Sunday, April 5, 2015

Holy week gratitude...


When I hit publish on my weekly gratitude post last Sunday afternoon,
writing that I wouldn't be blogging or be online during holy week
while I spent the week at the International House of Prayer with a few ladies from our church, 
I didn't realize how much my soul needed that downtime.
We spent five days soaking in the atmosphere of worship and prayer in the prayer room,
reading our Bibles and journaling, praying and worshipping.
There were six of us, three of us in our fifties, two in their forties, and one very sweet 15 year old.


I went there more weary in soul than I realized, and came home refreshed.
I believe there were two things that helped to wash that weariness away,
each one equally important.
The first was receiving hand's on prayer ministry from some of the team
 that works in the healing ministry of the prayer room.
As hands were gently laid on my shoulders, I sat there with tears streaming,
and felt the soul weariness flow out and the healing and comfort of the Holy Spirit flow in.
The second was the conversation and laughter with the other ladies. 
Laughter really is good medicine, as the Bible says.
 I didn't realize how much I needed both, but God did, 
and He provided just what I needed when I needed it.
I'm so thankful He did.

******************
Since 2009 I've been counting my blessings thanks to the prompting of Ann Voskamp.
 I continue to count my thanks
piling up gratitude day by day
in my little green journal.
(and capturing some of my blessings via my camera or iPhone)
#5951-5975-

3-30-15-
-safe flight and travels to Kansas City
-the privilege to worship, pray, read the Word and journal for five days with no other pressing agenda
-late night talk with the other girls

3-31-15-
-interceding for Israel
-a fun afternoon break showing the other gals The Plaza in downtown K.C. 
and eating a meal of fabulous half price appetizers at Brio

-Misty Edward's leading the worship set

4-1-15-
-receiving prophetic ministry
-God ministering to my soul weariness
-getting to see and visit with our good friend that lives near K.C.
-laughing as one of the gals and I tried to do PIYO together

4-2-15-
-a good report from a gal in our church that her cancer is only a stage one 
-a tiny little black girl leading the prayer set, (she was amazing! probably 6 or 7 years old)

4-3-15-
-immediately so many, many people praying when I received a phone call 
that my 25 year old nephew has a brain tumor, (prayers appreciated, he is having surgery Tuesday)
-getting ministry from the healing team
-a safe flight home

4-4-15-
-my son-in-law, today is his birthday!
-lunch with my hub's
-a nap to catch up on rest after all of the late nights staying up and talking with the gals
 -a good, long walk
-the smell of homemade dinner rolls baking for tomorrow's Easter dinner

4-5-15-
-Christ is risen!
-the best Easter photo ever of the two youngest granddaughters 
(one prima donna, one melting down-she was unhappy about how mama did her hair and she said her shoes hurt)
-a sweet 87 year old friend/ church member who is very dear to us 
getting to come to Easter service
-rejoicing that He lives in worship, the Word and communion
-Easter dinner with the whole family at youngest daughter's future in-laws







gratefully yours,



16 comments:

  1. It looks like you truly embraced the week!

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  2. Most of the time I don't realize how much I need the down time until I take it. Praying for your nephew, Elizabeth. Beautiful Easter pictures.
    Hugs.

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    1. Thank you so much for your prayers for my nephew. His surgery is in the morning.

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  3. I was praying that you were having a wonderful & blessed week. Glad it went so well for you :-) Love the pictures of the grands. They are all growing up so fast. We will be praying for your nephew, for the surgery to go well and for peace & comfort for him & the family.

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    1. Thank you for your prayers while I was gone and your continued prayers for my nephew. His surgery is tomorrow morning. And yes, the grands are growing up much too fast!

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  4. Sounds like you had a wonderful spirit-lifting week, so happy for you! I will be praying for your nephew!

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    1. Forgot to say how good looking all your grands are! I hate to see them grow up so fast!

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    2. Thank you so much, Cheryl. Your prayers for my nephew are much appreciated.

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  5. Praying for your nephew. Thankful that you had a refreshing time last week. And the photo of the girls is priceless. xo

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  6. I, too, will pray for your nephew. Loved the photo of your granddaughter having the meltdown! I know how she feels :)

    Thankful FOR you and WITH you (and a bit jealous) of your retreat.

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    1. Thank you so much for your prayers, Rebecca. And I'm thankful for you, too!

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  7. So, so, so glad you got away! I can almost feel your rest coming into me! xoox

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  8. We all need our fair share of crying and laughing with friends we can trust. Glad you were able to get some of both and had a blessed Easter!

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  9. I'm so glad you were able to get away for some time to refresh and find soul-rest. I love seeing your grandkids - even when they aren't happy! What a blessing to have Easter together with all of them.
    ~Adrienne~

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