A Weekend to Remember #2

My wonderful wife “Hope” writes a monthly journal entry for me. She began it as a 40^th birthday gift on 12/14/07. So, rather than a card that would have limited her to a small space for pouring out her affections while sharing her encouragement and inspiration; she decided to give me a journal. Both of us love books and reading, but we know we are called to write as well. She said she wanted it to be symbolic of all the things we have yet to say, but it has also proved to be an instrument of great grace and present truth many times. It is always the highlight of my month, when I get some alone, quiet time to open this journal and read the life giving words and reflections of my favorite author!

Here is an entry from this journal about the “I.H.” property as she sat by herself on the picnic tables outside after everyone had left from a family and friends retreat weekend. I read this providentially at a “kairos-opportune” moment during my “weekend to remember,” and it lead me into an extended time of worship, weeping and thanksgiving. It captures the essence of what these times and this place are all about:

“The fall months to me means the best times at the cabins. I feel so blessed as I sit here…only a few crickets lending their noise to the stillness. The sun is setting, ending another day. I look around as I sit writing, bonfire wood stacked and ready to go…horseshoes waiting to be played, the porch swing still and empty…the cabins clean and quiet. The wind is now rustling the newly changed colorful, fall leaves.

I am so thankful for all the Lord has given me. I love this place filled with activity and noise. I love this place absolutely quiet and still.

Here I sit in the Promised Land… the Beulah Land…The “Interpreter’s House.” It’s a little piece of heaven for me (us), away from all the clamoring, the busyness and stress. Away from all the carnality and things that bombard my sensitive spirit.

Here I find restoration, here I find strength. Here I find Your breath and Your beauty -Lord God. I still don’t know how this property will be ours, but every step of the way you keep blessing us.

Blessed is this land…this Beulah land.

It is “Yours to Interpret!!!”

Chip – I know, neither of us knows how this will end; but, this property has been a way, a tangible way for the Lord to keep us in a place…a way for Him to bring us a hope and a future, and for Him to restore and love us along the way.

HE, above all knows the need for solitude.

I hope we will always have this place that is special to HIM and to us.

I love being out there with you. I feel we are both most alive and most us when we are there!!!”

I (Pastor Chip) encourage you who are reading this to think about the special people, significant places and spiritual practices that God has used to touch and transform you. Stop, be still for a moment and reflect on how God moves in your life. The memories will elicit strong emotion, and what you remember gives new perspective while renewing both passion and priorities.

May the Lord grant you times of refreshing and sacred spaces –holy places, where HIS Presence is manifest and experienced personally, intimately…tangibly.