Retreat

Our church has a weekend retreat every year.  My husband and I went once long before we had children and had since considered going almost every year but hadn't quite been able to make it work... until this year.  This year I took the kids to the church retreat even though my husband wasn't going to be able to make it.

The retreat is at a camp that our church owns and runs with several other sister churches.  It is located on Whidbey Island so it is truly a get-away retreat.   One of the organizers told me they worked hard to make sure everyone felt like they were able to relax and enjoy fellowship with one another without the stress of responsibilities at home to burden them - a TRUE retreat.  And for us at least, it WAS a much-needed break from routine and a fun way for my son to end his spring break.  It was so nice to have meals all planned and to just sit and eat without having to prepare food or clean up afterward.  

The games were fun and the free time was relaxing.  The speaker was engaging and the fellowship was sweet and not rushed as it often is on Sunday mornings. 

I didn't realize until yesterday how much I was going to NEED that retreat and the rest it provided!  Yesterday I jumped right into the fray... actually, the fray jumped on ME!

I had my annual MRI yesterday morning and normally I would talk about how much I love MRIs and how amazing my radiology tech is and one of these days I WILL post about that but right after I got into the car after my MRI I got a text from a friend needing to talk.  I called her and we talked about some very serious concerns and, while I won't go in to further detail, I will say it is a VERY serious matter that requires VERY sincere and focused prayer.   As soon as we hung up from that conversation I got a call from my husband's cousin with a distressing report about his dad's (my husband's uncle) health.  He is 90 years old and lost his wife a year and a half ago.  He has been living with severe vertigo and has had an aortic aneurysm for 30 years that has suddenly started growing.   He needs surgery but is refusing it but was told he probably wouldn't survive it anyway.   There's another option that is being considered but the doctor isn't available until next week to meet with him about it.  In the meantime,  his aneurysm could burst at any moment,  causing instant death.  He's ready to go home to be with Jesus.  He's tired, dizzy, in pain and lonely.   He and his kids need prayer!  

My Mom had a consultation with a surgeon yesterday about getting a cyst removed from her finger (surgery is scheduled for later this month), a friend from church is having a CT scan today to determine whether his cancer treatment was effective,  my daughter is having all 4 of her wisdom teeth removed tomorrow and my husband has another cousin who is having cataract surgery on Thursday. 

In addition, I stopped at the thrift store this afternoon and my friend who works there is home with a sore throat. I have a list of other things I have been praying about that include another friend undergoing cancer treatment,  a friend who had surgery after piece of metal shot into his eye and is recovering,  a neighbor who recently had shoulder surgery,  an aunt who recently had carpel tunnel surgery,  an uncle who had hernia surgery and will be going in for a hip replacement in a couple of weeks, an aunt who is struggling with her eyesight and serious back pain, an aunt battling alzheimers, etc.   These only scratch the surface of my prayer list- I have so many dear friends that I am praying for and I will tell you that I am SO glad that I have practiced being in constant prayer because I need to be in continual prayer now, more than ever!

This morning I received another text from a dear friend asking for prayer about a couple of her own situations.  And this afternoon I got a text from a dear missionary friend that was just a picture of her husband laying (smiling) in a hospital bed with a hospital gown on and an IV in his arm but no text so I don't know any details but have been praying for them too!

The Lord knew I was going to need to rest up this past weekend!  Yes, He knows about all our needs but He expects us to do our part by ASKING Him for His help - for His wisdom, understanding, power, strength, discernment and all for His glory.  I am not able to fix anything or anyone's circumstances.   But I know who can and I bring every request to His feet and am watching His miraculous ways!  I am seeing His hand working miracle after miracle- watching His perfect timing orchestrating every moment and bringing about incredible blessings I wish I could share with you!  But you will just have to trust me.😉

Pray continually!  And be sure to take a rest now and then.😁