Treasured Lifetime Friendships

There are some friends that come into our lives for a short while. Then we lose touch and never really see them or hear from them again. However, some friends are tried and true, and stay with us for a lifetime.

Such is the case with my friend, Alice Payne. She and I and 2 other girls lived together in a house in Ft. Wayne for a few years. We were nurses and all worked at Lutheran Hospital. Then I went to Haiti for almost 2 years, and when I came back, I got married. Alice went to Bengladesh as a missionary. Ruth got married. So we all went our separate ways. (Donna Burd never married and worked at Lutheran until she retired). However, we all stayed in touch during all these years.

Alice has been a missionary in Bengladesh for 35 years! (she recently was honored for her service) She recently moved back to Marion, Indiana. I hadn't seen her in probably 25 years.(I showed her pictures of my kids and she said she hadn't seen them since they were quite small). Thursday was her birthday, so Donna Burd, Ruth Baxter and I were going to go to see her. However, at the last minute Donna got sick, and something came up for Ruth, and so they couldn't go. I was rather disappointed, as I was looking forward to a reunion with all 4 of us. But then I got a brainstorm--I could go by myself!

I called Alice and asked if she had lunch plans (of course she didn't!) So I went to Marion and took her out to lunch. Then we went back to her house and talked. We had 25 years to catch up on! We had a great time, and I think she was very pleased that I had decided to come, even though the others couldn't. We'll have to plan a reunion some other time. (Unfortunately this blogger forgot to take her camara, so I have no pictures to post)

I've had several friends along the way that are very special. They would, and have, stood by me through good times and bad. True friendships, are developed over time or through common bonds or experiences. I think these friendships should be valued and treasured.

Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz...

Recently I had a mammogram that was questionable, so I had to go in for a needle biopsy. I knew in my heart that nothing is a surprise to the Lord, and that He had everything under control. But I must admit, that being sort of a worrier by nature, I really was concerned.

I got a call yesterday saying the biopsy was totally negative,nothing malignant or pre-malignant. I must say the first thing I did was just praise the Lord for once again blessing me with a good result. My brother Lowell had e-mailed me before the biopsy and reminded me that no matter what the outcome, Jehovah Jireh--The Lord Provides. I guess the major feeling I had was one of relief. I happened to think of that little Alka Seltzer commercial for some reason--Plop,plop,fizz,fizz oh what a relief it is! Thanks be to God for once again providing in a wonderful way.

How Great is our God!

When I wrote my blog yesterday, I had no idea that I would see a video today that would make such an impression on me. We watched a video in Sunday School class today titled "How great is our God" by Louie Giglio. I believe this man is a christian who has an extensive background in science. He showed us a picture taken by the Hubbel(sp)telescope of a galaxy 360 million light years away. He tried to help us put that in perspective but it's hard to get a handle on it. He then showed us 4 stars, created by the God of the universe, that are absolutely amazing. The first is the Sun. We don't realize how big it is. He compared the earth to a golf ball and said that an entire bus load of golf balls would fit in the Sun. He showed us 3 other stars, the largest of which is equivalent to 6 empire state buildings on top of each other. The earth (again comparing to earth to a golf ball) would cover the state of Texas 22 inches deep to be as large as that star. Even in our own galaxy, the earth is one of the smallest planets. Yet, no other star or planet can support life as we have it on earth. The earth is indeed a special planet.
He then read scriptures that tell how special we are to God--the same God that breathed out the stars(millions of them like the ones he discussed) and created this vast universe--He knows our name and everything about us! We are fearfully and wonderfully made. He described some of the amazing things that happen in the developing baby in the womb. He then told about an amazing protein adhesion molecule in our bodies. We have many of them, and they literally hold us together, they are the "glue" of the body. He showed us molecular diagram of this protein adhesion molecule--called laminin--and it is in the shape of a cross. It made what I believe will be a lasting impression on me, and I hope I will have a much better idea of just what a wonderful, big, great God we have!
(you can see parts of this video by googling Louie Giglio--he has about 3 short videos on u-tube (sp?)

Reflections and Resolutions

I finally took my Christmas tree down today and put away all the Christmas decorations. It seemed kind of sad, as I had really been enjoying the tree lights this year. However, as with all things, time marches on. As I reflected on this Christmas season, the one word that came to mind was "blessed". I feel so fortunate to have a wonderful christian family, great friends,and an absolutely wonderful husband. The greatest blessing of all is that our Lord and Saviour who came to earth on that first Christmas, also made the extreme sacrifice to die so that I might live with Him.
I've also reflected on the loved ones that are no longer with us, and although we miss them very much, especially at these special family times, I know that they are celebrating and rejoicing with the Lord Himself. What a wonderful hope we have in knowing that we will see them again!
As for resolutions: I haven't really made any New Year's resolutions. I would really like to focus on being a little more healthy and losing some weight, but sometimes I think if I write it as a resolution, it sets me up for failure. (that's probably just a really good excuse!) However, mostly this next year, I'm really going to ask the Lord to help me to be a blessing and an encouragement to those around me, and to be a testimony to those who don't yet know Him as Saviour. We can't control some of the situaions we may face this next year, but we know that our Lord will never fail us, and will be there for us in good times or bad. There is a phrase that we say often and it's so true: God is good all the time; all the time, God is good.