Keeping a Close Eye

Read Exodus 2:1-10.

Whom am I watching over right now?
I am constantly watching over my children. It is my responsibility to protect, guide, and teach them. They trust and depend on me to set the Christian example for them to follow.

I also watch over other family members and friends. I pray that my example guides them to have Jesus as the highest priority in their lives, too.

How does prayer empower me?
Prayer gives me strength and guidance. Sometimes when I'm really lucky, it grants me patience - hahaha! Prayer not only helps me; it helps those that I am praying for.

Waiting and Watching
Once again, life requires a great deal of patience. Sometimes the best way for one to learn is by making a mistake. If I am there to do everything for my children, for example, then they will never learn to be responsible (and not lazy) for themselves.

Like Jen said in a comment to a previous post, sometimes I have to Let Go, and Let God!

- becky

Frustrations and Forgiveness

Read: Mark 11:12-14

Frustration. Disappointment. Anger. More frustration. It just seems like a never ending cycle some days, doesn't it?

In these verses, we see Jesus' humanity very clearly. He is hungry. Do you get crabby or frustrated when you are hungry? What about when you're traveling, working, taking care of others and...well, you're just hungry and there is nothing around to eat? Or your sibling or spouse or roommate eats the last cookie, last night's leftovers, the thing you were saving for your snack later on.

Frustration. Disappointment. Even anger.

Jesus had just entered Jerusalem to the praises of children ("Hosanna!"), waving palm branches and riding on a donkey's colt. His ministry among the people is close to being finished and his purpose -- death and resurrection -- will soon occur. Stress? We can't even imagine! On Monday he is hungry. He sees a fig tree in leaf in the distance. This is not the time of year for ripe figs but a tree with young leaves should have some sort of young fruit on it. Here is my favorite part: "...he went to see if he could find anything on it." (v.13)

Why is this so special? Let's consider -- wasn't Jesus the one who sent for a donkey's colt? He knew exactly when and where it would be found. Later, he would tell Peter that before the cock crows twice, Peter will deny Jesus 3 times. Why, then, did Jesus walk over to the fig tree? Didn't he already know that this tree had no fruit?

Before you know it, he is cursing the tree. Not just to vent anger or frustration, as the rest of us do when we yell at others. He really cursed it.


Read: Mark 11:20-25

This is, of course, the rest of the story. The fig tree was completely withered. Peter was astonished. Jesus doesn't stop there. He goes on to assure us that 1) God can do anything; 2) if you truly believe, your faith could move mountains; in fact, whatever you ask for in prayer, if you believe you've already received it, it will be yours. This goes back to Becky's earlier question about trust and about letting God be in control. My own sinfulness keeps me from seeing "over" or "around" my problems to where God has already solved them. Why is it so difficult to completely believe that he has answered the prayer if we completely believe? For me, probably because I wonder just how God has intended to answer the problem. Is it according to my heart's desire -- or not?

Now we are to forgiveness. We must forgive others in order for the Father to forgive us. This is something that I struggle with at times. Not that I don't want to forgive; it just feels that sometimes people "get away" with their sins when they are forgiven but my feelings are still hurt. Having said that, though, a big part of my job is teaching students how to apologize. Not only apologize but to ask for forgiveness. Even with my 3 year old, she not only has to say "I'm sorry" but also "Forgive me". I appreciate God's forgiveness and even when it is so hard to forgive, I know that true comfort comes from offering forgiveness.

Releasing Our Fears

Read Genesis 50:15-21.

I wish it were so easy. Letting go of my anxieties is so difficult for me to do. That's why they are anxieties, I suppose. I think I worry most when I don't feel in control of things. It is a learning process to learn to let go. I'm not supposed to be in charge; God is in charge.

- becky

Gethsemane

My prayer friend, Ann, from the Women's retreat e-mailed this to me today. It is just beautiful!

- becky

The Silent Helper

Read Genesis 41:41-57.

