Friday Afternoons with Carolyn

Proverbs 27 9 "Oil and perfume make the heart glad; so a man's counsel is sweet to his friend." (NASV)

Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God's presence.

It’s Friday with yours truly. I don’t drink much coffee as Lynn does so I cannot say this time is “Friday Morning Coffee with Carolyn” so I was thinking it’s more about lunchtime. You can find me on a nice, sunny day heading to Urbana to enjoy lunch at my favorite restaurant, often alone just to think. It’s time to get “real” with things on my mind (and no doubt these same things are on your mind).

With all the turmoil going on in this country and the world, especially in the Middle East, I want to write about how to cope with just everyday life. In this country, we are truly spoiled, taking for granted our freedoms and rights that other countries only dream about. The horrors going on in Israel are difficult to fathom. Indeed, prayers need to continue to go to our friends in Israel.

During these times, it helps me to read not only the Bible but also books that give a boost for what ails me. The following is titled “Adversity”.

Throughout the seasons of life, all of us, on occasion, endure losses that leave us breathless. Sometimes, of course, it is not we but instead our friends who face adversity. When they do, our mission is simple: We must assist in any way we can, either with an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a heartfelt prayer.

The English clergyman Charles Kingsley had this practical advice: Make it a rule and pray to God to help you to keep it, never, if possible, to lie down at night without being able to say: I have made one human being at least a little wiser or a little happier or at least a little better this day. Amen to that…especially when times are tough.

I love the writings in this little book. It's called “Friends are Forever" by Dr. Criswell Freeman