As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. [Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)]

God sends challenging tasks into our lives when we least expect them. Fortunately, He often sends special people into our lives, as well, whose job is to encourage (and push us) to meet those challenges. In 2012, our Florida church had a fund raising event, “Art from the Heart.” Although I had never shared my photography with anyone outside of family, I felt compelled to do two 16 x 20 photos and donate them. The following year, I donated what I called “baskets of blessings” with a variety of items created from my photos. Because of those donations, our church photographer, Arlene, wanted to meet me. She asked me to take photos for our church website. This request took me out of my comfort zone; I only took pictures of flowers, birds and my grands, not real people! Arlene, however, wouldn’t let me wiggle my way out of the challenge. Thanks to her patience and encouragement, I actually began enjoying the opportunity to do something for a church I attend only a few months a year. At the end of the season, I gave her a photo/prayer book I’d written, asked if she would like my daily messages, and started sending her my morning emails.

Last fall, when I returned to Florida, this wonderful woman kept encouraging me to have a website for my messages. I know enough about computers to send emails and edit photos, but this whole web presence thing seemed beyond my ability and I balked. Good friends, however, sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron, and Arlene persisted. Today, because of her determination and hard work, fantastic computer skills, and patience in teaching me, we are pleased to welcome you to Devotions of the Heart.

Thank you (and a big hug) to Arlene, who made this possible. Thank you to my email family, many of whom I have never met, for encouraging me. Thank you, God, for sending me both challenges and friends to encourage and sharpen me. I am blessed.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. [Hebrews 10:24 (NLT)]