Scripture Reading: Ruth 1:1-22, Ruth 2:1-13, Ruth 2:18-20, Ruth 3:1-11, Ruth 4:1-6, Ruth 4:13-17
In reading Ruth this morning, I was struck by a truth I already know but one that I do need to be reminded of often.
God does beautiful work through our small acts of love.
It is easy for my heart to believe what matters most is being really talented and using that talent in very public ways. To find real value in having answers to hard questions or being the smartest person in the room—that we most glorify God when we are used by Him in grand and visible ways. These are the beliefs that reflect disordered desires and misplaced values.
Ruth has a way of exposing all that. Throughout the book, we see God’s redemptive grace restoring the life of a family through small acts of love.
We see it in the very beginning when a grieving Naomi begged her daughters to leave her for the life they had. Naomi argued life with her would only get worse for them. While Orpah loved her, she ultimately conceded with a tearful kiss and left for home. It would have made sense for Ruth to do the same, but Ruth’s love for Naomi was stronger than Naomi’s plea. Instead of leaving her, she pledged her loyalty.
Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
—Ruth 1:16
There was no crowd around when she said this. She did not say what she said out of obligation or to be impressive. She did not know that this conversation would make its way into the pages of sacred Scripture. A sad young widow looked into the eyes of her grieving mother-in-law and said, “I am with you wherever you go,” simply out of love.
God did beautiful work through her small act of love.
Without this moment and Ruth’s faithfulness to her promise, the story would end here. They would go their separate ways, and Naomi’s life would remain “bitter.” Instead, Ruth’s love caught the attention of Boaz, and he responded with loyal love of his own. Through Boaz, God redeemed their family and restored what was lost. The book begins in tragedy and death but ends in joy and new birth.
God did beautiful work through her small act of love.
I needed this reminder today. One of the most important things we can do is offer loyal love to those God has placed in our life. To meet them in every moment but especially when life is hard with an “I am with you and will not leave you” kind of love. Jesus our Savior, who was born in the lineage of Ruth, loves us this way. His loyal love redeemed sinful humanity and adopted us into the family of God. As followers of Jesus, we can love in the way He has loved us.
When we do, God does beautiful things.
Written by Jamin Roller
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111 thoughts on "Naomi and Ruth"
Amen to finding love in the small acts of kindness!
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Amen..
Amen! He will never leave us nor forsake. What a beautiful reminder.
I love the intentional family dynamics included throughout Scripture. In laws can look more like outlaws sometimes. Families come as a package deal, tied to the one we marry. Cultural customs of the day relieved Ruth of any obligation. She was grieving the loss of her husband, yet chose to love his mother. I lost both of my parents 18 months apart, a couple of years prior to turning 40. My father-in-law passed away 6 months prior to our wedding. My MIL is the only remaining parent I have. We can make it difficult for others to love us at times, and my MIL is no exception. I often consider the beauty from ashes in Naomi & Ruth’s story, and continue to attempt to love her, even when she’d rather push everyone away. I know what it is to be loved by my Heavenly Father, and always try to love her as He does, even when it would be easier to pack up and go our separate ways. I continue to love her and pursue her, because that’s what Jesus does for me.
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I don’t remember mentioning this before: my high school English teacher assigned the Book of Ruth as a required book report. What a wise Christian lady! I would love to have that book report now. It would be interesting to read my teenage thoughts on Ruth!
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God us the star of this story- once again our Hero! His Providence shines through. Ruth’s testimony of faith in the One, True God is so powerful. The fact the she, unlike, Naomi was not bitter toward God proves that her faith was authentic. As SHARON said so much to glean!
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Love, hugs, and prayers, SHES! ❤
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I have always love the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz!
Children have favourite books to be read at bedtime, mine is The book of Ruth!
Most nights, I’m being serious her, most nights I put on my bible app to read this story to me as I close my eyes in Hope of slumber and to dream!
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I feel safe in Ruth, and though, if I were honest, I listen as if it were my prayer for a Boaz of my own to God, there is more to it, as Jamin Roller has said.. Loyal love…
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Loyal love..
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That’s something else, right!
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Love that costs nothing, requires nothing in return, done and given because…, just because..
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I was blessed to receive such a love once, but I let it go, I didn’t understand as a recipient of such a love, and now interestingly, my listening to the book of Ruth is in Hope that I will know better next time..
Today’s devotional allows me to hope, and to continue to dream that it is never too late to correct a “misunderstanding” on my part!
You know the world wants you to believe that we owe each other something, nothing is done out of kindness of ‘loyal love’ there will always be a price..
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BUT GOD..
