"where everybody knows your name"

(Singing in my best off key "Cheers" stanza ;0)

How great is it to have a sense of belonging on both the good & bad days, accepted in any shape (spiritually/mentally/physically) just for YOU!

I was impressed to share with those in my homeschool's local association the following and then thought "well this applies in every area of life.." and what better place to share then right here on the blog...(still humming the "Cheers" theme with me..? Good, now I will share!)

It's always been a desire to include those around me, best described as a "Friendship Ministry" if you will. I do this generally anywhere we go, hence the reason my kids never meet a stranger that they don't say "Hi what's your name?" (while I hold tightly to their little hands..I know, I know)

Recently the Pastor spent a week with my oldest and shared later that "he had his own Ministry going on there with all those native kids who didn't know English or he any Spanish...but this did not change the fact that at the end of the week he made so many friends, we dubbed him the "Friendship Evangelist" and all those new friends came to the churches dedication because of this ministry he invited them to take part in!"

I like to think he got his good looks from daddy, his friendly disposition from me and his character by the Lord's (still) molding hands. Answered Prayers, Praise GOD!

Reaching out is not always easy, as some "look" like they would rather be left to themselves.. Or sometimes it's down right intimidating because they may appear outwardly to have it altogether, I call this the "Fiction" section ;0/

However some like myself are "easy read books" which don't require much attention, as we are very descriptive by nature and often repeat ourselves quite frequently!

Others are allot like those "self help books" willing to share their insight when we are interested in checking it out, otherwise they sit back quietly waiting and willing to share.

Then there are the "mystery books" that don't get opened up until someone curious enough "scans the surface" or even "thumbs thru ". Yet, once they usually are opened they have a captive audience. ( You know what they say about the "quiet ones" ;0)

By now you get where I'm going with this, so I'll conclude quickly (for someone so wordy this is a test ;0)

Go to your "Library of Friends" and get acquitted with one you haven't checked out yet...you may make a life time friend or be a HUGE blessing to them, in just being interested enough to have noticed them. This can happen at any given time and it's to easy not to try.

In closing please consider a "Friendship Ministry" in your daily walk..and don't be afraid of rejection!

Here's Scripture for strength:

Jeremiah 1:5-8

The word of the LORD came to me, saying,

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

Before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

"Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."

But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.

Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

~ Amen!