Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Anchored: Friends Matter

Posted on By jennifer

Last month I “introduced” the word I have chosen for the year.  A word to reflect on.  To use a a guidepost to help keep me focused throughout the year.  That word is anchored.  I blogged about here and discussed my need (and desire) to really “know what I know.”  To really know what I believe in order to withstand.  Whether it is a season of dark days filled with uncertain storm clouds or an actual howling storm, I want to remain steadfast.  And so I must know what is holding me secure.  I have to know the ropes of Bible truths and of God’s promises.  Today, I want to mention two tools I think are essential for learning, recalling and using both truths and promises.

The first might be rather obvious, but it is memorization.  I can almost hear the groaning already.  Why does even the idea of memorizing cause so many of us such angst?  For me, well, I’m getting to that stage where I struggle to remember the simplest of things (like what I had for breakfast on Tuesday)!  The idea of committing something to memory – with the intention to recall – seems, at best, hard and, at worst, just plain painful.  However, I would encourage us that simply because something is a challenge does not mean it is not beneficial.  Or necessary.  We just have to try a bit harder.

Find a system that works for you.  Start small.  Choose one verse (one packed with truth that impacts you) and determine to commit that verse to memory.  If it takes a month, so be it.  Just have it in your memory and ready to recall as soon as the storm winds blow.  Right in the middle of a storm is often the most difficult time to read our Bibles, much less to search for scriptures that will weather us through.  I have an index box and a handful of index cards.  I write verses on the cards and work them through the box.  Each card starts under a “daily” tab.  As I learn it, the card gets moved to a “weekly” tab and, eventually, a “monthly” tab.  In the beginning, I am rehearsing the verse every day.  Then once a week and so on.  It is a system that has worked for me for several years.  But I encouarge you to find a system that works for you.  And then use it.

And (honestly my main thought for today’s post) just as helpful with keeping me focused on truth, and helping me untangle the enemy’s lies, are good friends.  Have you heard the saying, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you the direction of your life”?  Apparently it is a common one.  Often said to teenagers.  However, I heard it for the first time earlier this month.  The truth is our friends impact us.  Often in huge ways.  And, yes, even in this season of life.  I want friends that will both help me weather storms and will rejoice with me once I have endured.  Friends who point me to Jesus and will help me know the Lord more.

There is a familiar Bible story of a lame man who had four friends.  Those friends knew Jesus could help their friend.  They just had to get him to Jesus.  And (eventually) they did!  I have no idea how this all took place or what the interactions might have been between this man with a great need and his four good friends.  However, with a bit of poetic license, I can imagine me with my friends.  I most likely would say something such as, “Oh, don’t bother.  I don’t want to put you out.”  Sounds humble but dark days often make me want to withdraw.  To push people away.  And some friends will walk away. Good friends are a bit more persistent.  I’m sure I would offer excuses.  “Jesus is busy.  He has more important things to do.”  I might even express how embarrassed I am.  I know me.  I would want to be taken back home.  Now. (I might even get snippy.  Shocking, I know, but true).  But then, I would miss the miracle and miss knowing what only God can do.

I am so grateful for friends who will stick with me.  Who will keep me focused on the Lord and not on the storm.  Friends that remind of all He has done in the past.  And what He promises to do again.  Friends matter and, yes, we need all kinds of friends in our circle but we certainly need at least one (or two) “good” and godly friends that will help keep us anchored.  I am thankful for the ones that I have in my life.  And (side note), I hope that I am that type of friend to at least a few.

This has been a bit of a different post for me but I am trying to purposely consider this word for the year.  Anchored.  If you have read this far, thanks.  I hope it was encouraging.  Hard to imagine me getting snippy when someone is simply trying to help.  Might be something else I need to focus on as well!  By the way, the photo above for the Bible story is from freeBibleimages.org  I hope eveyrone has a great weekend ahead!

2026 word for the year - ANCHORED

Comments (14)

  1. Wise words mixed with personal anecdotes are two things that I enjoy a lot about reading your posts. Everything you said about the storms in life is so true. Our faith is so readily tested in the storms. To have Bible verses committed to memory surely helps in the struggle to remain faithful when our world is falling apart. It is the same thing with friends. I’m grateful for mine and it sounds like the Lord has richly blessed you with some wonderful friends. Have a great day and weekend!

  2. What a thought-provoking post, Jennifer! Several of us were having a similar conversation about the friendships made in our early adult years versus the ones made later — how our needs in friendships change during the seasons of our lives. I hope you have a fabulous Friday and wonderful weekend.

    1. I would agree, Robin. The needs in our friendships do change. They have for me in “this season” that I am in. I’m grateful there have been a few enduring friendships that have changed/adapted right along with me. Thankful for new friendships along the way but those long-standing relationships are extra special. Glad you stopped by today!

  3. Oh, Jennifer, I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this post today. I’m a bit late getting around to blog reading today. Our Ladies Bible study group met this morning and then there was lunch with a couple of good friends afterwards.

    First, I totally agree with you about the necessity of memorizing Scripture. I love the method that helps you commit His Word to memory. I do better with committing a portion of Scripture because it keeps everything in context, so I have been writing out Philippians 3, memorizing verse by verse as I write them out. I’m currently on 3:8. Two years ago I memorized Romans 12, and I am reviewing that this year now as well, with the same approach of writing out the verses. I’m at v8 in each of the chapters.

    And I also am blessed that you mentioned “friends” as one of the two tools. Because it is so true…we need those who will be a bit more persistent and will remind us of God’s goodness and how He’s seen us through things before.

    Such a wonderful encouraging post, my friend.

  4. Hi Jennifer. It truly is a gift to be able to write and share, right,? I think in the valleys of life. God remains with us, even when our hearts are breaking. I am deeply sad over the loss of your son so many years ago. I think that must be among the most difficult losses in life. I want to thank you for stopping by Writing Straight from the Heart and for commenting, too. Please stop by any time. SUSAN

  6. Jennifer,
    Beautiful post and full of anchored truth about friends!!!! YES! It is important to have friends like this. 🙂
    I also love the idea of memory work you shared. 🙂 Thank you! Great idea.

  7. I love your idea of memorization cards! I may give that practice a try.

    And we met some friends for lunch on Saturday (we live 3 hours apart but meet halfway), and my spirit was so uplifted and encouraged. Yes, friends are our anchors! Thanks for your anchoring words!

  8. your post was inspirational. I try to be anchored and when life is smooth I am great. If I am physically suffering I am lacking.

  9. Dear Jennifer, good morning! I love that you included starting small. Too often we bite off more than we can chew and we’re left feeling discouraged or defeated.

    And friends. Yes, thank You God, for each and every one. Blogging companions included!

    Thank you for your wise, kind-hearted words. As ever.

  10. Great post. I agree, the right friends, the ones that’ll stick with you in good and bad times.. they are so important.

  11. Hello, Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I always appreciate that. I am thankful for the friends who have helped me stay on track. Many years ago I had a very negative thing happen to me at the church I was attending. I was ready to pitch it all in … forget it. Thankfully, those dear ones helped me during that difficult time.

  12. Thank you for your friendship, Jennifer. Your thoughtful words and reflections are always appreciated.

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