Tag Archives: friendship

The Power of Love

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“The simple act of reassurance from another human being becomes a tool of the spirit.” ~John Ortberg, Jr. 

“Ok, so, I bawled yesterday in church and had to pull out the Kleenex.  It all began with the christening of a little baby. It took me back to 24 years ago when my husband and I were standing at the font with our little one.

I didn’t fall apart until the after the baptism was almost over. As the congregation began singing “Child of Blessing, Child of Promise”, the water works started. I couldn’t sing; I just listened. The melody and words made me feel the embracing power of love, hope, faith and all good things that support children in their development.

My tears were only momentary. When our minister started his sermon on friendship, his commentary about Facebook friends was hysterical. I could relate completely. On a more serious note the pastor  also talked about what it means to have friends who stick by you through thick and thin. That was inspiring.

The message was craftily brought around to include the words of a song written in 1971 by Carole King. We watched a short video of one of King’s performances singing that trademark song “You’ve Got a Friend” to a packed audience. By the end of the video, I and many others in the congregation were singing along, with huge smiles on our faces. I carried that uplifted feeling with me until the day’s end.

Week after week, as I sit in the pew, I am reminded of the art of delivering a good sermon. If every minister had talent like ours does to  communicate  such a relatable message , every church in America would be standing room only.

Thank you, Reverend Tim, for all you do in healing the spirits of our people. And I just want to know –  Are you Facebook friends with the old guy that was standing in line in front of me waiting to shake your hand after the sermon?” He doesn’t really look like he knows how to turn on a computer. Could it be that you know him from another of your networking circles?

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A Reason for Celebration

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“A little consideration, a little thought for Others, makes all the difference.” ~ Winnie the Pooh

American women, you are all missing out on a reason to celebrate! Yesterday, my women friends from Macedonia and Australia wished me Happy International Women’s Day. Little did I know March 8th was a holiday! I felt terribly uninformed. I even felt that  by letting such an event slip by unnoticed, I was not fulfilling my obligation as a friend!

Any excuse for a party is a good one for Americans, but I am not aware of many women in this country that even recognize International Women’s Day. In a number of countries, including Bulgaria, China, Russia, Ukraine and Vietnam, it is even a national holiday. It provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the roles women play within the community.

I am told that women across the globe even give little surprises to one another on this day of celebration. But, Americans being Americans, can’t usually settle for a little token of remembrance. They go way overboard!! It is precisely how Christmas and many other holidays have gotten to be so commercialized. We could perhaps bolster this sagging economy if America got behind the idea of promoting International Women’s Day to it’s population of women. Women love to shop! But, I’d much rather not have one more occasion to buy gifts for. I would much rather follow the words I have heard so often from my mom – “Really, it is just the thought that counts.”

Happy Belated International Women’s Day to all of you who did remember me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

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The Art of Friendship

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“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”  Voltaire

We have all known others who would give the shirt off their back for anyone. They give almost greater attention to others than themselves. They are so full of kindness, generosity and beautiful gestures that their souls are as golden as honey. You know the kind of person I am describing, each of us have friends like that!

I have a new painting sitting in my home that I love! I acquired it through a friend whose kind, giving nature makes the world better for so many others. I happened to see the beautiful painting hanging on her wall and remarked how well I liked it. She took the painting right off the wall and gave it to me!

The painting is unsigned, and it may not be an original, but what matters is that it brought beauty to my friend’s life by hanging in her home, and now it brings joy to my life. Is that not what art is all about?

As I brought it home and hung it on the wall, I began to think of the likeness of my friend and the artist. To each, creation of beauty in art and friendship is more important than name recognition.

Thank you, my friend, for your beautiful act of kindness. Your own art, of friendship, is noticed, valued and greatly appreciated.

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