It's Our Birthday Linkup: After One Year...

After One Year of ministry with The Quiet Place there are so many stories to tell. Being apart of what God has done through this blog he put into my heart to create has been amazing. Writing here has allowed me to express my love for my sisters in Christ and all women. It has been a blessing to be able to share my heart and my life with you here. An honor that you have been able to learn with me and grow. It has been an unexpected journey in friendship and business, one from which Britney and I have both grown. Above all I can't even begin to tell you of the numerous things that God has done in my heart as both a writer here and a reader. I am thankful for all of those who have contributed time, effort, money, words, and skill to The Quiet Place. Who were willing to write a guest post when they received an unexpected note from me. We honestly couldn't have done it without you. I have learned a lot this year from our guest posters and I am very thankful for that. God has touched my heart through all of you and I know that he is doing glorious things with the words you have bravely shared with us.  I pray that all of you, contributors and readers alike, no matter where you find yourself, know that God is with you there. That he always love you, and is always waiting for you with open arms. His love is vast beyond measure, his grace abounds, his mercy is unending, and his forgiveness never empty.  This is the great God we serve. And HE loves YOU!   Here's to One Year Best Friend!

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If you have read The Quiet Place blog, or have contributed, make sure to stop by and link up with us! Just Click the picture for details! So now, may the God of peace make you His own completely and set you apart from the rest. May your spirit, soul, and body be preserved, kept intact and wholly free from any sort of blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus the Anointed. For the God who calls you is faithful, and He can be trusted to make it so. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

November

There is something special about November, the way the fall trees turn bear and wake up clothed in white snow. That first morning when the seem to be dying foliage is dressed in splendorous white covering everything as far as your eye can see.  That is a special joyous moment for me. This year that moment is even more special because of where I am this morning. Here in Michigan with my best friend. I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to come up here and spend time with her face to face. That is a rare opportunity these days and I am cherishing every moment of it. These are the times made of memories. The times that will always be remembered as special.

I am at a great time in my life. Once things change, they will change for good, and I don't want to ever forget what it was like to be at this stage in life. It's a precious time that adults always refer back to, "when I was young...". I want to have something good to say, and I know now that I do. 

When I was young I didn't take my friendships for granted. 

When I was young I took hold of the unique opportunities, and I never regretted it.

What special time are you in right now? I encourage you to make the most of it. 

Proverbs 4

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;

pay attention and gain understanding. 

I give you sound learning,

so do not forsake my teaching.

For I too was a son to my father,

still tender, and cherished by my mother.

Then he taught me, and he said to me,

“Take hold of my words with all your heart;

keep my commands, and you will live.

Get wisdom, get understanding;

do not forget my words or turn away from them.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;

love her, and she will watch over you.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.

Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Cherish her, and she will exalt you;

embrace her, and she will honor you.

She will give you a garland to grace your head

and present you with a glorious crown.”

Listen, my son, accept what I say,

and the years of your life will be many.

I instruct you in the way of wisdom

and lead you along straight paths.

When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;

when you run, you will not stumble.

Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;

guard it well, for it is your life.

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked

or walk in the way of evildoers.

Avoid it, do not travel on it;

turn from it and go on your way.

For they cannot rest until they do evil;

they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.

They eat the bread of wickedness

and drink the wine of violence.

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

they do not know what makes them stumble.

My son, pay attention to what I say;

turn your ear to my words.

Do not let them out of your sight,

keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them

and health to one’s whole body.

Above all else, guard your heart,

for everything you do flows from it.

Keep your mouth free of perversity;

keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

Let your eyes look straight ahead;

fix your gaze directly before you.

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet

and be steadfast in all your ways.

Do not turn to the right or the left;

keep your foot from evil.

Blessed By Beatrice

Today my roommate and I had the honor of having lunch with Beatrice. Beatrice is a wonderful four-foot eight-inch 94 year old church lady. Last Sunday she invited my roommates and I to Sunday dinner after church. Today we had the pleasure of following her to her home for lunch. It was quite comical to follow her in my car as she sped almost recklessly through the curvy small town streets. I almost lost her trail as I was restrained by the stop sign. Thankfully we were able to catch up to her and thankfully we didn't have much farther to go. 

