Have you ever been with a person or group of people when you’ve noted you wish you had a friend? Mockingly they ask, “what are we?” The majority of the time they are acquaintances, but not friends. As I write this, I have never had a single person in my life I can call a friend. Like you, I have dozens of acquaintances. Friends are a gift. They care about you when you have physical and emotional needs. They will not criticize when you need a word of encouragement or comfort. They will not judge, nor abandon you when you are having a difficult time in your life. They don’t pretend to “know it all” when you have doubts. Have you given a gift of friendship to someone whom needs it? Luke 6:31 Do to others….(NIV)
Author: jwoods
Thank You For the Criticism!
As I read Charles Stanley today I was reminded of those persons whom come to us with unsolicited criticism. We don’t seek their advice, but they feel it is their duty to tell us how wrong we are. I found Charles’ words timely for me as I read, “Thank the person for his interest in you and explain that you’ll reflect on his observation. If he was sincere, he’ll be appreciative, but if his intentions were negative, this may disarm him.” How very true as I recall I Thess. 5:18, “in every thing give thanks.”
July 4th Thank You!
Today is an opportunity to give thanks for not only being Americans, but also for the freedom and liberty which our citizenship gives each of us. Whether celebrated with family and friends or in quiet solitude, we have been given this gift with the service and protection of many men and women whom have served and currently serve in our military. A huge “thanks” to each of these special people, but recognition to the military men of my family: my nephew Kirk Hamer whom is currently serving, my father and an uncle whom served in WWII, an uncle whom served in the Korean War, my beloved (ex) husband of 44 years, Charles Woods and brother Clyde Hamer whom served during the VietNam era.
Giving Is A Gift, But So Too Is Receiving
Over 25 years ago I began a book entitled, The Gift of Giving and Gratitude. Life happened, and the book still lies in a file drawer, unpublished and incomplete. However, having attended countless writer’s groups, workshops and seminars, as well as being a member of local writing organizations, I’ve learned that we can reach an audience from blogs. Thus, the first day and the first page of what I trust will be a daily “read” for years to come. Feel free to share your stories with us, the audience; the readers. Do you have a special gift of giving to others? Did you receive a gift which is is beyond measure? Was it a gift from one’s heart or merely one’s wallet or both. Because my life would not be possible without my faith, then my gifts of gratitude are always based upon I Thess. 5:18: In every thing give thanks…..
thegiftofgivingandgratitude 