Monday, May 19, 2008

A Wonderful Weekend



I spent the last 3 days on a glorious women's retreat with no cooking, cleaning, or children (except for Timothy). Myself and about 140 of my closest friends went to Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center in Sumas Washington. We had beautiful gardens and trails with wonderful food and fellowship. I had a great time but it was a very emotional weekend for me.

Friday we had a short session with lively music, a wonderful game show (the price is right), and we were introduced to our speaker Cynthia Cavanaugh. Then we were off to have some fun with our friends. We played some games and talked together for a couple of hours. Afterwards I went to our room with my roommates Tani and Karen. We stayed up until 2:30 in the morning giggling and talking. In fact, we later found out that our room was up the latest and we were a little louder then the others. But that had nothing to do with me...it was all Tani's fault!

I was so proud of myself on Saturday morning. The session began with some powerful music. Most of you know that music is what causes me to break down. I did, along with several of my friends, but I didn't leave. I was able to stay and face my emotions with my friends by my side.

When Cynthia started her lesson she began with a question. "Is God enough in your lives?" I really wish that I could say that I heard the rest of that session because I'm sure that she had wonderful points, but I didn't. I just kept asking my self that question, over and over. God clearly wanted me to answer it. There are days when I would have said NO!! And as I started thinking about those difficult days I thought about what I do to get through them. I call a friend, my sister, or my mom, and on some of those days I spend the entire day on the computer. Reading stories of other moms with Trisomy 18 babies or angels. I began to realize that in those moments, God provides me with "enough". He is using those friends, family members and sometimes even the internet to speak directly to my heart, to give me comfort.

I am happy to say that by the time the morning session was over I had an answer to that question. Yes, God is enough.

During the weekend I was able to catch up with old friends, make some new friends, and get to know acquaintances better. I shared more tears then I can count, and was almost rolling on the floor in laughter. One of my favorite highlights was when a bat came into the conference center during a session. It was quite a bit of fun trying to get it back out!

On the way home I realized how fast the weekend went and regret not having more time with everyone. There were so many friends that I really wanted to spend some time with but only got to see from a distance.

I would like to send a very special thank you to Angie. You were amazing this weekend. You kept us having fun, but at the same time, taught us how to "keep it real". Thank you for loving each one of us, and sharing your story. I have been and will continue praying for both your family and Evan. Your special prayer for Timothy meant so much to me, Thank you!






5 comments:

The Finnestad Family said...

What a blessing that God was gracious enough to ask you a question and then provide the answer within the same weekend! That was such an incredible weekend!

The Wagner's said...

I'd chase bats with you again any day! I'm so glad that God spoke to you, and my continued prayer for your family is that He'll just bathe you in His comfort, and somehow carry you through this experience, and we'll be with you through every step, praying, laughing, crying and just loving you!

Myers 3 said...

As I have been reading the posts, I have had one particular passage keep coming to mind and your post today confirmed I should bring it up, it starts with lamenting, but ends in how blessed we are because of nothing else, but God's salvation provided to us:

Psalms 13

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul? And have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest, my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him," lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
But, I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

I love you Jen

Michelle said...

It was a wonderful weekend!! The Lord is always faithful to meet us where we're at. Continued prayers for you and your family, Jen!!!

Jennifer said...

Isn't my wife awsome. I love her!! love you Sweetheart.

K