Past difficulties - oh, yes, I've had my share. I consider them good experiences when I have learned from them, hopefully to NOT repeat mistakes! God has certainly shaped who I am today in His own way through the events of my life. I am so glad to be where I am, particularly in my faith life. I feel closer to Him each and every day.

I wouldn't say that any of my life situations right now are "hopeless". Stressful, yes; hopeless, no. I do believe that God is silently guiding me through life's curve balls.

- becky

The Best Relationship

Read Genesis 17:1-27 and Genesis 21:1-6.

God made a promise to make Sarah a mother, and he kept that promise. I'm sure Sarah was super excited to be a mother, especially at such an old age! However, even the joy a baby boy brought to Sarah was not at special as her relationship with God.

- becky

Abused

Read Genesis 34:1-31.

Today I read the story of Dinah. Anyone ever read the book The Red Tent? It's been years since I read it. In fact, I loaned it to a friend in Pensacola, and she never returned it. :-/ It's been so long that I don't remember much about it, but this story in the Bible reminded me of that book.

Sin changes us, whether it is our own sin or sin around us. Sin around us affects us; it's important for us to surround ourselves with others trying to live with God in their hearts and constantly on their minds. There's nothing wrong with a good influence!

There are so many different kinds of abuse, and each kind affects so many people involved either directly or indirectly. My devotion Bible states that while God cannot change the past (i.e., the bad things that have happened to us or others), He is there to comfort us during difficult times. We were never promised an easy ride. Do we deserve an easy ride through life? Probably not. Jesus gave His life for us. He suffered, so why should we get a free ride.

- becky

A Godly Touch

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man and said, "I will. Be healed!" Matthew 8:3

Oh, the power of a godly touch. Haven't you known it? The doctor who treated you, or the teacher who dried your tears? Was there a hand holding yours at a funeral? Another on your shoulder during a trial? A handshake of welcome at a new job? .....

Can't we offer the same?

Many of you already do. Some of you have the master touch of the Physician himself. You use your hands to pray ove rhte sick and minister to the weak. If you aren't touching them personally, your hands are writing letters, dialing phones, baking pies. You have hearned the power of a touch.

But others of us tend to forget. Our hearts are good; it's just that our memories are bad. We forget how significant one touch can be....

Aren't we glad Jesus didn't make the same mistake?

Just like Jesus

Broken

Read Genesis 32:22-32.


My devotion today talks about how sometimes God "breaks" us for good reason. Sometimes we need that reminder to put Him first. Maybe He notices that we have gone astray, so he gives us a difficult situation so that we can, once again, cling to Him.


I had a period of time in my life when I was not active in church. I wandered away from God. I still believed in Him, but I didn't feel it mattered to give an hour of my week in church. I had a rather long, ended-yucky relationship while in high school and college. God wasn't important to the guy, so I didn't bother to make God a priority then in my life either. I was sad when the relationship ended, but I now see why things worked out the way they did. I have a great husband who is a fantastic influence and inspiration for my walk with God. My children are another inspiration to cling to God. I want them to know Him, too.

- becky

Prayer Request

Please pray for one of Ryan's co-workers at Fleet Farm. His son has Osteosarcoma and is down at Childrens Hospital right now. He had surgery last week in hopes of getting the cancerous cells out.

Here is what Webmd says about Osteosarcoma. Just click on the link to find out. http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/bone-cancer-osteosarcoma-and-bone-tumors-fibrous-histiocytoma-treatment-patient-information-nci. Or just copy and paste it.

As of last night with me talking to Ryan. He said last week he probably wasn't going to lose his leg because the cancer was not in the bone. But with what I heard last night. We are not sure. The doctors looked at his leg a couple days ago to see how it was doing and they noticed something didn't look right. So they had to rush him down for emergency surgery to remove some of leg muscle in hopes of getting this. With this set-back. That pushes back his recovery time. And also pushes back the fact of him getting chemo if his cancer comes back. So Ryan and I think it is high time to put Tim Klotz and his family on our Prayer Chain. And have everyone that we know pray for him. He is a good kid. He is only 15 or 14 I don't remember. But through all of this he has such a positive outlook.

