Week Nine
Forsythia at our local nursery
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Happy Friday and weekend, Friends! We had several storms overnight, and our internet was not up to speed this morning. I had an appointment at the cancer center, so I could not wait around to get my post uploaded. I had my mammogram on Monday, an appointment with my medical oncologist on Wednesday, and my radiology oncologist this morning. I had a great report, and I am cancer-free and feeling GREAT!
I appreciate your grace this morning. Usually I have little trouble with updating this page, and we rarely have internet issues.
I enjoyed this week's reflection (entitled "My Whole Heart") because it reminds us to worship God with sweet abandon, just like King David. He is my favorite person depicted in scripture next to Jesus, and I always seem to enjoy his Psalms a little bit more than the others. I enjoyed the story of Aretha Franklin and her sister, and it just so happens that King David was known for breaking out in dance and song.
Here are a couple of verses from this week's Psalm:
When is the last time you worshipped God with childlike abandon? I confess that it has been one hot minute for me.
Below I'm sharing a poem by Steve Garnass-Holmes that really hit home this week. I hope you appreciate it like I do!
Sometimes you wake up and you are aliveand it's such a wonder it practically knocks you out again.Sometimes you get up and go, and by the bottom of the stairsyou're overwhelmed by the miracle of the knees.Every once in a while you're hit with a bombast of beauty,of forgiveness, the way breath is given,the way this shadow holds the stones in its hands,the way someone sees a light they had resolved to miss.You step outside and you want to cry to the birds,"Hey, you guys!" and they're in the trees, nodding,"Yeah, we know, we know. "Sometimes it seems the world and its miraclesneed a flock of exclamation points.And the thing is, the most amazing thinghasn't happened yet.
Prayer Requests
- Pray for Rita's daughter Megan as she finishes her masters program this semester. Pray that she will stay healthy, and that she will manage her time well for work/school/life balance.
- Pray for my best friend Barbara who is battling cancer. NOTE: She has not had a great week, so please lift her up!
- Carla would like for us to pray for the military build up at the door of Iran. Pray for our leaders to seek wisdom. that we pray for our military, our young men and women who are at that door waiting what orders might be coming. May God protect them.
- Please pray for Kris's MIL because she has been having some heavy health issues, and Kris is currently her full time nurse. Pray that God will help and bless Kris as she cares for her MIL. Pray that other family members will step-up and will be discerning about what's best for her care.
- Rita's friend Pam needs our prayers because her cancer is stage four.
- Please pray for my baby great-niece. We are still waiting to hear from the pediatric neurologist.
- Pray for Rita's neighbor Chris. A .5-1cm lesion was found on her bladder at her 6mo scan after kidney surgery. She had two small papillary tumors successfully removed via outpatient surgery recently.
- Pray for Kris's son-in-law Tim that things will continue to go in his favor at work.
- Pray for Carla's friend Alice who had plastic surgery on her nose due to skin cancer. UPDATE: Alice did not have a good outcome with the reconstructive surgery. They will be looking at doing another.
- Carla recently had to deal with a very bitter person. She has been very bothered by this, and she does not want this person to steal her JOY.
- Praise God I'm still cancer-free!
- Carla has an extended family member stationed in Kuwait named Haley. She is her cousin Steve's daughter. Please pray for her safety!
- Carla's Sam has several Wisconsin Guard friends stationed in Kuwait and Iraq. Sam will be having Drill this weekend. As this war continues, we pray for our troops and for the troops preparing to deploy.
Please note that I edited the list. If you have any other requests, or if I deleted something in error, let me know ASAP.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Friday, Friends! We have entered the solemn season of Lent, and I hope that you are finding time to draw close to God.
Y'all, I absolutely loved this week lesson because I, too, love bees. I have two books about how to plant to attract bees, and what to do in your garden to feed and water them. Farrell's lessons she's learned as a beekeeper and how they can be applied to anyone's life are instructive and inspiring. Getting involved with any new activity takes courage. The imagery of finding "inner calm in the tension" while tending bees is a perfect lesson for how to approach and respond to situations in everyday life.
