I have the mind of Christ

 

Quite a few years ago I had a friend who was a big help in me becoming a woman of a calm and quiet spirit.

She was a few years older than I and was a widow who was previously married to a pastor.

We often had her come for a meal and we would talk about all kinds of things. To me she was my spiritual mother.

Being the wife of a sick husband, her own husband's health prior to his passing was similar to both Chris and mine: severe heart failure. It was very comforting to talk to her knowing that we walked a similar path.

We loved talking about the LORD and how to draw close to Him especially during trials. It was just so easy to not only talk, but to learn.

About this time, there was a lot of talk of strange goings on with UFO's being a very common discussion- but this was the time when this sort of thing implied that to believe in them may indicate some type of mental illness. But of course today, there are so many credible sightings etc that one now takes it as almost normal.

Trying to work out why my friend was not confused or agitated about these types of occurences, I asked her how does she cope with questions of UFO's and alien abductions and so on.

She replied that she believes they are fallen angels and not aliens and that this will be more prevalent as Jesus' return for us in the Rapture is very close. These sightings will be used to explain the millions of people who have suddenly disappeared. Aliens abducted them they will say.

I asked how does she not be effected by it all and she replied, "I see it as a distraction from doing God's work, Dear!"

That really got me thinking... and I believe it is meant to distract us from fulfilling our calling, if at all possible.

This gave me a certain peace and also ties in with what the scripture says about taking every thought into the captivity of Christ! Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; -2 Corinthians 10:5

If the evil one can get us quiver in fright and never pray or witness or serve, then he has won and has destroyed our peace. You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

The first battle ground is in the mind. If he can confuse that, he has rendered us useless for service to the King of Kings. 

I chose to remember that we do not have the spirit of fear but of a sound mind. I intend to keep it that way- for  as His daughter who loves and serves Him, I have the mind of Christ.

 © Glenys Robyn Hicks

 

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 2:16

She's still the same girl

 

So it's my 71st birthday in a few days and my best friend Ann came to visit me. It was a visit of mutual tears and laughter and reminiscing about days of the past.

We have been friends since we were 11 years old and as we sipped our tea and coffee we joked about how 61 years of friendship has outlasted most marriages these days...

A new grandmother, Ann lamented how she hates being old and wonders if she will even live to see her grandbaby turn 21... and we cried.

We cried that I don't think I will be here when her next grandbaby is born and that the shawl I am making for her daughter might not get to her if I don't finish it soon. I want her to have one for her other daughter's future baby like the first one has..

We laughed about things that happened at school, and cried about trials we both had during our 71 years of life. And we nearly choked on our coffees laughing about the agonies of aging but how the alternative didn't look too promising either! 

Our emotions were rollercoasting madly, but then there was a lot of reminiscing and the viscitudes of life were a tad sporadic over 61 years of reliving those days...

We talked about God's answers to particular prayers we had petitioned God for in our families and we recommitted those people to Him...And we thanked God for our friendship. 

In parting, we realised how blessed we are to have a true close friend and we marvelled that 5 hours had passed in the visit that went quickly, and we exclaimed that we had had a very fun afternoon.

As I saw Ann off and she smiled and waved as she drove away, I had a flash back of the young girl I used to study with. A few changes in appearance for sure, but she's till the same dear girl I grew up with...

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.-  Proverbs 18:24

I am so blessed

As you probably know, I am half Jewish. I have always wanted a menorah, but my ex-husband hated Jews and wouldn't let me have one- and when I was single I didn't have money for one, but chris knew how much my Jewishness meant to mem and he bought me one.

One day when I was at the chemist, I saw this orthodox cross on his service counter. Being as we were friendly with him, I struck up a conversation saying how lovely it was.

I left the pharmacy and he came running out after me with the cross in a bag. He wanted me to have it. He's an Egyptian, Coptic Orthodox. I keep it because it was given with love...

My hall table bearing these things makes me smile every time I pass it. Thoughts of love of a Jewish Saviour Who died for me, a husband who truly loves me and a friend who gave a treasured gift as well.

Another dear friend gave me the scroll with the Footprints poem on it and lovingly surrounding these gifts are photos of our children who have married. 

A bunch of artificial flowers with a beautiful perfume that catches the breeze as you walk past was a gift from my granddaughter and her daughter.

My happy place is not an altar but it brings thoughts of love and friendship and family. It's nice to reflect on how blessed I am every time I walk past it..

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

And the icing on the cake is...

Friday we went to the chemist and were treated to a cup of tea behind the counter. In between customers, we chatted and caught up. 

We were amongst the first of their customers and we have gone solely to them and rejoiced with them as their business grew. 

We don't go out much, and he and his wife know this. They are lovely people and we will miss them if we find a new rental- so much so, that we have decided we will still go to them for our prescriptions. 

Thanking them for their hospitality, they asked us to call in every Friday for coffee. Well, it looks like Fridays will be script days!   

In saying that, it will depend on whether my fibromyalgia allows me to travel. There are days when I just want to stay home as my spoons are few. But  just knowing that whenever we do see them, we will be welcome and missed is precious.

It does get lonely sometimes here. It's nice to have friends. The icing on the cake is that they are Christians!