So please pray for God's healing powers, and his loving arms to wrap about Tim and his family in this trying time. His parents are soooo exhausted at this point. Oh and this form of cancer is the kind were it is 50/50. So they are trying everything in their power to save Tim. Hoping to nip all of this in the bud. I will keep all of you posted once I know more. Thank you again.

A Few More Scenes

I have found my daily devotional book. It is "Grace for the moment" by Max Lucado. It is Inspirational Thoughts for each day of the year.

"In [this} world you will have tribulation," Jesus promises, "but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NKJV

God has kept no secrets. He has told us that, while on this yellow brick road [of life], we will experience trouble. Disease will afflict the bodies. Divorce will break hearts. Death will make widows and devasations will destroy countries. We should not expect any less. But just because the devil shows up and cackles, we needn't panic.

Our Master speaks of an accomplished deed... "It is finished" (John 19:30). The battle is over. Be alert. But don't be alarmed... The manuscript has been published. The book has been bound. Satan is loosed for a season, but the season is oh-so-brief... Just a few more scenes, just a few more turns in the road, and his end will come. When Christ Comes

The Green Monster

Read Genesis 29:16-30.

The jealous monster hiding inside us can sometimes tempt us to change who we are or act deceitful when we are seeking out acceptance. We need to realize that we don't need acceptance from people; we should be thanking God for all that He has given us and accepting Him into our every day lives.

Think of some things that you like about yourself.

What would you change, if you could?

Are you ever afraid to show a part of your true self? God can help you to expose this part of yourself. Try it; you just might be accepted for who you are!

- becky

It's not you, it's me

I have been having a hard time lately feeling God in my life. Today it seems to be even harder. Why does God send someone into your life, then have them leave by saying, it's not you, it's me. Really? Where do you turn when it feels like your life is turned upside down and inside out? Where is the best place to feel His presence? I know he is there, and I know he always will be, but I am having a hard time feeling Him here. Any help??

- Melissa

Meddling

Boy, oh boy - do I ever wish certain people would read this post!

Read Genesis 27:1-40.

Rebekah meddled in God's work. When she did this it caused many problems for her. As my devotion says for today, "If you are frantically trying to figure out what to do, it's a good clue that you need to slow down, take a deep breath and take a giant step back." It also mentions how important it is to stick our noses in God's Word instead of other people's business! Love it!

- becky

Tough Decisions

Read Genesis 24:1-67.

Compared to Rebekah, my choices don't seem all that difficult! I only pray that I can trust and obey God when I have decisions to make. (I am getting much better at listening for his advice!)

Am I facing any hard choices right now? Sure. Isn't that what parenting is all about? I constantly worry if I am doing the right things for my children. Then there's work. I have to make professional decisions every day.

Why are my decisions difficult? I think it's tough to make any choice when it is difficult to anticipate any kind of fall-out. When I don't know for sure what the end result is, I have a tough time making a final choice. I supposed that's where trust comes in!

Is God asking me to trust Him? Can I obey Him? Yes and yes. But I need lots of help from the Holy Spirit! I can't do it alone.

- becky

It Happened Again

Buzzz. Buzzz. Buzzz. The alarm clock went off this morning, and I did NOT want to get out of bed. I hit the snooze once - sorry, Tim. I know you HATE it when I do that. I said a little prayer asking for the strength I needed to get up and start the day. For some reason I needed a little extra this morning. The weekend was so busy, that it didn't even feel like I had one!

