To Have Friends, Be a good friend.

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he hath not another to help him up.”  Bible: Ecclesiastes

In the photo –

Getting her hair done is an old friend, Doris Smitherman. Through the years we have cried, laughed, prayed together, visited in each other’s homes; shared meals and ups and downs of life. She is a treasure.

Manuel is a new friend Russell met while waiting patiently (?) for me to finish shopping. Manuel joined him and immediately they talked, laughed, shared stories and prayed together. A bond of friendship formed with one encounter as seen on their faces.

“Two may talk together under the same roof for many years, yet never really meet; and two others at first speech are old friends.”  Mary Catherwood

What makes a friend?

“The only way to have a friend is to be one.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you really desire a friend, be one. It’s amazing what a smile will do. Do you realize there are people everyday you have contact with that have no friends; not true friends that love them as they are. To be a good friend, simply be friendly.

Read how my brother’s caring smile changed a life forever. Click here:

Who is your best friend?

“A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.”  Elbert Hubbard

My husband is my best friend. He’s a tried and true friend. Loving and trying to understand me when others would toss me out! We totally do not think alike in many issues, but we respect each others differences. We challenge each other to be better, to do better, to grow. We encourage each other to build relationships outside our home; there is a hungry world out there that needs true friends.

Do you have friends from childhood?

If so, treasure that friendship. I was in 18 states the first year after graduation. My father called me a gypsy. I lost contact with some of the most precious people in my  life-girls and boys I had known from 1st grade to graduation. This year I searched out a few of them. We may be ‘a few years’ older, but the memories we shared are priceless!

Do you make friends at work or in town?

Some strong relationships are built as you work side-by-side with others. You laugh and cry and share personal stories and you learn to trust one another. I challenge you to find someone at work or in the shops you frequent that is less likely  to have a string of friends. Smile at them, remember their name, complement a job well done.  I am amazed how this has opened doors in my community to encourage someone.

Find a friend in your neighborhood –

Yes, neighborhoods are different than they used to be; people work hard and have more activities that pull them away from home. A single fellow lives up the road from us. He is not very friendly when we see him drive by. However, for two years I have prayed for him and waved and smiled every time I see him pull in or out of his driveway. Who do you think he will contact if he ever needs a friend?

“And if you are nice only to your friends, then you are no better than other people. Even people without God are nice to their friends.”  Matthew 5:45 ERV

You are my friend.

I value your friendship and your trust as you read Encouragement from the Heart and as you pray for me and the ministry God has called me to.  I like to hear from you; how you are doing, what topics are helpful to you. Thank you for being my friend!

For more fascinating quotes and poems, click here.

The Bible has some interesting advice on being a friend. Spend some time pondering these verses.

A man’s growth is seen in the successive choirs of his friends.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

The only way to have a friend is to be one.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Walter Winchell

A friend is someone who is there for you when he’d rather be anywhere else. Len Wein

Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and be my friend. Albert Camus