Don’t Trust Yourself, There’s a Better Way

By Shari Hervold

Proverbs 3:5-6 admonishes us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” To trust in someone means to have assured reliance on their character, veracity, and strength. Here we are told to trust in the Lord whole-heartedly. Specifically, what does that look like to the widow?
   
Most widows have lost the one earthly individual they trusted enough to share their lives with, expose their emotions to, bear the children of, and to whom they have looked to for carrying out the jobs around the house requiring physical strength. In addition, for those more serious decisions, the widow was part of a team, weighing pros and cons before arriving at a decision. Now she finds herself cast in a solo role where decisions still need to be made, children may still need emotional, if not physical, support, and those jobs requiring physical strength still need to be completed. In addition, not only is the widow now alone, she is often very lonely and dealing with a myriad of emotions, often overcome with tears when she least expects them. While dealing with all of this, she is acutely aware that life must go on and she is the one to maintain control over hers. Often, not wishing to bother others in her life, she slogs along, keeping herself busy to avoid coming to terms with the void in her life…until she realizes that she has been performing empty motions.

 

 
In this scripture God invites you, precious widow, to trust in Him with the entire of your life, withholding nothing from Him. He realizes that you are a frail mortal with only a fragmentary view of your life. Your understanding is limited; His is limitless. We often harbor the misconception that if we understand, then we will have peace about a situation. So what happens when we don’t understand or perhaps even worse, we think we’ve figured something out only to realize we were mistaken? God here lets us know that our peace is contingent on Him and our trust in Him. His thoughts are far above ours. I especially love the line that invites us to acknowledge him in all our ways – yes, even those day-to-day, seemingly inconsequential decisions, hurts, disappointments –give them to God and He will direct you. God knows all about your frailties, your grief, your frustrations, even your anger, so He invites you to trust Him enough to commit your life into His keeping because of His great love for you. He doesn’t shake his finger at you to shame you for your feelings, your failings, your inadequacies and inabilities. His love for you has nothing to do with what you do or don’t do. That’s why this scripture is so precious to the widow. He knows that you’ve lost your life’s partner. He understands the turmoil you feel at times, even better than you do, and wants you to trust Him to make your life secure in His love and protection. Verse six gives us the promise that when we trust in God and forsake our efforts to figure out everything for ourselves, then He will direct our paths. He’s a God who is smart enough to figure out anything; nothing confounds Him! If you are experiencing some personal pain or turmoil in your life right now, I encourage you to meditate on the words of this scripture, and rest well tonight knowing that your life is in His hands.

***

Mission Statement 2015

Friends Needing Friends Mission Statement

Good morning Ladies ~ We are at the start of another new year, and it is a good time to share what this ministry is about.

"Friends Needing Friends" is a special ministry for widows only.

This ministry is a sisterhood of ladies selected by God.  I have been asked the following questions many times - "why widows only?" or "I'm divorced, why can't I come?" I will try to answer these questions as simply as I can.

When you divorce your mate, it is a human decision between two people.  The death of a mate is a decision made by God. The true reason for either loss, only God knows.

As director and founder of "FNF" I have witnessed a special compassionate bond between all the ladies.  When a newly widowed person comes to a meeting for the first time, I will introduce the widow to another widow.  Immediately, there is an expression of compassion that no other person can give nor receive.  Their eyes meet and in a single glance without saying a word, there is an exchange of understanding and full knowledge of their hurts and feelings.  These feelings are the true meaning of the word "sisterhood".

The dictionary's definition of the word "sisterhood" is: "An organization of women with a common interest, as for social, charitable, or females members of a church".

The common interest of "FNF" is from the Bible in 2 Corinthians 1:4 - God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  Our sisterhood of women is doing exactly what God has directed it to do and who better to help at this time - you guessed it - another widow.

Our sisterhood was founded in June 1988 and has physically and financially supported several other charitable organizations.

We have a Teddy Bear ministry where once again we obey God by visiting the sick and the shut-ins. Since 1995, our ladies have delivered hundreds and hundreds of Teddy Bears to the sick and have encouraged the shut-ins with God's love.

The past several months, God has led "FNF" to support a special Christian Foundation in India that supports our widow sisters who are in need of food, shelter and medicine.

