It's been a week!  A lost dog, preparing to lead the worship/music for a women's retreat, a hubby still job hunting, a daughter still sick and hobbling, still dealing with some auto-immune issues and still trying to sell our house.  I spent a couple of days making and posting fliers all over the neighborhood and making phone calls and media posts to find our dog.  Getting music ready takes some concentration and prayer time as do the other life challenges we have here.  

But I have to say that God out-did Himself these past couple of days!  

On Thursday evening, we received a call after my daughter had posted our dog's information on Craig's List.  A man two blocks away had found our Minnie!  We were out and so my daughter met the man and Minnie at our house.  Apparently this pooch was doing a happy dance as she leapt into the front door doing circles and hopping at the same time!!  When we got home, she ran to meet us as well, and then quickly curled up on her little couch and was content for the rest of the night!  We all smiled and sighed recognizing that though many dangerous things could have happened to her, they didn't.  Though there are cars and dog stealers and very real threats, especially since she had no collar or ID, she came back safely and happy.  I believe God heard our prayers.  I don't know why prayers don't always seem to be answered in the way we might ask, but He had reasons to give her back to us and we are very thankful!

My husband heard from his 4th interview with a new company for a job.  They seemed to really like him and the interview went well.  It feels good to be in this place rather than still be hoping for a "bite".  It is good to see Scott encouraged and it brings hope to our rather weary hearts in this season!  

Bethany isn't well - yet - but her leg is slowly healing.  There is still a lot of work to do each day getting her meals, showers, and helping with her needs, but it is good to be headed toward the other side of a broken leg.  Getting her closer to some semblance of independence brings some relief.

The retreat?  It was rich and powerful.  The weather was beautiful and allowed for some time for a prayer walk on the property in rural Dittmer, Missouri.  Birds, velvety green pastures, contrasting with pink tree buds and a rippling pond made for a much needed therapy session for me!  I enjoyed the other ladies, and the dear one who shared with us was brimming with radiant encouragements.  They were coupled with humor and real life stories of her own that revealed a warm heart full of the same Jesus I so love and admire.  The music seemed to flow with a sweet kiss of the Holy Spirit, and the response was nothing short of refreshing and cleansing.  I walked away with a lighter step and more purposeful challenges.  It seemed I was not the only one, and for that I am thankful!!

Those are weekends to remember, and times when we are reminded to hand the heaviness over to the One who is capable of carrying them!  Lord, remind me more often!!  

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30