Tag: #love

Stir up love

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Phyllis and I many years ago on the family mission trip.


Nothing like a funeral to get you thinking about the difference people make in the lives of those around them. Yesterday I along with many others went to a “Celebration of life” for a sweet friend Phyllis,who recently finished her earthly race and went home to be with Jesus. She was one of the sweetest people and loved others well. She didn’t judge you, she loved you. You could see the effect she had on others by the tears shed, memories shared and people who came to honor her and support her family. We should all live our lives with love like she did. The first time I really got to know her was years ago when our families went on a family missions trip to Aiken SC. One of the things we did was help in a soup kitchen. She was so caring and always had the most beautiful smile.

As I was reading the Bible this morning, I found myself in 1 John chapter 3. I love how the following verse begins with tender encouragement. “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬) So much is revealed by our actions. Anyone can say they love you, but those words are tested by the actions that follow. Jesus gave the perfect example of showing love. 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ says, “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” ‭(NLT‬‬)

The day Phyllis died, a group of deaf girlfriends plus one hearing girlfriend and I all had lunch. My friend Amy sat across from me. All the sudden she signed, “Can you see me?” The reason she asked is because sometimes depending on the size of the table, it’s hard for me to see sign language with my low vision, but it was a smaller table and I could see her fine. She had read a text then signed to me, “Phyllis just died.” Our hearts were broken. It was a “God thing” that Amy was with us when she got the news. I am jealous really. Phyllis is with Jesus and her race is won. Amy said it’s surreal but I told her that Phyllis, along with both of our dads and other friends who have passed away are with Jesus cheering us all on.

Just be sure of where you will spend eternity. 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ says, “And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us.” (NLT‬‬). Salvation is a free gift. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9).

As we continue this race here on earth, let’s stir up love for others. Not just our brothers and sisters in Christ but those who are hurting and in need. If you really think about it, everyone is in need. Whether they are in need of someone to share the love of Jesus with them, share a smile of encouragement, share a hug or listening ear, share a kind word, share blankets, clothes, food for the poor… the point is… we can all make a difference by sharing the love of Jesus. Just like Phyllis did, love others not merely with words but with joyous action.

Here’s the thing, you can see it in peoples lives. 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭24‬ , “Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.” ‭(NLT‬‬). There is nothing more beautiful than a life well lived for Jesus. Being rooted and established in love that grows and spreads far and wide for the glory of God. Rest in the arms of Jesus sweet friend. We will see you again.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

The gift of friendship

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Found on social media


Recently I noticed it was International Day of Friendship. Friendship needs more than a single day of recognition. It should be celebrated everyday. Lifelong friends are the best. You can go for periods of time without seeing each other but pick up right where you left off.

I am so thankful for the many friends God has blessed me with. Deaf friends, family friends, church friends,childhood friends, online friends I have never met in person …. There are so many and each has a special place in my heart.

You have to be a friend to have a friend. It’s a two way street. One person doesn’t do all the giving. Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”(‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Friends take the time. Honesty with love is the best policy. Friends don’t always see eye to eye but will look beyond faults and love regardless.

Having Christian friends are the absolute best. One of my best friends is on vacation this week with her whole extended family. Last night she texted me and another friend asking for prayer. Prayer is so amazing and technology is too. Being on a cruise-ship, she is out in the middle of the ocean yet when someone fell and busted their head she immediately asked for prayer. Five stitches later her family member is recovering. Thank you Jesus! I found the picture below recently on social media snd it really rings true. Your circle of friends matters.

If we are friends you always have a listening ear. You always have a prayer warrior ready to pray for you. You have some one willing to help. Empathy and grace are yours. You will always have an adventurous fun-loving friend willing to laugh and be serious.

There is a sense of unity. Friends are imperfect, yet willing to accept you despite the flaws. They see you at your best and at your worst. I love Proverbs‬ ‭17‬:‭17, “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.” (‭‭‬ NKJV)‬‬‭‭. We are also to bear one another’s burdens. Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

In an overly busy world that has become more and more divisive, let’s reach out to others with a loving heart of friendship. It takes time but people are worth it. People matter. If you have good friends you have a treasure. Cherish them.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com