Before God we are all equally wise – and equally foolish.
Imagination is more important than knowledge…
It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.
A Cord of Three Strands: The Gift of Friendship
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up…
A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
Friendship.
A true, soul-deep kind of friendship.
One who knows you, understands you, stands beside you, and lifts you up when life gets heavy.
The writer of Ecclesiastes understood something timeless and profound: We were never meant to do life alone.
God, in His perfect wisdom, designed us for relationship—first with Him, and then with one another. He placed in us a need not only for shelter and sustenance, but for connection. Companionship. Care. Shared laughter, shared burdens, shared journeys.
Why Two Are Better Than One
Ecclesiastes 4 paints a clear and tender picture of the value of friendship:
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Two people working together accomplish more—and get to celebrate those victories together.
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When one falls, the other can lift them up.
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In moments of need, in the coldness of life’s challenges, true friends offer warmth—emotional, spiritual, even physical.
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In battle—whether literal or metaphorical—having someone by your side makes you stronger, steadier, safer.
And then that beautiful final line:
“A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Friendship is powerful on its own—but when God is woven into the center of that relationship, it becomes unbreakable.
What Friendship Looks Like in Real Life
Researchers like Robert B. Hayes and Paul H. Wright have spent years studying friendship. They offer language for what many of us have felt deeply but maybe never fully put into words.
Hayes speaks of four meaningful behaviors that shape friendship:
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Companionship – the simple joy of sharing time and space together
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Consideration – helpfulness, thoughtfulness, showing up
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Communication – open exchange of thoughts, stories, and truths
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Affection – expressing care, love, and value for one another
Wright adds five friendship values:
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Utility – helping with practical needs
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Stimulation – sparking new ideas, growth, and curiosity
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Ego support – encouraging us, especially after setbacks
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Self-affirmation – reinforcing our true identity and strengths
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Security – being a safe, trustworthy, and reliable presence
What a gift it is when a friendship reflects even just a few of these qualities—let alone all of them.
Even Jesus Had Friends
John 11:5 tells us that Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.
He accepted their hospitality.
He grieved when Lazarus died.
He was present in their everyday, ordinary lives—and He loved them.
Jesus—who needed nothing—chose friendship.
And in doing so, He showed us that being fully alive requires more than just survival. It requires love.
Friendship as a Divine Gift
True friendship is not just a bonus. It’s a blessing.
It’s one of the ways God shows His care and presence to us—through human hearts that listen, encourage, pray, and walk beside us.
When we’re lonely, He sends someone to remind us we’re seen.
When we’re weary, He brings someone to help carry the load.
When we’re celebrating, He gives us someone to laugh with.
In a world that often pulls people apart, the gift of a friend who walks with you is something sacred.
A Final Thought
If you have friends like this—thank God for them. Nurture those relationships. Show up, speak love, and keep that cord strong.
If you’re longing for deeper connection, pray for it. Ask God to send people into your life who reflect His heart. And be willing to be that kind of friend for someone else.
Because in a world that’s often cold and overwhelming, two are better than one.
And when God is in the middle, that friendship becomes something even more unshakable.
“A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Another Random Quote
“Do not make the mistake of confusing composure with ease.”
Tuvok on Star Trek:Voyager
Remembering How to Dance
“You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
— Psalm 16:11
“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”
— Psalm 32:11
“Well done, good and faithful servant…
Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
— Matthew 25:23
Tonight, while working out (of all things!), I was reminded that God can use the oddest, most unexpected moments to help us grow—and to bring us back to life in Him.
For a long time, I lost sight of joy.
Not intentionally, not dramatically—but slowly, quietly, in a way that crept in without me even noticing.
The Long Season of Too-Tight Shoes
There was a season in my life when everything was about living soberly, righteously, and—most of all—seriously. I wanted to follow God with my whole heart, and somewhere along the way, I started believing that the only way to do that was by eliminating everything that might be joyful or light.
What else did I need to cleanse from my life?
What was I doing wrong?
Which kinds of music should I forgo?
How much more fabric should I add to my wardrobe?
Where else was I failing—God, my husband, my children, my friends?
The joy was gone.
The freedom was gone.
And slowly, so was I.
The Moment It Hit Me
One day, while watching a favorite TV show (one of the few guilty pleasures I allowed myself), a character said something that stopped me in my tracks:
“My shoes are too tight… but it doesn’t matter, for I’ve forgotten how to dance.”
And just like that, something clicked.
I remembered how I used to dance—literally. I used to dance around the house with headphones on, moving while I cooked or cleaned, letting the rhythm bring me joy. It wasn’t about performance. It was about delight. About freedom. About worship.