She shared one of her favorite salad recipes utilizing honey, "Sweet Nectarine, Pistachio, Basil, and Honey Mozza Salad." Did you try it? I assembled it for us earlier in the week, and it was a big hit! I found Chilean nectarines at Publix, and they were surprisingly good (I was concerned because they aren't in season).
Cherry tomatoes, nectarines, and fresh basil
I had to giggle at the recipe because it called for a bushel of tomatoes, and I substituted that for a pint.
Here is the scripture for the lesson:
I want to share a reflection this morning from my inbox written by Boltz Weber. It's a meditation about the beginning of Lent.
On Ash Wednesday we read from the prophet Joel:"Yet even now, says the Lord,return to me with all your heart."~Joel 2:12Which I take to mean, You mortal, you will die, you belong, heart and soul, to God.This is Lent to me. Lent is about spiritual exfoliation. Lent is about returning to God with all our heart.
I think this is a sweet lesson to focus on during Lent because I have always found Ash Wednesday a little disturbing and upsetting.
Do you have any thoughts about Ash Wednesday, Lent or the lesson you'd like to share?
Prayer Requests
- Pray for our military securing and protecting our southern border.
- Pray for Kitty's son Mike to get a job that uses his talents.
- Pray for the Americans displaced by the derailment (East Palestine, OH), fires (Maui and California) and Hurricane Helene (East Tennessee and Western North Carolina). Pray that they will receive the help they need to rebuild.
- Pray for Kitty's grandson Connor, that he will find a path to follow and good relationships.
- Pray for our daughter Shanley Belle as her post doc is coming to an end. She is in the midst of a job search. Please pray for God's guidance in her next step. UPDATE: She has had two job offers so far. Please continue to pray for guidance and discernment for her.
- Carla is running for Trustee for her local Village Board. The election is April 1st. Let's be in prayer that Carla can continue to be the change she wants to see in her village.
- Rita's daughters need our prayers. One is finishing up her masters this semester, and the other is having an especially hard time balancing work/school/home life. Pray for God's strength, patience and guidance as they each navigate their own course.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Friday, Friends! How is your first week of December going? I've had a great week, and I hope you have, too.
I am enjoying this devotional so much. I know I keep saying that, but it seems like each reading is just what I needed for that particular day. God's timing is truly perfect! The lesson that stood out to me this week was the one that encourages us to focus on Jesus' presence because then our troubles seem trivial and powerless.
Amen!
These are the three Bible verses from this lesson:
Prayer Requests
- Pray for our military and military families, and the Wisconsin National Guard deployed in Iraq.
- Pray for Kitty's son Mike to get a job that uses his talents.
- Be in prayer for Carla's Florida friends still recovering from two hurricanes.
- Kitty asks if you could pray for Cissy’s emotional and mental well being, please. You may recall that she was in a car accident a few of weeks ago. She also requests that we pray for Eric also because he's miserable with his job. Pray that he can find something suitable for him with insurance.
- Pray for a peaceful and smooth transition of power between now and January 20, 2025.
- Pray that we can all find quiet time with God during the holiday hustle and bustle.
- Please be in prayer for me because I will be having five minor surgeries on December 9, 10, 16, 20, and 30. The first one will be Monday afternoon, so I will still be able to post in the morning.
Have a lovely weekend!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Fun Christmas tree in Mignon Faget, New Orleans
Happy December, My Lovelies! Yesterday was the First Sunday of Advent, and I hope y'all had a lovely and blessed day!
You'll find the December schedule in the sidebar, and you'll notice that we won't be reading quite as many pages as we get closer to Christmas. I planned it intentionally so we can slow down and really reflect on the remaining lessons. I hope you will have the time to go back and reread your favorites!
Here are a few scriptures to get you started on this week's lessons.
Prayer Requests
- Pray for our military and military families, and the Wisconsin National Guard deployed in Iraq.
- Pray for Kitty's son Mike to get a job that uses his talents.
- Be in prayer for Carla's Florida friends still recovering from two hurricanes.
- Kitty asks if you could pray for Cissy’s emotional and mental well being, please. You may recall that she was in a car accident a few of weeks ago. She also requests that we pray for Eric also because he's miserable with his job. Pray that he can find something suitable for him with insurance.
