Anniversary getaway

Today, August 14th, we are celebrating our 29th anniversary.  Wow, how did that happen.  Some have said that 2nd marriages don't last that long.  But ours has, and only by the grace of God.   We both have not only grown older over the past 29 years, we have actually matured.  God has been gracious to us that as our early marriage (and sometimes late) issues threatened to beat us up, we ran to Him to help us through those tough times.  Because we chose to put Him first, we are still together, 29 years later.  It hasn't always been 'pretty', and God has walked us through many difficult journeys.

We decided to take a few days off and get away so after working my birthday last week (Tuesday), I took the rest of the week off and we headed up to northern Arizona.  North of Sedona there is a place called Forest Houses Resort (I think it is).  We had rented a 'cabin' up there.  It was really nice - it was two bedrooms, a sitting room, bath, full kitchen and living room.  We had an outside area with patio chairs we could sit out and enjoy the coolness of the evening.  Everything was furnished but our food.  Each day we drove either to Flagstaff or into Sedona - or Oak Creek Village - to do a little walking and shopping.  But coming back to 'home base' was always nice for a light meal, and reading a lot of books.  I don't know how many Tom finished, but I finished three - (two I had already started).

Today was so nice - we drove over to Prescott Valley to attend church at Mountain Valley Church of God - and to love on dear friends there.  We arrived just as the service started for it took a bit longer than we thought to get there.  It was so fun to see everyone and to give and receive lots of hugs.  It was so good to be worshipping again with those we love. We went to lunch with several of the couples from church and enjoyed catching up on what was going on.  Afterwards we went to Pastor Don and Suzanne's home and visited.  How I have missed the weekly visits we used to have!

We got home early evening and have unpacked already.   I have to go back to work tomorrow so will be heading to bed before too long.  It will be nice to get back into my routine of things.  I'm sure I will have lots of things waiting on me at the office to complete. 

Other than work, I know I do need to work on my walking stride - my OLDER brother has challenged my younger sister and I to a 13 mile walk in October when we go to Indiana.   I bought new tennis shoes this weekend so that I can work on breaking them in.  I will NOT let my OLDER brother get the best of me!   I am so looking forward to us doing this challenge.

What are you looking forward to?  What brings up fond memories for you?  Are you merely surviving life and giving it your 'best shot' - or are you resting in the One who not only created you, but loves you beyond all measure?   My thoughts are jumbled tonight - but I am grateful for God who loves me, helps me grow in Him, hears me when I call (although in spite of what some people think, He doesn't always answer the way I want Him to), and holds wide His arms when I'm hurting and running into them.   Abba,  sometimes I just need a hug from You... and You know who else needs Your hug... would You please give them one and assure them of Your love for them?  Thank you, Abba.

Loving Him always....

Blessings!