But somewhere along the way, I had stopped.
Not just dancing—but laughing.
Enjoying.
Living.
I had given up the lightness of life, the humor, the joy of being fully and freely myself in the presence of a God who delights in me.
Laughter Is a Language of the Kingdom
“A merry heart does good, like medicine…”
— Proverbs 17:22a
Laughing is more than just a reaction—it’s an expression of joy that comes straight from the heart of God. Humor is edifying. Encouraging. Healing.
Colossians 3:23 tells us:
“Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord…”
And that “whatever” includes dancing.
It includes laughter.
It includes joy.
Laughter and music are two of God’s greatest gifts. They allow us to express our hearts, our hope, our dreams, even our pain. And sometimes? The best source of humor is the person staring back at me in the mirror.
I’ve learned that laughing at myself—not in shame, but in grace—is a sign of healing. A sign that I’m beginning to see myself the way God does: fully known, fully loved.
Learning to Dance Again
It’s not always easy to walk out of bondage.
Legalism can feel so noble, so disciplined, so holy.
But it’s empty when it’s joyless.
Joy is part of our inheritance.
And every day, God is gently teaching me how to dance again.
To move when He leads.
To hear His music, even if it’s different than the one others hear.
To let my feet follow the rhythm of grace.
And you know what?
It’s okay if I’m the only one in the room dancing.
Because He is there with me.
I’m taking off the too-tight shoes.
And I’m putting on the ones that were made for me—shoes of peace, joy, and freedom.
I’m learning to dance again.
And I’m doing it joyfully.
Being the Church
Romans 16:1-16 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has nee of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquilla, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved persis, who labored much in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philogus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.
Sometimes in our culture, we can forget that the church is not a building, not a place nor activity. It’s easy at times to forget that we are the church. This is not a passage which is studied often or preached on a great deal but it’s one which I personally find very encouraging. Throughout the passage, believers are mentioned by name and the emphasis is on unity in the faith and the individual members which make up the Church of Christ. Each name listed stands as a challenge to us today to follow the Lord ever more closely and serve His people ever more diligently.
First there was Phoebe, a Christian sister who deserved to be welcomed and befriended. There are several things we can learn from her example. The name Phoebe is one of the names of the goddess Diana which leads many scholars to believe she was a convert from a pagan religion. (Actually, when you get right down to it, aren’t we all?) Paul calls her “our sister,” meaning a sister in the faith of Christ. Phoebe was a servant (diakonon) of the church at Cenchrea. This is the same word as deacon. She apparently served in some official capacity in her local church. Paul gives two reasons the believers should welcome Phoebe: first believers are to always welcome and befriend other believers in a manner worthy of the saints. The church is not an exclusive club nor a society of cliques. Secondly, Phoebe had been a helper (prostasis) of many. This word implies that she helped, protected, looked after, and provided for many people. Our example from Phoebe? We are to be servants of the church, constantly ministering to all who are in need.
Next there is Priscilla and Aquilla, a hospitable couple who opened their homes even as they risked death. They were close companions of Paul and were originally residents of Rome. In AD 52, the Roman emperor, Claudius, banished the Jews from Rom and this couple moved to Corinth. They were tentmakers and went into business for a while with Paul. Later, they traveled with Paul to Ephesus where they eventually settled. Throughout their moves, their chief characteristics were an open home and open hearts. They received the young preacher, Apollos, into their home to instruct him in the faith. They opened their Ephesian and Roman homes to church meetings. Paul mentioned that they saved his life, risking their own necks for him. What can we learn from them? Hospitality, helping fellow believers in ministry, and a willingness to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of other believers.
Next in the list is Epaenetus, a courageous new convert. He was probably a member of the household of Stephanas whose house is said to have been the first fruits of Achaia (1 Cor. 16:15). Imagine the real courage it would have taken to become the first convert to Christ in the middle of a pagan culture! Think about the changed life and the surrendering of himself to Jesus. Imagine the attitudes and reactions of his loved ones, friends, and neighbors – ridicule, misunderstandings, questioning, mocking, withdrawal, isolation. From Epaenetus we can learn true courage.
Then there was Mary, a lady who labored much. Notice that Mary was a member of the Roman church and Paul had yet to go to Rome at the time of this letter writing. Therefore, Mary must have ministered to him elsewhere. In fact she labored so much for Paul and his fellow workers that he commends here for this service. We have no idea exactly how she served, but we can learn the value of diligent service from Mary.
