Thursday, December 2, 2010

The Blessings of Friendship



England. A country that's been brought to mind often, with the recent news of the engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton. But I was thinking about the distant land for other reasons. A blogging friend of mine from England was in the states visiting her sister. She had contacted me to see if we could get together and meet. How exciting!

As we sat at Starbucks, sipping our hot beverages, I couldn't get over the fact that I was actually talking to Linda Meade in person. In this tech-savvy day and age, our writing and a love for the Lord had brought us together. More than followers of each other's blogs, we've now had an opportunity to meet face-to-face and begin a friendship.

It was fun to discuss our cultures. The similarities as well as the differences. Linda and her daughter, Laura, had shopped extensively while in the states, taking advantage of discounted prices. I realized that we have it pretty good in the United States in spite of the economic difficulties. But what really got my attention was Linda's passion for Christ. She shared some lessons she had learned, and how she desires to serve the Lord.


We talked about our churches and the importance of a close knit body of believers. How salvation is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ and not in keeping a list of rules. It was such a privilege to share a time of praise. Two believers from different countries. I thought of the scores of believers all across the globe. A passage from Revelation came to mind, "After this I beheld, and , lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb," (Revelation 7:9-10; KJV). To think that heaven will be filled with believers from all nations, praising the God of heaven! Inspiring!

Before going our separate ways, Linda presented me with a beautiful box of stationary. On the inside of the box lid was printed Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself also in the Lord: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Delighting in the Lord brought these two writers into a unique friendship!

Thank you, Linda, for being the embodiment of a friend. The book of Proverbs says, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly..." (Proverbs 18:24a). You certainly did this by reaching out and making time to meet with a blogger buddy! I appreciate you!

Visit Linda's blogs: Simple Blessings, and Days Touched by Grace. You'll be blessed!


For those of you who blog, have you been able to meet any of your blogger buddies in person? What characteristics do you look for in a friend? Will you reach out and be that friend to someone else?


Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for the friends you bring into my life. Allow each of these relationships to bring glory to You. Help me to be mindful of reaching out to others in true friendship. In Jesus' name, Amen.

11 comments:

  1. Oh wow! How exciting! This is such a wonderful blessing, Maria. I honestly would love to meet some of my blogger friends if God permits. I haven't had this chance yet. What I look for in a friend is Christ. I am passionate about Jesus and it would be such an uplifting thing to be ministered to by fellowshipping with another daughter of our King! :)

    Anyway, I'd love to have coffee with you if ever you get to come to Humble, TX! Take care always and be blessed!

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  2. Thanks for sharing. If you get to Humble, TX, let me know as Houston is just down the road!!

    I have found such wonderful friends in the bloggy world. Lots of love and support when I pulled my daughter out of school and started homeschooling.

    God Bless and have a wonderful day.

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  3. Greetings Maria, I know Linda from her blogs-what joy for you two to meet. Friendship is heavy on my heart today and this post ministered to me. Do you know I've found deeper friendships in blogland than here where I live? I guess when we aren't close in proximity it is easier to love others, or so it seems. You are always such an encourager and blessing and I cherish you!
    Hugs, Noreen

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  4. What a wonderful blessing.:) Yes, I've had the privilege of meeting Heather Sunseri of Balance with Purpose (we also met at Starbucks). Hoping to meet many other writing/blogging friends in the future.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  5. Thanks for sharing your blogger friend with us :) I visited her blog too. Glad to hear that bloggers DO occasionally meet and have coffee! So it's not all digital friendship after all... And I can relate to your excitement about meeting someone from another continent. Blogging is global and it certainly helps to connect. I am glad you girls had a good time.
    I am privileged to have a bilangual blog, readers both on this continent and in Europe! Maybe one day I'll write about an intercontinental bloggers meeting too! Have a great weekend Maria!

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  6. Hi Maria -

    How exciting to meet a blogger buddy from overseas!

    I've met several blogging friends at conferences. As believers, we have an immediate connection.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  7. Cookie - You're so sweet! Hopefully one day I'll be able to take you up on your offer to have coffee! I'm not familiar with Humble, TX, but what a name to live up to!! Awesome to hear that you look for Christ in a friend. Hope you get to meet some blogger friends soon! Have a truly blessed week! :)

    Amy - So good to see you! Isn't it neat how we can be states away and still develop a relationship through the common bond we have in Christ?! If I make it to TX, I'll be sure to get in touch! Praying your homeschooling goes well this week!

    Noreen - Thank you for the kind words of encouragement! So neat to hear that you already know Linda! Her blogs are a blessing. I'm thankful for your friendship! Have a wonderful week and try to stay warm!! :)

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  8. Karen - So good to see you! Continuing to pray for you, my friend! I love Heather's blog - how neat that you two were able to meet! I'd love to meet you someday! I'll be sure to let you know if I get up to your neck of the woods! Have a great week! God bless!

    Marja - Thanks for stopping by! It was neat to have the opportunity to meet a fellow blogger. And how much neater to know that we have a common bond in Christ! Looking forward to reading your post about intercontinental bloggers having the opportunity to meet! Hope you're able to make that happen! Have a wonderful week, friend! God bless!

    Susan - Neat to hear that you've met other blogger friends at conferences! Which conferences do you attend? I'll be attending a conference in March (my first). I'm very excited! Have a beautiful week! And God bless! :)

    Diana - Good to see you! Yes, it was neat to meet Linda! Hope you have a chance to stop by her blogs. You'll be blessed! Have a wonderful week!

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  9. Hi Maria,
    I was so blessed to be able to have the opportunity to meet you! God is good and so amazing that He can take me from across the ocean and enable a meeting! What is even more amazing is that this was in His plans way before we ever met!!
    I so enjoyed our time together and am thankful for you! I too look forward to getting to know you better and building a friendship!
    Have a wonderful day!
    Blessings and hugs.

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  10. How touching that you and your blogging friend from England got to meet! And you can't beat Starbucks as a meeting locale--everyone can find something they like there. These are the types of stories that make me think the internet can be used in a very constructive way, bringing like-minded people together to form positive relationships.

    Have a great day!

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