As of this month (January 2015), our two ministries (N.J.& FL) have raised $1,000.00. (PTL) As the saying goes: "Side by side, or miles apart...We are sisters, connected by the heart."

Yes, we have met the dictionary’s description of the word "sisterhood" and yes our ladies have obeyed the LORD by sharing the comfort that God has given to us.

May I further explain to you that "FNF" is a ministry available to widows only; that may or may not attend a church.  There is a desperate need in our society today regarding the widows that we come in contact with.  Our group is a Christian Interdenominational ministry and we do not urge joining a different church or changing one's religion.

I hope that you will be able to attend our monthly meeting/luncheon, which is on the third Monday of each month. We look forward to seeing you there and if you can, invite or bring a widowed friend.

Meeting place:

Palm Beach National Golf & Country Club
7500 St. Andrews Rd., Lake Worth, FL. 33467

Time: 10 a.m. - 12 noon

~~~~

In June 2013, we celebrated our 25th Anniversary of FNF.

That was also the year God laid upon my heart to leave New Jersey and reside in Boynton Beach, FL to live near my son Daniel and his family.  God also led me to start another ministry  in FL, the same as FNF in New Jersey. It is now the beginning of 2015 and the ministry in Lake Worth, FL has been blessed by God.  Our Bible verses for all of our meetings is found in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. (NLT)

Happy 2015 ~ Dotti Ackerman

FOCUS, Before Making Decisions in the New Year

 

For this week before Christmas we have an uplifting message from Shari Hervold. May hearts be blessed and strengthened as we focus on Jesus.

  

FOCUS, Before Making Decisions in the New Year

I don't have to tell a widow reading this today that the loss of your spouse threw your whole life out of focus.  Initially, you most likely walked around in a daze, in shock and grief.  There was so much paper work to do, agencies to contact, decisions to be made, with no partner to aid in those decisions.  Some of you had help and support from children or other close family members and many decisions were made prior to death.  Still, you found yourself alone in your grief and maintaining a clear focus was most difficult for you.  You may still find it difficult to do so today, many weeks, months, or even years later.

While focusing or giving full attention to the ordinary decisions in life is important, it is even more important that you learn to turn your focus toward God before stepping out into the newness of life that God has prepared for you.  Recall with me the story of Esther from the Bible.  The Jews were set to be annihilated and Esther, as queen, was in a position to intercede to the king on their behalf.  However, before even going to the king, she asked others to pray for and with her.  Her entire focus was on God and seeing his guidance and protection.  She was wise enough to recognize that she must focus first on God before stepping out into what she had been called to do to save her people. Her beauty, her position as queen, all her charm and ability to use speech and actions to sway the king would have little effect in a crisis of this magnitude.  Esther is one of the many in the Bible who, before stepping out into the "unknown" first turned their focus on God and his leading.

As a widow, your life has been totally altered; it will never be the same.  You will be getting advice from many sources; most, if not all, well-intentioned.  I encourage you to listen well, and weigh that advice...but don't make a move until you turn your focus away from it and to God.  Why?  It is only God who has the whole picture of your life.  It is only he who can truly lead you into the path that is best for you.  When you turn your focus toward God, make sure that your attitude is one of trust in him and a willingness to obey his leading.  You can be totally secure that he has your best interest at heart. Keep in mind the words of Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
Do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
And he will show you which path to take.

As you pray,  you might want to make a list as options come to your mind.  Do so with God's pleasure in mind, not just what appeals to you.  Look over your list to see if anything on it clearly violates any principles found in God's Word.  Eliminate those; they will not be in his plan for you.  You now have a realistic picture of your options to help you make a responsible, God-honoring decision.  If the focus of your heart has been to please God, taking into account Biblical principles, along with any wise counsel you may have received, I suggest that you are ready to step out with the full confidence that God will work out his purposes through that decision.

This Christmas season is the perfect time to begin to focus on Jesus and his love for you.  The new year looms on the horizon, but with your focus on God and his will, you can face it unafraid.  Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Shari Hervold

 

***

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Christmas meeting/luncheon FL

 

