Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Summer Approaches

It's hard to believe we've already reached the last days of May for this year - - which means - - summer is approaching! Although summer is not my very favorite season (I love autumn!) this summer will be very special for my family. We are happily awaiting the birth of my very first grandbaby - - a true miracle and blessing from the Lord! 
Knowing that my daughter's due date is approaching, I've been extra-busy as I complete lots of projects (including numerous medical/dental appointments) before the baby arrives. Thankfully my appointments are all completed (except one---nothing major!) so I'm tackling other projects I need to finish. But I'll admit that a while back I was feeling a bit discouraged as it seemed an endless list of not-so-fun appointments loomed in my future. Of course now that those are behind me, I've felt a wonderful lifting of my spirits. But I've been reminded that when we are facing trials or simply feeling overwhelmed at numerous tasks we must accomplish, the best thing we can do is pray. Yes, we have to work hard and do our best to take care of what must be done, but then we also need to pray for guidance and peace as we tackle those tasks. All of this reminds me of an old saying about sunflowers, which happen to be one of my very favorite flowers! The saying goes something like this: We can learn from the sunflower. Keep your face to the sun, and the shadows will fall behind you.  ~ WOW!! I love that! For Christians, we can also think of keeping our face to the Son, knowing our Lord will guide us and help us when shadows threaten to overwhelm us.  
            
           Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. 
                                                                                         Psalm 55:22
                                                                                                                      

Saturday, May 13, 2017

The Blessing of Friendship

I have always been blessed with my friends. Even though I was painfully shy as a young child, I still enjoyed having friends. As I grew older, I realized more and more just how important having true friends really is - - there's just something special about sharing laughs and making fun memories with good friends. There have also been times when I'm not sure what I would've done if not for special friends, uplifting me and offering comfort. 
I can remember my dear Mother---who had a lot of friends!---telling me many years ago: "To have a friend, you must be a friend." So very true! Since I value my friends, I try to let them know how special they are to me, and how much I appreciate all they've done for me through the years. Sometimes I feel I could never repay the kindness of my friends - - I am truly blessed! But I want to continue doing what I can to show others how much I appreciate them, and how special their friendship is to me.

        A friend loveth at all times. Proverbs 17:17