Beyond Measure....

....Today I am going to try and express my thankfulness to Yahweh for how He showed up at the Spices of Life Retreat last weekend. The Bible tells us that we are to “work as if working for the Lord.” We are also to take seriously the task of teaching others. We must pray b/c everything is depending on God. Thru this whole process of preparation for this retreat, I have grown in my faith walk! This excites me! But how do you show homage to someone who was your constant encourager? How do you say thank you to the person who pushed you forward when you told yourself you were not the right choice, not worthy?

Henry Blackaby (author of Experiencing God) says, “We must see God at work and then join Him.” I am here to say that I knew God wanted me to walk this path, even though I did not want the same. I knew I was to follow this call and I am so terribly glad I did. I have noticed that I do have the stamina and intelligence (not a pride thing but rather a humble item of life) to apply myself to something so daunting. I fought off some very old self esteem issues and gave God His due glory! I recognized once again that what I may have thought were trials in my life really broke open to new blessings! I know that because of the seasons I have been through, I can say PRAISE GOD and know it in my soul! After stretching myself these past few weeks I can say w/humbleness of heart, my God is the God of Creation, God of Peace, God of Healing, God of Salvation, God of renewed Grace! And I am thankful that He saved a wretch like me.

Last Thursday, March 12th, I had a surprise at our front door. A knock came on the door as we walked in from the garage from small group….and when Steve flipped the door wide open a chorus of “SURPRISE” was standing on the porch! ALL OF OUR KIDS! Yes, every one of them. They drove up from southern Georgia so my daughters could go w/me to the retreat! That was awesome in and of itself….but for our sons to take a Sunday off of work (both boys are in the ministry) was PRICELESS! And yes, the granddaughters were the cherry on top of this gals hot fudge sundae!!!! I gasped, and then ran to the bathroom! Thank you my dear children. I am one joy filled mother! Thank you Steve, you are my everything!

My best friend, Steve, worked all of this out….3 wks worth of work. I am told that even the room role at church was a FAKE ONE just in case I saw it on any given Sunday morning. I mean how many times have you heard, of over 50 people who knew of this surprise (most of them ladies) and no one let the preverbal “cat out of the bag?” Amazing! Thanks ladies, you are a great bunch of sista’s!

Do I want to do this kind of thing again….no! If God said that He wanted me to do this again…..yes!

BTW….There were 6 adults and 3 kids in this tiny apartment for 4-5 days (well, the guys had the grands for 2 of those 4 days) There were pallets and air mattress’s all over the floors of this place. (see pics below) Memories of FAMILY rallying together for no other reason but to say “We believe in you, we support you, we love you.” I am blessed beyond measure!