My First Stone

Sorry I have not posted anything on my blog for awhile. We have had a lot going on. My grandchildren continue to consume a lot of my time for which I am thankful. The are growing up too fast. I don't know if I mentioned that Brant and Elesha are expecting their third child toward the end of the year. We are thankful for a healthy pregnancy so far.

Spent a week at the beach, not our N.C, beach as usual this year. We Went to Cape San Blas near Pensacola, not as far to drive, and much like Holden Beach, N.C. We were not affected by the oil thankfully. Had a wonderful week of fellowship with our children and in-laws, and God blessed us with nice weather, except it was HOT!!

I have not felt the greatest for a few weeks, low energy level and a few other issues, but I received another good report from my chemo doctor last week. Praise the Lord!! I am schedule for my regular MRI in July. No reason to feel cause for concern at this point, I continue to pray for my healing, and ask that you do too. At the same time I recognize that God has a plan for my life, and I have no idea how He has used my circumstances to touch others. I pray that someone has been influenced for the Glory of God by my circumstances. Isn't that what the body of Christ is all about anyway?

In light of that I would like to share the segment below which I received from a friend who has undergone back surgery and is suffering terribly. Her name is Betsy Woods, and I know she would appreciate your prayers for her recovery too.

Gordon continues to suffer excruciation pain in his neck and shoulder most of the time. Has cataract surgery scheduled in July. I guess you could say we are officially "over the hill" although much of the time I feel like we are under it!!

Thanks for your continued cards, calls, prayers. They mean so much to us!!!


Devotion:

"I got my first stone."

That was my announcement at a luncheon a few months ago with some of
my favorite women. Patty has a gathering of her older friends at her
home to celebrate various occasions, and this time it was Billie's
birthday.

I happened to be the youngest woman at the luncheon, and I love
listening to and learning from these seasoned and sage ladies. We
discussed spiritual things, home décor, and of course, their
grandchildren.

Then came the moment for my big contribution to the conversation: "I
got my first stone."

There was an awkward pause.

I couldn't figure out why they were so shy to respond. Maybe they're
unfamiliar with stones, I thought, and how much better they are than
traditional baking sheets. Or maybe they don't know how much better a
pizza crust turns out on a stone.

But my thoughts were interrupted by a brave older woman as she asked,
"Honey, what kind of stone, kidney or gall?"

I began to giggle. "I meant the kind you bake with!" They all
chuckled, and reminded me that the kinds of stones that came to mind
during their stage of life had little to do with baking. Yet these
geriatric gals knew their stuff, and quickly began to tutor me on the
proper use of stones.

"Don't use soap on it," one instructed.

Oh, and if it breaks in your oven, the sound is awful so don't be
alarmed," another advised.



Since I left that luncheon, I have never used or thought of my stone
in quite the same way. But here's what I have thought. "Thank You,
Lord, for women who walk together, talk together, do life together,
cry together, grow together and laugh together."

Do you have someone in your life who makes your soul blossom?
Scripture reminds us that "oil and perfume make the heart glad, and
the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel" (Proverbs
27:9).

Your faith will continue to grow as you fasten yourself to faithful
friends who give good counsel. Whether they instruct you about baking
stones or lead you to the "rock that is higher" (Psalm 61:2), they
will enrich your life. And, if you don't feel you have that kind of
friend, become one. Someone needs a charming gardener to bring joy to
their life. You have a friend who sticks closer than a brother, lean
on him, he will never leave or forsake you.

"Keep me safe, O God, I've run for dear life to you. I say to God, "Be
my Lord!" Without you, nothing makes sense. And these God-chosen lives
all around — what splendid friends they make!" (Psalm 16:1-3, the
Message)

Dear Lord, Help me to become the kind of friend to other that I long
to have. May my friendship with Jesus make me secure and wise and
equip me to receive and be the kind of friend who glorifies You. In
Jesus' Name, Amen

Fresh Grounded Faith: Devotions to Awaken Your Spirit, by Jennifer
Rothschild

Reflections:

Do my friendships bring out my strengths or weaknesses?

Moses talked to God "like a friend." Do I? If not, how can I become
God's friend?

To be like Christ, we must be full of "grace and truth." Is grace and
truth a vital part of my friendships? If not, how can I change that?

Power Verses:

Psalm 119:63, "I am a companion of all those who fear You, And of
those who keep Your precepts." (NASV)

Proverbs 27:6, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are
the kisses of an enemy." (NASV)

Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (NASV)