Thoughtfulness of a Friend

 My friend, Jerie, was inspired by a post her cousin put on her Facebook page to pray for her friends in a special way. The invitation read:

 "I'm filling my 2021 planner with scripture. What's your favorite go-to verse? I need at least 52 of them. Also, I'm going to write your name in that week as a reminder to pray for you at that time. If you do not have a favorite scripture but want me to pray for you let me know! I'd love to pray for you!!

What a great idea! I commented and told her my favorite go-to Scripture verse is: II Chronicles 20:15:  

"This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s"

Jerie's special prayer time with my verse was the week of January 20th. How wonderful to know I was included in her prayers! Jerie said: "It has been so good to read about friends who have told me their favorite verses and study them during the week."

This is just one way you can encourage your friends. There are so many things you can do! One of my ways is writing notes. Old fashion for sure, but so welcomed by the receiver! I also make little bookmarks from pictures I've taken, adding Scripture verses on the back.I love using them myself and enjoy the pictures of God's creation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my working days I regularly made breakfast, lunch and dinner dates with friends. Jerry realized how important this was to me and encouraged me to visit my friends. I didn't have good support in my family and my friend's encouraged and inspired me.

I'm not a phone talker, but it's another way to keep in touch with friends. Whether short or long conversations, just receiving a call from a friend brightens any day!

Also getting together with a group of friends and doing something together to help others is a good way to be with friends. Now, I'm in a group of friends who quilt blankets to give to those in need. Sitting down with these friends and having conversation is inspiring. 

"'What is the secret of your life?' asked Mrs. Browning of Charles Kingsley. 'Tell me, that I may make mine beautiful too.' He smiled: 'I had a friend.'" 

Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a popular poet of the Victorian era. Charles Kingsley was a clergyman, professor and writer.

Many year ago I gave this little figurine, that goes

with the little book above, to my closest friends in honor of our friendship. I have one in my writing room and always smile when I look at it.

                                                                 

 

"What is a Friend?

"A group of friends were gathered together for a time of social fellowship. The conversation drifted to the subject of friendship and an athlete said: 'In my opinion, a friend is a balancing pole that enables us to walk the tightrope of life without falling.'

"Said a physician, 'I believe a friend may be likened to a soft bandage and a soothing ointment for the cuts and bruises of life.' To a botanist it seemed that 'a friend is a vine that clings to us and hides the discrepancies and rough places of life,' to which a florist added: 'Yes, and the greater the ruin, the closer a friend clings.' 'A friend is a gold link in the chain of life,' said a jeweler. A woman in mourning responded, 'A friend is one who comes in when the whole world goes out.' 'The best friend of all,' said a white haired man of eighty, 'is Jesus, who said, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'"                                     Streams in the Desert 2, From Illustrated Incidents

 

    "You cannot buy a friend. They are God-given and their friendship lasts throughout eternity." 

Unknown

 

Thank you, Jerie, for sharing this wonderful idea and for praying for me. 

 

 A favorite note card I used many years ago.