Showing posts with label retreat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label retreat. Show all posts

Thursday, August 29, 2013

ma' plate's full


There are but mere minutes before the crew of 5 arrive to hang out for a bit whilst their mother accomplishes needed shopping for a large yearly fundraiser.  I've let my two sleep in.  School will start on Tuesday and they've been up early in training for our new schedule.

My plate feels quite full but, I am managing to keep the butterflies and craziness from creeping in.  Taking each day as it comes and checking off tasks here and there.

It's funny how God steps in, taking over and orchestrating things as he sees fit.  For instance, I felt that house cleaning had taken a back seat and I'd fallen behind on my cleaning duties.  Yesterday after breakfast, I received word that the appraiser would be coming at 3:00.  I was already in cleaning mode but, I rallied the troops, gave them the pep talk and we combed the place, having it almost completely finished by 11am.  I didn't worry about what lay undone.  I took Miss K + 3 to Spanish, purchased a used book shelf, caught up with friends and after lunch, we resumed.  It was all done before Mr. Appraiser arrived, with time to spare.

Homeschool stuff is just about ready and it's not the lingering book or two that has yet to arrive that worries me.  No, it's the calendar.  My weekly schedule does not have each block filled in.  I know what we're doing and some of it lays empty because the books have just arrived but, I yearn to see things on paper.  To have a guide, even if it's not set. in. stone.  Plus, there's just the fear of the unknown.  Remember, we're new to this but, I'm high on the homeschooling roller coaster!


Groceries.  Tomorrow is grocery shopping day.  I've finally figured out the menu for the month and the long list of rations we'll need to make it through.  Now, just to do it!  Check that one off.

Tomorrow's the first day of the Fall Festival.  This is a big deal.  Our church's ladies' group puts on a bake sale for the Fall Festival and it's their only fundraiser for the entire year.  Since, it's the end of the month and I have yet to get groceries, well, I have yet to start my baking.

Then, there's the ladies' retreat in mid-September.  We have a lot of, lot of things going on and then, there's my cousin's wedding in October.  So, I wish I could but, ladies, I won't be there for the retreat.  I know Miss D always thinks I'm gonna surprise her and show up, and one of these days I will.  Anyway, I have special gifts to make for the guest speakers but, here, all my fabric lay. 


It makes me anxious.  The date is quickly approaching and this stuff needs get done and shipped by mid-month.  I'll get to it after the weekend.  And as soon as homeschool is under control.  Eek!  The world is closing on me!

There is so much more...benches to polyurethane, a desk that needs to be refinished, a book shelf to sand and paint, drawers to line, etc. etc.  You get the point.  So many things.  Too much to write.  They will all be accomplished.  In good time.  But that doesn't change the fact that they are on my plate.  And the plate's feelin' full y'all.

Now to get to some of my list...

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Vineyard Keepers 1st Annual Retreat

We started out by settling into our cozy little cabins at


They're new, ya know?


And quite comfy.
Each cabin held 14 ladies.
Included, were 2 bathrooms, a front and back porch, and a loft.


"For such a time as this" Esther 4:14b -
our theme this weekend for the Vineyard Keepers 1st Annual Retreat.


We spent countless hours preparing for this retreat
and while my family has dearly missed me,
~ I don't say that lightly ~
(they ran to meet me at the door tonight)
I am not remorseful for the time I spent in fellowship with our "creative design team".
Or quitely in prayer and fellowship with my God as I labored away
in the stillness of Miss Nancy's "Craft Wonderland".
It filled my soul working my fingers to the bone for the glory of our LORD and Savior.
And in the end, it was all worth it.


We pooled together our china, antiques, quilts.
Anything and everything vintage.
For the first time since my grandma gave them to me 9 years ago,
I proudly volunteered my china, and silver from my great Aunt Anna.


It was stunning.
And thanks to Kelly and his staff,
we definitely ate like Queen Esther!


We read Psalm 84...
(this is the New Century Version)

Lord All-Powerful,
how lovely is your Temple!
I want more than anything
to be in the courtyards of the LORD's Temple.
My whole being wants to be with the living God.
The sparrows have found a home,
and the swallows have nests.
They raise their young near your altars,
LORD All-Powerful, my King and my God.
Happy are the the people who live at your Temple;
they are always praising you.

Happy are those whose strength comes from you,
who want to travel to Jerusalem.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it like spring.
The autumn rains fill it with pools of water.
The people get stronger as they go,
and everyone meets with God in Jerusalem.

LORD God All-Powerful, hear my prayer;
God of Jacob, listen to me.
God, look at our shield;
be kind to your appointed king.

One day in the courtyards of your Temple is better
than a thousand days anywhere else.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the Temple of my God
than live in the homes of the wicked.
The LORD God is like a sun and shield;
the LORD gives us kindness and honor.
He does not hold back anything good
from those whose lives are innocent.
LORD All-Powerful,
happy are the people who trust you!


Is that not powerful?
Does that not rock your world?
Oh, it sets me on fire!
And if that's not enough,
try reading the NIV!

It's ab-so-lute-ly beautiful.


Just like the decor.


It was amazing how the LORD pulled all of this together.
We still can't get over it.
Every little detail just fell into place.
Just like He'd planned.


Our speaker was amazing.
Her testimony was moving.
Her faith, unshakable.


We even had an afternoon tea.
Complete with hats, scones and all the proper finger foods.


As I wrote in an email this evening,
"It was an awesome weekend filled with spiritual growth,
fun fellowship, and amazing food!"

Blessed be the name of the LORD.