Comments on: On Re-Learning the Beautiful Art of Friendship

By: Anita Mathias

Anita Mathias — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 11:15:11 +0000

Hi John, People who know me in real life say that I am the same in my blog as in real life, and write more or less as I speak, so you do know me.
What an interesting schedule. We’re are getting tickets tomorrow for our next jaunt…beautiful Florence. It will be my 4th time there, but it feels new every time!

By: John MacArthur

John MacArthur — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 11:14:46 +0000

In reply to Anita Mathias.

We’re just done with a long shoot for a new book, so probably down South for a bit (ski, yay!) then B is going to London (plus or minus me) then both to Israel again in May. Joke is, our house in the South is ‘holiday’ for as long as we want, so summoning up the blood to actually go somewhere usually involves long haul.
It’s odd. I feel/imagine/can easily pretend I have known you a very long time.
Stay well.

By: Anita Mathias

Anita Mathias — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 10:03:55 +0000

In reply to John MacArthur.

Hi there John,
No Paris plans yet. You will have to visit us in Oxford!! I’m hoping.
Isle of Man later this month. In April, I am thinking of Crete, if health and budget continue favourable. In the summer, perhaps Tuscany and Umbria.
Where will you be vagabonding to?

By: Anita Mathias

Anita Mathias — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 10:01:40 +0000

In reply to mari howard.

Nice new blog, Mari.
Physical healing–I have got my energy back, though not completely back to pre-illness levels. I.e. I am walking 2.5 miles, I used to be able to do 3 to 4. Concentration good, but not completely back to pre-illness levels. However surgery was on Nov. 25th, and recovering 1000% may take a bit more time. But I am content with how well I have recovered. Almost miraculously well, given how major the illness and surgery was!!

By: mari howard

mari howard — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 09:46:54 +0000

Another good thoughtful piece. Hope physical healing is also accompanying this.

I have a small piece on my new blog (https://marihowardauthor.wordpress.com/) which may chime with you also. Friends really important.

By: John MacArthur

John MacArthur — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 08:43:19 +0000

The lightbulb phrase here is ‘forgiving oneself’, I think.
SF had so many early years problems which he has obviously worked through with more or less success, but at heart, his sense of outrage is directed at himself. God is simply a mirror image, an easy target. He still doesn’t like himself very much, far less love himself.
It must be difficult for him and, yes, Jesus would easily see through the shadow boxer, the witty fencing for the benefit of others. I wonder what his first words to SF might have been. “Come down”, perhaps?
When are you coming to Paris?

By: Mollie Lyon

Mollie Lyon — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 05:43:57 +0000

I have a tendency to be more critical than I was ten years ago. I’ve pondered this. Back then, if someone wasn’t pleasant, I’d remark, “They need a savior,” and mean it. I find myself irritated like I wasn’t before. I wonder is it age or just disappointment over the years?
When people put down the Pharisees, and talk about how Jesus talked to them, I also remember, He loved them. He was disappointed. I see His face as He can’t believe their love of the law over the suffering of a fellow human being.
Does He sometimes look at me that way? I think so, but I remember He loves me. I try harder the next day. I pray, “Jesus, shine through me, through this imperfect vessel, You chose to live in.” I am unworthy, but He deemed me worthy when He died on that cross and knocks on the door of my heart. Give me my first love, not only for Jesus but for those He created in His image.