"Friends Are Friends Forever"

"Thank you, Lord. Friends are friends forever." -Javier

"Year 8-Day 330: Today, I’m grateful "Friends are Friends Forever". 

The song lyrics come from the 1980's. It is a Michael W. Smith classic. I will always associate it with Todd and Jill's wedding. It was the anthem for many friendships formed at Olivet Nazarene University. 

For many of us, our friendships began at church camp when we were still in Jr. High and High School. This picture, taken by my niece when she was working the desk at Ludwig (thanks Ciara), is precious. We met up at Homecoming. Javier Tamez and Bruce Beatty have been friends forever... well almost forever. 

It doesn't matter the time, the space or the years between meetings... we pick right back up where we left off. These good and God serving men are really dear to my heart. They love Jesus. They love their wives and families. They live lives of service. I have been honored to call them both friends.  

Javier captioned this image: 

"Thank you Lord! Friends are friends forever!" -Javier Tamez

Tonight, my heart is full and so are my eyes, with tears. Tonight... Javier's life is hanging in the balance. He is the pastor of the Las Vegas Church of the Nazarene. He has been battling Covid-19 and he is on a vent. Please feel free to add him to your prayers. Our God is able and mighty to save. Still, we must pray as Jesus taught us to pray... Thy will be done. Here was my verse of the day:

"Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe." - Hebrews 12:28

Yes, His kingdom is unshakable, but our human hearts are fearful. We know God's hand holds Javier close. We pray for God's mercy and healing so Javier can live to serve another day... another month... and for many more years. Our hope is not in this world, but in The One who formed the world with His hands. 

Pray for his sweet wife, Milissa and their beautiful family. Their hearts ache. There is power in the name of Jesus. His mercies are new every morning. 

Today, I’m grateful "Friends are Friends Forever".