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His Word says ..
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Love as I have loved you.
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Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God, in Christ forgave you..
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Love is patient and kind,does not envy of boast, neither is it arrogant or rude..
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I see these now, as I spend time with Father God, and am in His Word..
What I wouldn’t do to go back to rectify things and be a better person!
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But I can’t! If I am blessed to be given another chance at life alongside another who would love me, and I,them, I know that I would request God’s presence every day, I would be sure to hold fast to my cord of three strands, daily, and not think myself better in anyway, other than at scrabble…. Joking!❤
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Lord, may I be a ‘Ruth’ everyday, not just to the One you may have for me, but everyone I meet, may kindness and loyal love be my mantra in action..
For your love, favour and grace LORD GOD, thank you..
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AMEN..
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Happy Tuesday my loves.. Happy Tuesday..❤
I pray with you that you will have your Boaz! ❤ Hugs from a drizzly, chilly South Carolina! ❤
I will be praying as well, for your Boaz Tina. And, oh – the thought that we could go back! I think most of us would, I know I would for sure. There is so much my “younger me” could learn from my “older me”!
Have a blessed Tuesday evening sweet Tina! ❤️
Thanks for sharing your tender thought and desires, Tina. I love the phrase you used, “loyal love”❤️
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Small acts of love! This just struck me! I still remember a dear friend who gave me the most restorative hug every time she saw me after my mom passed away! It was small but meant the world to me!
May I do the same for whoever I come in contact with today! Show them a small act of love to change their life!
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Matthew 11:28 says: ” Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This is a quote from the mouth of our Lord and Savior Himself. That phrase comes up several times in the passage for today.
In Ruth 1:9 ” May the Lord grant each of you rest in the house of a new house of a new husband.”
” Ruth’s mother -in-law Naomi said to her,” My daughter shouldn’t I find rest for you, so that you will be taken care of?”
When Naomi was returning from Moab and after she changed her name to Mara, I would have shared this song with her from my playlist. Worn by Tenth Avenue North.
I’m Tired I’m worn
My heart is heavy
From the work it takes
To keep on breathing
I’ve made mistakes
I’ve let my hope fail
My soul feels crushed
By the weight of this world
And I know that you can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left
Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart
That’s frail and torn
I wanna know a song can rise
From the ashes of a broken life
And all that’s dead inside can be reborn
Cause I’m worn
I know I need to lift my eyes up
But I’m too weak
Life just won’t let up
And I know that you can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left
Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart
That’s frail and torn
I wanna know a song can rise
From the ashes of a broken life
And all that’s dead inside can be reborn
Cause I’m worn
My prayers are wearing thin
Yeah, I’m worn
Even before the day begins
Yeah, I’m worn
I’ve lost my will to fight
I’m worn
So, heaven come and flood my eyes
Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart
That’s frail and torn
I wanna know a song can rise
From the ashes of a broken life
And all that’s dead inside can be reborn
Cause all that’s dead inside will be reborn
Though I’m worn
Yeah I’m worn
Tanya, thank you for sharing this beautiful song! ❤
I think Naomi would have connected to this one!
Great Song, hard to believe popular 12 years ago!!
What a fitting song❤️
When my step dad was dying from cancer, every day on my way to my mom’s house to sit with him and her, this song would come on the radio. It is only a 15 minute drive, but no matter what time I went I heard it every day. It was as if God was telling me that my step dad was tired and worn out and tired of the fight. Shortly after he died, I didn’t hear the song every day any more. That was 12 years ago that he died on April 29th, exactly 1 year after he first went to church, and that was for my oldest daughter’s baptism. The first time I ever saw him cry. He and my mom were both baptized the next January and he died in April. I still cry a little every time I hear this song, but I know that he is in Heaven and wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for the love of a 9 year old girl asking him to come to her baptism.
May his memory be a blessing. This song helped me when I was passing through a difficult time
wow, thank for you Amy for sharing a beautiful testimony.
What a beautiful testimony ❤️
Those small acts of love, lead to big beautiful things in God’s Kingdom and the lineage of Christ being changed forever. Rahab, Ruth’s other mother i
This hits home today. My sister who lives close to my elderly dad has decided she is no longer going to care for him and is handing it over to me,
who lives 800 miles away. My sister and dad are in at odds and she has decided to walk away from the relationship. I’m praying..please pray with me. I am willing to help as much as I can from here. (All communication this has been communicated by text message.) I’m going to give her a call today. Praying for wisdomm.
Praying, Melani, for wisdom, clarity and guidance in this conversation.
Yes, Amen. What a hard situation. Praying too.
