Friends are a Blessing

Don't forget to enter our giveaway which ends 11/30 at noon!

Just yesterday, a friend of mine brought over a bag full of clothing her daughter had grown out of. Although it does not fit String Bean, yet, it will soon! Mr. Bean and I have been so blessed to have numerous friends who have given hand-me-downs in the last year. One friend, who was done having kids, gave us all the furniture for String Bean's nursery. We were so blessed to not have to purchase a crib, changing table, 2 gliders, a high chair, or numerous toys that were gently used.

How have your friends been a blessing to you lately? Post here and let us know!

If you know me in real life and have need for baby food, I have lots to unload. String Bean has decided she's too mature for baby food and we'd love to bless you with some!

The Annointing, cont.

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16 (NIV)

Today after church, Peanut was anointed with oil and prayed over by the elders of our church. Filbert and I sat on chairs in the middle of the room with Peanut on Filbert's lap. One of the associate pastors read Scripture and then spread oil on Peanut's forehead in the shape of a cross. One by one the men who were gathered around us began to pray. We had given them an update on Peanut's progress and our concerns at the beginning so they knew our particular requests for this occasion. They did not limit themselves, though, to just what we asked. What a blessing it was to hear these men ask on our behalf what we didn't even know we needed. Peanut's grandparents were all able to be there and listened in with great emotion.

The Words We Say

I've found myself in a position of having to report someone for the words they've said. I *think* those words were said innocently, but how can I know for sure? Did the other party take it as an innocent joke between friends or not?

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23 (NASB)

I'm reminded of my constant need to be careful of what I say for "from the same mouth come blessing and cursing." (James 3:10, NASB)

I prefer to be a blessing.