When we arrived we stepped into her little kitchen and began helping her prepare for lunch. As we got up to walk outside and see the yard, I caught the dining room table in the corner of my eye. I was surprised and delighted to see the table set fully with china and crystal glasses. I felt honored that she would invite me to be apart of her special dinner. I was completely unaware of the glorious lunch we were about to have together.

When we came back inside we helped Beatrice set the table. She pulled a glazed ham roast out of the oven and a few other dinner salads from the kitchen and dish by dish we placed them on the decorated table linen.

As we sat down at the table Beatrice proceeded to say grace, thanking God for our meal and praying over us in the sweetest most loving way. Her words and presence blessed my heart.

Lunch was delicious and was the most unexpected occasion I never imagined. I had no idea that we would end up spending four hours getting to know one another over fine china and apple pie.

Today I am thankful for new friends and for wise women like Beatrice.

All Things Autumn

As reluctant as I am about the end of summer, I really do LOVE fall. Once I get past a few mourning days where I miss warm summer nights and clear starry skys, I embrace Autumn full on. This weekend has definitely been spent embracing the season. My roommates and I started the weekend out by having a pinterest and movie night. We had a lot of fun searching for fall crafts that we could make to decorate our humble graduate housing. Saturday morning was spent reading homework while sipping hot drinks in the coffee shop and watching the rain leave droplets on the floor-lengthed windows. We filled the afternoon by shopping for crafting materials at Michael's and grabbing a late lunch at Applebee's. When we finally returned home, we began dressing the house with our fall creations. The colors of Orange and Red quickly made our humble house feel much more like home. This morning we had a nice time at Church and it is definitely a good day for a bowl of chili and Sunday football. I am so grateful for this opportunity to rest and I will be sad for it to end at my 6:20am Monday morning wake-up call. 

Beach Day

I am proud to announce that I have FINALLY made it to the beach! This checks off the toughest goal on my summer bucket list. Yes it's sad that I thought I wouldn't reach this goal, but I am so very glad that I did.

Today my roommates and I ventured out on our mission to soak up some sun. We finally arrived at the beach after a couple wrong turns and an accidental drive down the wrong side of the highway. Oops. But it really wasn't as dramatic as it sounds because there weren't very many cars in this area and it wasn't too hard to turn back around thankfully. Today we enjoyed some quality time together laying on our beach towels catching up on some reading and of course watching the sights and sounds of the people around us. As I took in the scenery and the activity of those on the beach I observed a few funny things. I watched a young boy chase two girls around with algae that he grabbed out of the lake. I watched as a three year old boy with a cute little camouflaged hat filled his hat up with sand and then proceeded to put it back on his head which of course worked well with the sand in it. I also made a little friend today with an almost toddler boy who kept wandering over to my beach towel to say hello. I can't lie, he was super cute and I loved it.

Today was a good day.

After the beach we decided to make a stop at Walmart to pick up some hamburgers for dinner. Then, when we got home the three of us proceeded to discover the mysteries of grilling. lol Thankfully it worked out well and we really enjoyed our time cooking and eating together.

Then what better to wrap up a night than some quality time playing wii sports and watching an intense netflix series.

Beach Day = Success :)

Thank you Lord for the blessings that you have shared with us today. May I not take them for granted.

I Am Grateful Linkup

Linkup with us! - http://www.agirlsmitten.com/

A Grateful heart. Tonight I am definitely feeling grateful. 

I am grateful for a God who sees me. 

I am grateful for a mother who loves and cares about me, who wants the best for me. 

I am grateful for an amazing father who has always seen the best in me, who has believed that I can do anything I work hard towards. 

I am grateful for a sister who is also my friend, who encourages me, and has demonstrated what a woman of God looks like. 

I am grateful for a brother with a thoughtful heart, who is generous, and who cares about others. 

I am grateful for an extended family who is kind and caring. 

I am grateful for friends who encourage and support me, and are always willing to pray for me. 

Picture Credit Katrina

I am grateful for the opportunity of education and to someday work in a profession that is in the business of helping people. 

Thank you Lord for all the blessings in my life

Though I don't always show it, I am grateful.