❤ Agreeing in prayer with Searching and that your sister’s heart is receptive.!
That sounds so stressful! Praying that you have the wisdom to know what to do/say!
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Precious SRT sisters, it has been three months today since Jack went home to be with Jesus but my grief is still very fresh. Thank you for your continued prayers. God is constantly reminding me that even though Jack is gone my work here is not finished. I have signed up to go on a mission trip in September and will be working in our church’s VBS in July. Pray that I will continually seek Him. ❤️
Oh, Lynne.
Praying daily for your comfort and peace. Three months…time goes so quickly, but it’s still hard.
And here you are…back to serving.
Hugs to you, sweet friend. ❤️
Continuing to pray, Lynne ❤️ I love that you are seeking and doing as the Lord guides you – love you!
May his memory be a blessing.May you find comfort in the place of
G-d who comforts those who mourn in moun in Zion.
Continued prayers for your grieving heart and prayers for restoration through these acts of love you are signed up for. I know you will be a tremendous blessing in both! Love you, sweet sister! ❤
So good to hear your updates, Lynne. And thank you for your message yesterday and kind words / prayer. Love you ❤️
Although you are still/will be mourning, I am so glad you are serving this summer…and a Missions Trip!! Wow!! That’s exciting! It gives you something to look forward to! I love you know Christ still wants to bless you and use you!! Love you bunches and hugs!
Praying for you Lynne! Grief has no timeline & I hope you know that you are never alone in walking this path.
Where are you going Lynne? That’s so exciting!! Praying for you to feel God’s presence in your grieving.
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GM ladies. I’m off today so finally doing catch up. I have been reading your comments but days after. So much to digest and you all help me to understand the scriptures so much more. Thank you!! Update on BJ: I honestly can’t believe he is still hanging on. It is as a friend put it like a “slow walk to death”. I know that sounds gloomy but it is true. His days are not good, he is in pain, can do little more than walk from couch to outside for some fresh air. His life has become so small. It is heartbreaking. But we continue to take it day by day and pray for a “Lazarus” while also seeing what the future holds. It’s a tough walk. As for my daughter Chela, thankfully her meds are taking an edge of of the anxiety but she is still struggling with self defeating, negative thoughts, and it is really tough as her mama to come alongside of her and just sit and listen. There is nothing I can do to “fix” the situation. I am like King Jehosephat, “I don’t know what to do Lord but my eyes are on you”. When I think of Naomi and see how God redeemed her pain, I can only hope God will do the same in these situations as well. I have to fight to not become “Mara” and trust that God knows what he is doing and that he will carry us all through.
Praying for strength for you every day, dear Tami! Caregiving is so hard and watching a loved one slip away is so painful. Praying that God will take BJ home soon. Also praying that God will work in Chela’s heart.❤️
Yes, Amen. Been thinking of you Tami and how you are doing. It’s a lot, I can’t imagine the slow road to death. It seems cruel and sad, but our ways are not his ways. Praying to keep your focus on the Lord.
Joining Lynne in prayer for BJ & Chela, Tami ❤️
Prayers for BJ, you, Chelah, BJ’s daughters, all those caught in this wait. May God be merciful and give you peace. ❤❤❤
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Its hard not have the story of Ruth ans Naomi as a favorite. We read and learn of steadfast commitment, honoring our parents, honoring commitment, genuine faithfulness in relationship, respect, kindness, that one who points to the Lord and seeks Him will see His favor, that He is our provider, that He brings beauty from ashes. And, all along the family line and lineage of Jesus is being established.
Just such beautiful, yet everyday, real reminders that the Lord is active and vested in every part of our lives. That when we seek to live a life honoring Him, He is faithful. Its definitely not without heartache but His Sovereign hand still moves and He provides. The acts of obedience in our lives, the kindness and care for others – all of these will not return void in our lives. He makes all things good. Thank you Lord ❤️
Wendy,
This was so perfect! “The Lord is active and vested in every part of our lives….it’s not without heartache, but His sovereign hand still moves and He provides.”
Haven’t we all seen this in our own lives?
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Yes….❤️
“The acts of obedience in our lives, the kindness and care for others – all of these will not return void in our lives. He makes all things good.” Yes, thank You, Lord! ❤
Amen! ❤️
Good morning She’s.
I replied to Kelly (neo) but wanted to give a more informative update. My son’s surgery has been postponed. He needs to lose at least 40# for the surgery will be more intense and the surgeon wants to reduce the risk of infection. His kyphosis is at 100 degrees and has fused at the front of his spine. He will have a virtual appointment in September to see where he’s at on weight loss. Thank you so much for your prayers. I trust in our Lord and know he will see this through.