- Pray for a peaceful and smooth transition of power between now and January 20, 2025.
- Pray that we can all find quiet time with God during the holiday hustle and bustle.
- Please pray that I can get some much needed rest this week
Question of the week:
When do you start your Christmas baking? Have you started yet?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Good Morning, Friends! I apologize for posting so late in the morning (currently 8:36 CDT), but I think you'll forgive me because it is the most beautiful and cool morning ever! I've been enjoying the backyard activity of the birds and other creatures while my Westies glare at me because they want to go for walkies. They will have to wait a wee bit longer this morning.
So what did you think about this week's devotion? How did you do with slowing down and meeting God in the moment? I'll admit it was a struggle for me because I had a busy week. If anything it made me realize that I shouldn't overbook myself, and I should use the same rule I used when the girls were little: if one thing is added to the family calendar, another most be removed.
I'd really like to read about your week, so please leave a comment about it!
Below is this week's scripture:
Prayer Requests
First of all I'd like to thank y'all for praying for Shanley Belle and Christopher: They had a fantastic trip! The trip was planned for Shanley Belle to present her research at a college at Oxford University. Just days before the conference, the college was shut down due to an environmental hazard, and the organizers couldn't find a replacement venue. Shanley Belle was VERY disappointed, but they were able to go on the trip in spite of the cancellation, and tour Oxford, the Cotswolds, and Scotland.
- Pray for Kris's daughter Kim as she only has about two more weeks until she gives birth to her first child. Let's pray for an easy labor and delivery, and a healthy, happy mom and baby!
- Pray that the division in our country ends, and that we can truly be one nation under God, and indivisible.
- Let's continue to pray for our gold star families and our active military. This past weekend was gold star family weekend.
- Please pray for Kitty's DIL, Julie, that her heart will change; for SIL, Eric, that he will see some relief for his cervical dystonia; and for her son, Mike, that he will get a job.
- Carla reminds us that it's not too early to pray for an honest election for all sides running, and that everyone that wants to run can have a fair go at it.
I hope I didn't forget any, but if I did, please add your prayer requests in comments and I will update the list.
Now off to make myself a pumpkin spice latte!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy fall!
I saw a few American Beauty Berry plants on our walk yesterday. I love the purple color!
Happy First Week of Fall, Y'all!!!
Do you have any plans this week? Our devotion for this week reminds us to try to live more in the moment, where God is. I enjoyed it, and I hope I can focus more on the here and now rather than obsessing over the past and fretting over the future. Both are wastes of time!
My goal this week other than Bible study is to be in this season, and maybe update our planter for autumn.
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This lovely fall container was sent to my inbox via Collier's Nursery.
I hope all of you can live in the moment this week. I can't wait to read about your experiences!
Here is the scripture for this week's devotion, silk grace:
In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,and the heavens are the work of your hands.They will perish, but you remain;they will all wear out like a garment.Like clothing you will change themand they will be discarded.But you remain the same,and your years will never end.The children of your servants will live in your presence;their descendants will be established before you.~Psalm 102:25-28
Prayer Requests:
- Pray for Kris's daughter Kim as she only has about two more weeks until she gives birth to her first child. Let's pray for an easy labor and delivery, and a healthy, happy mom and baby!
- Pray that the division in our country ends, and that we can truly be one nation under God, and indivisible.
- Let's continue to pray for our gold star families and our active military. This past weekend was gold star family weekend.
- Please pray for Kitty's DIL, Julie, that her heart will change; for SIL, Eric, that he will see some relief for his cervical dystonia; and for her son, Mike, that he will get a job.
- Carla reminds us that it's not too early to pray for an honest election for all sides running, and that everyone that wants to run can have a fair go at it.
- Please pray for travel mercies for our daughter Shanley Belle and our son-in-law Christopher as they are traveling in Scotland and will be returning home on Wednesday.
- Please pray for my best friend's husband. His cancer has recurred.
- Carla and her family are traveling. They are returning home today. Please pray for safe travels and travel mercies in all situations.
