That’s What Friends Are For

Our Daily Bread had a very interesting devotion today on Friendship. (1 Samuel 23:14-18. The Matthew Henry Commentary: “The very sight of Jonathan was reviving to David; but, besides this, he said that to him which was very encouraging. 1. As a pious friend, he directed him to God, the foundation of his confidence and the fountain of his comfort: He strengthened his hand in God. David, though a strong believer, needed the help of his friends for the perfecting of what was lacking in his faith; and herein Jonathan was helpful to him, by reminding him of the promise of God, the holy oil wherewith he was anointed, the presence of God with him hitherto, and the many experiences he had had of God’s goodness to him. Thus he strengthened his hands for action, by encouraging his heart, not in the creature, but in God. **Jonathan was not in a capacity of doing any thing to strengthen him, but he assured him God would.**”

Have you ever regretted that you didn’t have the material resources to help a friend desperately in need? Well do all that you can to help, but remember also that even just showing up and/or praying for/with them can be the greatest gifts of encouragement because it releases them to the ONE who can do for them what you and the world (for all your good intentions) cannot. Be good to your friends and may your friends be good to you. Have a Blessed day.

Hair-raising Shenanigans at the 2012 Olympics!

Olympic Gold Medalist in Gymnastics for the United States

Photo Credit:  Mike Blake/Reuters

Gabby Douglas, at the tender age of 16, has become the first African-American all-around gymnastics gold medalist for the United States of America.  Gabby, with the smile that lit up the arena in London like the candles lit up the sky during the opening ceremonies, has done her momma proud.  She has done her family proud, and man oh man, has she done her country proud.  And what are many people focusing on?

Queen Elizabeth II Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

 

Credit: en.wikipedia.org

As a proud and happy citizen of the United States, I’ve always considered our government the best ever.  I love the democracy of the citizens of our country having the choice, and the means to elect our leaders.  Our presidential candidates have the opportunity to lay out their platforms before the people and we have the privilege of making a choice of the person that we, the majority of voters, feel will make the best commander-in-chief for America.  Yes, a government by the people, for the people, and of the people.  Many of us, rather smugly at times, have viewed the English monarchy as a rather stuffy lot.  I, too, was guilty of this.  That is until I got, almost involuntarily, sucked into watching the global coverage of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration.

My Stomach Sank Just A Little

“My stomach sank just a little”. These were the words spoken by a pastor Wednesday evening after President Barack Obama infamously became the first sitting American President to support same-sex marriage. I have to admit that these words also come very close to describing the tightening feeling knotted in my own gut the moment I heard the President’s interview. I’ll tell you why.

Going Boldly Where No “Decent” Man Has Gone Before!

I am beyond appalled by an article I read this morning.  You can read the sordid details of the article here .  Even though there was no profanity used, the level of insult is exceedingly high and disturbing.

What disturbs me about the situation is that Congress member (I can’t even bring myself to call him a CongressMAN right now) Jim Sensenbrenner is setting a dangerous and insulting precedent in the already volatile world of politics.

My Head’s On Fire???

I was watching TV the other day and saw what I assumed to be a trailer for some new horror movie.  The patient’s head burst into flames as the surgeons stood stunned.  After the initial shock the surgeons rapidly went about beating out the fire.  Upon closer inspection, I realized this was no trailer, this was a report of a true event.  At first I wondered at the eerie absence of screams until I realized

What’s Behind My Book “Revelations”?

Good morning all.  Please drop by Cynthia’s Blog today and learn about the inspiration behind my book “Revelations”. 
http://bit.ly/tXB25W
 .  Christian Drama, Family, Suspense and more.  Thanks.

Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Previously, I explored the issue of why some men abuse in “What Gives You The Right?“.  Today I read a very interesting article discussing some of the reasons that women stay in an abusive relationship.  The article was posted on the Surviving Abuse website and entitled “Why Women Stay In Abusive Relationships“.  I totally agree with these reasons.  In my post today I would like to add a few of the reasons I think some women stay in an abusive relationship.

What Gives You The Right?

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. These scary facts according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV):

1. 85% of domestic violence victims are women.
2. One in every four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
3. Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.

Ebooks or Paper? I’ll Take Both Please.

I read an interesting article this morning.  I’d heard about the demise of Borders.  But this article in The Telegraph, “Internet and Supermarkets Kill Off 2,000 Bookshops”, shows the tremendous impact that epublishing is having on bookstores internationally.  Read full article here: 
http://tgr.ph/o5MJGv
 .  As an ebook author I am excited about the popularity of ebooks.  However, as an avid reader it really saddens me to see so many books stores going out of business.