Friendship

Friendship

 

A friend loves at all times

-Proverbs 17:17a NIV

 

 

Friendship means many things to many people, but the official definition is ‘affection arising from mutual esteem and good will’. Some friendships can last a lifetime, while others are for a short while, however, both serving a purpose. The friends themselves define the boundaries of their friendship by their actions and words.  Some are spoken and some are unspoken.  There are similarities and differences in a relationship, but an equal helping of both, makes a friendship well rounded. True friends don’t judge one another, nor do they magnify one’s faults. Instead, the safe boundaries of friendship provide unconditional love and support of any kind, when needed. I believe that friendship is God’s gift to us. He hugs us through the arms of friends. He speaks through a trusted friend to give us words we need to hear. He brings us together in friendship to be able to pray for each other and our families.

 

Friendship between two people has to occur naturally. It can’t be forced. It usually starts with a smile. Young children know this. As they begin the school year, they will search for a friend to sit on the bus with, or a friend to eat lunch with, or someone that will hopefully include them in the fun and games on the playground. We can all remember those times in school when we were uncomfortable, because we didn’t feel connected to anyone. No one likes to be left out, including adults. The old saying, ‘in order to make a friend, you have to be a friend’, applies here. Taking stock of our friendships is a good thing to do. Making regular calls or scheduling some time to get together keeps our relationships alive. Friendships are investments of our time and love. If we have lost touch with dear friends of the past, is it time to make a call or send a note to re-establish the connection? Is there someone in church who always sits alone? What about that neighbor that we have only waved to in passing? There are people in isolation that needs our friendship. I think God charges us to take the first step. We can start by praying to Him that He would reveal them to us.  He will do the rest. A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 NIV

Blossoms

Blossoms

 

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. –John 25:24 NIV

 

In preparation for Easter, flowers are blooming everywhere. It seems that Mother Nature does her part to herald spring by putting forth blossoms everywhere to celebrate new life. Garden centers are well-stocked with flowers in all colors for the home gardener that decorates their landscape with blooms, here and there. Florists will work overtime to deliver bouquets for the Easter dinner centerpiece. In my family, I have always tried to have something pretty blooming by my front door on Easter Sunday. Over the years that little tradition has meant different things. When my children were young, they thought we were sweeping up and planting flowers to get ready for the Easter Bunny! That was one way of getting the kids to help with gardening! Now, it is a spring ritual to put on our best face to the outside world with a flower or two and maybe even a fresh doormat.

 

When I see the life of my children evolve into adulthood, I think of watching a flower develop from a little sprout and then grow into a full fledged blossom in all its brilliance.  No two flowers are alike and my children are similar, yet different.  That is God’s Hand in each of their lives, shaping and molding them to be unique individuals. I have seen them struggle with things and questions about which path to take in life. I view them with a mother’s prideful heart. Wanting to step in and help them at times, but realizing if I did so, it could hurt them in the long run. But we know that God has a Plan for each of them, including falling back on the love given by parents that are there to support and love them through it all.

 

I think that God views us much the same way. He is our Heavenly Father and we, His Children. He loves us no matter what. He proved that when He sent His Son, Jesus to die for us on the cross and give us Eternal Life.  For years, I think I didn’t understand Easter. I couldn’t see past the crown of thorns and the pain that Jesus suffered. There was such a sadness over Easter and as a child I knew it wasn’t equal to the happy time I felt at Christmas.  It was years later that I understood that Easter not only stood for Resurrection but also for Restoration. A time for Promise and Joy! Now, I look to Easter as an anniversary to renew myself and to be grateful for this wonderful Eternal Gift. Like a blossom that unfolds in stages, old thoughts have given way to new wisdom, vision and new ways of understanding.  Maybe Christmas and Easter are more alike that we realize where we could proclaim, “Joy to the World” on both occasions.

