The Clouds Appear...and there is blessing still

The day started and proceeded with overcast clouds that failed to produce the anticipated rain during the day, but as night fell....SURPRISE...a wonderful thunderstorm poured forth from the sky bringing joy, life, and encouragement!

You may be walking through a rough patch, with bad news, pain, heartbreak or betrayal swirling about you, but know that there is One who will never leave you nor forsake you...who is closer than a brother....and knows every hair upon your head. And as suddenly as the strike of lightening and boom of thunder, you are made aware that you are loved. You are surprised by love and joy that only He can supply. (reference: Hebrews 13:9, Luke 12:7)

So be that sweet note of friendship, the unexpected favorite beverage, the kind word of encouragement to those around you today! God bless you greatly!

Attitude of Gratitude - A True Friend

William Ward said, "A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities."

How wonderful to know such a great friend as this. I had the pleasure of having lunch with such a friend today and receiving a wonderful message from another. I am indeed blessed beyond measure...but while either would take a call in the middle of the night if I needed them, there is one that is closer than a brother, who encourages our heart when we feel "no one could fully understand" and knows our inmost being so well that when "we do not know how to pray as we should, the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." (Romans 8:26)

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, let it awake in us a desire to know this true friend as He knows us that others may see Him in us and come to know such great love as this...and let us be inspired to be a "true friend" to others.