Thanksgiving for Relationships That Matter
I come from a family that had few outside relationships. My
father was an orphan, so he had no family that my sisters and I were
aware of. My mother had four brothers and rarely saw them. We didn’t
have family re-unions, holiday get-togethers, or aunts and uncles
and cousins we shared our lives with. But, at this point in my life,
I realize I’ve been blessed with many relationships that matter—and
they fill me with joy and gratitude.
 Family: A few weeks ago my husband and I drove
three hours to meet up with our two adult children and their
families. We went to an amazing pumpkin patch in Puyallup,
Washington, and watched with delight as our two little
granddaughters played with pumpkins, laughed at jumpy, baby goats,
and played in all the fun places built just for children. It was
also the first pumpkin patch outing for our baby grandson.
Close-by Friends: Three friends in particular, who
not only shared their great editing talents and knowledge with me,
but cheered me on as I worked to get my new book proposal finished.
Others have faithfully prayed and encouraged me with Scripture and
hugs over the past few months.
Overseas Friends: Hearing from far away friends
this month—in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Muscat, and Australia,
delights me. Doesn’t it feel good when people remember you and take
the time to get in touch? I love it!
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Blog Friends: These
ways of connecting with friends also enrich my life. Even though I
don’t talk to many of the people I’m in touch with through these
mediums—there’s something very meaningful when you realize you’re
not alone in this world.
Jesus, my Friend: This has always seemed such a
presumption, but that is what He says about those of us who have
believed and received Him. We are His Friends. He cares for us—is
there for us—praying for us—being our most perfect Friend. Amazing!
There’s one other kind of friend I want to tell you about, but
before I do that, let me encourage you to do something:
- Stop for a moment and ask God to remind you of relationships
that matter to you.
- Before Thanksgiving, write a note, send an email or card,
telling them why they matter to you and how much you appreciate
having them in your life.
- Remember friends or family who are overseas, out of sight,
or perhaps rarely heard from, and make a special effort to
connect with them—bring them joy, just as my friends who contact
me flood my heart with gratitude to God.
Love in Christ,
 |
Find A
Spiritual Friend!
by Poppy Smith
: : : : :
In ESPRESSO FOR THE SOUL, I share about a special
kind of friend that we all need, but often don’t have. I just
blogged on this at:
www.poppysmith.blogspot.com but I wanted to share it with
all of you and hope you’ll think and pray about this kind of
meaningful relationship.
Have you ever wished you could sit down and talk with a
mature Christian who would listen and pray for you? Are you
willing to share what is on your mind and heart, knowing
everything will be kept in confidence? If so, begin praying
for God's encourager to come into your life.
Scripture tells of several relationships where one deepened
the other’s awareness of God: Naomi and Ruth; Mordecai and
Esther; David and Jonathan; Mary, the mother of Jesus and
Elizabeth; Paul and Barnabas, as well as Timothy. How many
more can you think of?
On a personal level, can you think of a woman who has
deeply influenced your love for God, or helped you mature and
keep moving in your spiritual journey? I can think of several,
and I am eternally grateful that God sent them into my life at
critical periods.
As a spiritual director/supportive friend and companion to
women in their own journeys, it's a privilege to give my
undivided time to listen to what each woman is experiencing,
praying for them, sharing Scripture, pointing to Christ's
presence, and giving hope. This spiritual focus transforms
these times from merely women “sharing,” into holy moments
where God is invited to be present.
It struck me recently that we go to various specialists for
different needs: doctors, dentists, mechanics and plumbers,
but we tend to treat our spiritual needs and struggles
differently—we keep them to ourselves. What might happen if
you asked God for someone to meet with? To have an
intentional, one to one, relationship where another Christian
lovingly supported your walk with Christ?
If this is your desire, what qualities should you look for
in this person? Here are some essentials:
- A woman who not only loves the Lord but is actively
seeking to grow herself.
- A woman who has faith and confidence that God is alive
and wants to lead and bless you.
- A woman who keeps confidences and is supportive, as well
as gently straight-forward with you when needed!
How do you find this person?
- Look at women in your church--observe their involvement
and attitudes. Would their personality and yours mesh?
- Ask your women's pastor or leader for a mentor--being
specific about what you are looking for.
- Ask women leaders you know if they could suggest someone
for you to contact.
Be understanding if some women you approach cannot add one
more commitment to their lives at this time--don't take it
personally! This process can take time, but persevere in
praying for discernment and direction to find the person God
has in mind for you.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or stories that
would help others, let me know. Maybe next month we could
share some of them.
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Want Spiritual Support?
If you are praying for someone to help you grow
spiritually or personally, call me at: 503-376-1374 or email:
poppy@poppysmith.com
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| I love this prayer from Scripture.
May it bless and encourage you. “May the God of peace, who
through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the
dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you
with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us
what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory
for ever and ever. Amen” (Heb.13:20-21).
Thankful for God’s Blessings,
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Want to Grow?
Check Out Poppy's Tips
Stretch Yourself: Be an Encourager to Others:
| 1. |
At church events look for people who are alone and introduce
yourself. |
| 2. |
Look for others to introduce your new friend to. |
| 3. |
Pray for willingness to go up to someone standing alone—at every
event! |
| 4. |
Look for ways to identify with what they tell you about
themselves. |
| 5. |
Invite them to sit with you, exchange contact information, stay
in touch. |
November is busy!
| 1. |
I’m halfway through teaching a course on “Spiritual Disciplines
for the Not-So-Disciplined.” Also blogging on this each week for
any of you who want to take a peek at the content. Sorry you
can’t be there! |
| 2. |
Heading to Louisville, Kentucky, next week for the Global Health
Missions Conference—I love going and catching up with friends
who work overseas. |
| 3. |
Going to a four day prayer retreat with Northwest Ministry
leaders at the beach! |
| 4. |
Speaking to a group of young moms in Salem, on How to Say NO! |
| 5. |
Expecting a full house of family and friends for
Thanksgiving—I’m blessed. |
Upcoming
Events:
Speaking Calendar:
2009:
Sept/ Dec. 12 week series on Spiritual Disciplines,
Village Church, Oregon
November 20: Mom’s group, First Baptist Church,
Salem, OR.
2010:
February 5th: Hong Kong, ECC Leadership Training.
Outreach Luncheon
February 11th: Singapore, IBC,
February 15-19th: Bangladesh,
March 5-7: Salem Heights Church Retreat
April 15, 22: Professionally Speaking, Portland, OR.
July: AWSA/ICRS Conference, St. Louis, MO.
August 2-5: Oregon Christian Writers’ Conference
September 15: Aging to Perfection, Eugene, OR.
October 16: Plenary Speaker, OCW, Fall meeting
October 20-30: Nairobi, Kenya
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Ask Questions - Get Answers from Poppy:
I'm asked questions about faith, life application of Biblical principles and spiritual growth everywhere I speak.
Now, for my online friends, I'd like to give you the same opportunity to ask questions.
I'll answer your questions and share comments in coming issues of "Thrive". Just
contact me and let me know what you'd like to know more about...all at the click of your mouse! |
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