Horizon

Horizon

I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

 –Psalm 91:2 NIV

 

There are many definitions for the word, “horizon”, but I came across two that I liked enough to share. The dictionary states that “a horizon is the apparent intersection of the earth and sky as seen by an observer”. Another definition is “the range of one’s knowledge, experience or interest”. The times I have spent at the beach, looking out towards the horizon, I have wondered what was beyond what I could see. I trust that the maps of the world are correct and that there are countries on the other side of the Atlantic…yet I can’t see them from where I stand on the North Carolina shore. The range of my vision is limited. It is then that trust comes into play. But it isn’t always easy to trust in something if we can’t see it for ourselves. That is one of the spiritual lessons we each have to learn on our own with God as our teacher. Many times He allows us to walk certain paths with only the vision of a few feet in front of us. He lifts the veil of fog to reveal more when He is ready. Isn’t it daring to consider ourselves walking on a course but we don’t know where we are going? Not at all, if we have trust in God. He knows where He is leading us. He can see beyond the horizon. Trusting in God’s provision and care is not always easy for those that have relied on their own abilities to control their destiny. I know because I was one of those people and God has put me in situations where I have had to trust Him completely many times over. But this I can say. Surrendering to Him is good and He has never let me down. Our trust should be in Him. Part of trusting in Him is believing that the road we are on is one He has chosen for us. We should trust that He is leading us step by step and teaching us lessons to grow us spiritually along the way. And finally believing in His vision for us that stretches beyond the horizon. If we realize that He knows our needs and desires, plus we trust Him to know what is best for us, it makes it easier to let Him take the lead, so that we may follow.

Sunshine

Sunshine

 

The Lord watches over you-

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm-

he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

-Psalm 121:5-8 NIV

 

At this time of year, waking up to a day with sunshine always brightens my spirit. In contrast to the gray days of winter, a sunny day gives me that extra motivation to get things done so I can step outside to enjoy it, if only for a few moments, before retreating back inside. One day it is winter coat weather and the next day it feels like Spring! I think the key word here is being adaptable in what awaits us each day, no matter what it is.

 

To adapt suggests that we modify, conform to or accommodate what lies before us. We often get thrust into situations that we would prefer didn’t exist. Like being confronted, being misunderstood or misjudged. Circumstances like this, no one enjoys, but sometimes they cannot be avoided. We are not responsible for other’s actions towards us but we are held accountable for how we treat our accusers. When unpleasant things come up and have to be dealt with, just remember that Jesus had to deal with situations too and He was mistreated. We can gain strength from His example. Take heart and know that God knows everything. It is also important to teach our children to listen, to be fair-minded and Christian in their actions and reactions to people and situations. If we all do this, then we will know that we have taken the high road and God will give us His peace

Time

Time

And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years.

-Genesis 1:14 NIV

 

This is the time of year that summons us outdoors. There are gardens to plow, seeds to sow, flowers to mulch and lawns to mow. There have even been a few days nice enough to walk the beach without a coat. The sound of children riding bicycles, dogs barking and the smell of the first cookout of the season will soon be in the air. We are coming up on a busy season and time runs short occasionally.  The recent time change from Eastern to Daylight Savings Time has thrown me off balance a bit. But in a few more days, all will be well only to have to adapt again in the fall when our clocks go back an hour.  Time is a precious commodity. It has been measured by shadows, sundials, hourglasses and ticking clocks. Some days we often lament that we don’t have enough time in each day and other days, particularly when we are looking forward to an event, the time seems to inch by slowly. We caution children not to “rush” time. We follow by saying that when they are older, time will seem to rush by at lightening speed when they will wish it could slow down. Most of us have an order to our day. We mark time by our chores, responsibilities and to–do lists. Some days we wake up in the morning and we “hit the floor running” and other times it is a chore to get our “motors started”. We are all unique and different, but what we all have in common is we each only have 24 hours a day…no more, no less. God says to make Him first. Plain and Simple. In my own experience, if I don’t sit down and fellowship with Him first thing with my cup of coffee, the day gets away from me. The phone rings, there is a knock at the door, errands have to be run and family things need tending to. I always run out of energy early, not able to complete my chores and end the day feeling unaccomplished. On the other hand, when I do make Him my priority, I receive a Peace that follows me into the night. We never know what each day will bring, but one thing is for sure.  I would much rather pray for Godly Protection for me and my family first thing in the morning, than at the end of the day! God gives us the freedom to have free will. Are we willing to make time for God each day?

Sand Fence

 

I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people.