Liebster Award!

I have awesome news friends! I have been nominated for a Liebster Award!!! :D Thank you Ellie for the nomination! For those of you who don't know, Ellie is a blogger at Choosing Peace. She is also our facebook page helper for The Quiet Place and I have appreciated her assistance SO much. She is wonderful.

The Rules of the Liebster Award

1. Link back to the person who nominated you.

2. List 11 facts about yourself.

3. Answer the 11 questions posted by the person who nominated you.

4. Nominate up to 11 other blogs with 200 followers or less.

5. Ask 11 new questions for the nominees to respond to.

11 Facts

I LOVE Country Music
I am an MSW student
I want to be a school social worker
I love my friends
Italy is one of my favorite places
I can flare my nostrils
I laugh at my own jokes (even when no one else thinks they are funny)
I live in a small town and LOVE it!
I sing all the time
I have a Godson who is the cutest :)
People are my passion

11 Answers

1. How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging since Sunday, January 31, 2010

2. What inspired you to begin blogging?

Jesus inspired me to begin blogging :)

3. What TV show from your childhood would you love to see come back on the air?

Boy Meets World, Hands Down, THE best show of my childhood.

4. Name 3 things you can’t live without.

Jesus, Oxygen, People

5. What was the last vacation you went on?

My last vacation was many years ago. It was a family trip to Florida to visit my Grandparents.

6. What’s your favorite beauty product?

I don't really have one.

7. What are your top 3 favorite websites?

Pinterest :)

Bloglovin'

Facebook

8. What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas because that is when my whole family is able to be together.

9. What’s something cool you did last weekend?

Went to an excellent Italian restaurant on the river.

10. Would you rather be stuck on a broken elevator or a broken ski-lift?

Ski-lift, Much more to look at. Plus you can always jump right? lol

11. What’s one thing you would tell your younger self?

Get out of the house and try new things, even if you fail or dislike them.

Nominations

Brooke from Living as a Single Gal

Katrina from More Than Just An Art Teacher & Musings of a Chocolate Lover

Blogs By Christian Women

Kiki from In It's Time

11 New Questions

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

2. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?

3. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

4. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?

5. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?

6. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BLOGGING?

7. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN BLOGGING?

8. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD YOU GO?

9. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER?

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF

11. WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

Brokenness

Brokenness. I guess that is a good word for what I have been experiencing lately. I think that for me the term brokenness is a state of being. Feeling broken. It's a feeling of inadequacy, vulnerability, rawness.

Maybe brokenness is just a realization of present reality, like the present reality that this world is a messed up place.

I don't know what being broken or brokenness means or feels like for you, but for me that is how it feels.

This isn't the type of brokenness that feels hopeless though. It's more of the type of brokenness where I realize my vulnerabilities and thus my deep and daily need for God. God makes my weaknesses okay. Yes, I am inadequate. Yes, I don't always do the best things, but with God none of that matters because he is adequate and without flaw. His perfection fills my imperfect places and makes me whole again.

The old hymn says it best...

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear

The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;

'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far

and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.

His word my hope secures.

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years

Bright shining as the sun.

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Than when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

Why Do I Do It?

Some of you may be wondering why I even care to share my life anyways. Well, I do it for days like today. For days when I feel like a hot mess and I buy into all of the lies that the world shoves in our faces. It's when I have these days of brokenness I really need encouragement and truth spoken into my heart.

That is why I blog.

I want to write to encourage others on their hot mess days, to remind readers like yourself of God's faithfulness and promises. Just when I thought today might be a lost cause, God came and met me at my level to remind me that I AM HIS.

When I read these two blog posts, my savior spoke truth into my heart and it was exactly what I needed.

"Who I AM" by Amy @ Sweet Home Santa Barbara

"Having One of Those Days?" by Holly @ hollywagner.com

A Friendship Like Their's

The story of Jonathan and David's friendship is one of my favorites. But a friendship like theirs is hard to come by. Especially today it seems that good friends are few and far between. Best friends are even rarer. I am so blessed that I have the beginning of a friendship like theirs. You can read there awesome story here...

