What if as a baby your doctor made a mistake that resulted in personal blindness?
What would you have thought? Was the doctor not educated? Negligent? Careless? How could something this tragic befall you? Would you be mad at the doctor, your parents, or even God? This “what if” was a reality for a person named Fanny Crosby. How would she handle this calamity? “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness . . . For when I am weak, then am I strong.”--2 Corinthians 12:9–10

Friendship is no doubt a gift from the Lord.  In each friend He gives us, He always includes a special lesson that stays with us forever.  Friends bring many joys and memories—adventurous hikes, long talks, wet boat rides, sticky and messy crafts, long but fun camping trips, not-so-successful cooking, and sharing how God has been working in each others’ lives.  Thank God for your friends and pray for them each day.  Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loveth at all times…”
   
Personally, I am grateful for the fellowship and encouragement the Lord provided to me through many godly friends.  After a period of loneliness and praying for a friend, He brought into my life several girls who have truly made a difference.  

“Mom, may I please invite a friend over today?”  Elizabeth requested. 
   
“Yes, you may, dear,” replied Mama, “as soon as you finish chores and school.”  Later that afternoon, Elizabeth and Victoria were sitting on the porch happily deciding how to spend the afternoon.
   
“I know, why don’t we play that we each own a little store and we can buy and sell things to each other with our play money?” suggested Elizabeth.
   
“Yes, that would be fun!” Victoria said agreeing with her friend.
   
Skipping cheerfully into the living room, the girls began to set up their stores.  Then a thought popped into Elizabeth’s mind, Maybe I should check with Mom and make sure she doesn’t mind if we make a mess in the living room.  Oh well, I don’t know where Mom is, and Victoria might think I’m silly.  After working busily, the whole living room was full of merchandise on display.
   
Hearing a sweet voice, Victoria turned around.  It was Elizabeth’s little sister, Hannah.  “Can I play too?” Hannah asked.
   
Oh no, she’s too little and we’ll have to help her.  Why did she have to come along?  Sour thoughts were filling Victoria’s mind.  “No, why don’t you play over here with these markers and coloring books?” Victoria said hastily as she shoved the little girl into another room.
   
A few minutes later Mama walked inside from checking the mail.  She was a very patient and kind mother, but a shadow of disappointment crossed her face.  “Girls, I need to have dinner ready and the house clean soon because we are having a special guest for dinner.  Where is baby Hannah?”  When Mama found Hannah, she looked up and flashed a rainbow colored smile at Mama while waving a chewed-up marker in her hand.
   
​Later, before bed, Mama sat down with Elizabeth.  “Let’s see what the Bible teaches us about friends:

Recently, our family had the opportunity to volunteer at a pioneer festival.  After our “shift” was over, we walked around to see the different skills being demonstrated.  Because our son is fascinated with blacksmith work, we spent an extended period of time at the blacksmith shop.
   
​As we approached his work area, we noticed several items on his table in front of us.  There were nails, fancy hooks, knives, hammers, as well as many other useful items.  Even though the items were all for different uses, and were each uniquely made, they each bore a resemblance about them to which one could notice the special touch of their maker’s hand.  

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”—Hebrews 5:14

Like most girls, I love to read! In my spare time, I can often be found cuddled up under a blanket in my bed reading a book. Reading is a wonderful skill and pastime. But more so, it is an opportunity. To read a book is to gain knowledge, perhaps wisdom, and encouragement. For me, reading has also served as a writing tool. From different books, I am able to borrow phrases and writing styles I like. For centuries people have loved to read. The more I’ve studied history, the more I realize that some of our wisest and most influential leaders were those who did a lot of reading.
 
But what kinds of books make a person great? The Bible, of course, is the best. However, not all books are godly or edifying reading material. Even in the Christian bookstores we are surrounded by worldly sources. What sort of books are we to be reading? What about in the realm of Christian books or classic literature?
 
I believe that everything we do should be done in Jesus’ name, and to His glory and honor. Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.”  Does this include reading? Definitely. Our reading material should be something that we would without hesitance hand to Jesus Himself. We must use discernment. Let me share with you how God has taught me this.

The other day when I started chapter 11 of Hebrews, (I was having my quiet time), I immediately recognized the first verses. My brother was memorizing them for a program he’s in. I had asked him for the passage a little while before because I had decided I wanted to type a letter on faith using that verse. I rushed to my laptop and started typing.

If I had to tell you the number one reason I give, it is in response to all that God has given me.  Because everything I have is a gift from God.  Therefore I feel motivated to give back to God by giving to my neighbor, my church, and people in need.  God calls us to take care of those in need.  He calls us to care for the sick, the lonely, the hungry, the homeless, and the hopeless. 

“My soul thirsteth after Thee.”—Psalm 143:6
 
I smiled to myself as I watched my six-year old brother read his Bible. I had to help him with the big words and hardly got time for my own Bible study, but still enjoyed watching him as he completed his first book of the Bible—Philemon by name—since he got the Bible for Christmas.

Almost everyone likes new beginnings! From new babies, to little chicks, to a new day, there is something exciting and inspiring about the phrase “a new beginning.” As the year opens, how are you going to begin it? Since we are Christians, bought with Jesus’ blood and saved by His grace, we should want to please Him in everything we do. How would He want you to begin this new year?

Giving is really so very rewarding!  It is to be seen as a privilege, a joy!  Here are some pointers from Scripture concerning our opportunity to give.