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by CJ Peterson

The term ‘friend’ can be a vague term. Friends can be found on many different levels. Some are acquaintance friends. Some are good friends. And there are those rare ones that we call best friends, or close friends.
Growing up, I lived in many places and met a variety of individuals – a close friend was and is indeed a rare label for someone in my life. You see, in moving around a lot, it allowed me the opportunity to become a ‘people watcher’ without getting close. It allowed me see people for who they are, by forcing me to look deeper into the person. I met people who were born into money, and those who weren’t. I met fighters, as well as what I call cruisers through life. I learned at a young age that those who fought were stronger than those who cruised. It was those fights that made them strong.
Through the years I’ve seen the same pattern and observed how people gain their strength. I, also, have faced many trials. As a matter of fact, those who are aware of them can’t figure out how I’m still sane! 😉 I can answer that with a verse:
Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
My strength lies in God. With Him, I can face anything the world even attempts to dish out! He’s been through it all with me. Life is not easy. It’s the struggles and how you face them that make you who you are. Surround yourself with strong people to help carry you when you can’t walk – those core friends are the close friends. Soak in His grace, mercy, and love whenever you can. He will guide your steps when you can’t see the path. Trust Him and choose wisely who you call a ‘close friend.’

About the Author:

I was raised in a Christian military home, but it was far from tranquil. Like many young people, I left home as soon as possible, and went my own way, thinking I knew better. To me anything was better than where I was. Unfortunately, some of the choices I made led me away from the Lord, and sometimes that path was a dangerous one.
God is faithful, even when His children are lost and wandering. When I needed Him most, the Lord was there for me. He led me out of that danger and into a new life…a life where I am loved and appreciated. He taught me what ‘real love’ is, and what it’s supposed to look like through my family and wonderful husband.
Who knew that “Prince Charming” actually existed? I hoped and prayed he was out there, and I found him! He is a 24 year Navy veteran and the love of my life! With his encouragement, I rediscovered the creativity I thought I had lost a long time ago, and have begun to publish the books I have written through the years. The words in these books helped me through my struggles, and my prayer is they will help others.
The way in which I write my Christian Books, is unique to say the least. I am a realistic Christian. People are people, they stumble, they fall, they trip, but God continues to dust us off, and set us back on the path again, if we just learn to trust in Him.
The challenges faced in my past give me a perspective on the realities of living the Christian life that some people may never see. There are times we wander away from God…there are times when we draw closer to Him. In our arrogance we think we can make it on our own. However, the One who made this world, and who made you, has the answers, and thankfully, He forgives our impudence and petulance and loves us through it all. God is a God of love, mercy, grace, and guidance. He loves us and only wants the best for us.
Those who have read my books, describe them as encouraging, frustrating, and a wonderful read all at the same time. The same character that could have you crying one minute, will have you cheering the next! One of my editors, stated that ‘she was so into the story, that she forgot to edit, and had to go back to do the editing’.
I pray you will enjoy my books as well!

While the stories are fiction, the journey is real.

Visit CJ’s website – http://cjpetersonwrites.com/

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