January 17‚ 2024 4 Reminders for Friendship DisappointmentsGRACE VALENTINE Lee en español "In the same way‚ let your light shine before others‚ that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 (NIV) It was my birthday‚ and I was feeling let down by some of my friends. I was frustrated because on their birthdays‚ I tried to celebrate them well. But many of my friends bailed on my birthday dinner‚ and the few who came didn't seem to want to be there. As I ate my queso‚ I felt insecure ... not worth loving. Sometimes friendships leave us feeling lonely. And we don't need "I'm sorry I can't come" texts to feel this way. We often feel lonely when we open social media and see our friends hanging out without us - or when we always seem to be the ones calling and never get the ring in return. In many of my friendships‚ I was assuming the worst‚ holding records of wrongs‚ and letting insecurity rule my perspective. Some of those friends were going through hard seasons and needed my grace‚ not my assumptions. And other friendships were ones where I needed to love but also set healthy boundaries for trust. Friendship can be tricky. It's important to remember our calling in Christ and these four truths when we feel like our friends have let us down: Give unreasonable grace to everyone. It's not pathetic to be kind. Let's be friends who are willing to celebrate and love others without calculating what they owe us in return - because that's how Christ loves us (1 John 4:10-11). Don't feel pathetic for caring; instead‚ celebrate Christ's love in you. Healthy friendships are built on love‚ not a scoreboard. Scripture says love "keeps no record of wrongs" (1 Corinthians 13:5‚ NIV). If Christ has wiped our slate clean‚ how can we act any differently toward our friends? Unforgiveness not only destroys friendships‚ but it also destroys our hearts. Trust comes from wisdom and discernment. If you pray about your friendships daily‚ God will reveal who you can trust (James 1:5). Yes‚ be compassionate to everyone because of the cross‚ but trust only those the Holy Spirit confirms you can trust. You're not mean for setting boundaries or walking away from people who you discern are not good for you. Let your light shine. Your good deeds and kindness show God's light. When your friends see this‚ they'll experience God's love and praise Him. "In the same way‚ let your light shine before others‚ that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). I know how hard loneliness is. But I pray you and I can become friends who pick up others in hard seasons (Ecclesiastes 4:10)‚ who are content with being kind‚ and who remember that we're daughters of God‚ letting His light shine. May we be friends who love radically and trust wisely. Dear God‚ help me give extravagant grace to my friends. Let my light shine so others may see Your kindness in me. On my lonely days‚ remind me that You are leading me to good community that I can love and trust. In Jesus' Name‚ Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS Grace Valentine's devotional book‚ To the Girl Looking for More‚ is perfect for you or a young woman in your life. Encourage someone you know to walk with Jesus by gifting them this easy-to-follow‚ 90-day devotional that meets young women right where they're at and points them to Scripture. You can purchase your copy here! ENGAGE For more encouragement from Grace Valentine‚ follow her on Instagram @thegracevalentine. Her website is gracevalentine.org. FOR DEEPER STUDY Ecclesiastes 4:9-12‚ "Two are better than one‚ because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down‚ one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also‚ if two lie down together‚ they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered‚ two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (NIV). How have you picked up a friend who has fallen? How has a friend picked you up during a hard season? What does it mean to give unreasonable grace in friendship? Share with us in the comments! © 2024 by Grace Valentine. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 Ministries Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews‚ NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post 4 Reminders for Friendship Disappointments – Encouragement for Today – January 17‚ 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

Following his landslide victory in Iowa last night‚ Trump traveled to New Hampshire to hold a rally with Vivek Ramaswamy‚ who dropped out of the race to give his full support to Trump’s campaign. This is Trump and Vivek’s first time sharing an event together – true history in the making. And‚ New Hampshire voters waited for hours in a snowstorm to see it first-hand! Earlier today‚ Fox News reported that folks started lining up at 5AM to wait in 6 inches of snow for Trump and Vivek’s arrival. Watch here: People in New Hampshire have been waiting in the snow for hours to see Trump speak. There is nothing that will stop this. LFG!!! pic.twitter.com/VAMmuk9XxM — Steve (@SteveLovesAmmo) January 16‚ 2024 Here’s a full transcript from the news clip: Good afternoon. In just two hours‚ former President Donald Trump will hold his first rally here