Jesus by Candlelight

I turned off the lights, lit some scented candles, cued itunes to shuffle mode, piled blankets and pillows on the floor, and sat down with my Bible and journal for a date night with Jesus.

It was simple and beautiful.

I came thankful -- for specific answers to prayer, for seeing God use simple gestures to work in someone's life, for confidence that He is leading, for friends that make me laugh and feel loved, for dreams that are taking flight.

Before I knew it, it was midnight.

Acts 3:19 says, "Times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord." and Psalm 46:10 reminds us to "Be still and know that I am God."

Have you rested in His presence lately? Take time, wherever you are, to be still and thank Him that He is God and He is in control.

Hugs,

Michelle

Fun and Relaxation: Let Me Surprise You!

A few weeks ago I hosted a dinner in my home. There were five of us. When I invited the guests (one was unable to come), they all asked who was coming. “Let me surprise you,” I told them. Each one of these women was a leader and none of them knew each other. One by one as they arrived, I could see their pleasure as they discovered new friends. We visited in the living room for a while before dinner and I could not believe what happened. As they began to talk and get acquainted with each other, it was like a spark had been lit. Joy and laughter exploded into the room. No one was a stranger anymore. We were having so much fun I hated to interrupt to gather them to the dinner table.

My intention in having this dinner party was to bring together young women in leadership for mutual edification, encouragement and connecting. Well, it certainly happened. The joy continued throughout the whole meal, but now it was on a different level. They began to ask each other about their lives and ministries, and they listened intently as each one shared her story. The respect and genuine interest on each face was an encouragement to the story-teller and I could see that she was being empowered just from being listened to, and the listeners were being edified by the words she was speaking. My heart was bursting with joy as I watched.

The evening flew by as these women shared experiences that face women in leadership, each one encouraging and building up the others by the reminders of God’s faithfulness through every situation. It truly was an evening of fun and relaxation. I lived on the crest of the joyful atmosphere for several days after.

Tell me about a special time of fun and relaxation you have experienced recently. I’d love to hear about it.

Eileen