Sunday, September 16, 2012

Rest and Peace...



Cannon Beach 3.jpg

Our church building program being completed means we could finally take a little vacation.

I could tell the Hubs really, really needed it.

The stress and pressure of the building project, some health issues he's dealing with, and a couple of situations of people in crisis in our church had taken its toll on him, and on me too.

We usually go out of state and get away for a couple of weeks during the summer, but with us being well in to September our usual plans just didn't work out.

So, we took just 5 days off and drove just 80 miles from our home to the sea.

The weather was lovely, the beach cottage we rented was cute and cozy, but, unfortunately, true rest and peace seemed to escape us.

Phone calls, hurting people, the stress followed us there.

By day three, things quieted down and we started to relax, but in the blink of an eye it was day five and time to go home.

More stress waited for us when we got home.

I hit a wall of frustration on Saturday and tossed and turned all night.

Then, I went to church and standing there worshipping I caught a glimpse of the greatness of our God, confidence in His ability to handle it all returned, and I rolled the burdens and stress onto His shoulders, and peace and rest came into my mind and heart.

Now that's something to be thankful for.

Cannon Beach 2.jpg


************************

I’ve taken the Joy Dare.

I’m counting one thousand thanks in one year.

I hunt for thanksgiving using the prompts Ann gives us each month.

If you are interested in joining in, click the link above or at the bottom of this post.

I continue to count my thanks

piling up gratitude day by day

in my little black journal…


#2289-#2309

3 gifts moving-

-ocean waves

-me trying to do my 5K training run in the sand

-walking instead

3 hard eucharisteos-

-on our little mini-vacation, phone calls from home about church stuff, that robbed us of real rest

-my second born daughter, son-in-law and grandkids clear across the country after having them here for a month

-things that try to steal my peace and joy

3 gifts in His Word-




a gift scented-

-the smell of the Hubs sautéing sausage and onions to put in an omelette for our breakfast

a gift scrawled-

-some ink and watercolor journaling I'm attempting

a gift started-

-decorating the house for fall, even though we're still having very summerish weather

3 gifts drawn-

-a football player drawn for Papa by our only grandson

-a picture of ocean waves for me by our oldest granddaughter

-various circles and squiggles drawn by our 3 year old granddaughter

3 gifts paired-

-new running shoes

Cannon Beach 1.jpg

-my 55 year old legs that can still run

-the Hubs and I, (paired for over 36 years)

3 gifts shared-

-our king size bed

-the responsibility and work of our church's children's ministry shared with a great team

-sub sandwiches shared at an after church meeting



Gratefully yours,

Elizabeth


10 comments:

  1. It is so true that real peace is closer than a heartbeat away with Jesus..peace that nowhere on earth can offer. I am glad you found that peace eventually in your week.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sorry you couldn't escape and find peace, but you can still run. That's why you look so good. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. So glad you and your hubs could get away for a few days even though 'home' went with you. Rest and peace only come from the Father - He is our peace. Praying for you, dear friend.
    ~Adrienne~

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh to roll the burdens and cares of this life onto our Lord's shoulder's day by day, moment by moment. I'd have a lot less discouragement and stress in my life! Thanks for this reminder.
    Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete
  5. so glad you got away...sorry it could not be a completely restful...and I second the thanks...55 yrs old legs that can still run:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. lifting you and your husband up in prayer, knowing our Lord seeks to bless, smooth, and otherwise tend to your hearts beyond the situation(s) at hand. {{{hug}}}

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cannon Beach! One of our favorite places of all time! Prayers that His peace which surpasses our understanding will abide in you right where you are at. And oh how easy it is to give thanks when we are rested, restored, centered. How much more...when things do not go as planned. Bless you in your counting...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cute shoes!!! Counting through the hard times. Nice!

    ReplyDelete
  9. ocean waves... i love the ebb and flow... ceaseless, dependable. how like our God. blessings to you from Uganda

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the beach always, it refreshes ones soul even for a little bit.

    ReplyDelete

The best thing about blogging is hearing from you!
I'd love for you to leave a comment! Click subscribe by email if you want me to be able to reply to you.