Love a Friend Day! Day # 21 out of 30 Days to an Unstuck Christmas!

Happy Wednesday my friend!

Today’s Unstuck Heart was a GIFT to me. My friend Jayne and I have done lots of writing together over the years! We actually wrote Surrendering the Secret together and have served its ministry together for the past 8 years! Our friendship has stood the test of time–over 28 years in fact!

(Can you believe that Jayne ?!!)

Friendship is a treasure but not all friendships go as well as mine and Jaynes. I am thinking and praying for someone in this group RIGHT NOW who has had a friendship heartbreak. This is what I know, God created us to share life and to trust Him with broken pieces. He is able to do more than we can ask or imagine!

Enjoy today’s verses and especially the adorable HOME put together by sweet Rosemary!! A “new-er” friend in my life but oh so treasured!!

Hugs sisters,
Pat

DAY 21

57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. Luke 1:57-58 (NIV)

The following devotional was written by one of my “Besties.” We are a small group of women, 5 to be exact. Although we each have many other close friends who pray with us, do life with us and walk out our highs and lows, this little group is special to each of us. We have been meeting together for as long as 26 years!!! Some have been in our little prayer group longer than others. The lovely lady that wrote this devotional, Jayne, and I were the original “Besties.” The story of how we met is too long to tell, but such a goodie! Someday I will share it.

Anyway, my “Besties” are there for me and I am there for them – anytime, anywhere, for any reason. It is truly CRITICAL for us to have sisters in Christ who are really, really our inner circle in order to stay UNSTUCK.

Jesus set the example with His disciples and His 3 “Besties.”

Here is Jayne’s heart on today’s verse.

I would imagine Elizabeth lived in a tight knit community where people worked together to accomplish the activities needed for daily living. Women most likely gathered at the well sharing stories and encouraging one another. Those who knew Elizabeth must have dropped their jaw in disbelief when she announced she was with child. This surprise would quickly turn to joy and these grown women most likely began hugging and jumping up and down, spilling their water jars. Shared joy is a gift.

Do you have a group of women you gather with regularly? Perhaps this is in a bible study, or in the break room at work. Consider your conversations. This Christmas season ask God to give you the gift of a joyful heart. Remind others of the Christmas miracle and share a miracle from your life. Sharing joy brings hope, and sweeps away discouragement; joy connects us and softens our hearts.

Prayer: Lord, I am thankful to have faith friends who will share my joys and sorrows with me. I lift those up to you today and ask you to bless them, keep them strong. Hear their prayers Lord and show me how I might “share their joy” today. Amen.

PS-if you find yourself in a place today where those “Besties” of yours have drifted away due to busyness, location or even division, let your prayer today be for God to restore that empty place, to show you the way to some new like-minded friends who will share your joys and sorrows. We need one another!!

Also–say Hi to Jayne on Facebook today 🙂

I have a special Happy Humbling Harvest for today. YOU!

Acts of kindness are stirred within our heart – a little nudge from God himself. He’s watching You watch your family, friends, neighbors, strangers. He’s loving you as He’s loving them. Why not love yourself today just as much?!

Your kindness task today is to redeem the coupon below. For those of you that have read my book Life Unstuck, you’ll recognize this snippet from Chapter 1: Unstuck Possibilities.

Be kind to yourself today. YOU DESERVE IT!

And hey–if you haven’t finished your Christmas Shopping–I Know of a GREAT BOOK 🙂 that any girlfriend would LOVE!!

LIFE UNSTUCK! Finding Peace with Your Past, Purpose in Your Present and Passion for Your Future! It’s ON SALE on Amazon today!!