On another note, Ruth is my favorite book in the Bible.
Praying for your son in the waiting and for guidance in achieving timely, healthy weight loss.
Thank you.
I, too, pray your son has been offered professional dietary assistance and exercise regimen for successful weight loss. Prayers for wisdom for you as you support him! ❤
Thank you.
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GM!
I love this study, the surprise each day of the name(s) that will be there. Naomi and Ruth are favorites. It got so many good bits of reminders. When things look bleak, when loss is overwhelming, finances are lost and more. But God sees us. He has a plan in play, and we must be steadfast in our trust and faith. When it is rooted in us, and we keep forward in action- it may take many, many years to come to fruition, but God will honor it.
It can be a fear of women today, of how we might make it on our own if all is lost. I don’t know what I would do, but I hope I would cling to God tightly. I think of the song “Trust in God,” I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. I love that the scripture is full of people with broken lives, loss, problems to give us hope in our not perfect lives. No one has trouble free lives. But we are blessed beyond measure if we know Jesus. We have eternal security, ever-lasting life! Praise God!
There is a movie that was made about Ruth and Naomi I watched last time we did the study of Ruth. I like visuals and it was pretty well done.
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I love that Jamin pointed out that it was Ruth’s act of love that God used in big ways. God can use me right where I am today simply by loving those around me. Help me Lord to love well!
Good morning ladies, I ask for your prayers as my dad shared with my sister and I over the weekend that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. His prognosis is good but he will have surgery to remove his prostate on July 1st. My heart breaks for him that he has to go through this. It’s also anxiety-inducing and hard not to spiral and think of the worst. I love my dad so much and can’t imagine losing him. I covet your prayers for my family during this time. Praying everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend ❤️
I am praying for you and your dad! Praying for supernatural strength,peace,and healing.
I will be praying for your dad Taylor.❤️
Oh Taylor…I’m sorry your Dad has recieved this news. It is so scary. May the Lord’s comfort and peace fill your hearts and give you strength as you all navigate what’s ahead. In the name of Jesus, we praying healing for your Dad❤️
Praying now! ❤️
Praying for successful surgery for him and peace for you and the rest of your family!❤️
Taylor ❤️ praying for your dad, his surgery and his recovery! As you already know, post surgery PT is vital (especially this surgery) for all sorts of reasons. A family member had this procedure several years ago and was a PT rock star – it made all the difference.
Praying for your dad and all of your family
❤ Praying the surgery goes well with a noneventful recovery and no more cancer! ❤
Praying for your dad and for you!
Praying for you and your father that God may heal him and any anxiety
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The book of Ruth – one of my favorites in the OT. Like Searching, I too read the whole book this morning…you really don’t want to miss any of the story!
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There is SO much to glean from this little book, but today for me – I see how God turned the whole circumstance around for Naomi, who changed her name from “pleasant” (Naomi) to “bitter” (Mara) and bestowed on her a crown of beauty instead of ashes.
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God bound up her broken heart, comforted her who mourned, provided for her as she grieved and bestowed a crown of beauty instead of ashes.
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The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 63:1-3
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God can and does take the most broken, hopeless situations in our lives – and turn them around, into something beautiful that will bring Him all the glory, honor, and praise – if we allow Him to work out His will in our lives.
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Happy Tuesday She’s.
Totally loved how you used the word Glen! G-d and his son Jesus specialize in the resurrection of the dead. This applies to not just dead bodies but our dead and hopeless situations!
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Amen, Sister!
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Dear Father, help me to be more like Ruth.
Rather than the selected Scriptures, I just read the book of Ruth – I think the selection was most of it anyway.
Random thoughts day –
Even seeing Naomi’s discouragement in her grief, Ruth was still encouraged & led to trust in God – a testimony to the faith Naomi had shown up to this point. We never know how our life of faith is affecting others, or who those ‘others’ may be.
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And just what was the status of Naomi’s husband and family before they left Bethlehem, that after being gone for at least 10 years that ‘all the city’ was excited at the arrival of Naomi and Ruth?
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We see the hand of God continuing to work His plan in Ruth’s dedication to Naomi, her hard work to provide food for them, her bravery (in my view) to go to Boaz that night at Naomi’s instructions. Boaz was quick to know who the nearest relative was, and quick with a plan to resolve who would redeem Ruth so maybe he had already been thinking about this?
Rahab was the mother of Boaz so Ruth had 2 strong women of faith as MILs.
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MICHELLE P – thank you for update on coworker, praying that whatever he let get between him and his relationship with the Lord is brought to light, and that his faith is restored. Praying for the right new hire.