in New Hampshire in a month’s time. You can see behind me this is the line of folks who have been out here braving the snow since 05:00 this morning to see former President Trump after his landslide victory in Iowa last night. Now those folks who are braving this 29 degree weather and six inches of snow are also going to see Vivek Ramaswamy share a stage with Trump for the first time‚ marking their first event together. I should say‚ since Vivek Ramaswamy stepped down‚ dropped out of the race and endorsed former President Trump last night. Social media users have been busy posting photos and clips of the massive turnout for tonight’s Trump/Vivek rally in NH‚ despite the freezing temperatures and snowstorm. Check it out: Here are some live video from the line outside of the Atkinson Country Club at the Trump rally! Let’s go New Hampshire! Snow does not stop Trump supporters!#MAGA2024 #Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/6tlWuAPRvA — The Pussification of America (@PJPfreedom) January 16‚ 2024 New Hampshire is Trump Country and not even a snow storm can keep us from coming out to give him a big warm welcome! Lets gooooo! pic.twitter.com/sSpPtarlk0 — Heather Mullins (@TalkMullins) January 16‚ 2024 The Trump/Vivek event is taking place at Atkinson Country Club. Once supporters got inside‚ the place was packed! Check out these clips: After President Donald Trump’s historic win in Iowa‚ he has another large crowd waiting to hear from him in Atkinson‚ New Hampshire‚ where Vivek Ramaswamy also plans to attend #MAGA2024 pic.twitter.com/QEv42gflMG — Grand Old Patriots (@GrandOlPatriots) January 16‚ 2024 NEW HAMPSHIRE IS READY FOR TRUMP AND VIVEK!!! pic.twitter.com/FjeswQQNky — 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐄𝐋 (@uspolitics123) January 16‚ 2024 NBC Boston reported on what supporters at the rally had to say about Trump: Fresh off a record-setting win in Iowa‚ Trump supporters lined up in the snow to hear him speak at the Atkinson Country Club. Edward X Young drove 11 hours from Brick‚ New Jersey to Atkinson‚ New Hampshire overnight for his 66th Trump rally. He says nothing can change his mind‚ not even 91 felony counts and a civil case in New York. “Look. We’re out here in this near blizzard. It has strengthened our resolve. My resolve. I wouldn’t do this for any other candidate‚” Young said. “The people prove that he is the man who belongs in the White House‚ just like yesterday’s caucus proved in Iowa. I mean‚ historic – biggest margin ever – more than all the other candidates combined.” Young isn’t the only Trump supporter who feels that way. “I think the majority of them are fake‚” said Jeffrey Wentz of Windham‚ New Hampshire. “They’re just making up these claims until he’s proven guilty he’s innocent we live in America that’s the bottom line. Prove him guilty. Let’s do it.”   NATIONAL POLL: Would You Support Vivek For VP? Reuters has more details on Trump’s Tuesday rally in New Hampshire following his blowout win at the Iowa caucus: Republican candidates trying to stop Donald Trump from being the party’s White House nominee turned on Tuesday to New Hampshire‚ the next nominating contest‚ having lost to the former president by historic margins in Iowa. After trouncing his rivals in Iowa despite facing multiple criminal and civil cases‚ Trump‚ 77‚ appeared in a New York court on Tuesday to defend himself against charges he defamed writer E. Jean Carroll after she accused him of raping her decades ago. More than half of Iowa voters stuck with Trump‚ propelling him toward a potentially close and acrimonious rematch against Democratic President Joe Biden‚ 81‚ in the campaign for November’s presidential election. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis‚ 45‚ finished well behind Trump in second place in Iowa‚ pushing former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley‚ 51‚ into third. Trump has refused to debate his Republican rivals. Haley said on Tuesday she would skip any future party debates unless Trump attends‚ prompting ABC News to cancel a New Hampshire debate that was set to feature her and DeSantis. The debate‚ which had been scheduled for Thursday‚ was one of two such events scheduled ahead of the New England state’s Jan. 23 contest. “Our intent was to host a debate coming out of the Iowa caucuses‚ but we always knew that would be contingent on the candidates‚” an ABC News spokesperson said. DeSantis had vowed to take the debate stage alone in the New England state if necessary. CNN did not respond to a request for comment about its Sunday night debate. New Hampshire is well known for its relatively moderate‚ libertarian-minded brand of Republicanism. Moreover‚ its primary contest is “semi-open‚” meaning voters that are not registered with any party can participate‚ which can reward candidates perceived to be centrists. Trying to take advantage‚ Haley has campaigned heavily in New Hampshire while DeSantis bet heavily on Iowa. Haley was to hold a rally in New Hampshire on Tuesday with the state governor‚ Chris Sununu‚ who has endorsed her. DeSantis is set to hold a town hall event after first stopping in Haley’s home state‚ and Trump will deliver remarks at a country club.

