I’m going to post twice today – I had an extra sermon last week since I listened to the youth service at the Kittanning Baptist Church. So I’m sharing Mike’s message from Hempfield about Friendships – and you’ll see why at the end.
A good friend is a good find and a treasure; a present we give ourselves. There are several types of friends 1) acquaintances (those we know and enjoy but don’t know intimately). 2) Closer friends, those with common ground that we have more to share with. 3) Really close that we seek out and share part of ourselves with. 4) Best friends, who can share anything and are always there for each other, with no judgement and complete loyalty. These are rare! Choose your friends very carefully – don’t let them pull you from your relationship with God. Be sure they do not have anger issues, and that they share our disciplines. Be slow to enter into a friendship, but once you have formed that deep commitment, then stick close. Do not compromise Christ or follow blindly. Sometimes we lose friends to stay close to Jesus. Be friends with those who follow God. Don’t even DATE someone who is not a Christian. Friends aren’t perfect, but they can still be friends – don’t avoid those imperfect friendships, just be certain to stay within God’s guidelines. Friends are a good find, concerned about your well-being. They ease our burdens, and tell us what we NEED to hear, not what we WANT to hear. They won’t betray us, and to HAVE a good friend we must BE a good friend.
Here are some helpful hints: Remember names. Be relaxed and easy-going. Don’t be egotistical (know-it-all). Sincerely attempt to rectify grievances. Practice liking people (use patience and don’t be proud). Encourage and offer sympathy in love. A true friend makes sacrifices; be a friend even when it’s inconvenient. Be devoted, be personal – reach out to your friends. Don’t let the days go past without seeking them out!
I am blessed to have so many good, loyal, loving, steadfast friends. Some friends I see seldom but we keep in touch, and I know I can contact them at any time and we will be important to each other. I have met friends through my family, through school, in my neighborhood, at church, and even through other friends. They are all equally precious to me and I value them every one the same! And recently I became friends with a fellow author that I haven’t even met in person! I respect and admire her work, and her virtues, and rejoice in her vastly successful career (I should be so lucky – but it wasn’t luck. She’s VERY talented!).
Currently I am on her ARC list – (advanced reader copy) – and read the books before they are released officially. I have come to anticipate these new releases, and this week I read the whole book in less than 24 hours (and yes, I did sleep!). This past year Elizabeth shared in my concern with Kelly’s illnesses, and rejoiced in her progress and healing. She even purchased MY book! So here’s to Elizabeth Bromke and a special friendship that was unexpected but is cherished none-the-less. And I encourage you to check out her vast number of books – you will certainly enjoy them and appreciate her talents! And when I finished this last book – The Boardwalk House – I was over the moon to find my name listed as a friend and encourager! Thanks, Liz! Wishing you continued success!
More later, my friends!
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