Good morning Ladies ~ Here we are the week before Christmas. I hope you are all being filled with the love, peace and joy of this holiday season.  It is all because of Jesus that we celebrate this time of year.  Let us give thanks to Him for all He has done and continues to do for each of us.  May we learn and grow in His love with each new day.

Well, we down here in sunny s.e. FL had our Christmas meeting yesterday. We had a nice turn out of 26 ladies and a good time was had by all.  We missed those who could not be with us and wish them well.

This is our lovely table setting. 

Gifts in the center.

 

Here is dear Ramona, who checks in our ladies as they come in.

At every meeting we start off with singing and clapping hands to “This is the Day”.

I couldn’t find the rendition that we sing with but here’s one that is really good, happy and thankful.

 

Next, we have Dotti, our founder and leader with some of our group. We had 26 ladies, which was a good turn out for our steadily growing group. We’re not quite three years old yet.

 

We had to improvise a place this month for our display of Teddy Bears and Bibles and this worked out nicely.  Our Teddy Bear ministry is doing really well and we are blessed by the stories shared by those who give the bears to someone.

The Bibles are given out to each lady after they have attended twice.

Kathy Caprio, pastor for our group,  was our guest speaker.  She spoke on having “True Peace in Your Life”.  That true peace is Jesus.

As Jesus fills our lives with His peace, we in turn share that peace with others.

***

If any of you reading this have not yet believed in Jesus, right now is a wonderful time to ask Him to come into your life. We are all sinners and have come short of His glory.  He came as a little babe in a manger, who grew into manhood and gave His life so that we’d be free from all sin. He rose on the third day so that we’d have life with Him forever. 

As we draw closer to Christmas, let us remember to pray for those less fortunate than we are. Pray for those who are ill, who are having problems, whatever they may be. Pray that the Love and Light of God, which is Jesus will shine in hearts this Christmas season.

I will close this post with an instrumental version of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” by the National Philharmonic Orchestra, Richmond Brass, Charles Gerhardt

 

 

A Christmas message from Pastor Bruce Sofia

 

Hello dear Ladies ~ Today we have a Christmas message from ~ Dr. J. Bruce Sofia
Senior Pastor of Gloucester County Community Church.
(This church has supported FNF since 1988)

 

I recall years ago when we were producing a TV show called "The Other Side", one of the questions posed to those on the street was: "What does Christmas mean to you?" The answers received were varied in nature from, "I'm Jewish but I have no problem with it," to "It's about family and friends," to "I'm an atheist - I think the world would be better without it," to "It's too commercial," to "It's about Jesus."  So, here's a question to ponder: "What would the world be like without Christmas?"

Two words immediately came to my mind - light and life: Jesus the light of the world" Jesus the way, the truth and the life.  What would the world be without Christmas?  I really don't think we would want to know.  I have been to four continents, and where Christianity is absent so is 'light' and 'life'.

Think about it for a moment? The air is filled with a positive and inspirational 'buzz', but those of us who know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior understand "the way."  The airwaves are filled with His name...Christ-mas.  He is everywhere? The colors. The trees. The decorations. The snow (at least in our part of the country. Sorry Dotti, couldn't resist. LOL!) The music. The carols. The shows. The concerts. The gifts. The parties. The days off.  The spirit of generosity and giving.  And I could go on.  Although they are not the Christ, they speak of Him, and, it is "awesome."

Yes, as the gospel writer Luke put it: "For unto you is born this day a Saviour who is Christ the Lord."  Anyone who has come to know Christ in a redeeming and personal way knows there is nothing that can compare.  Let us rejoice and be glad!

In closing, permit me to take this moment and thank God for His gift to you who are widowed - Dotti, (Founder & Director of FNF in Lake Worth, Florida), Mary Lou (Director of FNF, Turnersville, N.J.) and ALL who assist them throughout the year.  Ladies (and Paul, Mary Lou's hubby), you truly all bring light and life to many.  Thank you!

Have a blessed Holiday Season and a Merry Christmas!

In Jesus,

Love,

Pastor Bruce

 

 

Below is a beautiful rendition of ~

For Unto Us A Child Is Born

Grief Tips

 

Good morning Ladies ~ Today we will have some tips to help us when we have times of grief.

Call out to God. Regardless of how you are feeling, talk to God, whenever you feel like it. He is there for us 24/7, every day we are blessed with. He can handle our feelings whether they be calm, angry, frustrated or fearful. Talking to Him is a balm to our souls. We are letting things out instead of holding them in. He hears us and is working all things out.

