We should never be surprised or amazed by what or whom God brings into our paths. Case in point: this picture of me and Jim Foreman. It was taken by someone last week while I was attending theSticks. In case you have any doubt, the good-looking one on your right is Jim. The one who pretends to cycle and wears shirts that lead one to believe that, is me. Seriously, I had someone at the conference ask me if I rode in the Tour. So many things ran through my mind in a nanosecond. I almost said, “Yes, my name is Lance.” But I don’t like what he stands for nor do I agree with his lifestyle or belief system (agnostic). Then I wanted to say, “Years ago when I was young and not so bulky. (How’s that for going ’round Robin Hood’s barn to say I carry too much weight?) So, as straight-faced as I could I said, “Yes!” But then I bust out laughing and had to be honest. I watched it on TV and that is the closest I ever got.
Getting back to the subject…God has overwhelmed me at times with people who have blessed my life with their presence or friendship. In college I met Doug, another pastor,who is still my best male friend. Back in the ’90s, He brought a man named Jim (whom you have prayed for recently) into my life. In 1987 He introduced me to an older man named Ron, who to this day is still a friend (even though he is a Cardinal fan). Since I have been here I have made several friends, Ryan and Sean being two of them. In 1970 He introduced me to the one who was to become, and still is my best friend, my wife, Jo. Over the past 3 years (in February it will be 4), I have met several bloggers through the print media. I had commented on his blog, and then had the privilege of meeting Craig Groeschel. I consider Craig a friend and I pray for he and Amy daily. I recently had a chance to meet Artie Davis, JP, and Ron Edmondson. I have had a chance to talk to a couple by phone- Michael and Jason. But this past week at theSticks I had a chance to meet Jim and hang out with him. Several things stand out. He’s young; I’m not. He’s short; I’m not. 🙂 He has young children: I don’t. He’s Baptist; I’m not. He’s in Virginia; I’m not. One good thing about Jim is that he is from Pennsylvania (Altoona). That makes him alright in my book. 🙂 But the greatest thing we have in common is Jesus. There is nothing better than that.
I did not intend for this to be a gush post. I wanted to talk about the value of friends. My life is richer because of them, even the unlikely ones. Read Philemon for Paul’s take on friendship. In the meantime, value them. Can you name some “go-to” people in your life? Let them know. Along the way, how about commenting here about your take on friendship.
One last thing: I am not smart enough or savvy enough to have gotten the picture to my blog. Thanks to Ryan, my techgeek, for making it happen.
I have a few, but my Dad and Father-in-Law are the 2 that I “go-to” the most. Good, Godly men with strong, simple faith.
That is fantastic about your father and f-i-l. Nothing wrong with strong and simple. Thanks matt.
I kind of touched on this on my blog last week when I posted a batch of thank yous to people who’ve made an impact in my life. It’s so easy to discount friendship and the way it can really enhance your life because a lot of the world views friendships as disposable entities; i.e. when you can get one that’s “bigger, better and more influential” you dump the old and run to the new. But it’s the established, deep and ongoing relationships that mean the most.
Unfortunately, you have put your finger on the way much of the world views friendship. Praying you find a good friend there in MO. Thanks Jason.
I once wrote in my journal what a friend means to me. My definition was: “A friend is a person that adds meaning to your life, a person that changes the direction of your life from a dead end to a road that leads the way, a person whose impact is felt even when he/she is gone, a person that changes the story of your life from an empty script to a book with countless pages”.
Some “go-to” people in my life include you, my mum, my uncle, my teacher, my pastor, my best friend UD, and Jon(Imperfectly Perfect).
Great definition Mercy! Thanks for the honor of being included. And once again…Happy Birthday today! 😀
Thanks Bill.
Happy Birthday Mercy!!
Thanks Linda 😀
My dad, my DS, you, Jim, Herb and a few others.
Thanks for honoring me Michael. I consider it a privilege. Thanks for commenting.
