Saturday, March 20, 2010

TRUE FRIENDS

ECCLESIASTES 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.


The world we live in can be harsh and unwelcoming, intolerant of our mistakes. God knew we would need friends to encourage us along the way. He knew we would need others to laugh with, sing with, and dream with. He knew we would need comfort and support and loving-kindness. Cherish your friends, hold them close. They are very special people, for they do God's work in your life.

Let's face it, a good friend, can make all the difference in your life. You don't have to have A LOT of friends, just true ones. I can remember telling Melody when she was beginning high school not to fall into the trap of "trying" to be popular. Pleasing people and wanting others to like you is something that while understandable, ends up being a chain around your neck and sure recipe to lose yourself in the process. It might end up finding you with LOTS of people always around, but NO real friends. Find people you can be yourself around, and who think and feel like you do, and then BE a friend to them. Over the course of my life I have been blessed by many "true" friends and kindred spirits and most of whom I have stayed friends with over the course of many, many years. I have two friends in my life who have been my friends since we were just 9 years old. I cherish these women and we have seen each other through all the ups and downs of life. I can count on them to love me unconditionally and that's how I love them. I have 3 sisters who are my very best friends in the world as well, and our connection through the bonds of family makes us truly inseparable. My husband became my very best friend from practically the day I met him, and whatever in the world I would do without I never want to know. When I add on my mother, who’s always been one of my best supporters, my wonderful daughter-in-laws, my sons, and my daughter Melody, you can see how rich my life has always been in the area of friends. I have numerous other women who while they may not play as large a role as the other women I mention here, have also blessed me beyond my wildest hopes. But in this last year I have also added the women I have met here in blogland, and now my cup truly runneth over. I have only actually met a few of you face to face (Kristi, Kris, and Maryrose ~ Genn, I KNOW we will meet soon) but it really doesn't matter. I look forward to reading what is going on in your lives and love to turn on the computer and see your comments to me, encouraging me and feeling your interest and support. I've laughed and cried and prayed with you all. Yes, I thank God for friends, and for His knowledge of just how important they are in our lives. I am so grateful for the many dear women in my life that I can call my friend. What a wonderful way to experience life; full of caring, supportive people who are always there for me. May He richly bless you all.

I love this poem by Helen Steiner Rice which just sums this all up sooo nicely...

Gold is cold and lifeless,
It cannot see nor hear,
And in your times of trouble,
It is powerless to cheer.
It has no ears to listen,
No heart to understand.
It cannot bring you comfort
Or reach out a helping hand.
So when you ask God for a gift,
Be thankful that He sends,
Not diamonds, pearls, or riches,
But the love of a real, true friend

To read the other Spiritual Sunday posts click HERE.

29 comments:

  1. I hope you are feeling better. You are an inspiration and I love reading your blogs. I will be in prayer for you. Blessings and health are sent to you.

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  2. Good friends do make life worth living...and you have been blessed to have such love and friendhip in you life. Thank you for a lovely post.:)

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  3. Debbie - you truly are blessed. So true, a good friend stands beside you no matter what the circumstances.

    I too have been blessed by the new friends I'm making here in "blogland".

    Thank you for sharing this today.

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  4. you have a really awesome spirit....it comes right through your blog.. Have a gentle weekend. Sarah

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  5. That's what I always share with my son, too. To not go with the world's flow. And how wonderful it would be, to find those true gems, friends who are always there in any kind of weather, friends who know the Lord, too. Because in His love comes unity.
    I am grateful for all the relationships that the Lord has blessed us with. Without them, it will be hard to move on sometimes after a downfall. And even in this blogland, I didn't have a clue then of how much blessing I would get to find friends here...friends in hearts as we share His love. Thank you for your friendship. God bless you and protect you. Hope you're feeling your 100% strength now! Take care.

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  6. What a great post Debbie. And you could not have posted it at a better time. I have been down about some issues with friends lately, and I love what you wrote. My Mom always told me the same things about friends... that as you get older you will be able to count your good friends on one hand. I used to think okay mom, puhlease. But she was right. Like you I am blessed with many great friendships and I cherish each of them. You truly sound like you have a wonderful group of women that you are close to.

    I know we will meet one of these days too, but I am thankful for already feeling like I know you somewhat. :)

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  7. Precious Friend,

    Thank you for always stopping by my blog with your heartfelt friendship, support and prayers. You are a treasured sister more than you know!

    I am so sorry that you have been struggling with pneumonia. I pray that you heal very quickly now by the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May His refreshing breath blow healing into your body this night and may you wake up feeling strong and energized.

    Beautiful post my friend...beautiful.

    Love you,
    Alleluiabelle

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  8. What a wonderful post, Debbie. Yes our friends are precious gifts from God....
    Hope and pray you are well now..

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  9. I love the gift of friendship too. Blog Land has become such a wonderful part of my life. I love the friendships that develop with people I've never met in person. And yet, slowly I'm meeting some of them. I hope to meet you in person one day too.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  10. I like this. It reminds me of the video I posted about how love will hold us together, and how we should be our brother's keeper. Both posts very wise information about tough times. God bless!

