Mind Flood

These past few weeks… And days have been bringing floods of emotion.

It started in August with the death of my step-mom, Phyllis. Off to Texas where we were able to be with my two brothers, dad, and father-in-law. A quick trip for the funeral.

Now, I’m waiting to fly the second part of a “Redeye” connection for my grandma’s (maternal) funeral.

Now add this layer. A great friend, everyones mom/grandma passed away within 15 minutes of my grandmother. Back to California for a Saturday funeral – No, a CELEBRATION of LIFE!

Hurting? Yes!

But all three will be there in heaven to meet us!

Jesus has given us strength and great hope!

Make the Connections

Coffee, Facebook, Twitter, Picture Sharing, Wall Posting … they are all about one main thing — CONNECTION. Just this past week I have heard from classmates, relatives, young people I have mentored, and even my mom.

As a Christ Follower, whenever I read about Jesus who WAS the great teacher (and the one I choose to direct my life) actually went out of His way — often to make these “connections”.

I would have loved to read his Tweets or Status Updates:

• “Have a meal with me … “
• “Feed my lambs … “
• “Just told the guys to throw the net on the other side — we’re gonna have a lot of fish tonight!”
• “On my way to raise a dear friend from the dead …”
• “I love you, even though you haven’t realized it yet.”
• “Father, forgive them …”

You may want to read some of these bible-time updates yourself. You could start with the Gospel of John, it’s a great read.

Make a connection with RevTim on TWITTER and/or FACEBOOK!

Call a Friend Today

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.     – Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

This encouraging Proverb says a lot. WHENEVER I do this it seems that it does something deep inside. We are all created in God’s image. The author of love is not a bad blueprint, if you ask me. Go ahead, try it. Then leave a comment and let us all know how it went.

Iron, Friendship, Caring, and Comfort in 2008

So, because we’re brothers in the Lord, do something for me. Give me some comfort because of Christ. Philemon 1:20 (GW)

Here is Paul. He has a great friend, Onesimus. And he misses him greatly.

Have you ever had or needed a friend so close that you could actually be yourself? One that KNOWS YOU. One that CARES much about what you are going through. And you care about them, too, right?

2008. No matter what you are going through right now, no matter what you will find yourself in the future — you should never neglect a close friend. We tend to withdraw and to become this “automatic-garage-door” society. We drive in and shut the door. Then we become an island.

But, we are ripping ourselves off when we do that. God created us to be a blessing to Him AND to others. Just like we need a close friend, they need us.

In the coming year, I plan on facilitating more relationships. I want closer friends. And like Paul, I know they can comfort me, refresh me, and keep me all the more alive.

Proverbs 27:17 tells us that we actually sharpen other by our interaction.