1 Samuel 18-20

The Voice (VOICE)

18 By the time David had finished speaking to Saul, Saul’s son Jonathan was bound to David in friendship, and Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. 2 Saul took David into his service on that day and would not let him return to his father’s home. 3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 He took off the robe he wore and gave it to David, and also his armor, sword, bow, and belt, symbolically transferring to David his right to ascend the throne.

5 David went wherever Saul sent him and was successful in battle; and as a result, Saul made him commander of his army. And all the people, even those who served Saul, were pleased.

6 On the day they were returning from David’s victory over the Philistine, the women came out from all the cities of Israel to meet the king, singing and dancing with tambourines and other instruments, making joyful music. 7 At one point, the women sang as they danced and celebrated.

Women: Saul has slain his thousands,
        and David, his tens of thousands.

8 This chant made Saul tremble with fury.

Saul: Do you hear this? They have said that David killed tens of thousands and that I only killed thousands. What else is left for him but my kingdom?

9 From that moment on, Saul was suspicious of David.

10 On the next day, the True God sent an evil spirit to overwhelm Saul and put him in a prophetic state inside his residence. While David was playing the harp, as he did every day to try and soothe the king, Saul had his spear in his hand 11 and decided to throw it at David, thinking, “I will pin him to the wall.” But David twice escaped Saul’s angry attacks.

12 Saul was afraid of David because the Spirit of the Eternal was with him but had left Saul. 13 So, at last, Saul removed David from his presence, making him a commander over 1,000 men, hoping he would die in battle. But David went out to the battle and returned. 14 David was successful in everything he did because the Eternal One was present with him.

15 When Saul saw that David achieved such success, he was amazed and afraid of him. 16 All of Israel and Judah loved David, who led their soldiers into battle and brought them back victorious.

Saul came up with a plan and called David.

Saul: 17 David, I want you to take my oldest daughter Merab in marriage. I ask only one thing in return: valiantly fight the Eternal One’s battles on my behalf.

Saul was thinking that he did not need to murder David himself; instead, the Philistines would eventually kill David.

David (to Saul): 18 Who am I, what have I done, and who is my family in Israel, that I should become the king’s son-in-law?

19 But at the time when Saul’s daughter Merab was to be given to David as his wife, she was instead given in marriage to Adriel the Meholathite. 20 Saul’s daughter Michal, however, loved David; and when Saul heard this, he was pleased.

21 He thought that he would give her to David to trap him in a dangerous situation where the Philistines could still destroy David. So Saul spoke to David again.

Saul (to David): I want you to marry my other daughter.

22 (to his servants) Talk to David privately. Tell him, “The king is very happy with you, and you are loved by those who serve him. So why don’t you become the king’s son-in-law?”

23 So Saul’s servants spoke these words to David as requested, but again he replied modestly.

David: Does it seem to you such a simple thing that I should become the king’s son-in-law? What about the fact that I have no money to pay the brideprice and come from an unknown family with no political connections?

24 Saul’s servants reported David’s concerns back to the king.

Saul: 25 Tell David that in place of the traditional dowry, I want only the foreskins of 100 Philistines, so the king will be avenged against his enemies.

Saul thought David would be killed by the Philistines while attempting this task. 26 When the servants repeated Saul’s words, he agreed to Saul’s terms and decided to fulfill these conditions to be the king’s son-in-law. Before the allotted time elapsedto pay the dowry, 27 David went with his men, killed 200 Philistines, and presented their foreskins to the king so that he could become the king’s son-in-law. So Saul gave David his daughter Michal in marriage; 28 but when the king saw how David enjoyed the favor of the Eternal One, and that his daughter Michal loved him, 29 he felt even more threatened by David. Afterhis plan failed, Saul considered David his constant enemy.

30 Whenever the commanders of the Philistine army came out to fight, David distinguished himself against them more than any of Saul’s other servants, so that everyone valued him.

19 Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to figure out a way to kill David, but Jonathan was very fond of David.

Jonathan (warning David): 2 My father wants you dead. Watch out tomorrow morning. Think of a safe place to hide that nobody knows about. 3 I will go into the field near where you are hiding, and I will speak on your behalf to my father. If I learn anything, I will tell you.

