Poem from Steph

I've been thinking lately about the importance of friendships - even after marriage, which surprised me the first time a newlywed friend mentioned it. I thought your need for female friendships would take a backseat after marriage, but she was the first of many to assure me that wasn't true. Anyway, one of my dear sisters in Christ, Stephanie, sent this to me & it perfectly describes our college group of friends - I adore those 7 women & am amazed that each of us being so different and at different stages in life hasn't changed the bond we have. It's pretty amazing. *happy sigh*


When we honestly ask
which persons in our lives mean the most to us,
we often find that it is those who,
instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures,
have chosen rather to share our pain,
and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand.

The friend who can be silent with us
in a moment of despair or confusion,
who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement,
who can tolerate
not-knowing, not-curing, not-healing
and face with us the reality of our powerlessness . . .
make it clear that whatever happens in the external world,
being present to each other is what really matters.
Henri J.M. Nouwen

Get Alone With God

Source: google.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

". . .Earnestly desire to get alone with God. If we neglect to do so, we not only rob ourselves of a blessing but rob others as well, since we will have no blessing to pass on to them. It may mean we do less outward, visible work, but the work we do will have more depth and power. Another wonderful result will be that people will see "no one except Jesus" (Matthew 17:8) in our lives."

"The morning is a critically important time of day. You must never face the day until you have faced God, nor look into the face of others until you have looked into His, You cannot expect to be victorious, if you begin your day in your own strength alone.

Begin the work of every day after having been influenced by a few reflective, quiet moments between your heart and God. Do not meet with others, even the members of your own family, until you have first met with the great Guest and honored Companion of your life - Jesus Christ.

Meet with Him alone and regularly, having His Book of counsel open before you. Then face the ordinary, and the unique, responsibilities of each day with the renewed influence and control of His character over all your actions."


The above are excerpts from my Streams in the Desert devo that stood out to me this last week. I generally read my Bible at night as I tend to be less bleary-eyed then. But still, starting the day with time in prayer and time before Him consistently before I jump out of bed and into the bustle of my day is something I need to improve. Thankful for the reminder! :)