True Friends Make Me Truly Thankful

Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.

1 Samuel 18:1

I'm penning this post at 3:00 am. Whenever I'm up in the middle of the night like this I think about crises even if I'm not having one. I ponder whom I could call if I needed someone to come stay with my kids if I had to rush to the hospital. I contemplate who would be first to volunteer their help if Scott's cancer returned. I wonder who loves me enough to gently unveil the current growth opportunities in my life.

Most of us have very few people we could count in those categories but friends like these - true friends - are absolutely essential for our emotional well-being. Forging deep friendship was my second to last step on my journey to emotional health. 

Because I moved around frequently both as a child and an adult, it's been difficult for me to foster lasting, meaningful relationships. It seemed like too much investment for a short time period and it was easier to guard my heart than risk getting heart. But I wasn't well until I had heartfelt friends with whom I could share my faults, failures and finer features. I, like all of us, needed people to know the authentic me.

...The one who's really a kid at heart.

...The one with a quick but albeit not always appropriate comeback.

...The one who enjoys working nerdy logic problems.

Today, among so many other blessings, I am thankful for true friends. You have taught me about myself. You have been God's healing hands. You have stood by me through extraordinary circumstances, mood swings and moves.

For you I am truly thankful. Happy Thanksgiving to you! Whom are you thankful for today?

Life Transforming Prayer - Lord Reveal Me

When Ryan Seacrest mouths, "Your next American Idol is...", I scoot to the edge.


When Ty Pennington shouts, "Move that bus!", I reach for a tissue.


The big reveal is thrilling...as long as it isn't mine. It is safer to keep my emotions and thoughts bussed in. No risk is required when I watch someone else reach for their dreams.


For too long in relationships I chased expectations. I tried to do, be and say the right thing to please my parents, men, girlfriends and even strangers. I would not risk revealing my true inner self. 


I know I'm not alone in this. How often have you heard someone utter, "She shared too much," with a look of pity. Sharing too much. Getting too emotional. These receive quick criticism. I've rarely heard someone denigrated for sharing too little. 


Are we satisfied with plastic relationships? Do stilted, measured conversations meet our heart needs? 


As we continue our series on life transforming prayer, what if we dared to take the lead in authenticity? What if we prayed for the courage and boldness to say, "Lord, reveal me?" He will be our shield as we expose our inner self. He will protect and guard our hearts. We will experience the joy of authentic, God-intended relationship.


What is your go-to mask?

The Run to Deep Friendship

Run in such a way as to get the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24

I bought a new pair of running shoes this morning for my distance training run in the morning. New running shoes thrill me because they cushion, propel and intensify my run. New running shoes are like old friends.


It is in the worn tread of life's journeys that friendships grow deep, strong and true. Instead of wearing out your sole, they invigorate your soul. But what if you're like me and you've moved frequently? What if life's circumstances have kept you busy? Is it too late to make old friends?

Anyone can deepen a new friendship into the comfort of years. We just need some new running shoes:


Cushion


Cushion the blows of life with the pillow of an understanding heart and a listening ear. Be the soft landing place when life knocks your friend off her feet. The security she will feel in your presence will nurture authenticity in your friendship.


Propel


Propel your friend to bigger dreams. Envision your friend crossing the finish line of her heart's unspoken desires. Be her biggest cheerleader. Move her forward with encouragement. The inspiration she will capture in your attitude will foster excitement in your relationship.


Intensify


Intensify your position as giver of grace. Allow your friend to fail without failing your friendship. Fertilize your relationship with a fresh dose of daily grace. The comfort she will experience in your mercy will grow sincerity in your friendship.


Today let's run to get the prize of friendship. The run may be long. We may experience some pain or thirst in the process but as we cushion, propel and intensify we will capture the satisfaction of deep friendship on our run.

Finding His Favorites

But if you show favoritism, you sin.

James 2:9

"Jesus, I pray everyone in my family has a good day and no one is left out."

My littlest one graced these words over my morning. They were honey on the early hours of my day. Carynne's heart is for inclusion. She seeks out the lonely on the playground. She befriends the friendless. She is an example to us all.


I never liked cliques in high school and have rejected them every since but if I were 100% honest I'd admit my heart is still a tad clique-ish. 


It's easier to walk into a room and find a face I already know.


It's less threatening to sit in a meeting by someone who will readily talk to me.


It's fun to chat effortlessly with a good friend instead of making small talk with a stranger.


It's not that I seek to exclude anyone but my attempt to include myself does. But what if my heart prayed like Carynne? What if I lived intentionally to find the one who's lonely at my church, in my neighborhood and in my children's schools? 


In looking for that one, I would find the heart of the One who shows favoritism to us all.

My Traveling Companions

Philippians 1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart.

I spent the last week at the beach with my hubby and four girls. We took lazy strolls on the beach, dug around the sand and walked around in each other's hearts. I found myself smiling at the ordinary-ness of it all. 


Peanut butter smudges on cheeks. 


Exercise clothes for lounging instead of sweating.


Six bodies piled on a bed singing Chris Tomlin off key.


These everyday moments remind me of each of you. I carry you in my heart whether driving to the pick-up line at school or with the Gulf breeze blowing my hair. I realized I don't thank you often enough for walking this journey with me.


We share profound words uttered by preschool lips. We dust off each other's knees when life trips us up. We walk through the ordinary things of life, propelled by a common love for each other and the One who makes the journey possible.


Thank you for being my traveling companions. You make this walk a comfortable waltz, dancing with friends. I have you in my heart and it makes life feel right.