It’s truth.
Great Pic!Good to see pics of those we only have blogging relationships with! I like your comment “let them know”, I do need to do that and I am thankful that I feel I have several “go to” friends that no matter what they are there…I wonder if anyone sees me that way..hmmm. Thanks Bill! Now I have a visual of you besides your caricature.
You know how important those friends are Tom having been where you have been. I am so glad to see you have maintained that in your spiritual life as well. And fyi: the caricature is a better picture. LOL Thanks Tom.
Friends are to be cherished for sure. My wife is at the top of my list.
There’s a few I have ‘met’ through blogging whom I count as dear. I have yet to actually meet or converse with any of them other than via email or comments…but I know them through the encouragement they share most every day. I really do hope to meet you guys in the not too distant future.
And yes Bill, I count you among them! 😉
I would count it a privilege to be able to meet you someday Dusty. I admire your commitment to Christ and what you say (although I don’t always comment). Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
Juli is my go-to gal. When the time is right she’ll be my go-to wife 🙂 I’ve got several friends that I can call on at 2 am if need be. I know that they’ll help me, pray for/with me, kick my butt, and hold me accountable.
I’ve heard it said that friendships are like lego pieces. You have a 4 or 6 piece (it’d be too hard to manage 8-10 or more) You can manage 4-6 close friends…your inner circle so to speak. Those are the friends you pour into. These are your foxhole friends. They’d go through anything with you.
they may change a bit over time…but these are friends that you can pick up right where you left off…even if its been 6 months since you’ve talked with them.
Looking forward to that announcement some day Craig. 🙂 i would go with the 4-6 myself. Change is always good whenever it means moving forward in Jesus’ work in our lives. Thanks.
For the looks of it, it looks like Jim is giving you a wedgie. I don’t see his right hand, and your expression shows a bit of “wedge”. LOL.
All kidding aside, I’m so glad there was some fellowship between you too. Next time, come to NYC for the Sticks II. Except, is to pick up sticks from the park and clean it up. You know… community service.
🙂
I can honestly say No he wasn’t Moe. Will consider that idea some day. 🙂 Thanks for commenting (I think).
This is so good. Gushing about how good God is to give us friends and close relationships is a-ok to me. Besides my wife, I have a couple of pastors that are go-to and then my father-in-law. I also cherish the relationships I’ve got to build through blogging like you and Dusty and Jay and others. It’s a privilege and blessing to be linked for the Kingdom. Thanks Bill.
By the way, did you crush that camera after this picture was taken–that’s the kinda look you have in your eye there! Very serious. 🙂
Glad you have some go to guys. To answer your question: no I didn’t. I have to admit that I am normally smiling but fake smiles are hard. Now…if someone had just told me a joke I would have howled. sorry for being so serious. 🙂 Thanks for including me in your blog friends. I, of course, count you as one of mine but space limited listing everyone.
Hi Bill,
My past life was living with a recluse and a social phobic husband. I myself had some of these same issues in my teens and early adult years.
I have some difficulty making good friends. I have friends today, but I don’t feel that I could call upon them for help. It’s more the other way around.
From what I understand young people value friendships and community in our day. This may be for selfish reasons, I don’t know.
My go to person would have to be my sister. She has stood by me through ‘thick and thin’ as the saying goes. She’s the one who talked to me about Jesus Christ in 1981, that led to my husband and myself becoming believers.
I’m not sure if ‘fair weather friends’ are people that we really want to develop friendships with. I’ve watched people get hurt considerably by these types of ‘friendships’.
Our best friend of course, is Jesus Christ. He’s not going anywhere in the bad times. He sticks close to us as long as we are sticking close to him.
I know you had it tough in your marriage. Hopefully now you are finding some friends. Love that your sister is your go to person. I would say I have a brother I would not be afraid to include. Stay away from fair weather friends. Thanks for the comment Linda.