Andronicus and Junia were early converts who were imprisoned with Paul. They were perhaps man and wife as Junia is a woman’s name. The things we know about them are interesting. We know that they were related to Paul in some way and were imprisoned with him at some point in his ministry. They were known and highly esteemed by the apostles of Christ and they were believers before Paul, becoming believers before Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60). They were well known for their willingness to stand up for Christ and to bear testimony for Him, even if it meant imprisonment or death. May we also be so willing.
Amplias simply has the testimony of being beloved by a minister of the Gospel. This indicates that he was a man of remarkable love, a man who greatly loved others and was greatly loved by others. “By this shall all men know ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another.” John 13:35
Urbanus was a helper, that is, a fellow worker in the ministry. There are three things here I find noteworthy. He was a man who worked side by side with Paul. He was a man of unusual diligence and he was a man of unusual faithfulness who was loyal to Christ wherever he travelled. He faithfully witnessed and served wherever he travelled.
Stachys is also called my beloved by Paul. He was a believer who was characterized by the greatest of all traits – love. Just imagine the strength of a man whose dominant feature is love! Apelles was a believer who had been tried and found faithful. Apparently, he had faced some great trial and had stood up against it, proving his loyalty beyond question. As far as I know, he was a lay believer yet he stood fast against suffering, trusting the presence of God’s Spirit to carry him through the trial. Personally, I love the term “approved in Christ.” What an endorsement!!!
Those who were of the household of Aristobulus were slaves who were owned by Aristobulus, Herod the Great’s grandson. From this I learn that, no matter where we are, no matter our station in life, Christ loves us. Herodian was another relative of Paul (there’s no reason for translating suggene as countryman instead of relative). This reminds me to be faithful to witness to my family.
Paul then greets the believers in the household of Narcissus. Narcissus was probably the wealthy secretary to the Emperor Claudius and determined the appointments of the Emperor and amassed a great fortune from kickbacks (William Barclay). It’s important here to note that these believers were so faithful in Christ that they stood up for Him even in this kind of a home environment. One of the greatest problems believers face is living with unbelievers. Yet, these slaves in this very prominent household were able to maintain their faithfulness to Christ. We are called to follow Christ, even if, as the hymn says, none go with me.
Tryphena and Tryphosa were two women who labored much in the Lord. The name Tryphena means dainty and the name Tryphosa means delicate. The word labored here means working to the point of exhaustion, toiling to the point of collapse. These two dainty, delicate women worked like horses for the Lord and His church. Persis was a beloved woman who also worked hard in the Lord. She was a woman of such love and ministry that others looked on her as the “beloved Persis.” She labored every which way she was able.
Rufus, chosen in the Lord, was a saintly man. Note the word chosen. Paul does not say chosen by the Lord but chosen in the Lord. The emphasis here is not election (no matter our belief in this area). The emphasis is on a tenderness, a preciousness, and a warmth – an intimate relationship between the Lord and Rufus. He was set apart and had an intimate relationship with Christ. Rufus was probably the son of Simon the Cyrenian who carried the cross for Jesus (Mark 15:21). What an impact this must have had on his life – watching his father carry the cross of our Lord! We can learn to be set apart for Christ – to remember the impact of the crucifixion and how it forever changed us.
Rufus’s mother is mentioned next and Paul calls her his mother in the Lord. On several occasions, she cared for Paul as a mother cares for her own son. When Paul needed a mother nearby, he knew he could count on her. Do we treat fellow believers like family? Can they count on us in times of need?
Several more servants of the Lord are named about whom we know little. Then Paul exhorts us to greet each other in the same manner as these saints, reminding us that we are also servants and fellow workers in the Lord. It’s a good reminder to remain faithful to the Lord and to the fellowship of His people.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Jars Beneath the Apple Tree: The Quiet Bravery of Irena Sendler
This week, I came across the story of a woman whose name, until recently, I didn’t even know. And yet, she is now etched in my heart as one of the bravest souls of the 20th century.
Her name was Irena Sendler.
She passed away at the age of 98, but the legacy she left behind—quiet, fierce, and faith-filled—continues to speak volumes.
Irena was just 29 years old when she began her mission to rescue Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland. She ultimately saved the lives of 2,500 children—not through grand speeches or battlefield heroics, but through daily, gritty, sacrificial courage.
A Life Hidden in Service
Irena was a Polish social worker in Warsaw. At a time when most people were shrinking back in fear, she leaned forward into the darkness. She worked in the city’s Social Welfare Department, using her position to provide aid to Jewish families—registering them under false Christian names and disguising the support as medical assistance to avoid Nazi inspections.
