Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket


Monday, March 19, 2007

So that is what R&R is!

I went to St. Simon's Island, GA for a pastor wives' retreat and it was wonderful. To be able to gather with those that are experiencing what you are, that have gone through the trials and joys of being in the ministry- it was refreshing. I learned so much just by listening to my elders. It was a weekend of rejuvenation and renewal for me and I finally was able to r-e-l-a-x and lay all my burdens at God's feet. There's something about the combination of being able to relax and being able to let go, I think that as we live our struggles we can't seem to separate ourselves from them enough to give them to God and to rely on Him.


The inscription on the front:
We Thank thee for the majesty of the heavens, We rejoice in the sky born music of a night of stars, the rush of the dawn when the world wakens to the warmth of the sun which causes the earth to bud and blossom for the bounty of creation, the loveliness of nature and the beauty of a garden, for all this we lift our hearts in thanksgiving.






The sign for this very old live oak tree - very funny if you think about it. The branches of this tree extend to the ground, which makes it a very tempting spot to climb or sit.












I miss the coast- the smell of the marsh, the salty breezes. I sat every morning and evening sharing my heart with the Lord at this bench among the azaleas with the water of the fountain cycling through. St. Simon's is not my "home" but it does reflect the areas that have touched my life- Charleston, Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Savannah. I know the Lord will bring us home when He needs us there but until then I'll enjoy it from afar with intermittent visits.

 

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, that place was beautiful! I'm glad that you had a good time this weekend and were able to relax. It's always nice to chat with others who are in a similar situation to you. I know not a lot of others really understand my place in life either (stay-at-home mom with a grad student husband and growing family) and I love talking to others in the same situation. Hope you are able to get back in the swing of things after your week off.
Lisa

Brenda Marie Hoffman said...

It looks so beautiful and you sound like you're so refreshed. It's great that you had this opportunity!

Brenda Marie
http://homeschool4us.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Wow, it looks wonderful! I can almost smell the azaleas and the salty breeze. I guess you'll be going back!

Robin said...

I'm so glad you had this time of rejuvenation!

Anonymous said...

Wow, Jessica. I went to this place almost 30 years ago on a catholic high school retreat. Seeing the pictures brought back at lot of memories. It is such a peaceful place and so gorgeous. As I was looking at your pictures, I realized "Hey, I've been there."

Neat!!! Robin (aka tigerlily from wtm boards)