I dragged myself out of bed, and went downstairs to read my Luther devotion and take a shower. Check this out. My devotion was about Abraham coming down from Mount Moriah --> Genesis 22:19. Luther wrote about how some overly religious people might question why Abraham would come down from a holy place where he had experienced God's presence. (Remember the story of how he nearly sacrificed his son?) Well, of course he came down. He had chores and responsibilities to attend to.

Oh, the irony. I, too, had to face my chores and responsibilities.

Yes, God IS good.

- becky

The First Mother

Read Genesis 4:1-26.

OK - God is so cool. I just posted the verse 1 Peter 5:8 in an earlier post, right? Well, take a look at Genesis 4:7. Once again, too different devotionals tied together by God's hand. This tells me that God really, really, really wants me to be on the look-out for the devil this week. He must really be prowling around since I have been so faithful in God's Word...

- becky

Good One!

I came across this verse while reading from my Martin Luther devotional book this morning, and I wanted to share it with you. This is a good one to read each morning, as I start my day!

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ~ 1 Peter 5:8

- becky

Comfort Level

Read Genesis 19:1-26.

There is a certain level of comfort that goes along with what is familiar, such as living around sin. God was really talking to me today, I have to tell ya'.

This morning, I read from my Martin Luther devotional book about Abraham coming close to sacrificing his son Isaac because God instructed him to do so. Luther talked about how agonizingly difficult it is for us to choose God over sin in our lives.

So, continue the day... I'm in the car driving to work, and I hear on 91.9 FM someone talking about THE SAME THING - Abraham sacrificing Isaac, the importance of us choosing God over sin in our lives... AMAZING!

Tonight, I read the devotion in my Women's Devotional Bible. Different story, same message. Lot's wife looked back when she was told not, and she was turned into a pillar of salt. She was looking back. Not good. Look forward. That's what God wants us to do, but sometimes we have trouble moving forward.

Letting go can be so difficult. I have made some big steps, especially since the women's retreat. I feel my strength to resist the devil building more and more every day, and it is a great feeling.

- becky

Light Bulb

I had a light bulb go on in my head as I was driving home from work today. How would you like to be an author on this blog, too? Matching up our schedules and the fact that some reading this blog live out of town make it difficult to have a weekly devotional meeting. If you would like I can add you as an author, and each day, you can blog about your Daily Devotion or even post prayer requests!

All I ask is that you respectfully leave the template, background, gadgets - basically all settings - alone. I will continue to maintain those.

Let me know if you would like for me to add you as an author!

- becky

Patiently Waiting

Read Genesis 16:1-16.

Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. What am I waiting for? Hmm...a job in a Lutheran school is the latest of my heart's desires. Isn't it funny how our heart's desires seem to change (almost) as often as we need new shoes? It's a good thing God knows the plan. He already knows what I need. He has promised to watch over me and provide me with what I need. See Jeremiah 29:11 --> "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

When I have not waited patiently and tried to take matters into my own hands, it has certainly bitten me in the tooshy. Patience, patience, patience... Lord, please grant me TONS of that!

- becky

Ambition

Read Genesis 11:1-9.

I was listening to 91.9 FM on the way home from work one afternoon, and I heard a broadcaster talking about ambition. Why do we keep trying to climb the corporate ladder? How much money do we need to make? Will we ever be satisfied or feel as though we have enough (things)?

I see people building towers all the time. They have their own plans, and never mind acknowledging what God has in store for them. Humble attitudes? Forget it. Many seem to think they're the best at everything, and they don't care whose feelings they hurt or whom they offend in the everyday grind at work. I'm just as guilty at building my own towers in life; I'm not trying to say that I'm not. It's just been a rough week so far for me; can you tell? I'm tired of people being so mean to me.

This is a good reflection question - Have you ever taken the credit for something someone else has done? Or has that happened to you? Man, it stinks when that happens. Imagine how God must feel when we fail to acknowledge that our blessings come from Him! Tisk, tisk, tisk...