In 1942, when the Nazis sealed off the Warsaw Ghetto, corralling hundreds of thousands of Jews into a 16-block space, Irena knew she had to do more. She joined Zegota, the Polish underground resistance group, and quickly became one of its first and most active members.
With a pass from the Warsaw Epidemic Control Department in hand, she entered the Ghetto daily—bringing food, medicine, and clothing… and slowly, quietly, smuggling children out.
“Can You Guarantee They Will Live?”
Convincing terrified parents to hand over their children—many of whom would never see them again—was perhaps the hardest part of her work.
“Can you guarantee they will live?” the parents would ask.
Irena’s answer was painfully honest: “I can only guarantee they will die if they stay.”
Children were smuggled out in body bags, potato sacks, toolboxes, even coffins. Some entered churches through the Ghetto side and exited into the Aryan part of the city with new identities. Irena gave each of them false names and placed them with willing Polish families, convents, and orphanages.
She recorded every child’s real and new name in coded form and buried those notes in jars beneath an apple tree across the street from a German barracks. She hoped one day she could reunite the children with their families.
Faith in Action
Irena wore a star armband in solidarity with the Jews she served. She worked closely with churches and religious institutions, relying heavily on the hospitality of nuns and faithful volunteers who risked everything to protect the children.
“I sent most of the children to religious establishments,” she said. “I knew I could count on the Sisters.”
She later remarked that no one ever refused to take a child from her.
Her faith—so clearly woven through every action—was quiet, unwavering, and deeply rooted in love and sacrifice.
Tortured, But Never Broken
In 1943, the Nazis discovered her activities. She was arrested, imprisoned, and tortured. Her legs and feet were broken. She was sentenced to death.
But Zegota intervened once again, bribing a guard to spare her life. Irena escaped, though she lived the rest of her life under constant threat. Still, she never gave up.
After the war, she returned to dig up those jars, using them to track down the children and try to reconnect them with surviving relatives. Many had lost their families forever, but they remembered her face… and her code name: Jolanta.
A Legacy Buried and Unearthed
Though Irena saved 2,500 lives, her story remained largely untold for decades. There were no textbooks. No Hollywood films. No history class mention.
And yet—God knew.
Her bravery wasn’t born from recognition. It was born from compassion.
From love.
From a heart that saw the value of every life.
*“In my dreams,” she once said, “I still hear the cries when they left their parents.”
The Lessons We Carry
Irena Sendler’s life reminds us of what it truly means to serve others.
It reminds us that courage doesn’t always roar—sometimes it whispers through cracked doors and hidden jars.
That faith can look like showing up every day in quiet defiance of evil.
That God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
She didn’t ask for fame.
She didn’t seek applause.
She just did what was right, no matter the cost.
And in doing so, she showed us what love looks like.
A Final Word
We may never be called to face what Irena faced.
But we are called to love.
To protect.
To speak up.
To act boldly, with compassion and conviction.
May we be brave in our obedience, tender in our courage, and faithful in our calling—whatever it may be.
“A threefold cord is not easily broken.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:12
You can read more of Irena’s story here: http://www.auschwitz.dk/Sendler.htm
Love is something that we do
“But Ruth said:
‘Entreat me not to leave you,
or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
and your God, my God.
Where you die, I will die,
and there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
if anything but death parts you and me.’”
— Ruth 1:16–17
We all express love differently.
Some say it with words.
Others say it with hugs or gifts or time.
But perhaps the most powerful “I love you” we can give—or receive—is one shown in action.
That’s exactly what we see in the story of Ruth and Naomi.
Love That Stays
After both women lost their husbands, Naomi told Ruth to return to her own people. To start fresh. To go back to what was familiar. Ruth had every reason to walk away and begin again.
But instead, she stayed.
And in staying, she said more than any words could.
“Where you go, I will go.
Your people will be my people.
Your God will be my God.”
Ruth’s love for Naomi wasn’t loud or flashy. It was quiet, steady, and deeply sacrificial.
She didn’t offer flowery speeches—she offered her life.
Love That Provides
Later in the story, Ruth continues to express her love by working tirelessly to provide for them both. She doesn’t demand anything from Naomi. She simply serves.
And Naomi, in turn, guides Ruth with wisdom—leading her toward Boaz, a kind and honorable man who would become a source of protection and provision.
Boaz, too, reveals his heart not just through what he says, but what he does.
He steps in as a kinsman-redeemer—caring for Ruth and Naomi without hesitation, ensuring their safety and future.