Tonight‚ Donald Trump and Vivek Ramaswamy shared the stage for the first time together‚ at Trump’s rally in Atkinson‚ New Hampshire. During the event‚ Trump called for unity in the Republican party‚ then called Vivek onstage‚ calling him a “true leader” with a “a big‚ beautiful‚ bright future ahead.” Vivek threw his full support behind Trump and brought a lot of energy with him onstage‚ speaking to the crowd – many of whom had waited for hours in freezing cold temperatures and 6 inches of snow to see Trump and Vivek for the first event since Trump’s landslide victory in the Iowa caucus‚ less than 24 hours prior. “Patriots across this state‚ we are in the middle of a WAR. That’s what this is‚” Vivek said‚ “We need a Commander-in-Chief who will lead us to victory in this war.” Watch the moment for yourself here: Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at President Donald Trump’s rally in New Hampshire. “We need a Commander-in-Chief who will lead us to victory in this war.” #MAGA pic.twitter.com/k5F7SI69xS — Grand Old Patriots (@GrandOlPatriots) January 17‚ 2024 BREAKING: Vivek Ramaswamy is on FIRE as Donald Trump welcomes him to the stage in New Hampshire in his first appearance after endorsing President Trump: “We need a Commander-in-Chief who will lead us to victory in this war.” pic.twitter.com/fUeeBSP8Do — Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 17‚ 2024 Vivek went on to encourage New Hampshire voters to vote for Trump. Speaking about the ideals of the Founding Fathers‚ Vivek said of Trump‚ “We believe those ideals still exist‚ this man is going to be your next president to revive them.” He went on declare‚ “This is a 1776 moment RIGHT NOW.” JUST IN: Vivek takes the stage with a Donald Trump in New Hampshire.. “It is a 1776 moment right now.” pic.twitter.com/WvPWW1nAhh — Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) January 17‚ 2024 After Vivek’s energetic‚ moving speech‚ Trump stated “he’s gonna be working with us for a long time…” Vice president‚ perhaps? BREAKING: Donald Trump says Vivek Ramaswamy will be “working with us” after Vivek gave a fiery speech in New Hampshire. During his speech‚ Vivek urged New Hampshire to vote for Trump. “There is not a better choice left in this race than this man right here. And that is… pic.twitter.com/IVr5gOxw3Y — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 17‚ 2024 The crowd in New Hampshire was certainly supportive of a Trump/Vivek ticket. Chants of “VP! VP!” broke out‚ following Vivek’s appearance. Take a look: 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡 – Tonight at Donald Trump’s New Hampshire rally‚ featuring Vivek Ramaswamy‚ people began chanting “VP‚ VP” at the end of Vivek’s speech in reference to Donald Trump making Vivek his Vice President pick for his 2024 run. While this was happening it appeared… pic.twitter.com/HR7Nn15TS9 — Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) January 17‚ 2024 The Boston Herald reported on Trump and Vivek’s first rally together: Hundreds of the former president’s supporters packed into the ballroom at the Atkinson Resort &; Country Club‚ filling the room well before his 5 p.m. address was due to be given‚ many after waiting for hours in the January cold and a sudden snowstorm. Trump didn’t take the stage until almost 2 hours after his scheduled start and spoke for about an hour. He took no questions from the audience. Ed Young‚ of Brick‚ New Jersey‚ told the Herald he had arrived before dawn on Tuesday to be one of the first in the door for what would be his 66th Trump rally. Covered top to bottom in Trump buttons and regalia‚ the amateur filmmaker said the former president puts on a show unlike any other politician. “He is our first rock-star‚ superhero president. He’s the real-life Tony Stark. He’s President Iron Man‚” Young said. Young has been to rallies as far south as the Carolinas‚ he said‚ driving to as many as he can make without losing his full-time job. He’ll be back in New Hampshire this weekend for another of the president’s planned rallies. He keeps coming back‚ time after time‚ he said‚ because the fate of the nation is at stake this election cycle. “Donald Trump is the only one that can save this country‚” Young said. The 45th President has good reason to dedicate his time to New Hampshire despite his dominance in national polls‚ which have shown him with an about 50 point lead on his fellow conservatives for much of the year-long run up to the first primary. That lead dwindles to just single digits in the Granite State‚ with former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley close at his heels. Trump’s speech‚ as per usual‚ was wide ranging and bombastic‚ punctuated with pantomime