I remember long time bondage being severed by blood stained nails.
I think of flesh and blood new friends that feel like lifetime soul mates.
I know that I left home with an ache in my belly and returned home over flowing with grace and mercy and love.
The memories are embedded deep within and yet naming them specifically alludes me.
Of one thing I am certain...I like this new me and I will fight to hold on to her. I will sacrifice whatever threatens to swallow her...to overtake her...to return her to living a settled for life. Even as the mountain top high gives way to life's valley I will hold on.
I am so thankful for the gift I have been given and I hope never to take it for granted. Thank you Jackie and Melissa and Meech and Cecy and Kathy and Stacey...you were Jesus in the flesh to me this weekend and I will treasure it forever.
"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." 1 Peter 5:6-7
xo, Patty
I can so relate to this wonderful post..God's faithfulness and His healing hand. I can relate to this work He does in all of us at different times and different seasons...I have experienced this some lately.
ReplyDeleteI rejoice with you and Praise God for His healing power
Hi Patty,
ReplyDeleteI think it is a wonderful thing when we can recognize God's love in the faces of new friends, who feel more like family, almost instantly. I have been blessed with this gift in the past. What peace you must be feeling.
Have a great week.
Poppy
Patty, I am so thankful for you. In the midst of my insecurities--you 5 were a safe haven. Our room was a treasure to me. Thanks you for a great weekend. Love you!!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to share a healing weekend with friends.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Patty!
ReplyDeleteOut with the old Patty and in with the new love filled Patty. God is good. Smiles, Susie
ReplyDeleteFeeling the presence of God in other's is a gift. How wonderful for you!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a very blessed and fruitful weekend.
ReplyDeleteJudy
God is good, all the time. What a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI always look forward to your Monday posts, Patty.
wonderful post.. it touched me so much..
ReplyDeletelove
krishna
So beautiful my friend, and the photo's filled me with the warmth and joy. You and the little loved one were in my prayers this morning! <3
ReplyDeleteI hope soon you can share all the goodness and deep things the Lord revealed to you during your retreat.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! It is good read and see that you were richly blessed.
ReplyDeleteThis is a pretty album. Did you create it while you were away?
:) Hope
You were in Hot Springs? You were not far from me. Your weekend sounds delightful and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteA great testimonial to what a women's retreat is all about. I'm so happy for you that you feel so renewed. It is so healing to be able to open you heart to others and feel they understand. I have been to retreats where I came home feeling the same. It is a life changing and enriching experience.
ReplyDeleteLove the beautiful collage pictures as I read your testimony. You are so talented and really have a way with words that touched my heart.
Beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteI need a retreat so badly, no chance to take time off work for a while though. I hope I can find one next spring. So glad you had a great time and came away with such great things:>)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeletePatty,
ReplyDeleteWhat excitement for life is in your voice!!! I am so~o~o thankful that you had this wonderful opportunity! Savor the time spent with friends in the Lord! Embrace the new found journey ahead!
Fondly,
Pat