Reach up, Reach out, Reach In!

Ladies in Red

The above title is one that one of the ladies in red wrote for a praise song that we periodically sing explaining that our Lord is worthy to be praised. The pic of the trio to the right was taken at our Christmas party at yet another dear friend's house, a good photo of these minds in action, which, if you are acquainted with these ladies (not limited to these 3 - after all, I'm not in it) you know is usually taking place where 2 or 3 of us are gathered together.

We have been having small groups at Trinity for the past 6 weeks again, something I always enjoy, but I have especially enjoyed this particular one. We have met together for blogging class, which I have thoroughly & have actually learned a little in spite of my technical literacy problems (TU, Annette) we have supper together courtesy of Chef/s Gibbs, then another class if we choose, which, in my case was taught by Dale Williams. It was entitled "Miscellaneous", which for the most part was quite spontaneous & very enjoyable. We took an oath that everything said would remain inside the class so we could feel free to say anything we wanted, so it's been very interesting.

There is nothing on earth like the fellowship & love of a church family! Nobody looks, acts, reacts, cooks, etc. like my wondrous church friends. They are talented, creative, thoughtful, kind, giving, caring, sharing. Of course, this isn't 100% true, that's not humanly possible. They inquire about my family, pray for me, take me places, brag on me & mine, are more patient with me than my own family (as a rule), & if some of them get mad & leave, others come along & take their place!  I like my friends! I like people! I have childhood friends, neighborhood friends, coffee shop friends, classmate friends, family friends, e-mail & facebook friends, but none of them are like my church friends!  This is a unique, special group of folks! 

I certainly don't always agree with them, nor they me, but I still love them. We should approach friendship with diligence; it is a special gift from God. Each year Forbes magazine lists the hundred richest people in the world. I don't know why so many measure wealth in these terms, we have certainly seen the evidence of that displayed across our tv screens many times. The richest people in the world are those with LOYAL friends whose hearts are filled with JOY - Jesus 1st, Others 2nd, Yourself last. 

So, blogging classmates; teacher Annette, the Daltons, & Mary Lee, just wanted you to know how much I have enjoyed being in small group with you. I hope we will continue with small groups; I feel they are very effective, especially as they were conducted the past 6 weeks. THANKS to all the teachers, all participants & contributors. May our faith in the Lord & in each other continue to grow & strengthen.  Blessings & Prayers, Barb