Read God’s Word and other uplifting pieces. I read Psalms a lot after first losing my husband. David went through a lot of grief in his life, but he never lost his faith in God, even in his darkest moments.

Do something for someone else. This really helps when we are down.  Doing a kind thing for someone else lifts them up and also lifts us up.

Eat delicious healthy foods. Keeping up our strength by eating nutritious foods will work wonders in our moods.  Eat colorful foods. Fix something that smells wonderful too.

Drink lots of water. During times of grieving or great stress, our bodies become depleted. We need water for our health.

Get exercise. Take a walk around the block, your apartment complex, in the mall, or just around your house. Raise your arms, try to touch your toes, breathe deeply.

I enjoy working in my gardens.  They were great therapy for me before I lost my husband, but have become even better therapy now that he is gone.

Be creative. Do you have a creative hobby? It may be hard at first to get back into doing something that you enjoy doing, making jewelry, painting, needleworking, gardening, working with wood, cooking, baking, writing, paper crafting, etc. That first little step of working with your hands, using your mind, will help you on your road to recovery.

Find a friend. Having a friend that we can talk to about how we are feeling is priceless. Having someone we can do things with is great too.

We have to get outside the ‘box’ of grief, so that we can be an example of God’s love and tender mercies.  Grief doesn’t end overnight. We will have some grief the rest of our lives, because of our loss.  But, it becomes less, is not so overpowering. We grow through it.

Listen to music. Music lifts our spirits. It doesn’t matter the style. Flow with it, let it fill your whole being. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

****

With that thought, I’ll close this post with a song Dotti said was going through her head.  It is a good one, reminding us of God’s love and tender care for us.

 

 

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Trust in God

 

Hello Ladies ~ Today I am sharing a little something from my heart. I became a widow 23 months ago yesterday. I’ve come quite a way in this journey so far, as God has been my strength and with God beside me each step of the way, I will make it through to the end when I will see Him face to face. What a time of celebration that will be.

******

Widowhood is not something we chose.

It happened.

Our lives changed.

We are on a new journey in this life. I've read that we can look at it as an adventure. During this journey we grieve, we learn to trust God for everything. We grow in His grace and tender mercies. Being a widow is not by chance, or bad luck, it is the will of God and it is a gift. A gift to draw closer to Him.

When I first became a widow I cried out to God (still do) to be my strength. I asked Him to heal my broken heart, even though I did not see how that was possible. Tears came often and sometimes lasted a good while.

I read the Bible, I searched online to find help for Christian widows. I read widow's blogs, web pages, read books for widows.  All were uplifting and encouraging.

******

I was deeply touched and encouraged by the writings of Octavius Winslow (1808-1878).

He wrote in "The Godly Widow Confiding in the Widow's God"

In Jeremiah 49:11. "Let thy widows trust in me."

It is well! All that he does, who speaks these touching words, is well.

It is well with you, for he who gave in love, in love has taken away the mercy that he gave. The companion of your youth, the friend of your bosom, the treasure of your heart, the solace of your declining years, is removed, but since God has done it—it is, it must be well.

Look now above the circumstances of your deep and dark sorrow, God has done it; and that very God who has smitten, who has bereaved, and who has removed your all of earthly good, now invites you to trust in him. Chance has not brought you into this state; accident has not bereft you of your treasure; God has made you a widow, that you may confide in the widow’s God.

******

There are so many scripture verses to let us know that God loves us and cares for us deeply during this time in our lives. Verses that will draw us to a closer relationship with Him. One of my favorites is found in:

Psa 139:17 

As we dwell on what God says to us in His word, our faith becomes strengthened. As our faith is strengthened then we can be a light to others of His love and mercy. We can encourage other widows on this journey.

The two verses below really touched my heart at my very first Friends Needing Friends meeting. All of the ladies were reading these out loud and it blessed me in my fresh grief. These ladies knew how I was feeling and they comforted me as we visited after the meeting. They told me it would get easier, and it has.  All because of God.

Blessed be God,
even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies,
and the God of all comfort;
Who comforts us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort them
which are in any trouble,
by the comfort wherewith we ourselves
are comforted of God.

2Co 1:3-4 

Other verses have been a tremendous help to me also:

