June Writing of the Month

Good morning.

Today's writing is by Cathy Friberg who writes at the beginning of every month. The writing  is called, "The Power of a Friend" The theme is about the importance of friends... heavenly and earthly. Cathy wrote, "I think if I were to give advice to young people or new Christians it would be to pray for God to bring them loving Christian companions who would build them up and point them to the Saviour." 

Hope you enjoy this writing! It is a good time to thank the Lord for His friendship to us and for the friends He brings into our lives. All enrich the fabric of our lives.

Blessings from

Cathy & Corinne
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A writing for the beginning of June 

"THE POWER OF A FRIEND" 

by Cathy Friberg

In a few days I will celebrate my 70th birthday. When I look at my life, I have so much to be grateful for. Foremost on my thank-you list is that the Lord has drawn me into a saving relationship with Himself. To understand and embrace the truth that Jesus gave His life as an atonement for my sins is the greatest gift of all. To walk in fellowship with the Creator of the Universe is a comforting and glorious blessing! The security of knowing that eternal joy with the Savior and my loved ones lies beyond this life is a benefit like no other. 

However, another blessing which God gives to us is that of earthly friendships. To have people who will listen to our concerns, fears, and sorrows, as well as to our hopes and joys brings us strength and encouragement. 

       "Rejoice with those who rejoice, 

weep with those who weep."
Romans 12:15 

The Lord has made us to be relational beings who need the fellowship of others to nurture us emotionally and to help us grow spiritually. Sometimes a friend will assist us with the practical aspects of our daily lives. Giving us a ride when the car breaks down, caring for our children when the sitter can't make it, or helping with some chores when we are sick are all ways a buddy can give support. However, I think taking walks, sharing meals, and chatting for hours with a friend, laughing and pouring out our hearts to one another are the moments we will treasure forever. Such occasions lend an incomparable richness and sweetness to our lives. 

To know that someone believes in us, accepts us unconditionally, and will stand by us with prayer through our trials and our triumphs is affirming and empowering.

       "Two are better than one, ....... 

If either of them falls down, 

one can help the other up. 

Ecclesiastes 4: 9,10

The key, of course, is to have Jesus at the center of our relationships.

       "A cord of three strands is not easily broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:12  

"He (Jesus) is before all things,
and in Him, all things hold together."
Colossians 1:17

When friendships are established in the Lord, there will be balance, healthy boundaries, forgiveness, and trust. I think if I were to give advice to young people or new Christians it would be to pray for God to bring them loving Christian companions who would build them up and point them to the Saviour. 

On our life's journeys let us be sensitive to those around us who may be calling out to God for companionship. Let us be willing to open our hearts and own our circle of friends to the lonely or forgotten. As we do we will see others blossom in the light and warmth of the love of Jesus.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"A Friend's a Friend Forever"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To have friends to share laughs with
to do silly things together

or even to commiserate with
in times of challenge 

is a total blessing for everyone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prayers are lifted up daily for 

you by the Devotional Writers 

and the Monthly Writing Staff

of Women's Focus Ministries.

Blog Writers

Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,   

 Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,  Karen Bennett, 

Collette Phillips, Cathy Friberg, and  Corinne Mustafa

Occasional Contributors
Kathy Bireley,  Lynda Kinnard, Mary M. Wilkins,

Terri Baker, Beverley Napier, Kelly Dobyns

Glenna Williamson,  Shelly Keith, Amie Spruiell,

Lisabeth Lipp,  and Nandita Bhatnagar