"My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition regarding the King; My

tongue is the pen of a ready writer." Psalm 45:1

A small poster occupies a highly visible space on the wall of my office. Three darling poodles

with wide, inquisitive eyes are asking: "Now that we're organized what do we do?" As a

contributing editor with a number of topics to be sorted out, that pretty well describes my

mental state at this moment. Could I be experiencing writer's block again, I wonder? Oh, surely not so soon - it's must be the decisions of settling on a topic; there are so many to choose from.

A fitting and appropriate beginning to this series would be an act of courtesy and appreciation to a neat lady and good friend. We all have varying interpretations of the snippet "Sisters by birth, Friends by choice". I am dedicating this article to my sister, who has been a contributing on a number of online sites. Sis has been an inspiration and encouraged me to "go for it" in trying my hand at writing. I learned much from her; she's light years ahead of me in this business of writing, editing and such. She’s also older than me – a personal joke between the two of us.

Our style of writing and expression of thought is definitely different and our chosen subjects are worlds apart. Sis has always loved flowers and gardening which is probably why her front yard is gorgeous. In contrast my front yard is filled with crushed rock with a border of shrubbery. I, too love flowers, but am not willing to trade the beauty for the backache. After all, I'm supposed to be retired!

Webster’s defines a friend as one attached to another by respect or affection. The King James

Concordance defines a friend as an intimate associate. My husband and I have friends that we

see only on rare occasion. Because our friendship is based on trust which has been built throughout the years, we are free to share our joys as well as our sorrows. When we get

together it seems that no time has elapsed. We are comfortable with our friendship, because

there is a long standing experience of sincere Christian trust between us. Friendships are also based on mutual need, family ties or business relationships. There are many types of friendships - I touch only on a few.

Friendship based on mutual need can be stifling, friendship based on family ties sometimes falls

into the category of kindness on demand. Business relationships are often frustrating and complex. We would probably not choose our peers in business as personal friends, but a degree of friendship is required if the business is to succeed. A Friendship Survey was recently conducted by a fourth grade class in Canada. The students surveyed 198 people on what is most important in a friendship. The ratings came in as follows: Number one - trust. Number two - friends help each other. Ranking number three - they enjoy doing things together. Number three was a little surprising to me; in this fast paced life I tend to accept or reject people casually based on varying criteria, but have never consciously thought about having fun with them as being as a criteria; fun just happens among friends. Having or being a friend is a challenge, not something to be taken lightly. One Bible commentary defines trust as to confide in, or rely on.

If Christians cannot trust other Christians, it will be difficult for them to trust God. Conversely, if they cannot trust God, they will have difficulty trusting others, or even themselves. Job leaves little doubt about his trust in God in his passage: "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him..." (Referring to God) Job 13:15. When we read the broader passage, Satan was actually permitted by God to test Job up to be not including death.

Another excellent illustration can be found in the story of Ruth and Naomi. With these definitions of friendship in mind, begin a journey with me through the pages of the book of Ruth, in the Old Testament. The story begins with famine in the land of Judah. Naomi, her husband and two sons left the land of Judah in search of food.

Scripture says "they entered the land of Moab and remained there." The story continues: "In time, Naomi's husband died, and she was left with two sons, who eventually took wives from the country of Moab; Orpah and Ruth." Timelines are difficult to follow, especially in the Old Testament, but we are told they stayed in Moab about ten years.

Naomi's two sons also died. I try to imagine the heartache and uncertainty she and her daughters-in-law must have faced. Realizing there was now a good supply of food in Judah,

Naomi encouraged her daughters-in-law to return to their mother's homes in Moab and she would return to Judah. Orpah eventually decided to remain in Moab, but Ruth was bound by a love for her mother-in-law which she could not easily dismiss. She gives a most heart wrenching display of love and devotion when she cries out "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me and worse, if anything but death parts you and me". (Ruth 1: 16, 17)

In her book "Women of Character Bible Studies" author Carolyn Nystrom gives us a beautiful

picture of friendship when she writes, "Many threads weave through the fabric of a woman's

life-relating to family, spouse and friends, connecting with God. Patient and skillful fingers are required to pull together the threads of many colors into a pleasing tapestry. And the eyes must be trained to picture what God has in mind."

An unknown author writes: "Friendship is a strange thing. We find ourselves telling each

other the deepest details of our lives . . . things we don't even share with the families who

raised us. But what is a friend? A confidant? A shoulder to cry on? An ear to listen? A heart to

feel? A friend is all of these . . . and more.

No matter where we met, no matter how long we've been together . . . I call you friend. A word so small, yet so large in feeling, a word filled with emotion, a word overflowing with love.

Truly great things come in small packages. Once the package of trusting friendship has been opened, it can never be closed. It is a constant book always waiting to be read and enjoyed. We may have our disagreements . . . we may argue . . . we may concern one another . . .

friendship is a unique bond that lasts through all tribulations. A part of each of us goes into

our friendships; our humor, our experiences, even our tears. My friend’s family recently experienced a dreadful experience. She and her husband were not the only ones weeping in the courtroom – almost all of us wept with and for them. Through the prayers and tears God showed His favor on this situation.

Friendships are foundations . . . necessary for life . . . and love. Friends . . . you and me . . . you brought another friend and then we were three . . . we started our group . . . Our circle of friends. . . there is no beginning . . . there is no end." With these thought I leave you for this time. We will perhaps continue to walk with Ruth and Naomi and continue to explore their friendship and love and how it relates to this time and place in history. Such love can only be inspired by the Holy Spirit. May His blessings rest on you until we meet again in print.