See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.
Isa 49:16  

Just think, God has your name written in the palms of his hands. That’s wonderful!

And another is:

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:
Deu_33:27 

***

In the gift of each new day of this journey, may we all grow in the love that God has for each and everyone of us.

May we grow in the knowledge of His word, so that we will be loving, forgiving and encouraging to one another.

In closing, are some verses about our tears. I still have times of tears, but they don’t last as long, the grief isn’t so raw. God has most definitely been my comfort.

***

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8 (NLT)

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."
Revelation 21:4

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy...
Psalm 126:5

******

Remember too, next Monday the 17th is our next meeting/luncheon for our south Florida ladies.

Our guest speaker will be our own Sue Dolbow and she will be speaking on what is our ‘Focus’ in this life.  Pray for her as she speaks.  Pray for the staff and Dotti as we all prepare for our gathering together.

Love, hugs & prayers ~ Rainey

Four Women that God Chose…Conclusion

 

Hello dear Ladies,

Today we have the final installment of this series. I hope and pray that you all have been inspired and encouraged in your life of hope and trust in Jesus.

 

Four Women That God Chose to be in the Lineage of His Son, Jesus Christ

by Shari Hervold

 

Bathsheba

In the last three installments of this series, we have looked briefly at the stories of three women in the lineage of Christ Jesus, God's son.  I trust you've found their stories interesting and inspiring.  If you didn't read about any of them, you may do so by clicking on their names: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth.

The fourth and last woman mentioned in the lineage of Jesus is the former wife of Uriah whom we know as Bathsheba.  If you recall, Bathsheba was the very beautiful woman who David lusted for, took to bed and impregnated, then had her husband killed so that he could wed her. Some have cast her as a seductress, but I take issue with that.  2 Samuel 11:4 tells us that David sent his men to get her (he was the king and she had to come) and when she came to him he lay with her.  David is cast as the actor and she the one acted upon.  Dr. Larry Richards calls it outright rape.  David had other wives and many sons, but Bathsheba lay aside fear and advocated for her son to succeed David as king and won David's promise to do so.  She further acted courageously on Solomon's (her son) behalf when it looked like another son was going to claim the throne.  Even though her marriage began on the weakest of foundations, she had the strength and fortitude to put that behind her and be a good wife and mother.  It is said that Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs as a dedication to his mother who strongly influenced his life. 

Matthew gives us a quartet of women whom we would least expect to see in the genealogy of Christ.  Yet, we learn from them that when God wants something done, He will enable it to happen and He used ordinary, imperfect people as His instruments through which to work. His grace and mercy cover all sins and He can turn mistakes and unwise choices into blessings.  Whatever it is that God lays on your heart to do, there's not an excuse that you could use that God hasn't already heard...and He simply replies that: "My strength is made perfect in weakness," (2 Corinthians 12:9).  Nothing or nobody, saint or sinner, can thwart God's plan for your life.  If you doubt that, just remember these four, less-than-stellar women chosen to be in the lineage of Jesus Christ our Savior!

 

Reflection: You can become a child of God by accepting Christ's death as penalty for your sins, and acknowledging Him as your Lord and Savior.  He will come to live in your heart and give you eternal life.  I encourage you to do this now!

 

Four Women that God Chose…Part 3

 

 

Hello Ladies ~ Today we have part 3 in our series. May we all be blessed and encouraged as we read.

 

Four Women That God Chose to be in the Lineage of His Son, Jesus Christ

by Shari Hervold

 

Before we meet Ruth, let me remind you that if your haven't met the two women that were introduced in the first two lessons in this series, you may read about them by clicking on their names, Tamar and Rahab.

 

 

The next woman, Ruth, is greatly admired and loved by all who read her story in the book that bears her name.  She, unlike Tamar and Rahab, did not have a blemish upon her record...except for one thing.  There's always a back story, isn't there?  Ruth was a Moabite and as such, because of a sin the Moabites had committed, according to Deuteronomy 23:3 she "was shut out of the congregation of the Lord." God's Word itself shut her out.  Yet, she, with great courage and strength from God Himself, rejected the gods of the Moabites, traveled to a strange land and culture with Naomi, her mother-in-law, and accepted the Hebrew God.  The trip from Moab to Bethlehem was a long and dangerous one, yet Ruth bravely faced down her fears and made the journey, fully expecting nothing to await her there.  She was an outsider from a heathen country and, as far as she knew, would remain so.  Soon after her arrival she began the hard task of working for food for herself and Naomi.  Ruth 2:12 says that Boaz states this concerning her: "The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge." The one thing Ruth had not reckoned on was God's love and protection for her.  But, because of her love for Him and Naomi, God rewarded her.  God worked out the details so that Ruth went on to marry Boaz, a kinsman of her deceased husband, and bore a son, Obed, who became the grandfather of King David, thus in the lineage of Jesus.  Next, we will meet the last of these four ladies, Bathsheba.

