Proverbs 17:17

"A friend loves at all times." This was one of the first verses I memorized when I was little, and recently I've been reminded of how the Lord's blessed me with such wonderful friends.

All day Friday I spent time with my 'kindred spirits' and I think we all spent more time giggling and talking than anything. Saturday I woke up feeling 'blah' with a pounding headache, a stomach ache, chills and shakes. (Odd, because I hardly ever get sick)No fever but I dosed off most of the day. I was so bummed I couldn't go to Tori's Sweet 16 party that night but I told Sara to take pictures and tell me everything. Later that night, at around seven thirty that night, Alaina called and a bunch my friends who were there told me how much I was missed and to 'get well soon.' I put down the phone after her cell phone lost reception and I teared up. (For those who don't know me very well, I tear up over a lot of things.) As tired and yucky I felt, I felt like I was being showered with God's blessings and goodness. The night progressed and all I was left with at midnight when I went to sleep (after watching It's a Wonderful Life) I was left with some aches and pains and a lingering headache. I stayed up to finish watching It's a Wonderful Life and began crying at the end.

When George Bailey picked up the copy of Tom Sawyer his 'guardian angel' Clarence had left him, he read Clarence's note and then reads, "No one is a failure who has friends."

Mum and I were talking about me staying home from the party last night. As bummed as I was, I felt so blessed after Alaina called and I heard her message, I opened and read a letter from a dear friend, I thought about the party this past Friday. I am so blessed-with friends from church, friends I've never even met and friends who are truly kindred spirits. Proverbs 17:17 came to mind as I thought about writing this post and I was struck by it's applicability. It's short, simplistic yet meaningful. I thank the Lord for all my friends!

For the joy of human love,

Brother, sister, parent, child

Friends on earth and friends above,

For all gentle thoughts and mild.

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our hymn of grateful praise.

Blessed Sabbath Rest!

I love the devotional "Streams in the Desert"! The Lord never fails to speak to me thru this little book...and today, in the midst of this busy Christmas season, and a wonderful Sabbath day, that our Lord set aside for our benefit, I had to share this particular devotional and hope that it blesses you as much as it has blessed me! ~Sue~

"He went up into a mountain apart" (Matt. 14:23).

"One of the blessings of the old-time Sabbath was its calm, its restfulness, its holy peace. There is a strange strength conceived in solitude. Crows go in flocks and wolves in packs, but the lion and the eagle are solitaires.

Strength is not in bluster and noise. Strength is in quietness. The lake must be calm if the heavens are to be reflected on its surface. Our Lord loved the people, but how often we read of His going away from them for a brief season. He tried every little while to withdraw from the crowd. He was always stealing away at evening to the hills. Most of His ministry was carried on in the towns and cities by the seashore, but He loved the hills the best, and oftentimes when night fell He would plunge into their peaceful depths.

The one thing needed above all others today is that we shall go apart with our Lord, and sit at His feet in the sacred privacy of His blessed presence. Oh, for the lost art of meditation! Oh, for the culture of the secret place! Oh, for the tonic of waiting upon God! " ~May you all have a very blessed Sabbath today! ~Sue~