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Freedom Friday – On Friendship With God

October 10, 2014 by Patti 5 Comments

04-My backyard 033

She’s baaaacccck . . . Oh nooo . . . poor Mr. OTN!

Last night when Mr. OTN came home from working another 12-hour day of kicking disease’s hiney and taking names, we sat down to dinner and I launched right into a review of my exciting day:

*I talked to the grass man and we need to put flags on all of the sprinkler heads before they come out to treat and re-seed the grass.

*I talked to the floor man and he will be coming on Tuesday morning to bring sample colors for us to pick from for refinishing the hardwood floors.  By the way, we will need to make sure all of our furniture is moved off the hardwoods (never mind that we just moved everything in) before he arrives!

*I talked to a nice man at Home Depot who helped me find the perfect sized sheet metal screws that I needed to finish putting together the new living room end tables.

*And oh yes, my chandelier crystals came in the mail – WOOT! – to dress up my thrifted kitchen chandy.

 I ended this one way discourse by telling him that it had been a very good day.

Mr. OTN listened to the best of his ability (too exhausted to comment) and then retired to the den to watch a few minutes of Thursday night football and the news (simultaneously) before retiring to bed.

As I picked up the dinner dishes I mulled over the significance of what had just happened.  Laying my work aside I went into the den and asked him, “Can you tell I’m feeling happier?  Did you notice that I’m more talkative then I’ve been in weeks (it’s a fact that words tend to bubble out of my mouth when I’m feeling happy)?  I think the old Patti is back!  Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

He says it’s a good thing.

16-My backyard 015FREEDOM FRIDAY – The name of a new devotional, emotional, spiritual and sometimes hysterical series that I will be sharing on occasional Fridays, in addition to my regular Old Things New home decor posts.

In my last Freedom Friday post I spoke about times of Feeling Lonely now that we are far away from the place we once called home.  Afterwards, I was so touched by your encouraging comments on this blog, Facebook and via email.  Thank you SO much!  I was also saddened for those of you who experience feelings of loneliness yourselves (I’ll have more for you at the end of this post).

 In that post I also spoke about spending time drawing nearer to God and depending more upon Him to meet my need for friendship.  I shared that in my quiet time with Him I felt as if He was saying to me that He wanted me to “know and be known” by Him in a deeper way.

20-My backyard 006It is getting better indeed as I become more settled into my new home and get to know my way around the community.  We’ve made a decision to settle in for a little (or maybe long) stay at a local cathedral church.  Sorry, I couldn’t help that strike-through . . . the churches here are just so BIG!  I’m NOT yet feeling led to join any small groups within the church or to get busy volunteering right away (I’m too busy talking to grass men and floor men).  I know that could be construed as isolating (a big no-no in Freedom Session) but right now I am enjoying cocooning (something I also spoke about in my last post), drawing nearer to God and spending some very deliberate time seeking His presence.

I’m reading a great book by Dutch Sheets called Pleasure of His Company: A Journey to Intimate Friendship With God.  In Chapter 11, The Spoiler, he makes reference to a man by the name of Obed-Edom who (back in Old Testament days) had the privilege of hosting the ark of the covenant (where God’s presence dwelt) in his home (probably on the screened porch), at King David’s request.  During that time of living in the midst of God’s presence he and his household were blessed in every way and when, at the end of three months, David decided to move the ark to Jerusalem, Obed-Edom packed up and moved his whole household right along with it!  He had become spoiled, or “ruined” for God’s presence.

13-My backyard 021Thankfully we no longer need a holy-of-holies to experience God’s presence as He dwells within each Christ follower in the person of the Holy Spirit.

Tell me, how often do you really stop and think about the fact that His presence is right there with you?  Right there . . . wherever you are.  That’s awesome!

05-My backyard 032

It is also awesome to know that God desires friendship with us.  In fact, that is what He created us for! 

So does He want to be a casual acquaintance type of friend?  No.

Does He want to be a best friend type of friend?  Yes.

For the most part I try to live an authentic life before others but that doesn’t mean baring everything to everybody!  I’ve been fortunate enough to have a few very close friends whom I’ve allowed to see deeper into the real me.  My girls and I have often become quite vulnerable as we’ve opened our hearts to each other.  We’ve entrusted ourselves to one another and in doing so our friendships have grown stronger.  This is the kind of relationship that God desires with us . . . but even more so!

14-My backyard 019In studying about more intimate friendship with God I decided to do a little Obed-Edom challenge to myself.  A couple of weeks ago I dedicated myself to daily seeking God for the next three months.  This doesn’t mean picking up my Bible, doing a daily Bible reading, journaling out a quick response and going my way.  What this means to me is really seeking Him, inviting Him into my space and asking Him to reveal Himself to me.  Then I wait . . . and I listen, inclining my ear toward God, leaning in close to hear what He wants to say to me.  I’m enjoying God’s presence in a new way right HERE . . . on my own screened porch.

