The other day I was thinking about the importance of friendship, and how so many of my friends have impacted my life. My first friend, Mark, was our neighbor’s son. He was four and I was five, and we did many things together, including having our first taste of sand from his sandbox. I quickly discovered that putting sand in my mouth was not a good thing. I don’t think my childhood friend liked it either. Mark and I went to school together, and by the time we entered high school we began dating. I remember thinking that he would be the man I would marry someday, but God had a different plan for my life.

I had other friends during my childhood and schooldays, too, and after I married my husband, Richard, we became close to some other married couples who lived in our neighborhood. We established close relationships with several people from our church. We’ve also become friends with several Amish couples and have developed a closeness, even though we live miles apart. We make trips to Amish country as often as we can, to spend quality time with our dear Amish friends. We also write letters, and make phone calls to keep in touch and share prayer requests. Some of our Amish friends have traveled to our home state of Washington to stay with us for several days. What a fun time we had while taking them to see several beautiful sights we have here, like Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound and the Columbia River.

Each time we get together with friends, our relationship becomes stronger. It’s comforting to know that we can share with them and ask for prayer when needed for specific things. I can’t imagine my life without friendships, and it doesn’t matter if we live a different lifestyle or come from different backgrounds. What counts in a true friendship is caring and sharing.

Do you have special friends who have been there when you’ve had a need? What is the best way to make a friendship grow stronger?

In my previously published novel, The Journey, a young man named Titus felt inferior to his twin brother, Timothy, and had since they were young boys. Timothy always seemed to know what he wanted and was able to do everything right. Titus, on the other hand, had made no specific plans for the future, and it seemed like nothing he did was ever good enough; especially compared to his brother’s achievements.

Children often compare themselves or try to compete with their siblings or a friend. Even as adults, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, which can lead to feelings of jealousy, resentment and self-doubt.

What can a parent do to help their children feel equally important within the family? How can we, as an adult, overcome feelings of inferiority and stop comparing ourselves to siblings, other relatives or friends?

Here are a few verses of Scripture that have spoken to me during times when I’ve been tempted to compare myself to others: II Corinthians 10:12 (KJV): For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with that commend themselves; but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

This is another Scripture I especially like: Colossians 3:23 (KJV): “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” This verse reminds me that instead of comparing myself to others, everything I do should be done for the Lord, and not to look good in the eyes of other people.

Have you ever been caught in the middle of a storm, either on land or out in the water someplace? Were you frightened and hoping for the weather to calm so you could feel safe and have a sense of peace?

Sometimes the storms we encounter in everyday life can turn our world upside-down. Have your nerves ever felt frazzled and you hoped for calm but couldn’t seem to find a way to relax or let go of your fears?

The Bible has an answer for calming our fears. When I’ve been in the midst of chaos and feeling fearful and hopeless, reflecting on this verse has always calmed my fears and helped me to relax and feel hopeful: “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 (KJV). Another good verse that reminds me to remain calm is “Humble yourselves. . .under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” I Peter 5:6-7 (KJV)

Doubt is the opposite of faith and hope. When it seems that there’s nothing left, and fear abounds, there is hope for calm when we put our faith and trust in Jesus. Do you have any favorite verses of Scripture that have helped to calm your fears?