Rainbows

Today was a good day. (#446) I was feeling a bit down because I wasn't strong enough to go to church and then a graduation party but then God used three separate things to encourage me.   First before Angelica arrived home from church and the celebration, ML asked me for a ride to C. (#447) It means a lot to me that ML felt the freedom to ask for my help.  I told her I couldn't drive her because I was too weak today but I would ask A when she arrived home.  Of course, Angelica said yes. (#448) Second, since Miracle is in C working as a nanny, I rode along and we had the chance to visit with her. (#449) Third, I arrived home and found an email from a new *friend* and in it she had mentioned two verses, both of which an encouragement to me. (#450)

2 Cor 4:16

Therefore, we do not give up, but even if the man we are outside is wasting away, certainly the man we are inside is being renewed from day to day.

Hebrews 6:10

"For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones."

The verse in 2 Corinthians is a needed reminder that no matter the state of my outward body, my spirit is constantly being made new by the grace of God. (#451) Hebrews reminds me that even though I am not strong enough to physically serve in the church anymore that God has not forgotten all I have done for Him these past 20 years. (#452) It also reminded me of a conversation I had with a pastor friend years ago when he said that it is always easy to replace the acts of service done by the younger crowd - tangible things like scrubbing toilets - but the loss of an older servant who no longer serves in tangible ways but instead prays without ceasing was always felt and impossible to replace - that people don't stop serving the church but rather graduate to a more important form of service. (#453)

Plus, on the way home I saw this:

(#454)

It's not the best picture I know but you can just barely make out the faintest rainbow. Rainbows of course remind me of the promise God made that He would never again flood the entire earth at one time but more than that they remind me that God keeps His promises - ALL OF THEM. (#455) So today was definitely a good day.  :)

Mom's Night Out!

After a hectic day, I saw an email from a friend asking if I wanted to go to Mom's Night Out - an event I had previously declined because I couldn't afford the tickets.  I picked up the phone and said Yes!!  It has been years since I have been out with a group of friends and tonight didn't disappoint!  It was amazing!  And I'm not just talking about the movie, which is also good and worth seeing.  I'm talking about the people I spent time with and the talking and laughing that we shared.  I'm so glad I got to go!! (#416) 

Friends

A friend came by today and we were able to chat for a couple of hours.  That was nice.(#36)  We haven't been able to really spend time together since last spring.  I really enjoyed the chance to visit and needed the opportunity to express things going on in life that are more private and not mentioned here.  She had some good ideas and insight and when she left, I felt encouraged rather than defeated like I did before she arrived.  I am so thankful for our friendship.  Sometimes I stand back in awe that God saw fit to bring us together.  I thank God for all the people I am blessed to call my friend.(#37)  

Proverbs 27:9 - Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.