Retreating and Renewing

In case you are wondering where I am and what we are doing here---I guess we are in recovery. I am rearranging furniture, moving bedrooms, sweeping dust that has been there for, well, let's just say, a while. I am ruthlessly carrying out piles of unused picture frames, clothes that have been hanging without use for too long, and other odds and ends to the growing yard sale pile in the garage. It feels good to begin to take control of the clutter, but is just that-a beginning. I have quite a few rooms to conquer.

We spent the last weekend at a family church retreat. It was so good to get out of town and the timing of reflection and encouragement couldn't have been more timely for us. We listened, worshipped, fellowshipped, cried a little bit, hiked, napped, and ate. I was amazed at how one day following Max leaving, God took us to a place of retreat (planned months in advance) and sent people our way to encourage and build us up, and also caused me to reflect on our ministry with foster care. God is good!

Here are a couple of pictures of hiking campers--J. and I were napping. :)


Here's Bookworm out on the cliff overhang...