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Ancient Stump

I’m burning some cedar incense…it’s rustic but nice, woodsy…like a cloudy quiet day in Deep Creek, MD. The swaths of smoke rising from the incense carried me to the lake today. Flash backs of lazy mornings on the back porch – cradling a piping hot cup of coffee…hey did I just see a deer? Wish you were here with me?

After my coffee,  I am hiking to the lake to capture some images of ancient stumps…nooked, crannied, and half submerged – a perfect hide out for frogs, snakes, bugs and fish. Traveling down the emerald path of ferns and evergreens, I swallow deep gulps of oxygenated air…every breath.  At the lake’s edge, wading in sparkling water, I explore, take pictures, and listen. In the distance echoes of thunder rumble across the cove; better head back up to the cabin…play some Clue?

"Broken Chains"

Our annual Women’s Encounter Retreat proved to be another amazing time of experiencing the power, love and grace of God. Over 200 women from across Chicagoland gathered at the Embassy Suites in Schaumburg.  After times of dynamic worship and teaching, ladies gathered together in small groups to support one another. Helpful topics on transparency, generational strongholds, forgiveness, and the Father-Daughter factor were taught by New Life Pastors. The retreat ended with an incredible time of inspirational testimonies and public declarations of ”Bold Steps” that women would be taking in the near future. 

My wife and I walked away from the retreat encouraged by a fresh outpouring of faith. God met His people this weekend and ushered in a profound sense of hope, healing and freedom. Many chains were broke and relationships set in healthy directions. I look forward to what God is going to do when the Men’s Encounter Retreat takes place on March 19th-20th.

My Beloved,

 Thank you for opening your heart and life to me…I treasure our special time this morning – your tears. You are a sweet and dear sister…I hope that I can handle your heart gently…I wish that I could…I’ve dropped it so many times…too many times…but there is one that will never abandon it…He is the one to run to – finding your deepest fears calmed…shelter in the midst of the raging winds and peace in the center of long uncertainty.

Thanks for being faithful, loyal and loving (1 Corinthians 13:1-13). You are the Spring in my Winter…the warm sun in my isolated cold. You are, indeed, God’s greatest gift to me. I wish I knew that more often…I wish that I lived it. God help me to hold her heart…to value it above all things…yes just things…of no value compared to her heart. Amen.

Love Forever & Ever.

John