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  11. A handful of friends can make a world of difference.

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  12. Amen! What a wonderful post! I have two lifelong friends too. I would not trade them for all the gold and precious metal in the world! Thank you for sharing!

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  13. Such a wonderful post. Thanks for sharing it today with all of us. It is so true. Sisters in the Lord who are likeminded...friends of the heart...these are better than silver and gold. They view life from the same perspective, and thus they truly give us words of wisdom and truth. It's a great and awesome gifr form God. Bless you!
    And my hubby is so dear to my heart. WHO else would have stood with me and been my strength and my shelter, and my courage, and my friend through EVERYthing?
    Yes, Thank you God for the men who do such. :-)

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  14. Beautiful post Debbie, Blogland has brought many friendships to us and I am so thankful to count you as one of mine. You have enriched my life so much not only through your blog, but every time you visit you always leave me such encouraging words, what a blessing you are.
    Hugs,
    Sue

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  15. Such a sweet post - indeed, some of my richest blessings are the freindships that I have..especially the strong, deep-bonded ones but even some "friends for a season" that God has blessed me with along life's journey...all are a blessing.

    Even at my age, trying to please too many can still be a struggle. And you reminded me, today - its not being surrounded by people that is the blessing but the friends. Really meant a lot to me today.

    And isn't it wonderful to make friends that we've never even met..and how they genuniely enrich our lives as well - LOVE THAT. I count you a friend...and look forward to "hearing" from you every morning!!

    So hope you are enjoying all your time with Mel - have a beautiful week, friend.

    Jennifer

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  16. Hi Debbie,
    What a wonderful post! Our friendships are so important and who we hang out with will ultimately affect who we are. I lost my best friend to cancer a number of years ago and I still miss her terribly. I am thankful that I have my hubby and my family although some of them are spread across the country. The Lord however is with me wherever I am and wherever I go. I cannot lose Him nor is He far away. For that, I am thankful! Have a wonderful week.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  17. Marvelous post, Debbie. I have several true friends too. Like you, I am so blessed by the friends I've found in blogland. I never would have dreamed it when I first started blogging over two years ago. People who don't blog just don't understand it. I guess they cannot.
    I'm glad God gave Ginger and me the pleasure of creating the Spiritual Sundays blog. The people I've meet through that are the best. Thank you for being one of them.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  18. My dad used to always say, "If you can count your truest friends on one hand, then you truly blessed." This came from someone who was an atheist.

    I have lots of acquaintances, but I can only count my truest friends on that one hand. Therefore, my dad was right... I am truly blessed.

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful post with us. May God richly bless you each and every day!

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  19. Yes, we all need friends--true friends. In fact, we can't get by without them. Thank you for this encouraging, uplifting post.

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  20. Beautiful. I have many internet friends too and while we may never meet on this side of heaven, I can't wait to meet you all there! =)

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  21. Hi Sweet Deb, I have so missed visiting you!! You indeed are a blessing to me and so many others! I count you as a special friend, and would also love to meet you in person one day!! I KNOW I will in heaven, if I don't here! How cool will that be??

    Hope you have a wonderful week, and that you receive back all you give to us out here in blogland!! You are a beautiful soul!!
    Love ya,
    Becky

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  22. Debbie, This is beautiful! It is a lot like I am feeling tonight, after the 40 Days of Love rally at our church.
    Thank you so much for this!
    I always cherish your comments to me!

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  23. Oh my gosh Debbie! This was a GREAT post! I truly agree with everything that you said. If you can count your true friends on one hand than you are rich! I cherish my close friends and am so thankful for them. The ones that always lend their ear when you need it and are there through thick and thin. I have really enjoyed getting to know you through the blogging world and am so grateful that I've actually gotten to spend time with you away from you picking up a cake. I can't say enough good things about you when I talk to Crystal, and she says, "yep!! That's my Aunt Debbie!" I feel so blessed to have you in my life. You are such an inspiration to me and I know you are too so many other people. Great post Debbie!! I think we need to do lunch soon!! Or maybe a Dancing party!! Much love Debbie!

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  24. Thank you for these wise words. I often told my girls these truths about friendship.

    You have a God-glorifying blog. Have a blessed Easter season!

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  25. I am writing to you while listening to the song I Can ONly Imagine. This is one of the songs we had in his funeral.

    What a beautiful song.

    I wonder how Joshua reacted when he saw Jesus. I also wonder how I will react. I'm sure that I'll be looking for Joshua immediately.

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  26. What a Beautiful poem! I love your song it's on of my favorite.
    God Bless,
    Ginger

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  27. Hi Debbie,
    Sorry I missed this post, I havn't been blogging as much as I would like to.
    I loved this post and I feel very honored to have been mentioned in it. What you said is so true. One of the things that always strikes me about you is how loving your heart is and how inspirational
    your soul. I always come away from your blog with a smile on my face and a happy feeling in my heart. It is a gift you have that you give so freely.
    I agree with Kristi...time for another DWTS party so we can get to know you better.
    PS. What did you think of the dancers tonight?
    PSS I am so glad you have Mel visiting...I go to OK in April and I can't wait.

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!