Retreat At Monteray

Thanks, Carol, for sending me off to retreat!

We had a wonderful time.

Some of the many lessons learned:
1. Jesus said, "Come away with me & rest."
2. (Background: He was so good at resting that he slept through a storm that threatened the ship. When they woke Him up I picture him as being "Difficult" to wake up & rather grumpy! Did He grouch out to the waves, with a gravelly, just-woke-up voice: "Be STILL!" ?) Moral of the lesson: It went completely still. Did they have to row to get to shore?
3. God promised to supply everything we need. He did that for me this weekend by splatting me in a place where I would learn things I need to know for this up-coming ministry. I didn't know I needed them. I didn't know to pray for them. But He still kept His end of the bargain anyway! WOW!
8. (yes - #8! Time's flying so I'll come back to some of the other things I learned, God willing.) It's interesting that Jesus needed so much time with His Father... Do I put the "non-negotiable" items on my calendar? Time with Him, ministry prep time (flute, as well)?
9. Jesus exercised boundaries - walked away from His ministry at times. He left the crowds to get away & be with His Father...
10. Jesus was in touch with His feelings: He wept over Jerusalem & at Lazarus' tomb. He was angry at the temple. Do you think he calmly walked around & gently tipped their tables over? He had compassion on the crowds. He was deeply distressed, overwhelmed with sorrow, in anguish... (there's more - this will be a good verse trail to follow: to find the emotions Jesus expressed.)
11. Jesus asked for support - from followers & friends: Gethsemane. Do you ask for support? I find it highly difficult.

Hope these things are as much of a blessing to you as they are to me.