"There's No Place Like Home"

I am constantly amazed at the power of God. I am amazed how he cares about the smallest details of our life.

Every October, I try to find a weekend to drive to Charleston to visit family. I had chosen the weekend of October 21st. It seemed as the weekend approached I did not have peace about going. There were many conflicts with schedules and I felt the Lord was telling me to stay home.

I am so grateful that I listened. Sunday October 23rd began as a week of many struggles in my ministry. I began to doubt what God had called me to do. This resulted in a week of hard meetings and many many disappointments. I realized, I needed to get away and quickly rescheduled my trip. I am so grateful!!!

By the time Friday came around, I was ready to escape...but later realized that I wasn't escaping...I was retreating.

It was exciting pulling into the driveway of my childhood home and seeing the door open and the front porch light on.

I could see the image of my mother waiting for us to pull in and the excitement on her face when she saw it was us.

I suddenly felt peace. I felt like I was home and I knew that the moment I walked in the door, I would be surrounded by people who loved me and cared about me and supported me.

I had the best night's sleep that I have had in months.

I woke the next morning to hot coffee, a homemade country breakfast and wonderful conversation.

I agree with Dororthy in the Wizard of OZ..."There's no place like home."

I am sure by tomorrow when I load up the car to leave, I won't be completely ready to face next week's trials...but I do know...that whenever I need a rest...the porch light will always be on for me. ..my bed will always be ready...and a cup of coffee, a country breakfast and love will be on the menu.

I hope you have a place where you can escape for a retreat!!!!If not...I will give you my mom's address.

THE LIGHTS WENT OUT IN TWINSBURG

Last Thursday we lost power from 4:00 pm to 1:00 am the next morning. Our childen thought this was really cool as the sun set and we had to light candles and do homework by flashlight.

It was amazing how calm and quiet everything became the longer the lights stayed off.

By 8:30, we were all in bed but no one was really tired. Our youngest son Alex thought it might be a good idea if we went to a red cross shelter for the night. I think he has been watching too many news reports on Hurricane Katrina.

The boys crawled in bed with me so I thought we should take advantage of the time and just talk.

I made them each take turns saying something encouraging to each other.

Once they stopped accusing each other of "smelling like cheese" (where does this come from?), they encouraged each other.

What a beautiful moment!!!

The even paid me a compliment and told me that "I was purdy".

They'll remember this night as the night they did homework by candles...I'll remember the night as the night they told me I was "purdy".