I wonder what the people at the table next to us must have thought. I know they had to have heard us, even without even trying to eavesdrop. Especially when we started laughing at each other.
My husband and I were eating lunch at a local sandwich shop. We had just finished with the how’s-your-morning-been-going-so-far question and answer session and were moving on to a much deeper topic of conversation — a comment my husband had put on his Facebook page.
(For those not in the know, Facebook is an Internet site where the “in” people go to type whatever comes to their mind to share with other Facebook users. The whole thing is designed to be a social network of information exchange. However, in my opinion, Facebook is just one more thing we use that keeps us from having any kind of human interaction with each other. But that’s fodder for another column.)
Back to lunch. My husband told me what he had said on Facebook, and the comments he had gotten from other people about what he had shared. “Really?” I said. “I was just on Facebook and I didn’t read anything you had written.”
“How did you miss it?” he asked. It was then that we looked at each in shock. “Could it be? Is it true? You’re not my friend?” he asked incredulously. “I don’t think you’re my friend, either.” I was as shocked as he was. “How can we not be friends? We’re married!”
“I guess that has nothing to do with the fact that we are not friends, does it?” That’s when we started laughing … and noticing the couple at the table next to us was trying not to stare at us … which made us laugh even more. We laughed so hard we had to put down our sandwiches so we could wipe the tears from our eyes. I had just gotten control of myself when my husband feebly asked, “Honey, will you be my friend?”
So, we decided that, regardless of whether we were registered as friends to each other on Facebook, we would promise to continue to be friends to each other in real life. (We also each left the sandwich shop and went straight to our computers to make sure we were listed as each other’s friends on Facebook!)
Who are your friends? Are you friends with your spouse? Your family members? The Christian brothers and sisters who sit next to you during worship? More importantly, are you friends with God?
Isaiah 54:10 contains this promise from God: “’Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” What other God has such love for His people? In Joshua and Isaiah and Hebrews, God told us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” What other God makes that promise to His people?
Jesus talks about the love of friends for each other in John 15:9-17. He said that God loves us the same way God loves Jesus. He said if we obey His commands, we show we love Him, just as His obedience to God shows Jesus loves God. He said we are his friends if we do what He commands. He said, “Greater love has no one that this — that he lay down his life for his friends.” He said we were not His servants, because a servant doesn’t know any of his master’s business. He said we were His friends, because He has told us everything that He learned from His Father, God. He said we were chosen to be His friends.
All this brings to mind that great hymn, “What a Friend We Have In Jesus.” “What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear/What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer/O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear/All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” I especially love the line in the second verse that reminds us of Jesus’ friendship with us: “Can we find a Friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?” And nothing compares to the promise of our Friend, Jesus, that “In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.”
Wow! Can it get any better than that? How could we ever have a better Friend?
Verna Davis, friend of both her God and her husband, can be reached at VrdSpeaks@yahoo.com.
Religion
THE JOY LADY: Are you a friend of God?
- Religion
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Church briefs: May 26, 2012
Church briefs
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Ministry seeks funds for fans
Covenant Cooperative Ministry is collecting financial contributions to purchase electric fans for the Summer Fan Program.
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It’s time we realize that it’s time to speak up
I first wrote the following words in November 2004. Unfortunately, things don’t appear to have changed all that much. So, here goes — prepare yourselves for a “rerun.”
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I admit it. I cry. A lot.
I admit it. I cry. A lot. I cry when I watch TV, for those Hallmark commercials get me every time. I have even cried while watching reruns of Law and Order, for goodness’ sake!
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Church briefs: May 19, 2012
Church briefs
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Don’t let a grudge rob you of living in peace with others
In 1870, Julia Ward Howe asked for “all women in all places to all rise up and oppose all wars.” She called it A Mother’s Day for Peace. The idea never caught on.
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Church Briefs: May 12, 2012
Church briefs
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THE JOY LADY: A few last words that should be taken to heart
My husband and I rarely argue. The more we live together, the more we agree with each other, and we have found that arguing just isn’t worth the effort.
- Church Briefs: April 28, 2012
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THE JOY LADY: April 28, 2012
Last Sunday, as we do most every Sunday, my husband and I went out for dinner after church with some friends.
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Christian recording artist endorses Valley author’s book
Bryan Duncan, Dove and Grammy award-winning contemporary Christian music pioneer singer and songwriter, recently endorsed Clay County author Marjorie E. Hopkins’ book.
“Dying to Meet Him: Wit and Wisdom from a Funeral Director’s Wife,” is a “must read,” Duncan said. -
Indiana female priest challenges Catholic church
A former Catholic nun went through an ordination ceremony in Indianapolis to become a priest in defiance of the church’s ban on women becoming priests.
