Braided Treasures

I just met with two dear people this evening. Women after my own heart, I think. We've started a writing group to help keep each other accountable. As we were discussing some of the topics at hand it occurred to me that I was so comfortable with these women, even as they were offering critiques and suggestions on my work. To me, that shows a depth of character and friendship that is hard to find in this world.

I am blessed with friends who a God-seeking women. These friendships are treasures that are worth more than any material item I can think of. I watched these friends take care of those in need when they themselves were in need. Countless words of Godly wisdom have passed through the lips of my friends, accompanied by even more prayers.

This week my Bible Study has emphasized the importance of accountability and support and it brought me to Ecclesiastes. Read on...

Ecclesiastes 4:9-13 (New International Version)

9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:

10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!

11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?

12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

So much truth packed into these verses, but my take-away nugget is this: Braid yourself into a friendship with others while including God, and you will have a friendship that will be hard to fail.

Just another thing to be thankful for this time of year! Friends!

Dear God,

Without you, I am ugly. This past week one of my biggest excuses to "ditch" you popped up...I wasn't feeling good and either was the rest of my family. I got trapped in self-pity and used being ugly to others as a mode of coping.

I was irritable, selfish, short-tempered, and mean to my husband.

It's really amazing that you let me keep coming back. How many times do I have to learn the same lesson, that YOU are the way, the truth, and the life ?!

It's so thickheaded of me, really! I assume I know your will and your ways because I've heard it or read it before. But, really, I don't truly know something until it comes time to put it into practice. I learned that from teaching high school chemistry. Try to teach something that you don't really know to a bunch of 11th graders... they'll set you strait in no time.

I'm realizing, with the help of First Place 4 Health, that there is no "coast" option in Christianity. Either I daily go to Jesus in prayer or I don't. If I do, I will be closer to him and I will be able to know his will. If I don't, I will get trapped in the ways of the world and probably make some bad decisions. All of this comes from my verse for the week...

Romans 12:2...Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve of what God's will is- his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Amen!