It's been a while, old friend...

I have been away from my blog for a long time now. So many things have happened in my life since my last post back in November that it would be very futile to try to write it all here. So I'll just jump back in and start with today.

I met with another minister today over lunch. He is a Lutheran minister. He preaches at Zion Lutheran Church in Des Moines. We met and talked about One Prayer 2010.

I realized as we chatted and ate (a great meal, by the way, at Pho All Seasons) that it is critical for those of us in ministry to have friends in ministry.

Nobody knows a preacher like another preacher! (That's what another preacher-friend of mine used to say.) It is so important to be able to share openly and honestly with someone that truly understands.

The Bible says in Proverbs, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Preachers need preacher friends. Plain and simple. I'm happy I made a new preacher friend today who inspired me to get back on my blog. Here's his blog, by the way: http://pastorjohnsthoughts.blogspot.com

When you lose your best friend...

Yesterday, August 7th, 2009 was a very crappy day in the Demastus home. Our family's best friend, Bessie Anabelle Demastus, went to heaven. Even though I honestly have struggled with feeling like a murderer for having her put down, I know the decision was the best one for my girl, Bessie. Her problems were chronic and in the end she was very bad, and even though we didn't want to deal with it, we had to. The Bible says that it is important to care for the needs of your animal, in fact it is a righteous act (Proverbs 12:10). And sometimes the best decision is to grant a painless and peaceful passing.

We buried Bessie in our backyard, her backyard. That's where she played with her two favorite boys. She was buried in her favorite blanket with one of her favorite "bunnies" and she wore her pretty pink bandana. We all are going to miss her very much. But, if my wife's theology is correct, then I'll get to see her again one day!

My Encounter Journey (Day 19)

Today's Scriptures are John 19:25-27.

It is a wonderful thing to have people in your life that are closer than family. People that you can tell anything to or ask anything of. John was that for Jesus. He would do anything that Jesus asked of him, and he did. He would even die for him, and he did.

I think I have some friends like that. Someone that I believe I could tell anything to. Someone that would help me in whatever situation I found myself.

We need that. We need people in our lives that stick closer than a brother.

"Lord, thank you so much for friendship. Thank you for buddies. Thank you for allowing life to be experienced with others. It is a wonderful thing to have true friends...people that you know will always stand by you. Help me to be that same kind of friend. Help me to honor the friendships I have. In Jesus' Name."