Once again, I am amazed and comforted. It's been a stressful, not so fun week for me. This devotion is good for reminding me that sin is the cause of the irritants in my life. God is there for me to take away the hurt feelings and the frustration.

- becky

The Flood Gates Are Open

Read Genesis 7:1-24.

Noah experienced a real flood. We experience our own disasters when things go wrong in our lives. In preparing for the flood, Noah and his family were ridiculed. We can face similar criticism when we share our beliefs or make them known. This can be a real challenge!

I feel as though I am finally preparing myself for those inevitable disasters. I have done a great job of reading Daily Devotions and turning my worries over to God. Yea me! :)

So, lately, I've been feeling a strong pull to look for a teaching job in a Lutheran school. It would mean a great deal less money, but something is pulling my heart in that direction. I would love to share God's love with a room full of kids. I would love to be able to talk openly and share with co-workers about my faith. Anyone know of any teaching positions opening up in any Lutheran schools for the next school year??? If it's God's will, I'll find something, right?

Do you ever feel as though God is calling you towards something? Are you stopping to listen? I'm trying to teach myself to better listen for Him.

- becky

Created in God's Image

Read Genesis 1:27-31.

As my devotion for today points out, people all look so different, yet we were all created in God's image. The image of God comes out by our actions. The closer that we are to Him, the more His image is reflected from us. I can see God's image reflected by many that I know in many ways. I hope that I am reflecting God's image, too!

So many times, the devil worms his way in. He really is a sneaky snake, isn't he? Every time I sin it's tough to see God's reflection coming through, but it is so important to find it during those moments. The only way for me to kick the devil to the curb is with God's help. The more I ask of His help, the better I will feel about my actions.

I can beautifully reflect God's characteristics by saying only nice things about others, not judging others, and staying faithful in putting God first in my life.

- becky

Weekly Devotional Meeting

Since returning from the Women's Retreat, I feel as though I have a renewed and deeper understanding of and excitement for God's love for me. I find myself looking forward to reading my Daily Devotion and wanting to cheat and read ahead to tomorrow's. There is something truly addicting about God's Word. I feel such a sense of peace, as though I have nothing to fear.

I want to share this excitement with others around me! If they think I'm weird because I read my Bible, I really don't care. Perhaps people judge others in regards to Christianity because of their own guilt that they are carrying around. Really - is it too much to ask to give God a little bit of time out of your week? Look at all He has given to you! I hope that doesn't sound judgmental. I'm just sad for those who don't have this same throw-anything-at-me-I-can-take-it-because-You-are-with-me attitude.

Anyway - back to my point. I want to start a Weekly Devotional Meeting. It would be really cool to have our own personal devotions each day, but then come together once each week to share something really meaningful or helpful that we experienced through God's Word that week. I just have to figure out the technical details - where and when to meet. I love the idea of meeting at Barnes & Noble, but that's across town. Maybe the Kimberly Public Library? I can take notes and blog about our weekly meetings for any out-of-towners. And wouldn't it be really super cool to get the out-of-towners here for the Women's Retreat next year???

Any takers?

- becky

New Bible

I bought a new Bible at Barnes & Noble yesterday! It is a Women's Devotional Bible, which I was inspired to get after the Women's Retreat. I've been very faithful with my Daily Devotions since the retreat, and I really like the idea of a set of devotions interwoven through Scripture that are written for women.

It's an NIV translation. I was hoping for ESV, since that's what the LCMS Church has adopted. I can't find an ESV study Bible with devotions in it, and I didn't want to wait. After all, you can never have too many Bibles, right? :)

The devotions in this Bible have reflection questions and related readings. My plan is to blog about these daily.

- becky

Prayer Request

I found out at work yesterday that a former student of mine committed suicide on Wednesday night. She was in my first 5th grade class in Denmark. This year she was a freshman (15 years old) in high school. Her birthday was just last Friday, March 5th, according to her obituary.

