January 2012- A month of change: New classes, new major, and new friends. The college group at my local church grew in exponential ways, and I met lifetime friends through my roommate's connections in North Carolina.
February 2012- A month of affirmation: Experiences that forced me to remember what I believe and why I believe it strengthened my faith in remarkable ways. Nobody seemed to notice or really question my faith during this time period, and that is what me seek the Lord like never before. By far the toughest month I have had since being in college.
March 2012- A month of relationships: Spent precious time with my grandmother and her friends. I had time to slow down, and met an incredible man of God. Incomprehensible blessings.
April 2012- A month of "cleaning": I opened my bible each day with a refreshed look at the scriptures. Besides the consistent presence of the Holy Spirit, the Bible is really all we have in discovering the truths of the Lord. And, literal cleaning of my dorm and my belongings occurred.
And now, I am here; Reflecting on God's goodness and His fascinating plan. It was not how I saw this semester going-at all. I expected a month of personal spiritual growth and self-maturation. Instead, I found the gift of genuine relationships. I had never experienced friendships and mentoring ever in my life. These were people that cared and were present. They were the ones that texted me immediately when they saw me upset and carved out time in their busy schedules to just "be". It was a foreign concept to me. It shocked me that there were individuals who loved like Christ and were generous like his teachings ask of us.
They told me what I wanted to hear, and what I did not want to hear. I do believe that our Christian brothers and sisters may have wisdom for our lives that we do not have. God blesses and reveals to our friends truths of one another so we can give sound, and righteous advice. Let us continue to seek the Lord when dealing with our friends. We are aiding His sons and daughters to make important decisions. And, we are encouraging them to continue glorifying the kingdom.
Proverbs 12:26The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.
I am nervous to leave North Carolina. I am nervous to leave this "safe" home where continual friends are surrounding me at every corner and my church is down the road. But, I cannot wait to enter into the place I grew up and be the type of friend I have described. The men and women I have met here build me up and encourage me to stay on the road the Lord has paved for me. They have taught me this difficult and beautiful truth:
Proverbs 27:5-6An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.
I thank God for relationships. I thought God that the greatest commandment is love. I pray to God that I learn to emulate the actions of my incredible friends.
Friendship is marked by sacrifice. Friendship is marked by action and prayer. Let us pray for our friends today, so we can advise, counsel and love in the ways of Christ.
John 15:13–15 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
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