My Christian Sisters Help Me Weather Life's Storms

The past six months have been a roller coaster ride for me at work. My employer announced a major reorganization. At the time, I had little idea of the actual impact on me. In February I learned that my position would be terminated later this year.

Some days I have a level head. I know the decisions are for the business and nothing personal. I know I have my education and experience to help me in the hunt for a new job. I pray continually for God to show me His plan for my life. I pray that I will listen and be obedient. I pray for Him to open the door He wants me to take and to help me be patient as I wait for His timing.

Other days I don’t have a level head. It feels personal. It feels like the company doesn’t want ME. That something is wrong with ME. This is Satan. My prayer has changed to include that I recognize Satan and rebuke Him; that I don’t let him get a hold of my thoughts.

One day in particular I could tell I was not having a level-headed day. I cried out to my Girlfriends to pray for me. It didn’t take long and I knew each was praying. One reminded me to fight Satan with the Word. Jer 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declared the Lord, ‘Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.’ 

I was encouraged by another with a written prayer just for me...

“Father God, 

Protect my sister Ruth from attacks by Satan this morning. Lord, it can be such a battle at times. He’s strong and powerful! He knows exactly where, when and how to attack us. We rest in the glory of your love – knowing that you are more powerful and that you know exactly what we need. We know that in this battle we are on the right team! Thank you God for being our Great Protector!

Let Ruth feel your power this morning. Bring her peace and comfort. Let her feel your presence. Put a smile on her heart knowing that ‘in the great plan’ for her life, all is good and right.

Lord we thank you and give you all the glory for all that we have and for the protection that you give us each day.

Thank you, Father.”

Within minutes I felt the weight of Satan falling off my shoulders. I was able to gather my thoughts and focus on God and His plan.

Another day, Miriam sent an e-devo that spoke to me about being patient and waiting for God. She has been in similar shoes and just felt the need to send the message. As it turns out, I was having another not-so-level-headed day and the message was exactly what I need to hear. I thanked her and she didn’t take any credit. God had put me on her heart and she was being obedient.

I believe in the power of prayer. I believe God answers prayers. I praise God for these Christian Sister’s in my life. I praise God my Sisters are willing to take time out of their busy lives to lift me up in prayer when I really need it. God is good. ALL THE TIME!

I am blessed.

Ruth

Girlfriends Dinner at North 11

Tonight the Girlfriend’s met for our monthly dinner.  Our number was down by two as Anna remains south soaking in the sun and Elisabeth had last minute plans with family.  So Miram, Sarah and I gathered together at North 11 for a nice evening of dinner and fellowship.

North 11 is located at 5585 W Gull Road in Kalamazoo, Michigan, about 4 miles west of Richland.  It is a great place to gather for food, fun and friends!  That is what they advertise, and they are right on!  The evening we met they were hosting a KalamazooWine & Canvas event.  Wine and Canvas is an entertainment event much like a concert, dinner theater or movie theater.   No talent or experience is necessary.  Their talented instructors will guide you step-by-step!  You will be amazed at your very own work of ART!  Or so they say.  It was interesting to observe....maybe a future evening together!!!

Sarah and I each ordered a different one of the pizza’s while Miriam had a sandwich.  The waiter gave us plenty of time to enjoy our drinks and a little conversation before our food was served.  Of course, I could eat pizza almost any time.  

I’m a traditionalist and had Traditional Old standby; marinara, pepperoni, mushroom, mozzarella and Parmesan. It was delicious!  I even had enough leftovers for lunch the next day.  Yummy!

Our conversations move along the same lines each time we meet:  family, work, and studying the Word.  In our very busy lives this time together helps us slow down and recall what is really important.  Life isn’t about the “what we do” or “how we do it.”  It’s about the relationships we have and how we do them.

I am truly blessed to know these Christian women.  I am blessed to call them friends.  I am blessed to have their counsel.  I am blessed to have them praying for me.  I am blessed to have them hold me accountable.  I am blessed.  

Thank you, God!

As I wrote this blog post, I couldn't help but think of the following Bible passages from Ecclesiastes (NLT)

⁹ Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. ¹⁰ If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. ¹¹ Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? ¹² A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Blessings!

Ruth

End of Summer Park Party

Meeting with girlfriends in the park in Richland on a most beautiful, warm and sunny summer evening after visiting our local Subway for our selected meals - life doesn't get any better than this!  

Delightful conversation followed as Miriam and Sarah tried the pulled pork and Ruth stuck with her Subway standby, the Italian BMT. I chose the oven roasted chicken and we all made it a meal by adding our favorite chips and cold drinks.  All meals were tasty, with many healthy veggie additions! 

It was a really comfortable evening on the picnic table in an active town square. We talked and laughed over the details of a recent excursion on the Kal-Haven trail, bicycling in monsoon rains that Ruth and  Miriam bravely attempted.  We were very proud of their efforts, however, in getting out there.

We all discussed those friends we had who were going through health challenges and prayed together, missing our friend Elisabeth, who was out of town.

Work and life challenges were again topics of concern, as well as our children and families. Updates on possible retirement areas we have considered were examined also. Wow, we can't possibly be saying that!  We're all way too young for retirement.          

It's great knowing each of us can depend on the prayer and support of our entire group! We all seem to be refreshed and lifted up after sharing time together.  

Looking forward to our next meeting and the next update,

Anna

The Blessing of Friends

Today I was reminded just how important our women friends are, especially our Christian women friends.   

I recently applied for a different position with my employer.  I asked my girlfriends to pray with/for me. I had asked them to pray for "without a doubt clarity" on the  direction God would have me take and for me to have a willingness to submit to His plan no matter which position I end up in.  

Each friend sent me notes along my journey with Bible verses, experiences they have had and words of encouragement.  
 
Today I learned I didn't get the new position.  My friends all sent notes as soon as they learned the news.  They continued to lift me up in prayer and they turned my focus to God and His GREAT plans.  

Each friend had wonderful words of wisdom and advice.  They noted that sometimes we as Christians believe we are boasting or not being humble when we talk about our skills, accomplishments, talents.  But these are all gifts from God and He would be proud to hear us describe those gifts to others, especially if we are seeking to continue to use those gifts in another job.  

They pointed me to Matthew 7:7. "Keep on asking and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened." 

They continued to pray with me.  
 
After hearing from each, I was encouraged that God did answer my prayers.  He has a plan.  I will trust that plan.  
 
Praise God for loving me.  Praise God for the wise women in my life.
 
Ruth