Reflection: If you are reading this blog and have not asked the Jesus of the Bible to become your Lord and Savior, I implore you to do so now.  If you long for a lasting joy in your life, I ask you to trust in Jesus Christ for eternal life made available to you through His death and resurrection.  Jesus Christ himself said that if you come to him, you will become a child of God and joint heir with him in all the wonderful things that God has prepared for those that trust in Him.  It is the best decision you will ever make.

 

Four Women That God Chose …Introduction

 

Hello Ladies ~ We are starting a little series, a study about four women in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

May we all be blessed and inspired as we learn about these four women and their roles in God’s plan for the whole world.

 

Four Women That God Chose to be in the
Lineage of His Son, Jesus Christ
"My Strength is Made Perfect in Weakness," says God

by Shari Hervold

  What are some of the excuses that you've offered for not doing something that was asked of you, something in your heart of hearts you really felt like God wanted you to do?  Some of you think that God only uses "good girls," you know those women with no "unspeakable sins" in their past, or women with certain abilities and capabilities.  When we think like this we are totally limiting God and His ability to enable us to do anything that He wants us to do.  In fact, those really are not only lame excuses, but excuses driven by self-centered instead of God-centered thought patterns.

  Think with me of the women that God chose to be in the lineage of his son, Jesus Christ.  If we go to the first chapter of Matthew and read the genealogy of Jesus, we note that there are forty men named and only four women.  Now, what is astounding isn't that there are only four women, but that women are mentioned at all.  Women were simply not granted the status of appearing in genealogies.  God had ordained that the Messiah would come through the lineage of David, so we would expect that any child would have a pure-blood Hebrew mother, an upstanding woman without a blemish to her name.  Yet, when I look at the names of these women, I again take a double-take, for not all were what we would characterize as "good women." For the next four posts here on the blog we will look at each one briefly to learn more about her life and the circumstances under which she was chosen to be in this august lineage.

----------------------------------------------------------

Ancestry of Jesus Christ

Matthew 1 Amplified Bible (AMP)

1 - The book of the ancestry (genealogy) of Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the son (descendant) of David, the son (descendant) of Abraham.

2 - Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,

3 - Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Aram,

4 - Aram the father of Aminadab, Aminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahsson the father of Salmon,

5 - Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,

6 - Jesse the father of King David, King David the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah, Bathsheba.

-----------------------------------------------------------

 

To be continued.

We’ve had over 10,000 visits!!!

 

Good morning dear Ladies ~ Today we have yet again another reason to celebrate. This morning we are thankful to Jesus for the over 10,000 visits we’ve had to this blog.  It is all because of Him that this blog is even here. We have the information that our dear Dotti has to share with widows, and the words of others who are led to share what God lays on their hearts for the widows too. Plus we have the witness of our dear sister widows and how God has not forsaken them but has helped them grow as they walk this journey. We also have  God’s words to us throughout this blog, and music for us to sing to and to make our hearts sing as well.

 

Here are some thoughts from Dotti this morning.

***

Our God is an awesome God!

Before I left New Jersey (2011), to go to Florida, I asked God, "What am I going to do with 23 years of information helping the widow from the Friends Needing Friends ministry?" God never answered me, so I just packed as much as I could and moved.

A year ago (2013) I met another widow, Rainey, who came to our meetings and she introduced me to blogging. The excitement welled up inside of me, and I knew it was God answering my prayer.  I was told that once you put information on the blog, it is permanent.  A permanent file from God, with the material to be used that was kept from over the years that many people could see and be helped by.  We started putting this material and changing the information on the blog every 3 to 4 days. I just had so much information to share.

