Saturday, January 07, 2012

A Sweet Gift

 I'd like to share one of the most thoughtful Christmas gifts I received this year. My darling friend Sharon gave me an amazing Daily Devotional titled, Jesus Calling, written by missionary Sarah Young

For most of my young adult life I used a Daily Devotional, but in recent years, it’s something I’ve strayed from.  Not by choice mind you, I had just gotten out of the habit.  Has that ever happened to you? 

It was only after this first week of devotions that I realized just how much I missed this in my daily life.  And, how much of a difference those precious "one on one" moments with God in the morning can make in my approach to the world and situations.  Sharon's sweet gift was exactly what my spirit needed, and the gentle nudge I needed to get my spiritual walk back on track.

A little side note about the sweetness of Sharon.   If you visited the Shoppe during this past Canton show, then you may have noticed a cast/boot on my foot.  The day after Christmas, 2 days before the Canton show, I broke my foot.  Not an accident, but rather the result of overuse on a stress fracture when I should have been taking it easy. (Take those calcium supplements ladies and listen to your body when it hurts.) 

When Sharon learned of my injury, she immediately sent an email….not just sympathy, but an email asking if there was anything she could do to help….send people to help at the store….that she would work the floor for me, whatever I needed....she was there for me.  Considering her busy work schedule, this meant all the more.  

May we all have friends such as this in our life, they shine like diamonds.  Not just because they are a treasured friend, but because they offer a shining Christian example for our own lives.

Proverbs 27:17 - "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

Do you have a "Sharon" in your life?

16 comments:

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

A true friend indeed! Looks like a wonderful devotional!

Sweet Magnolias Farm said...

Ah this has been my devotional for 4 years now ..I re-read it every year .. and I love it so much I read in in the morning and before I go to sleep .. It's my second life line right behind my Bible !

So glad you friend gave you such a fabulouse gift ..

I even have it offered in my sidebar on my blog at overstock.com is the best price and shipping if anyone wants to grab on for themselves ..and she has a few more devotionals as well ..

Farmhouse Blessings ..Sara

Anonymous said...

A friend gave me this same book for my birthday in August. It is a wonderful way to start the day!

Anonymous said...

How kind, how caring, how beautiful to have friendships like that Laurie.. ....and I say to you, "she is more precious than rubies"....

I'm sorry about your foot, but I am thankful for your friends and such gracious support! You have so many who love you. Blessings for sure...

I have not seen that Devotional, but will try to find one. I currently have the Billy Graham devotional {my fallback devotional!}, and also a Joel Osteen I LOVE. By the way, Oprah is interviewing Joel Osteen tomorrow on OWN network..should be a very interesting show. Get better soon!

savvycityfarmer said...

this is truly the body of Christ!

I've never heard this title before ..
I am touched by both you and Sharon ...
I did not know of your injury, you must tell me these things!

Gracefully Vintage said...

Thanks for sharing such sweetness-and a great book to go get- great way to start new year..
Get Better Soon-Loved the Article on you-your shoppe in Romantic Country..(Very Exciting)
Karryann

Ruby Jean said...

Oh what a Blessing and Treasure of a Friend you have.... I am so sorry to hear about your foot... My husband I walk through the Bible together Every year and that has been such a Joy!! I pray your recovery time is Blessed!!

Sheila said...

I have been enjoying the same devotional.....in fact, I gave 12 of them as gifts this year. :)

The Green Pea said...

Sweet post LaurieAnna. It is so nice to have a friend like Sharon. I hope that you are healing well. Enjoy your devotional. Hugs, sandi

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

I just finished a devotional and needed another one pretty much today ~ Thank you for telling us about this !! I am on my way in the morning to go get it :)

xoxo
Lori

Amy Kinser said...

Friends like your friend Sharon are true gifts from God.

Thank you so much, LaurieAnna, for sharing your heart and what your faith and your friend means to you.

God bless, Amy

joanne said...

I recently did the same to my foot...wow that really slows a person down eh?
I was telling myself that I needed to get back into the practice of daily deotions and decided to treat myself to a new book for the year. I can't believe how much different my spirit feels after only a week. I must have really missed this special me time each day.
Get better soon!

Jacque said...

Good Morning Laurie,

Yes, I do have a FRIEND like that!His name is Jesus and the Bible says that HE "is a FRIEND that sticketh closer than a brother"..Proverbs 18:24

Thanks for sharing your heart this morning. Best wishes for a speedy recovery from your broken foot.

Anonymous said...

story after story of kindness and im still amazed by the love of our Father He puts people right there for us at the exact perfect time His love is truly amazing and He has Blessed you beyond measure,many continued Blessings, susan friday.allen@gmail.com

miss flibbertigibbet said...

I too have strayed away from using a daily devotional and it REALLY makes a difference in consistency. Glad you are healed and thanks for sharing your faith. I am pretty new to the blogging world and have been so amazed at the believers who also blog out there...truly inspirational and encouraging!

Cathy Cobblestone said...

It's a great gift Laurie Anna - and the reason I know this - because I too received one from my great friend, Patty. Since I began reading it on Jan. 1, it has already blessed me reminding me daily of how much God loves me even when I fail him. May you have a fantastic 2012 - and a very blessed one.