Friends - Encouragment to Persevere

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. 

~ Hebrews 23-25

Some friends know.  They hear it in your voice when you declare that you are "fine".  They see it in your eyes, when you smile.  They are moved by the Holy Spirit to pray for you when you need it the most.

We are an unlikely group. We now live in three different cities and are at very different stages in our lives.  Some still with small children at home, some are at the empty nest stage and some are in a bit of  both of these stages.  Our personalities are on polar ends of the spectrum, some are shy and reserved and would never buy anything with leopard print or crazy colours and some of us...well let's just say some of us would love to have a leopard print couch in our house.  All of us have crazy, busy lives.  All of us love Jesus.  We are a group of women that only God could bring together.  

A couple of months ago when I was declaring that I was "fine".  One of these sisters of mine had other ideas.  She arrived at my door, with another friend and a hat in her hand,  a bright orange sombrero.  I knew in an instant that we were not just going for tea and I was in trouble.

"Put it on."  She declared.  "You have to wear it all afternoon."  Oh no, she has lost her mind, I thought.  (At this point you might be guessing that she is the one who would love a leopard print couch in her house and you would be right!) "I can't fit in the car with this hat on."  I complained.  "Okay you can take it off for the ride. "  she said with a sweet smile.  My second friend just giggled. This scenario happens a lot.  You should see when all of us can be together with our other friend (who has a palate for feather boas).  Again, only God could hold this eclectic group together.

Cheri the mastermind behind our adventure

I asked a number of times where we were headed, secretly hoping that it was a secluded place, where I would not have to see anyone with a crazy sombrero on my head.  I tried to reason with them.  I am trying to help Jason start a church here.  "What will people think if I have a silly sombrero on my noggin?"  "Maybe they will ask you about it.", Cheri countered.  She continued to drive and I knew it was hopeless.  I was doomed to wear an orange sombrero.  Finally, we arrived at our destination and my sweet friend Louise, who is a hospitality queen, pulled out fabulous trays of food from the back seat. 

Louise and her fabulous eats!

And so, an afternoon picnic commenced.  An afternoon of good food, heartfelt prayer, crazy picture taking and much laughter that was good for the soul.  And yes, a poor man drove by on his bicycle and almost fell off when he saw my lovely sombrero and Louise's parasol.  We giggled and wished that our friend Michelle could have been with us to celebrate and see the sights.

Cheri and Louise

And the lovely sombrero

There is that smile that I see so often when Michelle and Cheri do something crazy

Cheri's idea to get a pic on a log that over hangs the water

I thought it was not very safe - hmmm

She is truly crazy! But I love her.

I am thankful for my friends.  I wish we lived closer and we were able to get together more often.  In fact, right next store would be great, but for now God has us in different cities and on different journeys.  They still ask how I am and even though I still say I am "fine" it is actually more acurate these days.  Who knew an orange sombrero could be such a great gift!   Maybe it would make a lovely present for someone that you know.  Persevere my friends!  Encourage one and other!  Don't give up getting together to pray and to laugh and to spur each other on.