"Thoughts for friends"

Letter to the Goddard Family
After a tragedy of young human death we all wonder why??? There seems to be no good answer as to why they had to leave so soon. Those left behind are shell shocked, saddened, and miss that person terribly.
As humans we have this God given desire to live. We want rich, full, and rewarding lives. Our desire to accomplish this is what allows us to continue on. Even in time of great stress we realize our human need to survive. Without that inner drive there would be no human race!
Our desire to live and succeed may cloud a very real and significant purpose. God wants us home with him. We want to go be with God, but are not sure of when we should do that? We all realize that in order to be with our maker, we leave family here behind. Kind of a Catch 22!
If we knew for sure what, when, where, and how our loved ones would join us we may be more eager to go. There is no way to know when any of that will happen. Only God knows!!!
I have a theory of life with God: (Recently Nathan was taken home to God). The funeral service reminded us of Nathans’ love for water. He was an avid swimmer, fisherman, boater, and if water was involved he was there.)
In all things we do we strive to be better at them. With lots of practice and patience we generally do improve. There are moments in our lives that we reap the benefits of our perseverance. A song sung perfectly is the goal but not always met. A vacation day that seems to never ends and is filled with joy. Even a weekend of sun and fun and perfect weather, these are what we strive for and live for. The reality of life is not that euphoric.
I believe in heaven that Nathan is fishing in lakes and streams that have a never ending catch. I also believe he is swimming in water and never tires or aches. He is riding along safely without any chance of danger or harm coming to him. We all will be so glad when we are also there and can share it with others. Eventually we will all be together again under the love and eternal strength of our Father, God.
I look forward to bike rides that I never tire on; I look forward to singing worship songs in perfect key and accompaniment. I want to climb the highest mountains and be totally safe and not cold!!! And I want eternal time to spend with those I love and that love me. I don’t know when this will all happen, but I believe it will in Gods’ time!! Praise God!!

"The Friend Zone"

My adult children coined this phrase! They have found that in their dating lives sometimes they only make it to "The Friend Zone". They would like it to go farther in the relationship but it takes two!! There is nothing wrong with this zone unless you desire it to be more.

I personally feel that the FZ is not so bad. At least then the complications of a relationship seem less so. Expectations are met easier. After all shouldn't we be friends first before any other connection can be made?

I hope to encourage my teenage daughters that the FZ is a good place to be. I hope and pray that they honor my request. I also know that our hearts can get in the way of our heads!!

Throughout it all I am confident God is there and wants what is best for all of us. Our job is to follow and obey God and allow him to guide our steps.

Verses: Eccl 7: 1-13 1Thes 4: 1-8 2Cor 7: 10-13

"Sharing with Friends"

What and when do we share with friends? I usually am reluctant to share to much personal stuff with just anybody. My closest friends will get an earful if they ask.

I am more interested in sharing "Life" with friends. All that I love to do can be made more enjoyable when shared. Worshipping God in a group is empowering and uplifting. Praying as a group can also bring great healing and comfort.

Any activity I love to do(bike,hike walk, run, play), can take on a whole new meaning when shared with others. There is great satisfaction when we can be of help to others. All the world is better when we join hands and efforts together.

Gods' power can shine through the combined effort of many. Gods' essence is shown through love and care of others! Verses: Gal 6: 1-10 Prov 11: 16-17 Prov 12: 25-26 Prov 14: 21

"Friendly"

Maybe there is such a thing as too friendly? Maybe there is no such thing? Some people don't seem friendly at all. Some people just warm up slower than others.

Everywhere we go and everything we do are more enjoyable if we are with friendly people. Mostly I think we are drawn to others that seem friendly. We may discover that they are not as kind as we initially thought. We may find that they are a genuine friend!!

Sometimes people are maybe too friendly, and jeopardize the friendship. We all need a certain amount of space and alone time. Being smothered by someone can be tedious. Balance is a tough goal to achieve. Many married couples succeed at balance in their time with and without each other.

The world would definately be a better and nicer place if "friendly" was the rule and not the exception! Thanks God, for all the friends and their importance in our lives!!

Verses: Gal 5: 22-26 2Tim 2: 22-26 2Peter 1: 5-9

"Being a Friend"

One of my best friends and I rarely see any more. Our friendship started over 3o years ago. We spent a lot or time together hanging out and exploring this world. Distance has separated us only in proximity to each other.

Ironically I can say that my first wife is still my friend 30+ years later! Once again I hardly ever see her but we still are friends. Some of my friends have moved away to never be seen or heard from again. Maybe their part in my life was only for a short time? Maybe we will one day be reunited?

Most of my newest friends are activity buffs. We will spend time exploring and experiencing Gods' awesome planet Earth!! Our ability to grow close and trust one another comes with time and experience, as all friendships do. Pray God, Show us how to be a valuable and trusted friend to all those in our lives!!

Verses: Prov 14: 21 John 15: 12-17 Mark 2: 1-12

"Finding Friends"

I set out on a quest recently. I believe that God doesn't want any of us to be alone. That is why there are so many people in this world.

In the past 8 years most of my friends have come from a church. Church, since my salvation, has been an important and vital part of my life. Church also has a potential to form many friendships.

All of those that have come and gone in my life have enlightened and inspired me. Some are still doing just that!! Jesus ministry went beyond just the "Churched".

I don't want to limit my friends to only those that know Jesus. Some may caution me to be outside of that group could be dangerous? I feel that my faith and walk with Jesus will guide me to new and impactful places and people. God: lead me to whom you would have me know and where I need to go. Verses: John 4: 7-30 Matt 8: 1-4 Matt 7: 1-5

"Where Does My Help Come From?"

There are many ways to find help. Often times some will turn to the wrong kind of help. Drugs, sex, alcohol, abuse, are sought after to bring relief. The problem is the help from these sources is only temporary. Once anyone has turned to these choices they only want more and more of it!!

The ability for seemingly harmless substances to take control of our lives is amazing! So many have fallen into this trap and so many more will fall soon.

The hard way down from the mountain has begun for some. They will crash hard at the bottom. Now they have to start anew and rebuild virtually everything they ever knew or had.

All programs designed to help these people also encourage a higher power. God is the only higher power! Accepting and embracing God is and only is the way to healing and growth. Thank God, because no records of wrongs are kept, only love and support to move ahead.

Verses: Psalm 121(all) Heb 13: 6 1Cor 13: 4-7