Something We Can Do to Increase Love in 2019

"Day Ones" and "Riders"

In today's speak, your  'A-1 from Day 1' or 'Rider' (as in ride or die) is a best  friend from the start - until the wheels fall off. I've written elsewhere in this blog about my ever-evolving understanding of myself and my friendships over the years. And I have amassed quite a number of friends throughout my life.

But there was a moment, coming upon five years ago, when I realized who my real friends are. My father was ill for a brief time at the end of 2014, and died in January of 2015. I had moved to the east coast and most of my friends and family were on the west coast. During the days before my father's memorial service when people typically gather in support of the family, we were surrounded by beloved friends and family. They were so loving, and took care of my mother and us.

It wasn't until afterward, when my husband asked me about the absence of some specific individuals who were my friends - that I realized something I hadn't even thought of:  my actual Day Ones had shown up for me and my family in our time of bereavement. Friends I'd known for over 40 years - college roommates and classmates from elementary and high school. People with whom I hadn't even been in constant communication; some only via social media - some via their spouses who are on social media. These wonderful folks rallied when my family needed them, and came all the way through.

Their love and devotion through the years cannot be quantified, and I can't thank them enough. Nothing is more precious than friends who truly stand by you, defying the separation of space and the passing of time, under any circumstance. So when I reflected on my husband's query - about the folks who were missing, who knew and had had fellowship with my father and mother - who knew that my father had passed away, I had this revelation: the people with me here now, will be with me for the whole ride.

I'm grateful. And I declare that I'm a rider for each of them!

This Season in which We are Living

Boaz Ministries

In our experience at Boaz Ministries, we find that intentional communion with the Lord is a powerful thing. As believers we not only have the blessed assurance that God is real - we also have clear, irrefutable proof that He moves in our lives. Each of us has a testimony of His grace, mercy and love - transforming lives and changing hearts - handling situations in circumstances that seemed impossible. God is mighty!

This season, as we move into the new year - let us pray for a deeper connection with our Lord. In a world where there is no peace and very little love for humankind, let us draw closer to Him, to loved ones, and people we meet. Let us be intentional change agents in our communities, brighten the corners where we are, spread love, and the message of hope. For there is hope. If you've been praying about starting an outreach or in-reach in your community or church - go for it! Or join in the work the Lord is already doing through other change agents. You will know them by their character. Don't be discouraged by obstacles, and don't expect things to be easy - serving others isn't convenient. But when God is involved - He gives us His strength.

We've been given talents and treasure - and while we yet have breath, we still have time. Let us use our time in service to those who are suffering, abandoned, abused and under served. This is the whole message of the gospel of Jesus. It's always been about love, and there is no law against it (see Galatians 5:22-23).

It's Just Not Safe Out Here Anymore...

It probably never was, really. Safe, that is. There was a time when we as human beings, and our "things" were saf-ER. But today, as 2018 comes to a close - the curtain is pulled back, and the man is exposed, the wool once covering our eyes is fully off, and what I declare today is - the times we live in are full of evil!

Thanks to modern technology I've been hacked a few times. There have been attempts to steal my identity. I, and my family, have been the victims of ongoing scams and crooked schemes that seem to get more and more outrageous - and more easy to identify at the same time. Just for giggles, seems like these unfortunate minions lived to harass, humiliate and frighten me and my loved ones, besmirch my name - to extort money - to trick me, try to bleed me dry (but I am not wealthy) and leave my whole life, credit and whatever reputation I have in complete shambles! With no success.

In my observation, there seems to be an increase of soulless individuals - demons - whose only purpose in their miserable lives is to use their brains to discredit, manipulate and harm others. All for filthy lucre. *money*  I used to say that these folks could do so much with their imaginations to make positive moves and do good in the world...and get a legitimate paycheck. But legitimate is not what they want. They love the shadows, they love the darkness - and they ENJOY hurting others.

They work for the devil himself. And they work feverishly around the clock to devise more devious ways to ruin peoples' lives! I report everything that's suspicious. And I pity these folks in the Day of Judgment.

I pray for protection from the evil in this world daily. I have no fear. And I live my life with the assurance that God's got me, my family, friends and loved ones. My God is greater than anything and everything out there. I'm safe in Him and He continues to block the attacks against me and the ones I love. But for those who have no spiritual protection in this wicked world - I urge to get sheltered in the Lord... because it's just not safe out here anymore!