4 Jonathan spoke generously on behalf of his friend to his father, Saul.

Jonathan: The king should not sin against his servant David, who has never sinned against you. Indeed his achievements have been of real service to you and your kingdom. 5 He faced death when he fought against the Philistine, and the Eternal One gave David a great victory for all of Israel. When you saw it then, you were filled with joy. Why would you now sin against an innocent person like David by killing him without a proper cause?

Saul (considering this counsel): 6 As the Eternal One lives, David should not be murdered.

7 Jonathan found David and told him everything that had happened, and then Jonathan brought David back into the service of Saul the king.

8 Once again there was war between Israel and the Philistines, and David went out to fight them. He crushed them and made them flee.

9 Again the Eternal sent an evil spirit to disturb Saul as he sat at home, spear in hand, listening to David play music; 10 again Saul tried to pin David to the wall with his spear, but Saul missed him and the spear stuck into the wall. David escaped that night and ran to his home.

11 Saul dispatched some of his officers to watch David’s house so that they could kill him the next day. David’s wife Michal warned him.

Michal: If you don’t save yourself tonight, tomorrow morning you’ll be killed.

12 So Michal lowered David down through the window, and he escaped. 13 Then she laid a large idol on the bed, made it a wig of goat’s hair, and covered it with clothes. 14 When Saul’s officers came to take David to the king, she told them, “He’s sick.”

15 Hearing this report, Saul ordered his officers to return and see David for themselves. He would not be deterred.

Saul: Even if you have to carry him to me in his bed, do it so I can kill him.

16 When the officers returned, they threw back the blankets and, instead of David, they discovered the idol with its goat-hair wig in the bed. So they took Michal to Saul.

Saul (to Michal): 17 Why have you betrayed me like this, daughter, and let my enemy escape?

Michal (lying): He said to me, “Let me go. Don’t make me kill you.”

18 David fled to Samuel in Ramah, and he told him everything that had happened. Samuel took David to the town of Naioth, and they lived there.

19 Saul soon learned that David was at Naioth in Ramah, 20 so he sent officers to arrest him and bring him back. But when they came, they found a group of prophets in a prophetic trance with Samuel standing and leading them, and the Spirit of the True God entered Saul’s officers so that they, too, were caught up and prophesied.

21 When Saul heard this news, he sent other officers who were also affected in this way. He sent a third set of officers, and again, the same thing happened when they encountered Samuel and the prophets.

22 So finally Saul went, himself, to Ramah. When he arrived at the large cistern at Secu, he asked where he might find Samuel and David and was told they were at Naoith in Ramah. 23 As Saul traveled, the Spirit of God entered him, and he, too, fell into a constant prophetic trance. When he reached Naoith in Ramah, 24 he stripped off all his clothes and fell into a prophetic ecstasy before Samuel, lying naked all that day and night. (This is another way the saying arose, “Is Saul also one of the prophets?”)

20 David ran for his life. He left Naioth in Ramah and found Jonathan.

David: What have I done? Of what am I guilty? What crime have I committed against your father to make him want to kill me?

Jonathan: 2 Impossible! Don’t worry about it. You’re not going to die. My father doesn’t make any decision, large or small, without telling me. And why would my father hide this from me? It is not so.

David: 3 But your father knows we are friends, and he has said, “Don’t tell Jonathan about this; he will be upset.” I swear to you, as the Eternal lives—and as you live—I am on the verge of being killed.

Jonathan: 4 Whatever you ask, I will do for you.

David: 5 Look. Tomorrow is the new moon, and I should be sitting with the king at his table. But let me go and hide myself in the field until three days have passed. 6 If your father asks about me, tell him that I asked to return to my hometown, Bethlehem, for an annual family sacrifice. 7 If he says, “Fine,” then all will be well with your servant. But if he is angry, you will know that he intends to harm me. 8 So deal kindly with your servant, for you have made a sacred covenant with me, your servant. But if I am guilty, then kill me yourself. Why should you have to bring me in front of your father?

Jonathan: 9 That will never happen. If I knew my father planned to hurt you, wouldn’t I tell you?

David: 10 So who will tell me if your father gives you a good or bad answer?

