309- Friends That Care

I've struggled for the past month with some discouragement and depression. When I am under stress it causes my dyslexia to get worse, which adds to the stress. (Do people really think I'm as stupid as I sound?) I have mentioned this fact to a few of my friends and then last Sunday at choir practice to the choir when I was struggling to tell them what I wanted them to do and couldn't get it out.

The thing that I appreciate about friends that care is: they look past my problem and love me... as imperfect and struggling as I am.

While delivering a quilt to a friend I admired her pottery work. One bowl really caught my imagination. Her response? "Joanie, take it. It's a friendship bowl!" And to add to my delight she sent me with an equally beautiful vase that now lives in a place of honor on *the chest* with my dried friendship roses in it.



The next evening I heard a double ring at the doorbell, which usually means ring and run, but this time is was a good ring and run. I found a beautiful floral arrangement and a thoughtful card. Her penned sentiments were, "I know flowers and card can't fix the problem..." But you know what? I sure goes a long way to helping!



Two of my favorite scriptures are:

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; (Hebrews 12:12)

Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees. (Doctrine and Covenants 81:5)

These wonderful friends have followed the prompting to to lift up my hands that hang down.

I've also realized that I need to have greater trust and faith in the Lord. Regardless of the situation I know the Lord will strengthen and uphold me. And you know what? It will be ok!