and peppered with of sudden spikes in the volume of his voice. He introduced Ramaswamy to the crowd shortly after taking the stage‚ when the 38-year-old former-candidate said the Republican party is in the middle of a “war” against “woke” ideology and liberal ideas. Trump‚ Ramaswamy said‚ can stop it. “We’re going to make this happen‚” Ramaswamy said. “We need a commander in chief who will lead us to victory in this war.” “It is a 1776 moment right now‚” he continued. “To Make America Great Again‚ vote for this man in the New Hampshire primary.” “He was doing well‚ it’s an honor to have his endorsement‚” Trump said‚ before launching into an attack on Haley. The Washington Examiner gave some background to the NH event: Former President Donald Trump is speaking in New Hampshire after a historic victory in the Iowa caucuses. Trump triumphed in Monday’s contest by the largest margin ever‚ winning more votes than every other Republican candidate combined. After disappointing showings‚ entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson dropped out‚ leaving former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) to compete with Trump. What do you think? Do you want to see Vivek chosen as Trump’s VP? Do you think this was the role Trump was referring to after his speech tonight? NATIONAL POLL: Would You Support Vivek For VP? Would you support this team in 2024? Trump/Ramaswamy pic.twitter.com/UAg7dF4h4s — Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) January 17‚ 2024

After his landslide victory in the Iowa caucus‚ Donald Trump picked up another critical endorsement on Tuesday. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) endorsed Trump for president. “Last night was decisive‚” Cruz said. “It was a dominating victory for Donald Trump‚” he added. “At this point‚ I believe this race is over. So I am proud to endorse Donald Trump for President of the United States‚” he continued. WATCH: BREAKING: SENATOR @tedcruz ENDORSES DONALD TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT! pic.twitter.com/LE2O9FCSpp — Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 17‚ 2024 “I am proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for President. Now is the time for us to unite to oust Joe Biden and save our country from the Democrats’ destructive agenda‚” Cruz said. “To help us win this fight‚ please make a donation right now to support me and President Trump as we work together to defeat Joe Biden &; Save America. Make a strong statement with your support‚” he added. I am proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for President. Now is the time for us to unite to oust Joe Biden and save our country from the Democrats' destructive agenda. To help us win this fight‚ please make a donation right now to support me and President Trump as we work together… — Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 17‚ 2024 From The Texas Tribune: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz‚ R-Texas‚ endorsed Donald Trump to be the Republican presidential nominee Tuesday evening after facing pressure from the former president to back his reelection campaign. Cruz announced his endorsement during an appearance on Fox News with host Sean Hannity one day after Trump easily won the Iowa caucuses that kicked off the 2024 presidential race. Trump continues to rake in endorsements from the U.S. Senate. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) endorsed Trump on the eve of the Iowa caucus. GOP Senator Endorses Donald Trump One Day Before Iowa Caucus Trump also picked up an endorsement from Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT). Donald Trump Picks Up Big Endorsement As Iowa Caucuses Approaches Newsweek reports: The Iowa caucus results show Trump has cemented himself among voters as the clear favorite in the GOP primary‚ with the former president having already secured key endorsements from Republican Senators. Trump was the overall victor on Monday night in Iowa after getting 51 percent of the votes‚ with his 30-point margin over his nearest challenger Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emerging as a record for the state's caucus. Trump has long been considered the frontrunner in the GOP primary‚ with polls frequently suggesting he has double-digit leads in states across the country over his rivals. Trump has also enjoyed crucial endorsements from Republican lawmakers and currently has more endorsements from GOP Senators than the rest of the primary field combined. As noted by FiveThirtyEight's endorsement tracker‚ Trump currently has the backing of 23 sitting U.S. Senators‚ including Ohio's J.D. Vance‚ South Carolina's Lindsey Graham‚ and Tennessee's Marsha Blackburn.

