Celebrating With Friends

WRITE2SHINE...

Words to Encourage, Motivate & Inspire

Pressing toward the goal:
"Working towards that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be."
Philippians 4:12 (NLT)

Picture by M.F.S. Photography
Celebrating with Friends...

10th July 2010

This month I'm celebrating with my friend Stephen as he tries to catch me up in age--I think! Won't happen Stephen so stop trying :).

Stephen was called to minister to hurting souls at a very tender age. I was happy that he had recognised the path chosen for him and that he began operating in his calling. I often played the big sister or mother-role, sometimes to his annoyance, I think. I never dreamt that the tables would one day turn. It did. Stephen is younger than I am, yet he has been available to give fatherly advice and encouragement. He provides counsel when its needed and always had a scripture, at the appropriate time, that provided the comfort I needed.

Unfortunately, Stephen also had to sip from the bitter cup of my anger and frustration [while grieving] but yet throughout it all, he remained true to our friendship.   He is one leader that I have watched with delight, as I see love in action [Galatians 5:22-23...patience...gentleness...self-control...]   He helped me to understand the depth of forgiveness which helped with the healing where parental neglect is concerned. Today I celebrate healing from the chains of abandonment/ rejection as I embrace forgiveness. I have forgiven my parents for neglecting me as a child and now our relationship has been given a new lease of life. Hallelujah!

Stephen, thank you for being a vessel, always ready to be used by God. So many times, while the scales were still on, you helped me to see the light and never once judged me. I could have fallen so far from grace had you not been an available vessel. It was sometimes easier to stay in the muck, sinking in self-pity, had you not seen it fit to get your hands a little dirty in helping to revive a dying soul. I thank God for blessing me with you as a friend.

The gift of friendship is certainly one of the many ways God takes care of us. As you celebrate a new year, may you prosper in your marriage, parenting, ministry and your career. May showers of blessings continue to flow your way and as it pours, may God grant you the wisdom to use them to bless others. That's my prayer for you this year. Happy belated birthday my dear friend and many happy returns.

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Later this month as Stephen and his wife Nsambi celebrates their wedding anniversary, my pastor and his wife will also be celebrating their individual birthdays too. So all round I'll be celebrating. I'm just happy that God brought these people in my life--its an opportunity...another reason to celebrate...

Bitter-sweet is how I'll describe my season at present. I had a heart to heart with my mum last week and realised how God is using the current atmosphere to continue my healing and begin my Mum's healing. Thank You Lord! For its Your grace and mercy that brought me through all those struggles and continues to bring me through.

See my testimony "Every Shackle Has Been Broken" on the testimony section. Come back soon as I continue to share how God has been working in my life.

Have a blessed week!

Your Sister in Christ
Janice S Ramkissoon
10/07/2010

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The Lord is evident in everything I see. My hope is that through your contact with me, you'll see the Lord in me.

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