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CHURCH BRIEFS: April 14, 2012
Terre Haute St. Stephen’s Episcopal
Services Sunday in the historic church at 217 N. Seventh St. include Eucharists at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday school and middle/high school youth group meet at 9 a.m. Afterward, join the camaraderie, coffee and conversation in the Great Hall. -
THE JOY LADY: Worship never has been and never will be about us
King David was a mighty warrior, a popular leader, a talented musician and a prolific hymn writer.
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Seminar on ‘Caring for the Barren Woman’
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church at 645 Poplar St. in Terre Haute, across from Vigo County Public Library, invites the greater Terre Haute community to a free seminar at 11:30 a.m. April 21.
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Easter services at St. Mary-of-the-Woods: A Miracle Retold
The miracle of a risen Christ doesn’t stop at an empty tomb, church leaders told the devout on a brilliant Sunday morning.
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Ministry to screen families for free food distribution
Covenant Cooperative Ministry will begin screening 400 families by taking applications
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THE JOY LADY: Perhaps we understand what we want and disregard the rest
March Madness is over, and I’m going to miss all those wonderful basketball games on TV. I don’t understand how people aren’t inspired by a game of basketball.
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Church to offer Financial Peace University series
New Providence Presbyterian Church announces an upcoming Financial Peace University class series for all area residents beginning at 2 p.m. CDT April 15 at the church at 1751 N. 2250th St. in Paris.
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Church briefs: April 7, 2012
Children’s Religious Education begins at 10:50 - There are two groups, youth ages 5 to 9 and Tweens, ages 10 and up. Child care for younger children is provided for the entire service.
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THE JOY LADY: In April or any month, you’re foolish if you deny God for lack of understanding
On April 1, 1957, BBC reporter Richard Dimbleby announced that because of an extremely mild winter, the dreaded spaghetti weevil was virtually eliminated.
- CHURCH BRIEFS: March 31, 2012
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Interactive ‘Passion in the Park’ beginning Thursday in Fairbanks Park
An interactive nondenominational community-performed drama of the Easter story, “Passion in the Park,” will be staged Thursday through April 8 at Fairbanks Park. Nightly shows will be at 6, 7 and 8 p.m.
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Sisters of Providence plan ‘Come and See Weekend’ April 13-15
The Sisters of Providence will host a “Come and See Weekend” April 13-15 at St. Mary-of-the-Woods. Catholic women ages 18-42 who are considering a call to apostolic religious life are invited to attend.
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THE JOY LADY: ADo you ever wonder if people frustrate God?
Throughout the years, our family has had its share of pets. We’ve loved and buried hamsters, tropical fish, little bitty turtles, dogs, cats and other assorted critters.
- RELIGION BRIEFS: March 24, 2012
- RELIGION BRIEFS: March 24, 2012
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Wise men and women are always learning
Reality has hit me like a medicine cabinet full of Metamucil. I am officially — oh, dare I say it — growing older.
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‘Make It, Bake It, Grow It’ dinner and auction set
Armstrong United Methodist Church, on U.S. 40, east of Marshall, Ill., will host its 11th annual “Make It, Bake It, Grow It” dinner and auction on March 24.
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Church Briefs, March 17, 2012
Church briefs
- More Religion Headlines
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Church briefs: May 26, 2012
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Raw Video: Cop Shoots Man Eating Another's Face
Obama Honors Fallen Troops at Arlington Cemetery
Man in Crane at Texas College Says He's Armed
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
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Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Romney Promises World's Strongest Military
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
Romney Campaigns Ahead of Claiming Nomination
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
Raw Video: Earthquake Shakes Evacuees in Italy
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Obama Pays Tribute to Vietnam Veterans
Panetta: Asia the 'Project' for New Navy Grads
Beryl Knocks Out Power in Florida
Raw Video: Memorial Day Aboard Intrepid
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Los Angeles Bar Bans Bachelorettes
Hamster Plays Dead
Beyonce Shows Off 60 Pound Weight Loss at Concert
Drunk Women Breaking Into Houses: A New Trend?
LeAnn Rimes Rocks Short Shorts
Gordon Ramsay Carried Off Field
Man Dies Getting Lap Dance
Kim Kardashian Claims Items Stolen from Her Luggage
Bear cools off in Calif. family's pool
Ep. 3: Chopped Desserts
Air Force dad surprises family at baseball game
Justin Bieber Wanted for Questioning for L.A. Scuffle
J.Lo and Marc's Friendly Reunion
Jet makes emergency landing after debris falls off
Cynthia Nixon Ties the Knot
Woman, 80, Falls Out of Skydive Harness Mid-Jump
Keira Reveals Engagement Ring