The Porch is my Happy Place 001

In this special place I close my eyes and wait for Him.

And He is delighted to reveal Himself to me.

01-My backyard 039Having been very active (translate – BUSY) in Freedom Session for the past four years I realize what a luxury it is to have this time of “cocooning”, with no obligations other than home and family, until the time that we know what God has next for us.

17-My backyard 009I wonder, will this time change me?  Will I, like Obed-Edom, be ruined for God’s presence?  I hope so.  I hope that when we are ready to emerge from our cocoon, nourished, refreshed, and strengthened, we will be different . . .  transformed . . .  and more ready than ever to give back to others from the depths of what God has given us.

02-My backyard 037Now, back to those of you who are still feeling alone and lonely. I hurt for you, I really do, because I still have times of feeling lonely too.  But you know what?  One of the lessons Freedom Session teaches is that there is no excuse for loneliness and that there is actually a cure!  Do you want to know what it is?  It is doing something for someone else.  Even during this cocoon time, our time off from a very demanding ministry, I’m asking God to make me a light to the community around me.  I’m asking Him for words to say to touch the heart of each person I come in contact with . . . including the grass man and the floor man and the hardware store man.  I’m asking Him to make my life a blessing to those around me, especially my husband, who works so hard to provide for his family and gives so much of himself to others.

10-My backyard 026So, I want to encourage you, first of all, to begin actively seeking God’s presence and building a best friend relationship with Him.  Maybe you’ll even want to join me in the Obed-Edom challenge and see if it will change the way you feel.  Take some time to go deeper with Him.  Lean into Him, draw strength from Him and bless Him back with praise and worship.  Next if you are lonely stop looking for someone to be YOUR friend and BE a friend to someone else!  Start small.  Write notes of encouragement to others.  Leave comments on people’s Facebook posts or on the blogs you follow (I have received SO much encouragement myself that way).  Become a secret giver of little gifts to others.  Make eye contact and smile at every person who comes your way (unless you live in NYC – just kidding).  You can even ask God if He will give you a word directly from His heart to share with someone who needs encouragement.  I promise you that YOU will be the one who benefits most from encouraging others. 

As a bonus, from the mouth of Mr. OTN, here is a medical fact for you to ponder:  Did you know that smiling releases endorphins that cause you to feel better?  So smile . . . smile a LOT!  If you are alone smile at yourself in the mirror!  You’ll not only begin to feel better but you’ll look a whole lot nicer too!

18-My backyard 008 The Bible says that Abraham entrusted himself to God and that living a faithful life earned him the title of “God’s friend.” James 2:23 The Voice

The Bible says that the reason we love God is because He first loved us.  1 John 4:19 The Voice

The Bible says, “You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life.
    As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending,
    and I know true joy and contentment.  Psalm 16:11 The Voice

The Porch is my Happy Place 004

PRAYER: 

 Father God, thank you that because of Jesus (and certainly not my own righteousness) you have made me worthy of being called your friend.  Thank you that you actually desire my friendship and that I can talk to you about anything . . . because you already know everything . . and yet love me anyway.  May it not always be about me talking . . . bubbling forth with words of my own . . . but may our friendship be mutually beneficial.  Teach me the art of listening to you.  May our friendship be a blessing to YOU!  Thank you that You are always with me, that you never leave me or forsake me.  Thank you that the life you offer is a beautiful life filled with true joy and contentment.  Amen.

Blessings,

My Signature

I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
 UnderTheTableAndDreaming, TheDIYShowoff, TheTablescaper,LifeOnLakeshoreDrive,
ThreeMangoSeeds,  NiftyThriftyThings,
SundaySoiree,
Monday:
 IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor,  ModVintageLife,  TheDedicatedHouse, UncommonDesigns, WestFurnitureRevival, BoogieboardCottage, HuckleberryLove, CarrieThisHome, Dwellings, AnExtraordinaryDay,
InspireMeMonday,
BetweenNapsOnThePorch
Tuesday:
HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, Elizabeth&Co, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse,  NaptimeCreations, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,NotJustAHousewife, 
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
TwirlAndTakeABow, TheWinthropChronicles, WeCallItJunkin’
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, IvyAndElephants,  DIYByDesign, TheStyleSisters, AdornedFromAbove,
SomedayCrafts, GreenWillowPond, Fishtail Cottage,  TheCityFarmhouse
Thursday:
NoMinimalistHere, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, BeyondThePicketFence, AllThingsWithPurpose, MyRepurposedLife, FromMyFrontPorchToYours, ADelightsomeLife, AKAWeekendRetreat
Friday:
MyRomanticHome, FrenchCountryCottage, MissMustardSeed, ThirtyHandmadeDays, CommonGround, TheShabbyNest, LizMarie, Redoux, JenniferRizzo, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme,  TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday,
 DIYVintageChic,
ShabbyliciousFriday
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, SixSistersStuff, It’sOverflowing, BeDifferentActNormal,
OneMoreTimeEvents,  SayG’DaySaturday

