love and friendship

How do you know if someone is a true friend?

When I call, they answer the phone, or call me back the same day.
When I am in trouble they do their best to help me... or at least listen to me when they do not know an answer
When I am successful, they are part of my success in supporting me on my journey to whatever goals I set.
When I invite them out, they show up, or they contact me to tell me they cannot be present because of other commitments
Time------------They share their precious time with me, I value time more than anything. A friend will make an effort to spend time with you, walk with you and plan time to be together.-----

For all of my best friends, you have done this for me and I love you for that. For the people who do not answer when I call, who do not respond when I invite them out, who make funny faces when people mention my name and I am standing there watching them do it, I can tell they have a bad opinion of me, but then smile at me and expect me to respect them. I know who my real friends are. And I know who just wants be around me, without wanting to know me as man. I have so many gifts to offer, and I have such high expectations for myself and my relationships

When I am running late, I will call so you will not worry. When you invite me out, I will be there early so you will not be waiting for me. And when I have a conflict in my schedule I will tell you with some sadness that I cannot be present to share my time with you that day.

Love is shown in 5 ways: quality time, uplifting words of encouragement, physical touch that soothes the soul, service to another person without expecting anything in return, and gifts that are meaningful and special for the uniqueness of the person you give the gift to.

Love with all your heart and the love will be returned to you in an overflowing abundance, but if you are selfish, or full of hatred, or pride, or sinful then you must look within to change yourself into a person that can be loved. Each of us is a special gift and god loves you in your darkest times. When I am sad, there are normally about a few friends I call, my parents, and my brother and two sisters.

Over the long haul of life, these are the only people that matter, who do you call at 2am when nobody else will answer the phone. How people in your life can you say would answer that phone in the middle of the night and come and get you out of a bad situation? That is your support circle, those are your true friends. Friendship is not given away so easily, it is earned through dedication, trust and mutual respect and love. They walk with you and play with you in the best of times, and like simon they get under the cross and help you lift it higher when you are in pain and suffering on your faithwalk.

All the rest of the people in your life will come and go, and they make an impact on your life in small ways, maybe large way. But your support circle is the driving force your success, for you share everything with them all the glory and all the pain.

Today the friend who spent time with me was jesus. I invited many people to spend the day with me. But only jesus came when I called today. For that is his way of showing me who really matters in my life, and who really cares. For I will not find my purpose in life, my groundedness wihout devoting my life to the lord. And when I am sad, he comforts me, he whispers to me. And I do my best to be aware and listen for his guidance when I seek out love and friendship and success in life.

Seek ye first the kingdom of god and all else will be given unto you....
Matthew 6:33 "Set your hearts on god's kingdom first, on on God's saving justice, and all these other things will be given you as well"