–Romans 16:17-18

 

Sand fences have been enormously helpful in dividing land and building up dunes. The rickety weathered pickets held together with thin wire comes in large rolls to be stretched out and stuck in the sand. Sand fences don’t look particularly sturdy, but do a wonderful job nonetheless. I’ve captured many photographs of these fences at the beach. Not only are the fences effective, but they add texture to the scenery and provide many perches for birds. When storms come and cause the sea to rise, often the fences lose their footing and get washed out, littering the beach with broken pickets. Once gathered, these scraps of weathered wood make nice kindling to start a fire on chilly winter days.

 

Fences and boundaries surround us, whether real or imagined. It is important to have them for needed protection, whether we are inside or outside the fence. It can be comforting at times being inside the fence, corralled with everyone else in thought and deed. But God teaches that some situations and even some people are not good for us. Remember being told as a child, “don’t follow the crowd”? Our parents meant for us not to succumb to peer pressure. We can get caught up in taking sides on issues, causing great and long lasting divisions and strife. There is never a good time to harbor and nurture these emotional rifts. Stepping away from conflict has great merit.  It is up to God to help us discern what side of the fence to be on when we are given a choice. He desires for us to seek Him in prayerful guidance.

Sky

Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

Luke 18:27 NIV

 

What I love so much about being at the beach is the unobstructed view of the sky. For miles it can be seen. When frontal systems and storms approach the area, they change the look of the overhead landscape. It’s probably my imagination, but sunrises and sunsets seem to linger longer in the expansive sky.  An atmosphere full of clouds is worth taking notice of. And so is a sky without a cloud in it. Both are breathtaking. I once rode in a hot air balloon. What I expected to hear were rushing winds as we navigated through the currents. But, to my surprise and serene delight, there was no sound at all, except for my breathing. We soared above the birds. There was no wind in our face as we lazily drifted along for over an hour. We could see for miles all around us. It was truly a bird’s eye view. Noise from the city below couldn’t be heard either. I couldn’t imagine that we had enlarged our vision and found such unexpected peace at the same time.

 

We get stuck in routines and the same old mindsets sometimes. It is good to take a close look at our life and see if we have become everything we had hoped for and more. Sometimes our dreams are not big enough. We like to limit God in what He can offer us based on what we know. But, God is all knowing and all seeing. He has plans for us and if we allow Him to work in our life, we can do more, have more and experience more because of Him.  We can live a life of joy and happiness and enjoy the rewards in life.  But first, we should be willing to expand our thinking and be willing to put our life in His hands. Today is a good time to open our minds and hearts to all kinds of possibilities that await us. Forget that voice that tells us all the reasons why something won’t work. It is God’s promises and vision that we seek for an “enlarged” life.

Winter

 

 

Winter

 

…for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. –Hebrews 4:10 NIV

 

Winter is definitely here.  Cold fronts come through with strong winds that ruffle the water, bend the sea oats and cause the gulls to tuck their heads down into their chest.  Summer clothes get pushed to the far side of the closet and long sleeves shirts and bulky sweaters replace them. There are some people that even leave the beach during winter for warmer climates in the south. Seems everything takes a break. Grasses and flowers go dormant, birds hunker down in their nests, and blowing sand covers steps and walkways to the beach. At first glance, it can be considered a dreary time, but I don’t see it that way at all. Especially when the basil seeds sprouted this week in my makeshift greenhouse in the kitchen window. It is great to see new life spring forth.

 

Winter is a time to replenish, renew and rest. It is a time to appreciate the beach, too. While nature takes a nap, we can still walk the beach or walk to the end of a pier and feel the wind at sunrise. A hot cup of coffee or cocoa warms the spirit anytime. Reading a book by the fire wrapped in a warm throw can keep the mind active. Seafood chowder and buttery cornbread tastes like a feast for dinner on a cold evening.  There is something to do each day.

 

Winter can be a solitary time and that is good for our spirit to be by ourselves with little distraction. God is always there and in the quiet moments of life, we tend to hear Him more clearly. He drops in ideas and thoughts to our minds and hearts. We have all winter for them to take root on the inside of us.  Winter is the time to plan the garden of our life, for spring will be here soon enough and we must cultivate our hopes and dreams so they can grow into full harvest. These cold days are times to actively seek God’s Presence and His Voice for our life. He is our Counselor in all things. Entering into God’s Rest prepares us to receive what He has for us next.