So many prayers are needed in a situation like this. While you are praying about this situation, please pray that people will turn to God with their burdens. Nothing is too bad for God to take care of for us. We just have to trust in Him enough.

- becky

Gracious Blessings

Tonight, I pulled a Bible verse card out of my RAP Bag from Jodie. Here's what it said:

May you always

see God in

the beauty

of every day!

May the Lord show

kindness to you,

as you have

shown to me.

Ruth 1:8

Jodie wrote a nice note on the back of the card to me, too. There is also a verse from the book of John: From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. ~ John 1:16.

Both of these verses fit well when I consider friendships. First, the verse from Ruth speaks of kindness. Second, God has blessed us graciously with wonderful friends.

- becky

Just My Bible and Me

Considering no one commented on my roll call post from yesterday, I suppose it's just my Bible and me. That's okay, though. I'm not going to stop posting just because no one is reading my blog. I'm not here for others; I'm here for my relationship with God.

- becky

Roll Call

Anyone out there? I am terribly guilty of having neglected this blog for a long time, but I'm back with renewed excitement and commitment.

Just wondering if anyone out there is "listening" to my thoughts. I sure do wish some comments were left, so we could get some comforting discussion going.

- becky

The Light

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:14-16

This verse was left in my RAP bag with a tea light candle. It reminds me of talking about our faith at the retreat. We should not put it on a shelf with our Bible. We should carry is with us all day long, and let it shine like a candle for all to see. Every action, every word, every thought reflects the light of Jesus in our hearts.

- becky

The Difference

The Difference

by Grace L. Naessens

I got up early one morning

And rushed right into the day;

I had so much to accomplish

That I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me,

And heavier came each task.

"Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered.

He answered,"You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty,

But the day toiled on gray and bleak;

I wondered why God didn't show me.

He said, "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence;

I tried every key in the lock.

God gently and lovingly chided,

"My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning,

And paused before entering the day;

I had so much to accomplish

That I had to take time to pray.

Bonnie shared this poem with us at the Womens' Retreat, and she was kind enough to send one home in my RAP Bag. I'm really glad that she did that. I'm going to use it as my bookmark in my Luther's Daily Devotional book. I think it serves as a nice reminder that I need to acknowledge to God that I am aware that He is there for me as I begin each day. He already knows what will happen during my day, and He is ever-present in every second of my life.

When I was looking up the author to this poem on the Internet, I saw that it is available as a bookmark with the following verse printed after the poem:

...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ~ Phillipians 4:6

I came across this verse while reading my Bible on the retreat. I marked it with a pen and a post-it as a reminder to let go of my anxieties and turn them over to God.

- becky

His Benefits

My RAP Bag has several Christian bookmarks in it. Note to self: purchase some of these to give away next year. These are great! I read more than one book at a time, so I am always in need of bookmarks.

The bookmark that I am blogging about tonight has a blessing and a verse from Psalms on it.

May the love of Jesus bless your home.

We can honestly say that the love of Jesus does, indeed, bless our home. Mallory and Isaiah are already into saying their prayers. Tim and I could not possibly be any prouder. Isaiah might have a language delay, but he can say the entire Lord's Prayer. The only bummer for me is that the kids and I very rarely get to worship with Tim on Sunday mornings. The downside of marrying a pastor...

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. ~ Psalm 103:2

I came up for this blog post's title after I read this verse. Oh, the benefits. There are so many! They are countless, like the stars in the sky. EVERYTHING is good because of Him. :)

- becky

The Fork

Tonight's item from my RAP Bag was a fork. Yup, you read that correctly! Bev placed a fork in my bag with a story attached.

Stick a Fork In It

by Cheryl Mattil

There are times in all of our lives when we have major decisions to make. Unfortunately, our Heavenly Father does not drop down neon signs that give us the answer. In fact, many times He allows us to struggle to find the correct decision.

My favorite passage in Scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight. Even when there is a "fork" in the road, He will help us through all the twists and turns.

