What does Comfort mean to me?

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
gives these definitions:

3870. parakaleo; to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation, or consolation): beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire. (give) exhort (-tation), entreat, pray.

3874. paraklesis; from 3870; imploration, hortation, solace; comfort, consolation, exhortation, entreaty.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says this about 'comfort':

Paramuthia, primarily a speaking closely to anyone (para-near, muthos-speech), hence denotes consolation, comfort, with a greater degree of tenderness than paraklesis ( calling to one's side for exhortation, consolation, or comfort)

Oh, wow. I really like the word comfort. Doesn't everyone? Who doesn't want to be comforted? We think of hot chocolate, or hot tea when we are sick. A hug when we are sad comes to mind also. A pat on the back, a listening ear, a bandage on an owie, a cool cloth when our fever is high. All these things just ring true as 'comfort'.

But have you ever thought of a word of exhortation as comforting? The bible says it is. What about the prayer of a loved one for your soul or for guidance if you've stepped out of the way? How about when someone entreats you to listen to wisdom or good advice to help you stay in the way? Are these things comforting to you? God says He does all these things for us and He is the God of all comfort. He also says we are to do these for each other also. These are the ways in which we show love.

Certainly, comfort is cozy. "Comfy cozy", mom says as she tucks little one in. Comfort is warm and fuzzy like my twenty year old cotton socks that came from my aunt's sock mill in Alabama. Strong and sturdy, warm and fuzzy, comfy and cozy. Comfort is wonderful and fills our heart to overflowing at times. Sometimes comfort comes when our heart is breaking.

I would love it if you come to Comfort Cottage for solace and tenderness. I hope there will be plenty of that. This world is hard and dark. It grows more so by the day. Everyone needs a place of quiet contemplation. However, I hope that your heart will be comforted by the occasional prayer, exhortation, and entreaty. Count these as comfort too.

Just Another Blog?

The first roses of summer in bloom at Comfort Cottage.

"Sara, you should get you a blog.

"Why?" would always be my reply. I'm a pretty straight-forward person. I have learned through the years that it is often better to just go to God in prayer than to say what I think.

So why were some saying that I should let the WHOLE WORLD know what I think. Talk about trouble! :) I've read posts from beautiful blogging sisters who were hurt by cruel critism. The idea of this does not thrill me. I have lots of things to say and talk about; but is any of it truly worthwhile, eternal ? There are, after all, so many blogs out there. Do I have the time to blog? I am working really hard to get (and keep) my act together at home ( whatever that means) that blogging seemed it might be an unnecessary intrusion. Time spent that should be used on more important things.

I began praying about this a long time ago. Time, years really, have past. I kept expecting God to put a stop to the idea. But, I kept being led in this direction. One of the brothers at our fellowship preached for us one sunday. He mentioned the great priviledge that blogging has afforded believers to comfort one another. Something clicked. God has also allowed me some opportunities to encourage (comfort) in my own sphere of influence. Another click. Then, I thought, "Well, I'll just make a list of blog names. There's no great commitment in that and it might be fun." So a long list developed. After such an effort, I thought I might as well check blogger to see if any of these names were taken. All of the names I originally chose were used. My next thought was, "How comforting to know God is leading me. Help me Lord." Wow! That's it! How about 'Comfort Cottage'! No competion for that name in sight. I didn't even have to spell it funny.

I like blogs that seem to have a general theme. Immediately, God began to bring to mind verses and phrases that have to do with comfort. There are many. How I love the comfort that God brings me on a minute-by-minute basis. I began to see I could maybe have something to offer. I hope to share my life in little bits. My hope is that God can be seen by anyone reading this blog when I share what He is doing in the little and big things in my life.

It is a comfort to know I am in His will. Thank you Lord.

This is who I am

Usually when folks meet for the first time, there are introductions all around. There is a bit of a friendly dance that goes on. We are introduced, then I tell you who I am and what I do. You do the same. We go back and forth. Finally, I get to why I am there; why I've come. Well, I hope this first post will be a pleasant introduction. Mayhap, in this post I'll let you know a little about myself. Then next time, a little of what I do. (That actually should be pretty self-evident with five children:)) Then hopefully why I've come (to blogging).

I have really been blessed by reading blogs over these last few years. I can learn so much about the blogger by reading all the different posts. However, I always wish a knew just a little bit more than the "About Me" provides. So, I'll give it a try here.

Above all, I am a believer in Christ Jesus. I believe in God's loving kindness to me by sending Jesus to save me from the sin that separated me from him. I thank him for bringing me into His household and making me His daughter. Everything I think and do is in light of this. I truly strive to really live for Christ.

I was born in the South. I grew up in the South. I have to say I am a true fan of the South. Maybe I'll do a post sometimes about the beauties of it. I was brought up in the country with woods and a creek. I went to a country school where everyone looked forward to day of the week that we were served homemade rolls in the cafeteria. My teachers read bible stories and prayed before school started each day.

I am oldest in a family of three children. We spent our fall and winter in school. We spent our summers in the creek and at the library. My parents took us camping in wilderness places. We often picnicked in old churchyard cemetaries (geneology dontchaknow).

I have always loved the country and old-fashioned ways. I used to check out Ewell Gibbons' books at the library. Read them from cover to cover. Then head out to the woods with my lunch in a basket to stalk the wild asparagus. I read and watched Little House on the Prairie. I loved family reunions. As a youngster the old folks thrilled me with their ways. I truly miss those reunions. I can close my eyes and travel right back and see the faces and here the voices now so long gone.

As I got older I went to high school. Learned how to sing in the chorus. Thanks to Mr. Phillip Sprayberry. I moved out Texas way when I was a senior. Over the next twelve years or so I got acquanted with many "Miles and Miles of Texas". I learned that "Tejas" means friend. That state really lives up to it's name. So many lovely friends and memories. I am back in the south now. But, if God ever told me I should head on back to the hill country prairie, well......

When I moved to the Great State of Texas I went actually kicking and screaming (really just pouting). But, God and my mom were bringing me to my husband whom I have loved these nearly twenty-seven years. He was there waiting on me. I fell in love with him and his native state.

He is very kind. He can be quietly stubborn. I am not quietly stubborn, just stubborn. What a comfort to see the hand of God our Father change our stubborness over the years. Now, instead of being surly and mad at each other for days. Usually, it is only minutes. Now, God has changed our selfishness with each other to humility. Thank you Lord.


I think back to days past and I am shamed. But, oh, what a precious thing shame over my sin can be. Feeling remorse is a mercy of God. Knowing regret in the shadow of His wing is a treasured gift. These things mean humility and peace with God for the believer in Christ. So even though my shame over past things looms large, I can praise my Maker. I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine. I know He cares enough to teach, and lead, and change me into His image.

I have lived long enough to say that I have witnessed many things changing over the years. Not the least of these is me. I could write much, much more ( and hopefully will). But, suffice it to say that all that I am now is because of all the many, many experiences (good or bad) that God provided to draw me to Himself. I actually didn't realize that was what He was doing until a few years ago. When I learned the truth of who I was and Who He is it pretty much rocked my world; as they say. (thanks Lawrence). I haven't been the same since. The harder things are the more humility God gives. Mercy is His and He gives it liberally. Oh, what a "Comfort" to know that I can trust Him to make me into who He wants me to be.

This is who I am.