Today the Friends Needing Friends blog has reached a total of over  10,000 visits. This material will stay not only in New Jersey or Florida, but will go to  many other widows in the United States and other countries. Considering the subject of this ministry, only God could do the multiplying and restoration of these widows.

Truly, our God is an awesome God!

Dotti Ackerman

***

10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman

 

 

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Congratulations to everyone that has participated in this Blog Spot of Friends Needing Friends.. Thank you and may God bless each and everyone.

 

He Giveth

 

He giveth more grace

when the burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength

when the labors increase;

To added affliction He addeth His mercies,

To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed

ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources

Our Father's full giving is only begun.

His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,

His power no boundary known unto men;

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus

He giveth and giveth and giveth again.

Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932) 

 

 

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Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,
 
that he may exalt you in due time;
 
casting all your anxiety upon him,
 
because he careth for you.
 
1Pe 5:6-7 

Recognizing Loved Ones In Heaven

 

'Real Answers' by Pastor Bruce Sofia'

Question: WILL WE RECOGNIZE LOVED ONES AND THOSE WHOM WE KNOW IN HEAVEN?

This is a good and intriguing question, and I'd like to address it in three parts.

1) First, yes we will recognize those whom we have known on earth in Heaven.

In Luke 16, we are given the story of the rich man, who had everything in this life but spent an eternity in hell, and Lazarus who had nothing in this life but received all the blessings of an eternity in heaven.  They know one another here, and although there was a chasm (divide) between them in eternity, they were able to recognize one another in eternity.  Of course, it is important to remember that seeing from Heaven into Hell is a special dispensation usually not granted.  However, this passage does indicate that we will recognize one another in eternity.

Another passage that indicates we will recognize one another is when Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus, Peter, James and John on the mount of transfiguration.  The disciples, who by the way had never met Elijah and Moses, recognized them. Mark 9:2-7

2) Second, Scriptures indicates that we will recognize one another by our "soul persona." What do I mean by that? We will not have these human bodies but will have a new and glorified body that is referred to as a "spiritual body." Job 19:26 and 1 Cor. 15:44. You many recall, in nearly every instance Jesus is seen after his resurrection he is not recognized until he chooses to reveal himself.  In one instance he is recognized at the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:30-31), at another, when he chooses to reveal the nail prints and wound in his side (John 20:24-29). There will be not defects in our new and glorified bodies.  That's cool! It won't be GQ or Cosmo's model of perfection; it will be God's both in appearance and nature.

3) Third, will we remain married to our spouse in eternity?  Sorry to disappoint all of you who wish to remain married in eternity (some of you aren't disappointed - smile), but death does truly part us. Romans 7:2-3 You recall the lady who had, lawfully, seven husbands - Jesus said, "we shall be like angels in heaven, neither married or given in marriage."  Matthew 22:22-32

However, don't be disappointed, guess who is your spouse: Jesus.  He is the "groom' we are his "bride."  Now, that's awesome.

 

Christmas in July ~ Part 2 ~ New Jersey

 

Hello Ladies ~ Here it is the end of July and our sisters in New Jersey had their ‘Christmas in July’ meeting/luncheon yesterday. What a colorful group and they looked like they had a nice time together.

Here are two photos of the ladies taken with teddy bears for their teddy bear ministry. This ministry was started in 1995 and has been a blessing to many through the years since then.

Dotti asked me to post a photo of our FL group too, as both groups are involved in the teddy bear ministry.

Something about teddy bears makes us all smile.  Plus the fact that this ministry is about these bears being a reminder of God’s love for us and all who receive one, gives us reason to rejoice.

This group also has a ministry of giving out a little monthly devotional to their ladies.

They also give out Bibles to new ladies who have come three times to the meetings.

Look at their lovely Christmas dinner. Doesn’t it look scrumptious?

So, there we have it, our  “Christmas in July” meetings are over. We had great times.

As I close this post I ask that we all pray for Mary Lou who is having knee surgery this week.  May her surgery go smoothly and may her recovery be swift.