 

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Filed Under: Freedom Friday, Freedom Session, Friendship, Meditation Tagged With: Freedom Friday, Freedom Session, Friendship, Prayer and Meditation

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Comments

  1. Deborah says

    October 11, 2014 at 6:56 am

    I am glad to hear you are feeling less lonely. You are a lovely person who will naturally draw people to you. You will make new friends in no time. You are right that friendship with God is the most important one, and one we all too often put on the back burner. I too am going deeper with God lately. As he says, “Draw near to me, and I will draw near to you.” It is so true. Hugs and prayers for you my friend!
    Deborah

    Reply
  2. Stacey says

    October 11, 2014 at 6:06 pm

    This is such a sweet post and I almost dissolved in tears. I’m going to put Psalm 16:11 in a frame on my desk. There’s so much I could say to all of this but just know that you are smart in my eyes today. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Vicky says

    October 12, 2014 at 7:36 pm

    THANK YOU! Have a great week! The colder weather is coming to Colorado!

    Reply
  4. Deborah says

    October 26, 2014 at 7:24 pm

    I cannot even imagine picking up my life here and moving somewhere else, away from all I know and love. You have born the challenge gracefully and beautifully and I’m so glad you are feeling less lonely and turning your heart and feelings about it over to God. I pray that he blesses you with the best of friends, a wonderful church family and his reassuring presence. Your post was a blessing to me today my friend. Have a good, good week!

    Hugs, Deborah

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Freedom Friday - On Being Relevant says:
    February 13, 2015 at 8:53 pm

    […] next post was on Friendship With God, where I talked about the challenge I gave myself to become more intimate with God by spending more […]

    Reply

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Welcome! I am Perfectly Imperfect Patti and I’d like to invite you to come in and take a seat in this creative space of mine.

I love the process of hunting for orphaned and cast off furniture (particularly my Chosen Chairs) and then taking the time to transform each piece into something new and beautiful. This process allows me to reflect upon my own story of transformation and blesses me over and over with each piece I redesign.

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💜Valentines Day is the day of love!💜 That’ 💜Valentines Day is the day of love!💜 That’s why I chose this day to share the 🎉Grand Opening 🎉of my custom chair design shop on Etsy. Whether you’re in the market for a new chair or not, I would love for y’all to go to my shop and check it out. You might even learn some things about me that you didn’t know before by clicking on the About page. 😉

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“In 1965, Charles Schulz, a devout Christian and “In 1965, Charles Schulz, a devout Christian and creator of the Peanuts comic strip, was asked to create a Christmas special for CBS featuring the Peanuts Characters. He agreed with one requirement, that they allow him to include the story of the birth of Jesus. Although the stations executives were hesitant and tried to convince him otherwise, Schulz was insistent. As a result, for the past 50 plus years, millions of people have watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and heard the story of Jesus and “what Christmas is all about.”

It wasn’t until a few years back that I realized a “hidden message” in the film. Linus, a child who seems to have some insecurities as he carries a security blanket with him at all times. In fact, Linus NEVER drops his blanket, except once....

While sharing the message of “what Christmas is all about,” Linus drops his blanket at the exact moment he says the words, “fear not!”

In this seemingly innocent moment, Linus delivers a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. We are to “fear not”, for Jesus is born. We needn’t rely on material things for security, we have God with us, “Immanuel”, (Matthew 1:23) Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior - the true meaning of Christmas.

Awhile back, someone informed me, indignantly so, that Linus picks up his blanket at the end of the speech so my interpretation must be wrong. Well, he was right, Linus does pick up his blanket at the end of his speech. However, he “drops” it again later... 

Amid big, bright, colorful, shiny artificial trees, Charlie Brown chose the least of these, a little, wooden tree with just a few branches. Shortly thereafter, Linus uses his blanket to wrap about the base of the tree and says, “Maybe it just needs a little love”. In that moment, the tree “awakens”, stands tall and firm. A reminder that no matter who we are, how many mistakes we’ve made, a “little love” can make all the difference.

Let’s strive to “fear not” (Luke 2:10) and “love one another” (John 13:34), not just at Christmastime, but the whole year through.”

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