Sweet Friendship...

I read something today that caught my attention and warmed my heart. Now, I am not sure where this definition was originally listed but I happened upon it while reading A Love that Multiples, the latest book by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar (yes, I read their books and watch their show- I love that family!). Anyhow, the definition was for the word Fellowship- “the oneness of spirit enjoyed by those on the same side of a struggle”.  For me, the first real fellowship that I can remember (that wasn’t from immediate family) started somewhere back in first grade with my dear friend Candace. I don’t remember exactly where that friendship began but if I had to guess, I’d be willing to bet it started on the playground at Fannin Elementary. What a sweet friendship that has been for me- looking back on those years I think how different my life might be if God had not allowed her friendship in my life. It was through Candace that God brought me and my family to First Baptist Midland. That journey paved the way for numerous other friendships, teachers, and mentors that greatly influenced my walk with God. Some of my fondest memories from that season involve a multitude of church trips, musicals, youth camps, and other various church activities that I was blessed to be a part of. Over the years, God has been gracious to me and brought a host of other wonderful friends into my life as well; too many to name in one post (the list would make this post the new never-ending story-lol)! But from all those late nights at the salon- eating pizza and coloring our hair (Kim!), and the many Dr. Peppers, ridiculous movies/TV shows, and BSM events (Sarah!), all the way to the long talks (Jenna!) and wonderful bible studies (First Wives Club!!); God has blessed me with the gift of fellowship. There has been endless laughter and joy as well as oceans of tears and heartache, sometimes on my end- sometimes on theirs. I have always known that God is with me, but today He reminded me that He has also given me friends and family, people in the flesh, to walk this road with me. For all those who have shared in my life, thank you. Thank you for giving me the true and godly gift of fellowship! You have blessed me more than you know~

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

                                                                    Hebrews 10:25

The Man in the Corner

I have several things on my heart at the moment but tonight I want to share something that God reminded me of a few weeks back. I fully intended on writing this post 2 weeks ago but life gets ahead of me at times. A couple of weekends ago, Tommy and I went out for dinner and a chance to slow down and rest. As we were walking up to the restaurant Tommy saw a man sitting alone in the far back corner. Tommy recognized the man and proceeded to tell me "do not stare at that man, he is very fearful of making contact with people". Apparently this gentleman comes into Wal-Mart frequently and Tommy is aware of his great fear and desire to avoid others. Naturally, when someone tells you NOT to look at something or someone it is the exact thing you are then tempted to do. I didn't make a big deal of staring at him but it was hard not to notice him. The man had moved a small table all the way up against the corner, he sat with his back to the entire restaurant, he wore a hat that had a net to conceal his face, and he was careful to look down the entire time he was there. As I took in the sight, my heart went out to him. What was his story? Had something happened to him that caused this great fear in his life? Was there anyone who could reach out to this man and have love for him and relationship with him? I realized that it was very possible that he had faced great tragedy or heartache in his life- but what....what was so life-altering that he now operated out of it day in and day out? As I was considering these things something else occurred to me. Here was a man that was terrified of people watching him, a man that did not want the attention or contact of others, and in the process of trying to "hide" he had actually made himself more noticeable than anyone in the entire room. I started thinking about the role fear had played in my own life at times and God began to show me a very real truth- fear is both crippling and consuming. Fear makes us a wide open target for the enemy to attack and begin taking over truth with lies. Fear can keep us from so many things and it can change the way we live. When I operate in fear, I begin to isolate myself from the truth that surrounds me. Living in fear is never what God wants for us- it is why His word tells us over and over again "Do NOT be AFRAID....be strong and courageous.... the Lord your God IS WITH YOU". My heart still aches for this man,  for the sadness he lives in everyday because he has not found the glorious peace that God gives when we hand our fears over and agree to trust- to believe and to take God at His word. Releasing our fears is not an easy task; for me, it is a task that I sometimes have to do over and over, but praise Jesus that He is able and He is with me always. I hope when fear trys to grip my heart in the future, I will remember the man in the corner and release my fears to God.

Puppy Love

This post is about 3 weeks late but thankfully my dogs don't read do they won't know! Last year Tommy and I became the proud "parents" of two precious puppies, Thor and Sierra. They are adorable lab/collie mixes with a little something else too. They were abandoned in the country and my mom and Greg found them. We were originally only going to take one but they were so sweet we couldn't resist! This past month they turned one! From peeing on the floor and tearing up the backyard, all the way to cuddling up by us, our dogs have been wonderful. They are a handful at times but we wouldn't trade them! We even participated in a dog traing class this year- so much fun and way more to training than I ever realized!! Lol.anyways, we've made it through puppy year one and are looking forward to year two!