The Other Side

"Ephraim mixes with the nations; Ephraim is a flat cake not turned over." Hosea 7:8

Picture this: a pancake in the skillet, not yet turned over. One side is done, the other still runny, bubbly batter. In Beth Moore's study of Esther, she points out that we are often just like that. We have one side that we show at work, at church, and in social situations. But there is often another side that few people get to see. She says that if we are to be fully used by God, we will have to be turned over .... expose it all and let God bake the other half. Our testimony is wrapped up in our destiny. Where we've been will be part of our ministry to others. We cannot be half-baked and effective for very long. Thanks Beth, as always, for your inspiring words.

Today's prayer: "God, I don't want to be a cake not turned, half burnt and half dough, none of it fit for use; a mixture of idolatry and the worship of the one true God, Jehovah. Take the spatula and flip me over; mold and make me into the person you've called me to be. Let me be the same in all circumstances -- at work, at church, at home, at play."

You've Got A Friend In Me

I was in the card isle today at Kroger's and a friendship card caught my eye. I had to smile when I opened it and it began singing, "You've Got A Friend In Me" (by Randy Newman). This song was made popular in the hit movie Toy Story; a truly remarkable tale about friendship; accompanied by a great song that celebrates Buzz & Woody's friendship. God is all about friendship and I'm thankful to be called his friend and to be truly blessed with some of the greatest friendships this earthly life can offer. Sing along ....

You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles
From your nice warm bed
Just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got troubles, well I've got 'em too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together and we see it through
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me

Some other folks might be
A little bit smarter than I am
Bigger and stronger too
Maybe
But none of them will ever love you the way I do
It's me and you
And as the years go by
Boys, our friendship will never die
You're gonna see
It's our destiny
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me