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November Days of Thanks: The Ones Who Call Me Aunt

November 20, 2015November 15, 2015Leave a comment

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16 KJV

This is a repost of an entry from January 2015 here on New Day:

They are 11, five, and three, and are the heart and soul and joy of our family. They are smart and wise in their own merits, and however they understand love, they give it fully and unconditionally.

On my husband’s side are two others, one little girl who runs the household, and one BIG one, in college, learning about life and the tough decisions it often brings. Plus, well, being bossed by his little sister.

These nieces and nephews are the joys of our lives. My husband and I don’t have children of our own, and we are more than blessed to have these young people to play with. They are my dream readers of this blog. Some day, I’d like for them to read these words and realize their purpose. I’d like for them to know how much life and gift they have within themselves, and the Source from which they came. I want them to say, Hey, Aunt Melchee encouraged us to seek faith, to grow in spirit, to be grateful for each new day.

There’s nothing like experiencing life with children. They truly know how to live in the moment. Above all, I hope they never lose that.

The niece I mentioned above, the one in charge of her mother and father and big brother? Watch out. Try to mess up her living in the moment and she’ll get after you with a flyswatter…

Let’s keep children in our prayers. They need our guidance, support, and love.

November Days of Thanks: The Heart of a Friend

November 13, 2015November 12, 20152 Comments

…and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

In this post for the November Days of Thanks series, I’m highlighting one of my greatest joys: a true friend. There’s nothing like the love, support and spirit of a friend who’s genuinely so, and I’m grateful for all I have.

Earlier this year, I wrote a post on honoring girlfriends, and here today, I’m reposting that entry as I feel it captures the sentiment. Enjoy.

Girlfriends in May

May is a season of celebrations – graduations, holidays, Mother’s Day, and weddings. It continues our welcome to spring, bringing together families and neighbors at cookouts and special gatherings.

I especially have appreciated time together with my sister friends – catching up, sharing the latest gossip, and giving advice for life’s challenges. It is in that spirit that I dedicate May here on the New Day blog to the theme Girlfriends in May, in honor of the blessing and gift of sisterhood.

The Word says, Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. (‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭9-10‬ KJV) I think all of my sisters reading this can agree: there’s nothing like a girlfriend to make life a little better. The support, the trust, the love found in a true friend can’t be matched. The tears you cry, the pain you suffer through, even the happiest times – when you can pick up the phone and make that call, all is well with the world.

We need to do more of that: support, love, trust. We need to honor who we are by honoring those whom God has placed in our lives and across our paths. His plan for sisters in our lives is purposeful. Thank Him for this gift.

In this season of beauty and renewal, celebrate the sister girls in your life! Let them know you appreciate their presence in your life. Send a card or a note, go shopping, take a fun night out – do something! Make it purposeful. Life is too short… Well, you know the rest.

I admire a particular friendship, a true sisterhood, my mom shares with two great women of faith. They worked together for over 35 years until their retirements. They bowled together, celebrated birthdays and holidays, laughed together, called, visited. Their friendship is still strong today, and they call each other sister. My mom recognized them at her retirement party last year, and they shared the sweetest sentiments. I almost cried. Well, I think I teared. That meant so much to me, and I was so glad for my mom. Love them.

Happy May, sisters! Enjoy and celebrate and bless your girlfriends!

What has been the greatest blessing of your truest friends?

November Days of Thanks: Unexpected Grace

November 6, 2015November 4, 20152 Comments

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

November Days of Thanks was a series I participated in last year on Instagram. Each day I shared a picture that reflected something for which I am grateful – family, fall, etc. I’ll be posting photos in the days of thanks campaign again this year, and I invite you to follow along. (You can access my Instagram account through the icon at the top of the page, or look for the widget in the right menu.)

Here on New Day this month, I’ll also be blogging the thankful series each week, offering thanks for blessings granted. Now I could never, EVER contain those to four blog posts, but I will use the space to reflect on what stands out most for me this year. I begin with this blog:

When you aren’t looking, life has a way of sending you down a path you may have never meant to take. I mentioned in last week’s post how faith writing wasn’t something I thought I’d be doing. Now, I don’t think I could see myself committing this gift to any other place. Here is where the fire burns for me. I have to write.

Without God appointment, I wouldn’t be able to write, anyway. I wouldn’t be able to do anything without His favor, His grace, which He generously gives to those who have open hands and a heart to receive. For me, grace is not often announced with balloons or loud party whistles, but as a soft, unexpected whisper. You have to be in position, within spiritual hearing distance, to discern His voice telling you to go. Then, when that seed is planted, take hold, make space for it to grow. Heed the grace.

I’m so thankful for this space, for the gift I’ve been given to express faith through words. It’s been a delight to meet such wonderful friends along the way.

But while I’m thankful for the gift, I must bow to the One who gave it. It’s His gift, His grace that’s bestowed, all so that His name will be glorified on earth as it is in Heaven.

What’s an unexpected grace you are grateful for?