Revived Soul

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul." Ps. 19:7

In a whirlwind of traveling, talking, laughing, praying, experiencing friends and family and God, it's time to slow down a bit and reflect on what I'm witnessing the Lord doing around me.

And update: I had a wonderful time driving with my brother down from Chicago to Denver to start a new season of my life at Providence House. I will be living and working in a long-term transitional home for men and women recovering from addictions. I pray the Lord will teach me how to share in their pain and rejoice in their victories as we journey through a section of life together (Romans 12:15).

Only two weeks after I began working, I was blessed with the opportunity to take a 3-week trip out of the US. I still can't believe this was possible. But I'll accept it and rejoice in it! I first flew to Kyrgyzstan to visit my parents. It was a short, but sweet trip. We enjoyed swimming in Issik-kul, relaxing on the beach, painting fences, picking cherries, camping and hiking in the mountains, watching two baby doves grow in a nest in their backyard and what else but dealing with an overflowing/clogged septic tank. The joys of life.

Then from Kyrgyzstan I flew to Chile to visit my dear friend Diane. I met her boyfriend, Pablo, for the first time and experienced as much of Santiago, Viña del Mar and Valparaiso as they could cram into a week. Camping, attempts at surfing, THE ninja game, enjoying a beautiful walk along the shore at night with Diane, great conversations, being stuffed with delicious food, music, church and youth group. How sweet it is to experience a taste of another culture, another revelation, another perspective of our Creator. Tomorrow morning I head back to Chicago, then to Denver on Sunday.

It all sounds rather idyllic, and in many ways it was (for which I am so grateful!)...but this trip was interspersed with reminders of the brokenness and pain in the world around us. Goodbyes, both final and temporary, are almost always bitter. But God continues to revive my heart with His whispers, when I take the time to listen and look for His voice. I pray the same for those in my life who need to hear His sweet, gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13).

"In death by love
The fallen world was overcome
He wears the scars of our freedom
In His Name
All our fears are swept away
He never fails

All our failure
And all our fear
God our love
He has overcome
All our heartache
And all our pain
God our healer
He has overcome" (Hillsong, "Take Heart")

Lord Jesus, truly, Your words and Your commands are pure and good. They bring life and light. There is no death in them, unless we close our ears and harden our hearts against them. You are the power of God and the wisdom of God, trumping all other human strength and wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:22-24). I plead with you to open my heart to Your law and to Your commands. Destroy any fear I have of obeying you. I want to love Your words with all of my heart, my mind and my strength because they come from You. They are your thoughts and Your will. I want to love what you love and do what you do. I want to think Your thoughts and see the world and Your creation through Your eyes. Reveal and test my heart. You are so worthy.


Thank you for your prayers, support and communication. They are appreciated so much.

Please pray for a church and community in Denver that will challenge and support my walk with God. Also pray that I would honor God in the way I am living and building relationships with the residents at Providence House upon my return; that God would give me humility and teach-ability and I would be open to His continual guidance.

In Him,
Bekah