Fill My Cup

Nothing like having a cup of brew with friends.

Friends Walk Side by Side

Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend. - Albert Camus

Gotta' Make It!

Friends Are Cool (like Rubber Duckies)

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things.

- Author Unknown

Friends Are Like Melons

Friends are like melons; shall I tell you why?
To find one good you must one hundred try.

- Claude Mermet

Appreciate Others

Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God's best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one's self, and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another - Thomas Hughes

Counting My Blessings

It seems that God sends blessings
In very mysterious ways.
He always finds the perfect time
To brighten up our days.

He finds ones to be our friends,
Who truly seem to care,
Friends to fill our lonely hours;
What an answer to prayer!

The Lord blesses our hearts
With many a wonderful friend.
Thank you Lord, most humbly
For the happiness my friends lend.

I Count My Blessings for having
wonderful friends, such as you.
Blessings to you and yours this holiday season.

Because of Angels

Aren't there times when you wish the news would just go away? In the day in which we live, it's the "wrongs" not the "rights" that make headlines. Praises for doing good just aren't mentioned. People thrive on the negatives. Just stand in line at the supermarket and read the headlines on the magazine covers, then tell me it isn't so. Sensationalism is number one - and we must be careful to guard ourselves so that we do not enter into this realm.

Well, enough said of the negatives, let's talk about the positives. Most of my positives are better known as "angels" - ones who bring forth pure words and allow others dignity and honor. Oft times when battling "lowliness," an angel has and does visit me in the form of a card, a note, or a phone call (even an email or texting). This heavenly communication guides me through a dreary day. The words spoken or written are not necessarily catchy or prophetical in nature but ones that convey love. A call to say I'm thinking of you. A text written, closing with the words I love you. A note saying, "You are special, and we care." Sincerity scrawled upon paper, acknowledging genuine concern. Not the inventions of long, well-tailored communication, but purity fabricated from the heart. In particular, I am drawn to a note received in 1984, scratched in pencil on a torn half-sheet of ruled paper. It said, in part, "Not fancy paper I know but like our walk with God, it's what's on the inside that counts . . . We go separate ways most times . . . but friends are special people and not always together . . . but yet, always there." This friend has never left my side and is always in my heart. And even though we have not seen each other physically for 15 years, she still remains one of my angels because she "winged" by at a time when my world was broken into a million pieces.

Today, because of Angels, I can smile, I can laugh, I can cry, I can love, I can travel through the darkness - for my special angels are friends who "loveth" at all times. The holidays are approaching so why not take time to be someone's angel. I'll guarantee a tender brush of genuine care is just what a lonely, hurting soul needs to help them soar.

Enjoying

Boy, I sure am enjoying Western District Senior Camp with all of my friends.

Accidental Meeting? Nah, Don't Think So!

A friend isn't always someone we’ve known a lifetime but
can be someone we've met along life's pathway (or pond).
Why, our next friend may be one we would never imagine
as a friend; yet that person is the one that will go the
extra mile to keep us safe (and dry).

A Friend

A friend is someone who understands. . .and accepts you just the way you are.

One Flaw In Women

I received this email from a dear friend this morning, with a kind personal word. I had to share it although I'd already posted today. It's for the women in my life whether family, friends, church sisters, blogger friends, neighbors, etc., that have touched my life. It's called One Flaw in Women.

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and carry burdens, but hold love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream, and sing when wanting to cry.

They cry when happy, and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in, and stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer if there's a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

Women love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel, and cheer when friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies, and grieve the loss of family.

Yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run, text, or e-mail you

to show you how much they care.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love, yet have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

However, if there is ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

it's that they forget their worth.

Thank you Lord for giving me special women in my life that make me the person I am meant to be, and loving me when I'm unloveable.

What Is A Family?

What is a family? A family is LOVE. And I am so thankful to be in a family that is filled with loving, sharing and caring. We had a wonderful three days in Kerman for the Hopper Family Reunion. There was fellowship with family, fellowship with friends, and most importantly fellowship with our Saviour. Sunday's service was an explosion of revival fire and water baptisms (two of the three being our nephew's sons).

Thank you Susan & Stephen for making it such a memorable time. It was perfect in every way. Thanks to Cherish who provided a multitude of entertainment. And to Misti and Adam for all the special things they did, including showing me the photos of Cody's hair (lol)

Heading for the Hills

I'll be taking a break from blogging as we are "Heading for the Hills"

and NOT these kind!

We are "Heading for these (kind of) Hills"!!!

Yes, we are going to a Hopper Family Reunion at the Hills - namely, Stephen & (niece) Susan Hill who pastor the church in Kerman California (site of the reunion & a special Sunday service). Even with their busy schedules, Susan & Stephen have graciously opened their home, their church, and their hearts to accommodate family (and family friends) for the weekend. In fact, Susan was the one who had the idea of a family get-together when she heard family was coming California way for a visit. Guess she didn't think getting ready for the Ladies Conference in Sacramento next week was enough to do (she is a Sectional Ladies Leader).

Well, I'm signing off - chat with you Monday.

Love Enemies as Self

"It's easy to be friendly to one's friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is business." Gandi

A Time of R & R

Rest & Relaxation is in order

for this Labor Day Weekend

Please take time from your busy schedule
to enjoy family and friends - and the Lord!
That's my plan...

Here's to You

Sending a Bouquet of Blessings
to my Blogging Buddies

Special Friends, I feel blessed to have met or reconnected with you in the wondrous world of technology. You inspire me, motivate me, entertain me, humor me, and teach me the joys and adventures found in life. Thus far, I have spent eight months in Blogville starting November 2, 2007. My, how time flies when you are having fun.

Need A Friend?

To Have Friends,
We Must First Show Ourselves Friendly

Friendships that Last

Genuine Friendships are
those where you don't tell your friends their faults,
and they don't remind you of yours.

PLEASE NOTE: I am not referring to my friends as being pigs - I just loved the picture.

Let's Pray Together

Let's stop struggling with the overwhelming cares of life.

Our friends are always near to help us pray.

"Call on me and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things,

which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 3:33