- Pray for Kris's husband Terry's mom. She has been taking her to doctors and she has not been doing well health wise. Prayers she can find strength to know God is not ready for her yet and he still has some things for her to do here on earth. Please pray she can find ways to cope with her loneliness.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Friday, Friends! How has your week been so far? Mine has been super-busy with appointments and a little bit of fun mixed in. I think I've done a little too much, so I think I'll stay home today and do some laundry!
This week's lesson is so important because empathy should be an emotion in which Christians excel, but sometimes we disappoint those we love with thoughtless comments. I know I'm guilty of this, especially when it comes to comparisons. I really needed this lesson, y'all!
The following passages teach us about true empathy:
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.~1 Corinthians 12:26Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.~Galatians 6:2
How do you show others that you empathize with them? My favorite part of the lesson is the reminder that the Holy Spirit will guide you in how to show empathy.
- Rita asks that we keep her brother in law who had heart surgery eight weeks ago in prayer. He had a follow-up appointment this week. She also has an unspoken request.
- Carla requests travel mercies as she and her family travel to Milwaukee today to attend the National Guard send off as they say goodbye to their son Sam and 300 Wisconsin National Guard that are deploying to Djibouti, Africa to fulfill a Federal request for Operation Enduring Freedom. Please pray for our troops and families! She also has a friend who lives in the Tampa area, one of the areas affected by Hurricane Ian.
- Kris's husband Terry had a miracle because he did not need surgery for his intestinal blockage. What a praise! Let's pray for Kris and Terry, especially for their health, because their daughter is getting married in October.
- Please continue to pray for Kitty's son Mike as he looks for a job. Her granddaughter is going through a tough time, too.
- I have a praise! My surgeon finally released me Wednesday, which means I can start radiation in a week or two! Also, my mother is in distress. Please pray for her!
- Pray for Sarah Anderson who lost her husband Monnie on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. She is one of the kindest people, and she writes the blog Hyacinths for the Soul.
Have a safe and peaceful weekend, everyone!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Monday, Friends! I hope you all had a peaceful weekend.
This week's lesson is about empathy, and it couldn't have come at a better time for me. I've read ahead, and it is a fantastic lesson! There are some excellent tips on how to be empathetic, and the best part: what NOT to say to someone who's in crisis.
Do you have any prayer requests?
I'm waiting on an update on Kris's husband Terry and whether or not he's had his surgery yet. Please keep them in your prayers.
Please continue to pray for Kitty's son Mike in his job search, and pray for her granddaughter who's going through a difficult time.
I have an URGENT prayer request for my mother. She is in crisis! Please pray for her.
If there are any others, please include them in comments, and I will update for Friday's post.
Have a blessed week!
Until next time..
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Friday, Friends! I hope y'all have had a great week. Mine has been fairly eventful.
We have a few prayer requests:
- Kitty's Grandson Connor is coming home this month. Praise God!
- Some of us are having issues with neighbors. Please pray for understanding and peace!
- Rita is moving! She is super-excited, and she has a lot of work to do. Pray for her transition.
If you have any prayer requests you'd like to add to this list, please share in comments or via email.
Also, I wanted to share with you a devotional I finished a week or so ago:
I enjoyed this devotional, but it was a little distressing because several of the lessons centered around freedoms we are quickly losing. It is definitely an interesting read for the times we're currently living in.
Below is this week's prompt:
Write about a time someone older or wiser than you had a Michelangelo impact on your life. What did that person say or do to encourage you?
When I was a young teacher and mother, our school's superintendent gave me some advice that I can't share publicly, but it had a huge impact on my life not only as a teacher but also as a mother. He shared something very personal from his life about his sister, and I will never forget it.
What about you?
Have a blessed weekend, Friends. I hope you're enjoying beautiful October weather!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I know this verse was shared during Week 7, but I think it's appropriate to share again this week.
Happy Monday, Friends! This week's focus is on someone from our past who was an older and wiser encourager to us. Currently ALL OF YOU are my encouragers!
I like this week's prompt because it's so positive, reflecting on the balcony people, those who've lifted us up (as opposed to basement people who drag us down).
I hope you have a great week, and I look forward to Friday's discussion.
Prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
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