HI Bill, I am SOOOOO fortunate that I ahve several circles of friends! One group are all former neighbors and we still get together (14 of us) on an almost monthly basis! I also ahve a big Al-Anon group of friends that I treasure. But my BFF is a woman I have known for 44 years now and we have been through EVERYTHING together. I could call on her anytime, anywhere and she would (and has been ) be there!!!!! I love her like a sister. I am truly blessed. XO, pinky
That is so good Pinky! 44 years! WOW!!!! I am sure that Al-Anon group has helped hold you together from time to time as well. Thanks for commenting. Blessings to you.
I have a few folks on my “go-to” list – was able to hang out with one of them on Sunday night. We see each other once every few months and it’s always encouraging.
One of the highlights of blogging for me is being able to actually meet the folks I’m connecting with. Over the last 6 months or so, I’ve been able to meet and talk to a few – it’s been great.
is that sunday night group a small group of other couples/families or men? I look forward to meeting you some day Dustin. Thanks for coming by.
Actually… that guy was a roommate in college and someone I’ve known for over 10 years. He is certainly a lifelong buddy.
(and me too, Bill)
Blake, Mobbs, Brian, Chad, Dan, Ryan are my go to friends. So crucial!
So crucial for sure Rob. Glad you have them. Thanks.
I have about 3 really close friends, we know each others strengths and weaknesses and have been through the good and the bad. I now live in San Diego and they live in Oregon/Washington but I still regularly talk with them. They are true friends
Love that you have 3 friends and have maintained contact even though separated by miles. Thanks Dan.
My #1 go to friend here on earth is Rocky. I can trust her to tell me the truth even if she knows it’s going to hurt. And she knows I’ll do the same for her. We love the Lord and each other that much. What a blessing!
I think a friend is someone who wants you the be the best you can be and will do what they can to help you achieve that.
hey Karen! A hometown girl! Glad that you have Rocky and that you both have Jesus. I also agree with you definition of a friend. Thanks for coming by for a visit. 🙂
I used to have the attitude that I didn’t really need friends because I was strong enough alone. Ha! Now I realize how important good Godly friendships are. I have a few close friends including my sister, my cousin, and a woman at church. Each friendship is a bit different than the other and that is good because I go to different people for different things.
We all need someone Jenn and I am so glad you recognize that. You made an interesting comment: each friendship is a bit different. makes for a well-rounded accountability. Thanks for coming by and hope you and Shiloh are doing well.
I have been so busy today – we did a food distribution this morning at our church, sermon prep, errands,and son’s baseball practice – that I am now reading this. It is an honor to be your friend Bill and I am glad we got to hang out for a few days. I do have some got people in my life – I have Dave who was my Youth Pastor when I was a teen and now a mentor and great friend. I have Carl who came into my life after college who is older and a Pastor and a mentor as well. I also have Chris who I ministered with for 8 years. I have my blogging friends who are got to people – You,Michael,Moe, Bill and others. I am blessed with several in the church I am at now. I am a blessed man.
Thanks my friend!
I think it is cool that you maintain the friendship with past colleagues. i also consider it an honor to call you friend Jim. Thanks. Now…get some rest! 🙂
Friends. I have a high value on friendship. That is probably why I do not have close friends nor do I trust those that appear to be trying to be a friend.
Been betrayed too many times in the past and my discernment gift about friends does not work.
Thus I put all my trust with God to be a friend.
Being betrayed is no fun for sure. I am sorry you have been hurt and have chosen to stay away. If I lived closer I would choose to be your friend because I think everyone needs one (see Jenn above). That being said, you can’t go wrong with Jesus either. 🙂 Hope you are feeling better Larry. How goes it? Thanks for commenting.
I would be honored on the friend aspect Bill.
The health issue is progressing along slowly. Still on antibiotic injections daily. That might come to an end depending on the Cat Scan today but I am reserved optimistically that the injections will cease being needed just yet.
You are still in my prayers.
Thanks Bill.