MARGARET W – praying for guidance in resolving situation with caregiver, and for her own good, that she overcomes whatever has caused this change
RHONDA J – praying for nephew & wording of your note to him
KIMBERLY ❤️ ‘chasing what feels good instead of what is right’ – thank you
SHARON JERSEY GIRL- blind, bind, grind – the destructiveness of sin – thank you
CEE GEE ❤️ for your research that matched with Sharon
INDIANA ELAINE – thankful for CT scan (yikes on results) and for fortification with meds as you move forward, praying for wisdom for ortho in treatment options
Praying for all!
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Help stay consistent in my love today especially the little things. ❤️
Father God help me to see and love others as You do to Your glory. In Jesus name, Amen
Amen❤️
Quiet obedience.
Sacrifical service.
Trusting devotion to the Lord.
Ruth entered into covenant with Israel’s God and was blessed when she was loyal to Him.
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Thanks be to God that He provides for His covenant people and through Jesus, all, Jew and Gentile, may enter in.
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ALEIDA POLANCO – how is Victor doing?
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TAMI C – continuing to pray for Chela and BJ.
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MICHELLE P – thanks for the update about your (now former) coworker. It is indeed sad that his heart is so bitter. May the Lord bring a fantastic person to fill to position. Continue to shine Jesus’ light to your bosses.
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MARI V – have you found out if youget to stay with the same teacher next school year?
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MARGARET W – praying God gives you wisdom as you look for a new caregiver for your son.
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R – how is your husband’s stroke recovery coming along?
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SEARCHING – how are the twins doing?
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KAREN ELIZABETH – how is Kailand? Has he made a full recovery?
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LEANNA THOMPSON – raying your son’s surgery goes well.
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SUSAN BURLEY – any updates on Seth?
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CHERYL BLOW – continuing to pray for Tammy.
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KIRA H – continuing to pray for your coworker’s husband.
Thank you for asking, Kelly – long story but I am not receiving any updates …
Yes! Kailand has been home and overall doing well from what I have heard. He did go back into the hospital for a planned surgery, but back home again. Thank you for asking!
Thank you, Kelly. My son’s surgery has been postponed.
Thank you Kelly!! I really covet those prayers!
Kelly, I so appreciate your diligence in checking on Seth and so many others prayer requests! God is using you as His vessel! Seth has brief moments where he is “awake” and is slowly making progress. His brain is trying to heal and part of that process is neurostorming. Essentially, his nervous system is in an extreme “fight or flight” mode which leads to elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and sometimes fevers. If you could pray that God would calm Seth’s nervous system so his brain can continue to heal that would be so appreciated!
Thank you for continuing prayers for Tammy! She is still fighting but weak but God gives her strength!
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KELLY, any updates on little mama and the job search for those laid off? ❤
Hi Kelly and all the She’s! I am so grateful to report that my husband saw the neurologist on Friday and has been cleared to return to work.He also cleared him to resume driving which we were told probably wouldn’t happen until possibly September!!! The doctor was surprised at how fast the recovery was but I know that the prayers of the saints availed much! After being placed on an Ssri his depression lifted and he was able to come to grips with what happened to him.I am so grateful to this community and for the caretaker She’s who served as an example of how to serve my husband! I am so blessed to be a part of all of you!!!.
Wow, R, what outstanding news!!! ❤
Yes, Amen!!
Thank you Father for your unfailing love. This is a reminder to keep our eyes on the Lord. No matter how things look in the natural, your presence will always lead to our continued growth in true love.
The story of Ruth is one of my favorites.
I looked at this a little differently than Jamin. I think it causes me to realize that we may not know what our purpose is, but we need to stay true to the Lord because he knows. We might not know how the story will go in our lives, but God knows. Ruth didn’t know that when she went along with Naomi and followed Naomi’s directions and served her God, that she would end up being a grandparent of David. And even further down the line an ancestor of Jesus. Her love had impact far beyond she could ever have imagined. Our lives and the way we serve the Lord will have impact far beyond what we could even imagine.
I need to keep that in mind and I’m very grateful for the reminder this morning.
Happy Tuesday, dear Sisters.
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I like how you said this, Tricia. I felt the same way as you about the text. Another part is I saw the love of Jesus through Ruth. He never leaves us when things are messy. He’s there in the messy and the sticky and the crazy of life. I saw God’s steadfastness here. His presence and his love. God will never leave us nor forsake us.
Amy, I appreciate you sharing that. That is a great way to look at this. Thank you.
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Well said, Tricia! ❤
God is good