Hello Friends,

I have to be honest; I was having a hard time deciding what to write about next.  I knew it was time for another post, but I don't want to write just for the sake of writing, to me that would make it harder to write, and probably less interesting.  However, tonight I met with a group of fellow Christians that I call friends.  Which is what led to tonight's post.  As an introvert, making and keeping friends is not easy for me.  I was so nervous when I got there, even though I've learned the introvert's secret to social interaction.  Unfortunately, my friend Leigh and her husband David (my pastor) don't make it easy.  I think they know the secret and know how to avoid the trap (maybe they have a class in college that pastors and their wives have to take about keeping control of a conversation?)!  

You see, the secret (shhh... don't tell) is to ask about their kids.  Leigh and David have four, so in theory it should take up a good 30+ minutes of conversation, if I asked about each one.  However, Leigh and David take advantage of my initial awkward silence and small talk attempt and start to ask about me, I try to flip the conversation to them and their kids and they flip it back.  In all honesty, they are probably the only people I have difficulty in controlling the conversation (to keep the other person talking when I feel nervous).  Most people will happily forget they just asked a question and start talking about their children.  (Side note:  About a month ago I was invited out to eat with a friend, I asked about her son, 30 minutes later she paused in talking, laughed and said "this is why you don't ask people about their kids" No it's EXACTLY why I do, I thought) Leigh is not like that.  It's both refreshing and terrifying at the same time.  Her questions make me want to open up and share.  Her kind spirit and loving heart make me want to tell her my whole life story, because when she asks questions, it feels like she really wants to know, that she isn't just asking to make conversation.  She exudes peace, and her love of God really shines through in everything she does.  I am really blessed to call her friend.

The Bible has several verses about friendship.  It seems most are about loving and encouraging one another.  I have several Christian friends, and I talk to them about different things.  We all have different life experiences and it's nice to have different friends that can relate to different things we go through.  Some I can talk to about my fear of the future, others I talk to about family, or make small talk.  I love having friends that love God; That see the world through the Christian lens of the Bible.  Friends that will pray for me and encourage me.  They truly are a balm for my weary soul.  I know I can count on them when I need them.  I just hope they feel the same about me.  

Satan has been trying to nudge his way in my friendships for the past several months.  He doesn't like Christians to form such strong bonds and pray together.  The biggest lie he tells me, is that my friends are only nice to me because they feel sorry for me.  But I learned to ask myself of one very important thing.  When satan tells me a person is only being nice because the Bible says they have to, or because they feel sorry for me, I ask myself "Do I really think so little of her/him that I think she/he is only being nice out of pity?"  That puts it into perspective.  It takes work, but I don't allow satan to let me think that way for long.  I have genuine friends that genuinely care about me.  They soothe my weary soul when I need it most.  As nervous as I was about tonight, I REALLY needed the fellowship.  

There is an old hymn that says "There is a balm in Gilead | To make the wounded whole | There is a balm in Gilead | To heal the sin-sick soul| Sometimes I feel discouraged | And deep I feel the pain | In prayers the holy spirit | Revives my soul again."  Above I talked about earthly friendship being a balm to my soul, however this song refers to something even better.  Jesus.  Jesus is a balm to our soul.  Jesus is what saves us from this earth.  Satan wants to keep us from Jesus even more than he wants to keep us from other Christians.  If you don't know Jesus, don't let satan keep you away.  Jesus loves you!  This does not mean he condones sin.  It grieves Him when we sin.  He wants to spend eternity with us, however He won't force us to accept Him.  He died for our sin, all of our sin.  However, we have to ACCEPT the free gift of Grace He gives us.  If you have not already done so, PLEASE accept His free gift today.  Tell Him you need Him in your life, believe He died for your sins (and confess those sins to Him), and then find a Bible believing pastor to talk to about your salvation.   

I am a follower of Christ, I am not perfect, but I love Jesus.

Until Next Time,

Liz Allen