Month: February 2010

Seeing the Sunshine

Carolyn

I was excited tonight to sit down and watch the Olympic men’s ice skating competition. I watched an American named Jeremy, then thought I would just close my eyes during the commercials. The next time I opened my eyes, they were giving out the medals. So much for a nice evening watching the competition! I guess I needed the rest!

Before the day ends, I just wanted to thank the Lord for the sunshine today. Even yesterday, I was realizing what a long winter it is where we live and wondering how long it has been since we’ve seen the sun for longer than just a few moments. I’ve been in a little bit of a rut with just the monotony of a long winter, feeling like I am on the go constantly, racing from one thing to the next, and just weary, then frustrated that I should be discouraged for really no reason, save perhaps my own lack of discipline. It’s my own fault for not better planning my day, taking time to sit and read or be still, spending more time with my children that is focused, meeting the family’s needs for things like… say, dinner! So after just feeling out of sorts yesterday, it was a real blessing to have a warmer day and see the sun all day! I am thankful.

My friend said today what we really need and should pray for is to be like Paul who says in Philippians 4 that he had learned the secret of being content in all things. That hit home for me. I don’t want my joy to be dependent on my circumstances. And Paul ends that passage by saying he can do all things through Christ who gives him the strength to do it! That was an encouragement both to hear and ponder.

Weekend Women’s Retreat

Carolyn

This weekend, I had the opportunity to go on a Women’s Retreat with my church. It was a lot of fun to be with other women of all ages and to connect with people I don’t see as often, while enjoying a time with good friends, too!

My friend Shelly hosted a seminar on blogging at the retreat! Here she is after the seminar. I learned a few things from her this weekend, such as that she is my IRL (“in real life”) friend. She is a writer and has a wonderful blog that she keeps regularly updated (unlike some bloggers!), so it’s very fun to keep up with her.


The retreat was very well planned and organized. We were provided with wonderful lessons from the book of John (“Finding Jesus in the Stuff of Life”), given optional seminars to attend (on blogging, evangelism, contentment, children, and creating beauty in our homes), fed often and well with large meals and bountiful snacks and plenty of soft drinks and water around us at all times. It was a beautiful retreat center and spa, very relaxing and comfortable.

I’m thankful for times of refreshment from busy lives to remove distractions and regain focus on what is most important. I need to reflect on how to bring more of that rest into each day!