Jonathan: 11 Let’s go out to the field.

They went out to the field so that David could find a place to lie low.

Jonathan (to David): 12 Let the Eternal God of Israel be my witness; this is my vow. When I have talked to my father, about this time tomorrow or no later than the third day, if he acts friendly about you, won’t I send an answer to you? 13 But if my father plans to harm you, then may the Eternal do to me what he plans for you—and more—if I don’t let you know and send you away to safety.

May the Eternal One be with you, as He has been with my father. 14 If I live, then show to me the faithful love of the Eternal that I may not die. 15 Do not ever take your faithful love away from my descendants, not even if the Eternal were to remove all the enemies of the house of David from the face of the earth.

16 With these words, Jonathan made a covenant with David and his descendants.

Jonathan: May the Eternal One guarantee this promise by the hands of David’s enemies.

17 And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, for Jonathan loved him more than life itself.

Jonathan: 18 Tomorrow is the festival of the new moon. People will notice you are gone because your place will be empty.19 On the day after tomorrow, you will be greatly missed. On that day, quickly go down to that place where you hid yourself the first time and wait by the stone Ezel. 20 I will shoot three arrows to the side of the stone, as if I’m shooting at a target.21 Then I will send a boy after them, saying, “Go find the arrows.” If I tell him, “Look, the arrows are on this side of you,” then come back, for as the Eternal One lives, you are not in any danger. 22 But if I tell the boy, “No, the arrows are beyond you,” then flee, because the Eternal has shown you that you must leave. 23 But as for the agreement that we have spoken together, the Eternal One is witness to it forever.

24 So David hid himself in the field.

When the new moon festival began and the king sat down to eat, 25 he took his usual seat in a place of safety with his back to the wall. Abner, his general, sat at the king’s side; Jonathan stood, but David’s seat was empty. 26 That first night, Saul said nothing. He thought that perhaps David had somehow become ritually unclean, and he could not attend a sacred feast. 27 But on the next day, the second day of the feast of the new moon, when David’s seat remained empty, Saul spoke to Jonathan.

Saul: Why hasn’t the son of Jesse joined us at the feast these past two days?

Jonathan: 28 David asked me if he could go to Bethlehem. 29 “Please allow me to go,” he said. “Our family is sacrificing in the city, and my brother has insisted that I come. So if you think highly of me, I ask that you let me go there and see my brothers.” That is why he is not at the king’s table.

30 Saul, not fooled for a moment, became very angry with Jonathan.

Saul: You son of a degenerate and rebellious woman! Do you think I don’t know that you have befriended the son of Jesse? This is just as shameful for you as your mother’s nakedness was. 31 As long as David walks the earth, you will never rule this kingdom. Now send for him. Bring him here to me, because he will most certainly die.

Jonathan: 32 Why should David be put to death? What offense has he committed?

33 At that, Saul threw his spear at him, fully intending to hit him, so Jonathan knew that it was truly his father’s intention to have David killed. 34 Jonathan left the table in a rage, without eating a bite on the second day of the festival. He was grieved because of David and because his father had disgraced him.

35 In the morning, Jonathan took his bow and went out into the field, as he had arranged with David, and he brought a small boy with him.

Jonathan (to the boy): 36 Run and find the arrows that I shoot.

The boy ran, and Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him. 37 When the boy reached the place where the arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out.

Jonathan: Isn’t the arrow beyond you? 38 Hurry! Be quick about it. Don’t hang around out there!

So Jonathan’s young servant gathered the arrows and returned to his master. 39 He knew nothing, of course; only Jonathan and David knew what had just transpired. 40 Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and told him to take them back to the city.

41 As soon as the boy left, David rose from his hiding place south of the stone and prostrated himself before Jonathan. He bowed to Jonathan three times, and then David and Jonathan kissed each other. Both of them wept, but David wept more.

Jonathan (to David): 42 Go in peace and safety, since we have both sworn in the name of the Eternal One, “He will mediate between me and you, and between our descendants, forever.”

David got up from the ground and left, and Jonathan returned to the city.

...I wonder how our lives would be different if we put more work into our friendships. If we truly loved our neighbors as much as we love ourselves.