Hebrews 11 New International Version (NIV)
Faith in Action
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
I often think back in life and how I didn't understand so much about faith, hope or love. It's a new day and yet I lived in yesterdays of life. The big wonder of why did this happen or how can I truly breath today. I was only 18 years old when my dad died on a Saturday morning. I will never forget that because I was getting ready to spend the day at a fair with my boyfriend. Suddenly my dad was not okay inside our bathroom. The door was locked and the end result would be death. He had a heart attack and didn't make it. It's sad because it can reply on a Saturday morning in my head about 10am. Yes, I remember the day and the time so clearly. Yet, over time I have learned to begin a Saturday with new thoughts and the power that God gives me. I can overcome thoughts and know that everything does happen for a reason.
I can not tell you why of somethings of life but I know that God can restore, change minds and purpose people in our lives. Some people have stood faithful over all the years of life. I met a friend named June when I was about 9 years old. I still have that friendship and family ship in my heart. We don't get together a lot, but we know we are only a phone call away. Seeing her on special events and our prayers continue for each others. She has been an amazing woman of faith.
I have another friend named Janice, who knew my kids because I knew her. She went to the church where my husband's parents went. She connected with them first and then with me later. She had stood faithful to God and to me. She had taught me so much about the Bible and how God truly reacts to us. Forgiveness happens and life moves on. She is only a call away too and I thank God for her life and her example to me. She would go to the care home and read the Bible to my mom. I never even knew that. She would be the woman my mom talked about but I honestly thought my mom made her up. Until one day, I walked in and there she was reading to my mom.
FAITH - HOPE - LOVE
1 Corinthians 13:13 New International Version (NIV)
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Then I would go to a youth camp for kids. I was a counselor and it was there that I would reconnect with a neighbor who was 11 years old and now she was an adult counselor. Her name was also Janice and we would develop a real friendship as well. I would also meet new friends name Darlene and Lorie. So many changes in my life that were an amazing and I stop my story there. True women of God who live what they teach and continue to be my friend. Yes, about 30 years of friendship and that's a blessing for sure. I often think of each of these women on a Saturday morning and I never really tell them. I think I will tell them today what a difference they have made in my life.
I hope you count blessings of life in your life. Blessings of what you do have in life. Seeing through eyes of faith, hope and love. Look around and see the beauty of the sky and living. Purpose this a good day and know that I am praying for you, your family and friends. I truly care and mean that with all my heart. I know God is able to meet you exactly where you are at and start a new day filled with peace.
~ Sparkie