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He Calls Me Friend



"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." - Proverbs 18:24

Dear Friends,

Today I have been thinking about my friends. Friends have provided support, fellowship, love and support over the years. Growing up I feel that my parents encouraged my siblings and I to be friends
to one another. "Shew yourself friendly." It was and remains my aim to be friendly to family. I would often say "we had no choice being sisters and brothers, parents and child but whether we are friends that's another story!"

I share this because all strong relationships take work to maintain. We must water them, pay attention, check in at least every once in a while. I taught my daughters early on while at the dinner table to look around at each other. I said to them: "your best friends are at this table."  I wanted them to think about and work to build and maintain a strong bond throughout their lives.

In St. John chapter 15, Jesus calls us friend! As followers of Christ, Jesus is Lord.  He is Our Elder Brother. He is Our Friend.  To have a friend is a blessing. To be a friend is an honor. I thank God in both regards. Today I celebrate friendship. 

Thank You Lord for calling me friend! 

in Christ,

Sis. Stephanie

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