I'm happy to say I'm back!!!
This is also per the request of certain people, yes you know who you are =)
I'll admit it, I've been away from this little corner of the world for a little longer than originally planned, but sorry folks, life happens!
In my defense, this long (and much needed) absence has been for good reasons. I think the best reason of all was for a wonderful Lenten retreat which took place over a nice long weekend. This was all thanks to the handsome man above who looked at me and said "we're going!!!" the minute he heard that this retreat was taking place. I wouldn't say that I've been "catching up" ever since, because honestly, time wasn't lost. It was time well spent.
We both needed this time to slow down life and focus on what matters most, our relationship with Christ. Heading into the weekend we had no expectations.
We were both blown away with how amazing the retreat was!
Even though we had heard how amazing it was from so many past retreatants, we simply had to experience it ourselves.
In the end, we came out rejuvenated and with a fresh zeal for our faith. We also made incredible new friendships with fellow parishioners.
After leaving the retreat we both looked at each other and agreed that we would go again in a heartbeat!
It's amazing how God can move you in ways you never thought possible; if only I could cooperate more and give Him my full and undivided attention for more extended periods of time.
I'm still working on this.
I'll be quite honest, it's not always easy for me to give up "my time" but that's just it, none of this is really "our time". Time is only thanks to Him, the One giving us time in the first place.
So what are we giving back to Him?
Sometimes many times, I feel the need to know exactly what it is I'm getting myself into, but that's just me being in control again. I need to worry less and let go and have more faith.
It's on a retreat like this where I have no idea what our schedule will be like that I learn to let go of my plans and listen to His plans for me.
I'm very blessed with such a wonderful parish. Just last night for instance, I went to a Lenten mission talk and realized how many new friends I had simply because of this retreat!!!
Everyone is very involved in this parish, which I LOVE and I mean LOVE.
Everyone knows everyone and for awhile I was feeling a little left out of the circle of people who had known each other for 20+ years.
Going on this retreat helped open the doors to really getting to know these parishioners.
It's really overwhelming how warm and inviting they were and are!!
Thank you Jesus for Your Church and the people who are on fire for You!!!!
This is also per the request of certain people, yes you know who you are =)
I'll admit it, I've been away from this little corner of the world for a little longer than originally planned, but sorry folks, life happens!
In my defense, this long (and much needed) absence has been for good reasons. I think the best reason of all was for a wonderful Lenten retreat which took place over a nice long weekend. This was all thanks to the handsome man above who looked at me and said "we're going!!!" the minute he heard that this retreat was taking place. I wouldn't say that I've been "catching up" ever since, because honestly, time wasn't lost. It was time well spent.
We both needed this time to slow down life and focus on what matters most, our relationship with Christ. Heading into the weekend we had no expectations.
We were both blown away with how amazing the retreat was!
Even though we had heard how amazing it was from so many past retreatants, we simply had to experience it ourselves.
In the end, we came out rejuvenated and with a fresh zeal for our faith. We also made incredible new friendships with fellow parishioners.
After leaving the retreat we both looked at each other and agreed that we would go again in a heartbeat!
It's amazing how God can move you in ways you never thought possible; if only I could cooperate more and give Him my full and undivided attention for more extended periods of time.
I'm still working on this.
I'll be quite honest, it's not always easy for me to give up "my time" but that's just it, none of this is really "our time". Time is only thanks to Him, the One giving us time in the first place.
So what are we giving back to Him?
It's on a retreat like this where I have no idea what our schedule will be like that I learn to let go of my plans and listen to His plans for me.
I'm very blessed with such a wonderful parish. Just last night for instance, I went to a Lenten mission talk and realized how many new friends I had simply because of this retreat!!!
Everyone is very involved in this parish, which I LOVE and I mean LOVE.
Everyone knows everyone and for awhile I was feeling a little left out of the circle of people who had known each other for 20+ years.
Going on this retreat helped open the doors to really getting to know these parishioners.
It's really overwhelming how warm and inviting they were and are!!
Thank you Jesus for Your Church and the people who are on fire for You!!!!
I'm so happy that you had a such a great time!! Those retreats can be so rejuvenating I'm sure. I think you're not alone in working on letting go.... just as I was reading this I thought, I need to let go a little bit. Let my shoulders relax, get out of my head, and into my heart.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're back =) You've been missed =)
ReplyDeleteBut what a perfect reason for staying away...letting go of the desire to have everything planned out is so hard...but so worth it in the end. His plans are always so much better =)
I'm SO glad you're back!!=) I've missed you! I am so happy for the two of you that you went to that retreat! It sounds absolutely amazing and what a wonderful thing to do in Lent. My focus for Lent has been putting more focus on God as well. As He said to our great patron Saint "Think of Me, and I will think of you."
ReplyDeleteOh so great! I've never been to a retreat I didn't just love. It sounds like you've found a great place in your parish! I grew up in a community oriented parish and two of my best friends were girls I met in Sunday School wayyyyy back when. All of those "make new friends" things were easier back then and so I am glad to hear it's working out so amazingly well for you and Charles! Oh, also, welcome back! I missed you!!!
ReplyDelete