ugly clutter we allow to pile up within our spirits. I am reminded of Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." As I ask the Father to point out areas in my life that need to be "cleaned out", he is faithful to do so. Just as in keeping a clean home requires some daily work it would stand to reason some time be devoted daily to spending time with the only one who can create within us a clean heart. As we read his Word, and seek his guidance through prayer our spirits will begin to shine with His radiance. A Happy Spring to all my friends.

                                                                                               

Farewells

     Since my last blog I have been thinking about farewells. These thoughts began as we watched my father-in-law lose his battle with Lymphoma. He waged a strong fight but in the end the time came for the family to bid him farewell. What a blessing it was for all his children and his dear wife of sixty-two years to gather around his bedside those last moments and have a chance to speak with him.
   As I watched my husband deal with his dad's illness my mind often turned to the days I spent with my own dad prior to his death. After a heart attack he was placed on life support while en route to a hospital that specialized in cardiac care. I spent most of my time for the following twenty-three days there, going in for my allowed visit every four hours. I realize now that I needed that time to be able to "let him go". Dad was never able to speak once in that hospital and there was not opportunity to share as I would have liked. In his last hour I was able to be at his bedside, to hold his hand and whisper to him that it was alright for him to rest. I had the grace to softly hum a few hymns to him as he slipped away following another massive heart attack.
   We must all deal with some farewells. Sometimes we have the opportunity to prepare while other times we don't. How important it is to embrace the moments we have to spend with our families and dear friends. Let us do our best to lay aside any ill feelings there might be and love as if we had no tomorrow. In truth, we might not. Many times we believe that others just know how much we love and care for them, while in fact they may not. Take the time to be sure and tell the ones you love, who are dear to your heart just how much they mean to you.
   As you travel along this path of life cherish each day with your family and friends. If you have had to bid farewell to a loved one embrace all the happy times you had. Let go of the negative memories as it will cause you unnecessary grief. May the Lord give us wisdom and grace to live our lives with joy, and to share this joy with all we meet.

Debbie

Late Summer Days

     Another beautiful day here in Kentucky, starting with a spectacular sunrise. The warm sunlight along with a gentle  breeze is perfect for being outside. This morning I was reminded in Colossians 3:2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." In looking around me I ask that my affection not be mis-directed. It is so easy to hold onto our possessions tightly even developing a bit of pride in them without realizing it. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing "wrong" in having nice things. It is just that when these "things" become more important in our lives than "Thy will be done" or even than our families they become a problem.
    Back to the lovely outdoors... and it was there I found our swimming pool with fallen leaves covering the floor, much neglected. Since the cool evenings began the water temperatures have kept me out of the pool, just can't take the cold. Even my four year old grandson, Matthew, decided it was "too cold". So this morning I faced the dreaded task of vacumning and cleaning the pool for shut down. The salt water filter my husband installed this year has kept upkeep to a bare minimum so I sure can't complain. Each Fall he has taken the pool apart and stored it for Winter. If anyone has had success in keeping theirs up all year I'd love to hear about it. That would save him a lot of work.
    Due to dealing with RA and some other health issues which have progressed I find myself currently on a path which has included retiring my nursing license last year. After twenty-six years that was a dramatic event for me. For any of you who deal with chronic illness you know how hard it is to come to accept the fact that you can no longer do all the things you used to do, at least I have had to deal with that fact. I can't say it has been easy. Although I have worked very little during the past seven years, I never wanted to admit I could no longer keep up. I am learning to slow down and more fully enjoy life around me. I can honestly say I have seen more sunrises and sunsets the past two years than in all my life. I have also read many dozens of books to my grandchildren, watched lots of Elementary Basketball, and Little League Baseball Games. I have sat in the swing talking with my husband and we have gazed at the stars many nights and wondered at God's creation. Life is good. No matter where you are along your path, I hope you will make the time to enjoy your life.   

Debbie