Encouragement From the Flock
What Is A Friend?

Hi Ladies,

What is a friend? According to the dictionary it is a person who knows and likes another, a person who favors and supports. I have been blessed with many friends over the years and I stay in close contact with almost all of them. They live all over these beautiful United States. Oregon, Idaho, New Mexico, and California just to name a few places and then not to forget my dear friends here in South Dakota. 

The computer has made it easier to stay in touch with each other and I'm thankful for that. There were 5 of us girls that were close friends during grade school, junior high, and high school. In fact, 3 out of 5 of us went to Beauty school together. As we grew up 3 out of 5 of us became Christians, and I pray the other 2 will also make that decision someday.

Cheryl, (the best friend I had from my childhood) just went to be with the Lord on June 11, 2002 at the young age of 52. We were close friends for 46 years. She lived out the verse Philippians 4: 13 to all of the people who knew her ..."1 can do everything through him who gives me strength."  Cheryl had diabetes for the last 10 years and as a result had many complications. Her last 4 years were very difficult but she maintained a positive attitude, a great sense of humor, and a peace that only God could have given her. Like John 14:27 says: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

Cheryl was a good example during a very difficult time and I never remember hearing her complain.  When I came home from running errands on Wednesday, June 5th.  There was a message from Cheryl's daughter (Amanda). Cheryl wanted to talk to me.  She had been in the hospital for a few days at that point. I called and got to talk to Cheryl for about 10 minutes.  We had a wonderful visit.  We talked, and laughed, cried and prayed together. 

She wanted to say good-bye until we meet again in heaven.  It was a precious time and I'll be forever grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to talk to her one last time on this earth. She passed away less than a week later.  I was unable to go to her funeral as it was in Idaho.  I was able to fax a letter to her family that was to be read at the service and so I did get to be part of the celebration of Cheryl's' life. 

My dear friend (Judy) was coming here for a visit on June 20th-24th. We were neighbors in Oregon and now she lives in Idaho.  Judy's trip had been planned for a couple of months in advance. God is so good He knew I really needed Judy's visit at that time, right after Cheryl passed away.  We had such a good time, doing the things that friends like to do together. Like shopping and eating and praying and praising the Lord for all of our blessings. We've known each other for 21 years already.  How the time flies.  Judy is like a sister I've never had. 

We get to see each other almost every year. She was very instrumental in me becoming a Christian about 20 years ago. Our former Pastors wife (Kaye) and Judy were praying for me and sharing the gospel with me. Well, their prayers were answered.

Thank you, Jesus!

I have found some dear friends here at Bible Fellowship Church and am looking forward to spending more time with them.  I'm also looking forward to meeting some new ladies and getting to know them as well. Now let me tell you about my dear friend, Jesus.

My goal is to get to know Him better by spending more time in prayer and in reading and studying and meditating on God's word.  My love for Him grows deeper all the time.  My desire is to share Jesus with my other friends that do not know Him yet.

In His Love,

Sandy Dickey