Hebrews 2:18Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
I love being a blogger!
Since beginning my daily devotions in May 2011, I am delighted by the changes, for the better, I see in myself. I'm more disciplined in my daily routines. I relish the time I spend in meditating upon scripture. Revel in the stories or lessons God places on my heart.
Rejoice in the writing, writing, and more writing. Which, I am the first to admit, has vastly improved in these past nine months.
This does not happen in a vacuum. It is not the practice alone that betters my technique.
It is my readers.
Friends and fellow bloggers from whom I gain invaluable inspiration and insight through the comments they leave and the blogs they share.
And, which I faithfully read. Noting their individual styles. Learning new life lessons. Gleaning fresh wisdom and perspective.
Making new friends. Wonderful friends! Many who live halfway across the globe.
Those precious ones whom I would never have met if it weren't for blogging.
Who are now an intricate part of my world, my life, my heart.
Through our stories, poems, and non-fiction writings, we come to know one another.
We laugh together. Cry together. Critique. Encourage.
Exchange cyber-hugs and blessings.
A caring, sharing community of persons who know all too well the inherent loneliness of the writing profession. The long hours glued to the keyboard. Entertained only by the ideas dancing around in their own heads.
Needing to know others who can empathize with what we go through in the creative process.
Other who reach out with their thoughts in words and photos.
To touch our lives. To cheer us on. To lift us up.
To love us.
Just as we are . . .
~
Will you tell your friends today how much you love them?
Will you pray with me?
We thank you, Father, for the gift of friendship, for the beautiful souls who come into our lives and stay in our hearts forever. Bless and keep them, now and always. We give thanks especially for Your precious Son, Jesus; the best friend any of us could ever have. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 63:1-8 (9-11), 98 or 103
Daniel 9:3-10
Hebrews 2:10-18
John 12:44-50
That reminds me of the Toy Story song "You've Got A Friend in me" Blogging is fun, I enjoy talking to people and writing posts and then commenting on others. I wish I had more time to blog but, sadly I don't, great post! : )
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joseph, for taking time to come by today!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I almost used the song title from Toy Story, but opted for the classic James Taylor one instead.
Yes, blogging is a great way to make new friends. Hope you will be able to find more time to blog in the future. :)
Blessings!
St. Teresa of Avila immediately came to mind when you spoke of friendship with God. It's the best relationship one could ever have with Christ.
ReplyDeleteI thought of the many ways you've expressed yourself and how you've grown through friends. It's truly beautiful Martha. I do learn a lot reflecting with you. I met many people through blogging too and reading what people write helps me to know them better.I get to share a part of their story.
Thank you for all your wonderful and inspiring ideas Martha :*
I pray with you.
Yes, Melissa, our friendship with Christ is the best relationship we can ever have or hope for. One of my favorite praise songs we do at church is "I am a friend of God" - such an amazing and comforting thing!
DeleteIt is so marvelous to be able to learn so much from so many kind and thoughtful people through blogging, you, of course, being one of them!
And, thank you for stopping by and for your sweet compliment.
Praying with you, too!
Blessings!
Hello Martha. Happy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to start my day today with this post.
Thanks to blogging, I have traveled to places I never would have dreamed of...right from the comfort of my sofa! (lol)
I have met & made friends with many people from different backgrounds & cultures. It's been quite an experience. Working full-time, my days are long (anywhere from 10-12 hours) & that doesn't leave me with much time to visit as many people as I would like, but I do enjoy the interaction when I am online.
Thanks for taking the time to inspire us, Martha.
Have a wonderful day & week ahead!
Happy Sunday to you, too, Andy!
DeleteWow! You certainly have a long work day. I'm amazed that you have any time at all to blog, but so grateful that you do as your poetry is always romantic and inspiring!
Thanks so much for visiting me today and for your kind compliment.
Blessings to you and your wonderful wife!
I am also very thankful for the bounty of friends I have made in my blogging experience. Some of those bloggers are closer to me than people I know in my everyday world :) Your blog is an inspiration to me. Your words are encouraging. Your suggested verses always have something that speaks to me on that particular day. Thank you Martha for being you and being here :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Mary, great to see you here; thanks so much for visiting me today!
DeleteIsn't it amazing? There are some bloggers, including you, whom I feel I've been friends with my whole life. I think perhaps it's because we are so open and candid in our writing. We tell it like it is! :)
And, thank you for this kind and touching compliment . . . I am so moved by your words . . .
Blessings always!
Isn't it amazing the friendships and support you gain from all across the world..to me it is quite a humbling experience...I love my cyber friends...As always...XOXOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for dropping by, Bonnie!
DeleteYes, such marvelous, loving, caring people out in this great, big world. And, I'm with you - it's a very humbling experience and one of the most rewarding in my life.
Blessings and hugs!
Thanks for sharing your blogs and keeping me grounded when I feel soo alone. Thanks for connecting with us and sharing insights and having an interest in reading our blogs. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy, for stopping by on this, and many other blogs, and for giving us such incredibly informative information through yours.
DeleteNumber One: You are not alone!
Number Two: You are loved!
Number Three: Blessings right back at you! :)
You are truly a blessing to me, Martha. Your comments on my post have helped me stay strong at times when I was so down. And yes, blogging is a blessing! And the blogging community, most especially Blogplicity! God bless, Martha! :-)
ReplyDeleteIrene, you are too kind! Blogging is such a blessing for us all, and the comments left here have been so encouraging and uplifting.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by today!
Blessings!
Completely agree with you Martha. I met you all wonderful people whom I otherwise would not have...blessed to know you all. Love you and hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, Janaki! So, so glad blogging allowed us to meet each other and so many marvelous folks. We are indeed blessed!
DeleteLove and hugs right back at you!