We Don’t Always Hear “I Love You” With Words
Not everyone is comfortable saying the words.
Sometimes, love doesn’t come through a declaration—it comes through a gesture.
A meal brought when you’re too tired to cook.
A quiet presence when you’re grieving.
A listening ear. A shared task. A thoughtful note. A patient kindness.
We may not always hear “I love you” out loud,
but if we’re paying attention, we’ll hear it in the actions of others.
And we can speak it that way, too.
Love That Redeems
The story of Ruth is about more than one woman’s loyalty.
It’s a picture of God’s redeeming love.
Boaz foreshadows the ultimate Redeemer—Jesus—who didn’t just speak love with words, but with His life.
He came for us.
He stayed with us.
He gave everything for us.
And now, we are called to reflect that same kind of love in the lives of others—steadfast, sacrificial, and real.
A Final Thought
Who has shown you love lately—not through words, but through presence, service, and grace?
And how might God be calling you to do the same?
May we be like Ruth—faithful in the quiet ways.
May we be like Boaz—quick to serve and provide.
And most of all, may we reflect the love of Christ—who shows us, again and again, what love in action really looks like.
Knitted Together in Spirit: The Gift and Calling of Christian Fellowship
“And they continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.”
— Acts 2:42
The early Church was marked by something powerful, something deeply countercultural: true fellowship.
Not just shared meals.
Not just showing up in the same space on a Sunday morning.
But a spiritual oneness that went beyond friendship or community—something Spirit-wrought and soul-deep.
They were in one accord—united in purpose, devotion, joy, and simplicity of heart.
And they lived it out daily.
Fellowship: More Than Social Connection
Today, we use the word “fellowship” in a lot of contexts—church potlucks, small group events, ministry outings. But true biblical fellowship is far more than shared social time.
It’s more than an association or a club.
It’s more than participation in a shared cause.
True Christian fellowship is something the Holy Spirit creates.
It’s something He does in us and among us.
The Spirit Who Knits Us Together
When we become believers, the Spirit of God comes to dwell within us. And that same Spirit, dwelling in each of us, begins to bind our hearts to one another.
He creates a union—deeper than shared interests or personality compatibility.
He unites our lives.
He shapes our purposes.
He knits our hearts together.
Through the Spirit, we become one body.
We share burdens.
We share joys.
We share gifts.
We grow together, serve together, weep and worship together.
This kind of fellowship isn’t optional. It’s part of the life we’re called into.
Christianity Is Personal—But Never Private
Faith begins as a personal relationship with Christ.
But it never stays there.
It immediately extends outward—drawing us into relationship with others.
Christianity makes me a saint.
But Christianity is made up of saints.
We are part of something much bigger than ourselves—a living, breathing, growing body of believers.
A spiritual organism that becomes a spiritual organization.
Not built on rules or hierarchy, but on grace, love, humility, and service.
We are called to live out the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
And we can only do that in relationship with others.
What a Gift Fellowship Really Is
Sometimes we forget what a gift it is to be part of the Body of Christ.
To be accepted.
To be encouraged.
To find others who understand, support, and challenge us.
To feel our hearts knit together by something (Someone) far greater than shared preferences or personalities.
God requires us to live in fellowship.
But more than that, He blesses us through it.
A Final Thought
If you’ve ever felt disconnected or unsure about the role of community in your faith—remember this:
We weren’t meant to walk alone.
We weren’t made to grow in isolation.
We were designed—created—for fellowship.
To laugh together.
To serve together.
To eat with gladness and simplicity of heart.
To carry one another’s burdens.
To be one in Spirit and purpose.
Let the Holy Spirit draw your heart to others.
Be willing to connect.
Be open to receive.
And watch how God blesses and builds His people—together.
Random Quotes
Some random quotes which make me think…..
“The ability to ask the right question is more than half the battle of finding the right answer”– Thomas Watson
“The person who knows he’s right never needs to ask questions”– proverb
“When you shoot an arrow of truth, dip its point in honey”– Arab proverb
“Don’t just throw the seed at the people! Grind it into flour, bake it into bread, and slice it for them. And it wouldn’t hurt to put a little honey on it.”– Charles Spurgeon
“When you are on the wrong train there is no point in running along the corridor in the opposite direction”– Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.”– Paul, tentmaker
Quote from Ann Graham Lotz
… from Just Give Me Jesus
“When we face an impossible situation, all self-reliance and self-confidence must melt away; we must be totally dependent on Him (Jesus) for the resources.”
Run with Patience 