In an e-mail a few days ago, my good friend Tricia mentioned that it was during my wilderness time, that we became the best of friends.  This comment moved me not just because it is true, but because it brought back to mind how she shared Christ’s love with me when I was at the bottom of life.  She saw past all the ugliness and despair directly to my heart. She didn’t turn her back on me when it would have been so easy to do.  And so, on this first day at Grace CafĂ©, I am posting this “re-write” of The Blessing of a Friend from a posting of last year.  God is so good, and today, I again want to thank the Lord for blessing me with this beautiful sister in Christ. My friend, Tricia, has been beside me during the good times and the bad. She has loved me even when I was unlovable and has never treated me with anything other than kindness. 

“A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).

When God brought Tricia into my life I was new to our church and didn’t know very many people, but she always made me feel welcome. Her gentle spirit and sweet ways instantly drew me to her. It wasn’t long before I discovered that she had the gift of discernment and could always sense when something was on my mind or if I needed a hug. Throughout the years we have laughed and cried and prayed together.  She always shows Christ’s compassion and has always spoken the truth to me in love. During a time in my life when I had gotten off track, God used this wonderful Christian sister to point me back in the right direction. She has held me accountable and has helped me through many challenges with her spiritual wisdom and prayer.

“The heartfelt counsel of a friend

is as sweet as perfume and incense” (Proverbs 27:9).
Her devotion to Christ has been and still is an inspiration to me. Tricia is a dedicated and faithful servant to our Lord and is constantly serving Him even beyond her own abilities. She relies on the Lord for her strength and is unaware of how much He uses her to bless others.  Even as I write this I am sure that she is not fully aware of the impact she has had on my life and that of my family.  I know that when she comes face to face with our Savior, she will weep tears of joy as she hears the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

She once gave me a bookmark which reads: "the best antiques are old friends." I'd like to add… "The best friends are those who love the Lord!"  Tricia loves the Lord with all her heart, mind and soul. I am truly blessed to call her my friend.  Thank you Lord, for the blessing of friendship…and thank you for Tricia, your daughter and my sister in Christ.
Living for Him,

Please join me over at Reflections of His Grace for this first week of Grace CafeI'm also linking up with Spiritual Sundays - a place for inspiration and encouragement with Charlotte and Ginger.  Have a blessed day!

14 Comments

  1. I agree... the best friends are those that love the Lord because they in turn know how to love us. Nice post

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  2. Joan:

    This is a true example of a beautiful friendship - a friend who loves you no matter what the circumstances.

    I often think of David and Jonathan and how their friendship remained strong in site of the fact that Jonathans father wanted to kill David.

    Thank you so much for linking up today!

    Blessings,
    Joan

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  3. The treasure of a precious FRIEND is priceless indeed! My life would be so empty without Christian friends...they encourage me and challenge me, always treating my heart with care.
    Praise GOD for these wonderful gifts! ((HUGS))

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  4. Thank you for this beautiful tribute for a Christian friend. Friends like this are truly a gift from God :)

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  5. Not everyone will experience a friendship like this, you are blessed.
    God Bless,
    Ginger

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  6. This is a beautiful way to shelter a special friend. I'm thankful for soul sisters of my own.

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  7. Wow, Joan, what a wonderful tribute to your friend. I wish everybody had a friend like Tricia.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  8. This is such a beautiful post. I am especially loving it because I also have a best friend named Tricia, who is just exactly like your Tricia, and I am sure I would not have gotten through my toughest life moments if it weren't for her. A direct blessing from the Lord!
    Have a great weekend,
    Carrie

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  9. This was wonderful and a good reminder to tell my friends how much they mean to me.

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  10. I am so blessed to have good friends who love me through think and thin. I'd never noticed the verse “The heartfelt counsel of a friend
    is as sweet as perfume and incense” (Proverbs 27:9) as I read through Proverbs. It's beautiful, and so true.

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  11. We've had some single moms visit our church lately. As I read this, I can't help but think about the need to reach out to them in a deeper way. I want to be a friend who rightly and correctly points others to the love and grace of Jesus Christ. The need is so great; I pray to be faithful.

    peace~elaine

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  12. What a wonderful testimony of your dear friend.

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  13. Such a lovely way to honor your friend! Isn't it so true, that one of God's great gifts is the gift of believing friends. I have a handful in my life, too - and they are invaluable. Give Tricia a big hug - from one of your blogging friends, me!

    GOD BLESS!

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  14. How wonderful to have a friend like Tricia. They are too rare! It seems like the Lord brought her into your life.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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