May you all feel the love of God enfolding you,

May you feel His strength and peace flowing through you as you go about each new day that you are blessed with.

Rainey

Widow’s Witnessing

Good morning Ladies ~ This is a new day, let us rejoice in this gift from God and be a light and witness of His blessings to others.

Today we have four more testimonies from ladies of our NJ sisterhood.

EK-NJ

Grief tip: Believe that God will never leave you or forsake you. He is with you at all times.

One of my favorite songs that comforted me during my grieving time was "How Great Thou Art"

God sent me the love of my family and friends. Also my church family and their friendship.  Faithfulness in Him to see me through the sad and lonely times.

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JB-NJ

Grief Tip: Seek out female friends to help you stay active. Be willing to visit Senior Citizen centers and accept invitations to lunch, a movie, or other activities outside your home. Use any resource available to you. Stay active!

There are several songs that have helped to comfort me during this time. They are "Do Not Pass Me By" and What a Friend We have In Jesus".

A special blessing that happened to me, a friend introduced me to another widow who took me to FNF meetings and encouraged me to not grieve alone. I found strength to take one day at a time. I also found time for Bible study and got closer to my church, and volunteering for more church work.

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LR-NJ

Grief Tip: Exercise even if you only walk.  It really helps relieve the stress.

Blessings from God by meeting new friends from my support group. My new home living with my son. My daughter gave me my new grandson and being able to retire.

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Barb Driscoll BD-NJ

Grief Tip: Keep busy and keep in touch with friends, even if you don't feel like it. Look for joy each day and enjoy loved ones and let them know you do.

A special song to me is Great is Thy Faithfulness and God Is Always So Good.

God's blessings during this time is new friends. Another widow, especially a neighbor, whose husband died six months ago after mine, are now close friends.

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These testimonies touch and bless my heart. We are in this sisterhood together. We know just how each other feels. By sharing out testimonies we encourage and build each other up.

I will close this post with the following scripture verses from the KJV Bible.

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Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify (teach) one another, even as also ye do. 1Th_5:11

Exhort (strongly encourage) one another daily Heb_3:13 

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God’s blessings on each one of you.

You are all precious to Him.

Dealing with Tough Times

 

'Real Answers' by Pastor Bruce Sofia'

QUESTION: WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT DEALING WITH TOUGH TIMES?

No one is immune to tough times.  Scripture is quite clear that everyone even the righteous, will face "tough times."

Psalm 34:19 says, Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

The NIV words it: A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him/her from them all.

Although no one likes tough times - we feel out of control, uncomfortable, the unknown is frightening, and the list goes on - they are necessary to our emotional and spiritual maturity.

Romans 5:3-5 tells us, We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; (4)perseverance, character; and character, hope. (5) And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

God is concerned about our character more than anything, and tough times develop our character.  In fact, how we respond to the tough times is the key.  Are we pliable enough to allow the Potter to mold us on the wheel of trouble, or do we resist the Potter's shaping?  Do we learn and allow God to make us like Christ, or do we complain?

When Scripture says, "In everything give thanks" that is exactly what God means. (I Thessalonians 5:18) For when we give thanks we acknowledge that God sees a bigger picture than us, and that He will work out all things for our good...even our times of trouble. (Romans 8:28) Remember, the writer of Hebrews tells us to count hardships (tough times) as discipline from the LORD.

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his Father? (8) If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.  Hebrews 12:7-8,11

I love the words of Job after he had faced his terrible time of trouble - few if any have faced what Job had to face - My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Job 42:5

When trouble comes your way, may you submit to the hand of God's perfection and say with the patriarch, "I have seen God with my own eyes." Don't look at trouble as a curse; look at it as a blessing soon to be realized. However, do remember this - if you don't give your time of trouble to the LORD and ask for Divine intervention, most likely you won't receive it. So ask. Believe. Anticipate. God cannot fail. 

Pastor Bruce Sofia