I look at it like this: We can use either a "spoon" to dig a hole and hide from the situation, a "knife" to stab at the opinions of our friends, or a "fork" and eat up God's word to help us arrive at a solution. The One who was born, lived a perfect life, died, and rose again in our place will definitely guide us to the answers we seek. Trust Him! He saved you. Jesus will absolutely lead you. It's a done deal.

You're not going to believe this. Well, maybe you will. My devotional from my Luther devotional book fits perfectly with this RAP Bag item. The title of the devotion is God Never Sleeps. It reminded me that even though I may go through difficult times, God is ALWAYS with me.

- becky

Super Cool!

So, this morning, I read my page from my Martin Luther devotional book before my shower. The focus of the devotional was John 3:19 - And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

I had a few extra minutes this morning, so I decided to read Psalm 1 -

Blessed is the man

who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

but his delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree

planted by streams of water

that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so,

but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will perish.

These readings were not referenced to each other in my devotional book. I read the two separately. I hadn't even planned on reading the Psalm; I simply found a few extra minutes on my hands this morning.

I was struck by their relation to one another! They totally fit together! As I pondered these, I got to thinking about my blog post about friendship last night. These readings reminded me how important it is to surround myself with those who share my same love for the Lord.

- becky

Prayer Chain

Tonight, I pulled five or six prayers requests out of my RAP Bag. They are prayers requests from women at the Women's Retreat that were a part of the paper prayer chain we had hanging up in one of the gathering rooms at the Osthoff.

My plan tonight is to place them in my prayer pillow tonight. One of the committee members made each of us a purple, Women Rejoice! prayer pillow! It is absolutely adorable! It has a pocket for me to put written prayer requests. I then place this prayer pillow under my pillow while I sleep. Love it!

My prayer requests from the prayer chain are as follows:

• Pray for victims of Chile quake.
• Thanks to Bonnie for awesome awareness.
• Thank you, God, for seeing Ellen through all of the challenges in her life.
• Pray for Jacob and Jesse to have a happy life and family.
• A special prayer for the people of Chili.

I know some of the people in the above prayer requests, but I don't know the stories of them all. That's okay, though. I can certainly pray for others in need!

I added several links to the chain myself last weekend. I can't recall every single on of them, but a few still weigh on my heart. I will keep praying my personal requests, and I am comforted to know that there is a woman out there from last weekend praying right along with me!

- becky

Friendship

During one of our whole group sessions at the retreat, we answered three questions to ourselves about our faith lives. One of those questions asked us to reflect on a time when God was a little distant. We were to think about why we thought this may have happened.

It made me sad to answer this question honestly. Yes, there was a time when God was distant. This time lasted longer than it should have. (Well, it shouldn't have happened at all, right?) But, it did. The devil got to me.

I am grateful that I know how God became distant to me. I believe it was the influence of the people that I chose to surround myself with. They didn't have Christ in their lives, so why should I?

What a horrible way of thinking. Now, I realize the importance of having Christian friends. They are there to lift me up when I need it. Hopefully, I can have the honor and privilege of doing the same for them.

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man. ~ Proverbs 22:24

- becky

Faith

Inside my RAP Bag, someone gave me the word Faith.

As I finish reading my Bible and place it back on it's shelf, I should not put my faith on the shelf with it.

Faith is a gift from God. I know about this faith. I have faith in God. This makes me think of a verse from Phillipians that stands out in my mind after this weekend.

...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Phillipians 4:6-7

- becky

Women Rejoice!

This past weekend, I attended my first Womens' Retreat with my church. It was such a wonderful experience. I am still so pumped about it! It is hard for me to find words to explain just how much I got out of the retreat. I'm going to take the next few days to blog about it. As I go through my RAP Bag, taking one item out each night, I will reflect on the experience.

Relax and Play.

Reflect and Pray.

Rejoice and Praise.

Life...It's a RAP.

- becky