A Friend in Need...

 

Have you ever heard an idiom or common expression that made no sense to you at first?

For me, it was "A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed." I first read it when I was 8 years old. I simply couldn't understand why a friend who needed something was more important than a friend who didn't need anything.

My solution was... when someone needs something, I can try to help! It makes my friend happy & makes Jesus happy! I was also a Brownie Girl Scout and part of our pledge was to "help others." So, naturally, a friend who needed help gave me the chance to be helpful & make everyone happy!!


I won't admit to how many YEARS it took before the true meaning occurred to me 😉 Be thankful for the people who are loyal to you when you are in need. Learning Gratitude & Loyalty is as important as Helping Others. But I still kinda like my original interpretation, too.

God Gave Us Thankful Hearts by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Lil' Pup is sad that autumn is ending. But Mama reminds him about leaves and apple treats---and he learns that he can be happy if he's thankful despite his concerns.

God Gave Us Thankful Hearts, written by Lisa Tawn Bergren and artwork by David Holm, is a delightful book that tells the story of Lil' Pup who is grumbling over the fact that Winter is approaching. This 40 page hard cover book is simple for a young reader to enjoy, but also suitable for parents to read to younger children. The lesson to be grateful and look for the positive in all things is one that needs to be taught early, and the book is a perfect conversation opener or even a game to encourage children to develop an attitude of gratitude early in life. Children will also love looking at the bright Autumn colors that Holm uses throughout the book

I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook-Multnomah "Blogging For Books" program at no cost to myself. However, I was not required to write a positive review.

Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over forty books, with nearly two million copies sold. Her work includes children’s books, historical and contemporary fiction, women’s nonfiction, and gift books. A freelance writer and editor, Lisa lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She and her husband, Tim, are the parents of three children.

In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

Memories of 11/22/63: Grief to Gratitude to Grace

Sandra, Paul, Debbie, & Cindy
November 1963

Several have posted memories of Kennedy being assassinated 50 years ago today. My parents, brother, my best friend, and I had come to Alabama for a few days. This photo of Sandra, Paul, Debbie (my cousin), and I was made about that time. I know I was sitting on my grandparent's front porch when my mom came outside crying, telling us that President Kennedy had been shot.

At the time, I did not truly grasp the enormity of what had happened. Since Daddy was in the Navy, I know we immediately had to return to where he was stationed in Goose Creek (near Charleston), South Carolina. All I remember about the trip back was my parents sitting in the front seat, quietly taking, and Mom continued to have tears streaming down her face. Of course, I cried because Mom cried. 

Caroline, Jackie, & John Kennedy
11/25/63

At first I thought she was upset because we had to end our Thanksgiving vacation early, but reality sank in once we got to a television and I witnessed the sights and sounds of what had and continued to happen. Images of a grieving widow, and 2 kids brought it into a sharper focus. These kids no longer had a daddy. John-John's daddy was being buried on his 3rd birthday! Caroline's was just 2 days later, and she was the same age as my little brother. Suddenly, my world expanded beyond my circle of family and friends.

I remember when Thanksgiving came a few days later, I was more aware than ever of the blessings I had received from God. I knew that Thanksgiving was a day we thanked God. We always prayed before eating anyway, but Thanksgiving Grace was for more than just the food we were about to eat. When it was my turn to ask the blessing, I always used the standard, "God is great, God is good, Let us thank Him for our food.", but I think I matured a little between Nov. 22, and Nov. 28, 1963.

That Thanksgiving I asked permission to ask the blessing. I still remember getting to the table early with my Bible because I wanted to read Scripture too. That is when I discovered a Psalm about thanksgiving! Psalm 100 immediately became a favorite and I remember reading it before asking the blessing and thanking God for all of the blessings I had received and could look forward to receiving from Him for all eternity. So, more than just a "Where Were You When...?" moment, this expanded to a week of where I experienced the grief of others as we mourned as a nation, realized how much I had to be grateful about in my life as the Kennedy family received the gratitude of a grateful nation for their sacrifice, and realized there was more to saying grace and thanking God for my food. I could also experience God's Grace and He became very real to me that week.