1718 - Avalanche destroys every building in Leukerbad‚ Switzerland; kills 53 1904 - Anton Chekhov's play "Cherry Orchard" opens at Moscow Art Theater 1959 - "Say‚ Darling" closes at ANTA Theater NYC after 332 performances 1966 - B-52/KC-135 tankers crash near Spanish coast at Palomares‚ 7 die 1973 - New Philippine constitution names Marcos president for life 1973 - City of Amsterdam decides to support Hanoi 1978 - After a tumultuous final tour the Sex Pistols break up as a band‚ which is announced the following day 1991 - Operation Desert Storm begins‚ with US-led coalition forces bombing Iraq‚ during the Gulf War 2012 - LeBron James becomes youngest player in NBA history to record 20‚000 career points during the Miami Heat's 92-75 victory over Golden State; James‚ 28 years‚ 17 days‚ passes Kobe Bryant‚ 29 years‚ 122 days 2016 - Fourth Democratic presidential candidates debate: Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders clash over healthcare and gun control in Charleston‚ South Carolina More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1893 - Franco-Russian Alliance is signed 1971 - At a party conference in Dublin‚ Sinn Féin end their 65 year abstentionist policy and agree that any elected representative could take their seat at the Dáil 1973 - New Philippine constitution names Marcos president for life 1983 - 10th American Music Awards: John Cougar‚ Rick Springfield‚ and Olivia Newton-John win 1986 - 2nd Sundance Film Festival: "Smooth Talk" wins Grand Jury Prize Dramatic 1995 - Australia beat Australia A 2-0 to win cricket's World Series Cup More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1867 - Carl Laemmle‚ German-born film executive (d. 1939) 1927 - Eartha Kitt‚ American singer (Santa Baby)‚ dancer‚ activist‚ and actress (Batman - "Catwoman")‚ born in North‚ South Carolina (d. 2008) 1934 - Sydney Hodkinson‚ Canadian-American classical composer and educator (Eastman School‚ 1973-99)‚ born in Winnipeg‚ Manitoba (d. 2021) 1954 - Susan Kiefel‚ Australian lawyer and judge‚ born in Cairns‚ Australia 1959 - Susanna Hoffs‚ American actress and musician (Bangles-Walk Like an Egyptian)‚ born in Los Angeles‚ California 1982 - Alex Varkatzas‚ American heavy metal singer (Atreyu)‚ born in Orange County‚ California More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1661 - Andres Malong‚ Philippines rebel leader‚ executed 1933 - John Hodges‚ Australian cricket fast bowler (2 Tests [first 2 played]‚ 6 wickets; Victoria)‚ dies at 77 1996 - Giles Playfair‚ English writer‚ dies at 85 2008 - Rod Allen [Bainbridge] British pop-rock singer and bassist (Fortunes - "You've Got Your Troubles"; "Here It Comes Again")‚ dies of cancer at 63 2010 - Jyoti Basu‚ Indian Communist politician‚ dies at 95 2016 - Dale "Buffin" Griffin‚ English rock drummer (Mott The Hoople - "All Young Dudes")‚ and producer (BBC's John Peel sessions)‚ dies from complications of Alzheimer's disease at 67 More Famous Deaths »