You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
I do not work outside the home. Instead, I spend many hours in a day reading scripture and writing my daily devotions. It is my joy!
But, as any writer can tell you, this can be a lonely profession. Just you, your thoughts, and the empty page glaring at you from your computer screen. Waiting for you to begin . . .
While I love the serenity and solitude I encounter when writing, I am far from being an introvert. I like people. Love to socialize. Crave the interaction with others.
That's why, for me, Facebook is a lifesaver.
Whenever I've had enough of my own musings, I can be surrounded by the thoughts and inspiration of friends in a mouse click.
I cruise the recent feeds. Leave comments. Read the blogs of friends. Leave comments. Watch entertaining and humorous videos. Leave comments.
Oh, what amazing and wonderful friends I have made here!
I can't imagine how lonesome I would be, day after day, sitting at home while everyone else is at work, if I did not have this outlet.
And, this makes me think.
About my dear Facebook friends. The ones I've chosen. The ones who have chosen me.
Some from my past. Some from my church and community. Some half-way across the globe.
Even some who are friends of friends of friends.
Have chosen to be my friend, too.
And, I choose back. Affirm their requests. Delighted to have them on board.
Because, one can never have too many friends.
~
Have you chosen Jesus to be your friend?
Will you pray with me?
We thank You, Lord, for choosing us to be Your friends. Let us affirm that friendship by ever doing Your will and following Your commandments. Bless and keep all our friends in Your love and grace. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 18:1-20 or 18:21-50
Exodus 16:10-22
1 Peter 2:11-25
John 15:12-27
Martha, we're both in the exactly the same place. I'm so glad you wrote this. I've been accused by someone of not interacting with 'real' people. But my FB friends are very real to me.
ReplyDeleteReally? Not interacting with "real" people? I feel, I KNOW, I have found some of the best friends one could ever hope for through Facebook and blogging. Count yourself as one of the top, my dear friend!
ReplyDeleteBlessings always!
Thanks, Martha. I guess it's difficult to make people understand. Now I don't care what they say, I know what each of you means to me.
Delete:)
DeleteEveryone is real to me! As long as I make the effort and the person back to interact...I do hate when people say stuff like Corinne, it makes me shake my head. But yes, Jesus is most certainly my friend :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, RoseAnn!
DeleteGlad you are one of the many friends I have made here on Facebook! You are very real to me. :)
And, Jesus is the best friend any of us can ever have, for sure.
Blessings to you!
What a wonderful post Martha! We can never have enough friends and personally I find that love and kindness of the Blogging community overwhelming. Thank you for being my friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Nelieta!
DeleteI'm with you - the love and support is absolutely amazing! So glad you are my friend!
Blessings to you!
I feel like that about my blogging friends...we are all connected even though we are all apart.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by today!
DeleteYes, it is so wonderful to feel connected to those friendly folks we've never met in person, but feel so close to.
Blessings to you!
It is so important to always remember there is a real person on the other side of the internet - and to treat them always as a real person, if when you disagree with them. Thanks for the joyful reminder!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for coming by today, Erin!
DeleteYou've given us all a great reminder here - there IS a real person on the other side, one with feelings that can be hurt if we are not prudent with what we say. Always, we should treat everyone with respect.
Blessings to you!
I can say my life changed for the better when I joined FB...you at Blogplicity are a Blessing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming by today, Janaki, and for your kind and beautiful words. You are a blessing to me, my friend!
DeleteBlessings always!
I have learned more things from my online friends than from my real-life friends, and I am grateful for that. Love your daily devotions Martha :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Luchi!
DeleteWhat a testimony that is! Isn't great to have so many wonderful ones?
Glad, too, that you are enjoying the devotions.
Blessings to you!
I concur... and I too love your daily devotions!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for dropping in today, Amy, and so gratified to know you enjoy these devotions.
DeleteBlessings to you!
On line has also been a huge blessing to me. I am not social, as I have said I am normally very shy and easily intimidated. You have all helped me to learn my value and encouraged me so much in my endeavors. Martha as I said you are a blessing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting today, Jan. How wonderful to know that your blogging and the encouragement you have received have helped you to come out of your shell! That's an amazing testimony!
DeleteKnow, too, that you, my dear, are a great blessing to me!
Blessings always!
Well-said Martha. Facebook and Blogplicity have cheered me on many a rainy day and I'm grateful for all of you who are there for me.
ReplyDeleteGlad to be in the loop. And, as for Jesus, he is always there, no matter what.
You are a blessing.
Thanks.
Joy always,
Susan
Thank you for visiting, Susan!
DeleteHappy to know that you, too, have been cheered on by this wonderfully caring and loving community. Thank you for being a blessing to me!
And, yes, isn't it great we don't have to push a friend button to know Jesus is there for us always?
Blessings to you!
My bestfriends are Jesus and my mom in the real world. They stood by me when everybody gave up on me.They are tried and tested.
ReplyDeleteMy sister calls my friends online, 'imaginary'... some in my list are, but I know the ones who truly care for me. The ones who carry me back to Jesus when I go astray...the ones who bring me closer to the truth...yes, they are the ones :)
I pray with you. May I take care of the treasures God gave me in both worlds... and may God continue to bless them and shower upon them His goodness and love.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Melissa! :)
DeleteI think it's wonderful that your mom and Jesus are your best friends - always there for you and never forsaking you.
My on-line friends are so real to me; I love them and don't know how I would survive all the quiet hours without their love, encouragement and inspiration.
I so love that you pray with me. Every time I write a prayer, I imagine you saying it with me. :)
Blessings, my so-real friend!
There is always some joy and cheer to be found amongst the virtual world. I am ever thankful for the people I have met who share their words and provide grace in my day. Thanks, Martha.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Brenda, for stopping by!
DeleteYes, the friends made on-line do bring such joy to our days, don't they? Sounds like you are as thankful for them as I am.
Blessings to you!
I love John 15 and read the first 17 verses every day. There is so much in this passage upon which to meditate. From the place of abiding (the secret place where the Presence of the Lord dwell)we are surrounded by all of His blessings including love (the fruit of the Spirit) are a natural byproduct. Jesus said "I am the vine. You are the branches." May we represent Him well.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see you here, Galer!
DeleteWow! To read and meditate upon these precious verses daily . . . I can tell it gives you great joy, inspiration, and confidence in the Lord.
And, yes, may our love for others shine because He first loved us. As branches, we cannot flourish without the life-giving vine.
Blessings to you, my friend!