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Showing posts from June, 2024

THE ART OF MAKING FRIENDS

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The first step to making friends is to be open and approachable.  This means being warm, smiling often, and making eye contact.  Show genuine interest in others by asking questions and listening attentively.  People are naturally drawn to those who make them feel heard and valued. Find Common Interests Shared interests are a strong foundation for friendships. Join clubs, groups, or communities that align with your hobbies and passions. Whether it’s a book club, a hiking group, or a local volunteer organization, these settings provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and bond over common activities Take the Initiative Don't wait for others to make the first move. Invite potential friends to coffee, lunch, or a group activity. Taking the initiative demonstrates your interest in getting to know them better and can help overcome the initial awkwardness that often accompanies new relationships. Be Genuine Authenticity is key to forming lasting friendships. Be yourself and l

WILL I SEE YOU IN HEAVEN

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  The hope of reunion in Heaven with loved ones who have passed on is a source of comfort and anticipation for many. Reunion with Loved Ones? According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV), believers anticipate a future reunion: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." This passage assures us of a joyful reunion with those who have died in faith. Are We Going to Have Memories in Heaven? While specifics about our experience in Heaven are not detailed in Scripture, there are indications that our identities and relationships may continue in a transformed state. Continuity of Identity? Revelation 21:4 (NIV) promises, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no mor

THE PROXIMITY AND VICINITY OF GOD

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  In the vast tapestry of human experience, few concepts resonate as deeply or universally as the idea of God's proximity and vicinity.  These notions touch the core of spirituality, offering solace, guidance, and a profound sense of connection.  But what do we mean when we talk about God's proximity and vicinity, and how can we experience this divine presence in our everyday lives? Proximity refers to nearness in space, time, or relationship.  When we speak of God's proximity, we consider the intimate closeness of the divine presence in our lives.  This closeness isn't necessarily physical but deeply felt in the body, mind, and spirit. Vicinity   denotes the area surrounding a particular place or person.  When we contemplate the vicinity of God, we're thinking about the space around us that is imbued with the divine essence.  It suggests that God's presence envelops us, creating a sacred sphere in which we live and move. Many religious traditions assert that G

THE GOD WHO SEES

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  Life is a journey filled with a series of ups and downs, and sometimes it’s hard not to get bogged down by our current circumstances.  Our perspective is often limited, colored by our experiences, fears, and hopes.  We see things through the lens of our immediate reality, but there's another perspective – GOD'S! From where I stand, my life can often feel overwhelming.  I juggle numerous responsibilities: work, family, friends, and personal goals.  There are days when it feels like I'm barely keeping my head above water.  The weight of financial worries, health concerns, and relationship strains can seem insurmountable.  Each challenge looms large, casting a shadow over my ability to see beyond the immediate problem. I see my failures and shortcomings starkly.  Every mistake is magnified, every misstep a marker of inadequacy. The future is a vast, uncertain expanse filled with potential pitfalls.  I find myself questioning if I'm on the right path or if I have what it