Time Away - Time to Plan

This past week my husband and I went away - just the two of us. I would like to say it was just for a romantic retreat; but it was more for planning than for romance. With that said, anytime my husband and I are together - it is romantic!



Our lives are changing as we speak, a new ministry to start and a current ministry to become a closed chapter in the book of our lives. All changes bring happiness and sadness. We are excited about what God has in store for us and also acutely aware that life is starting to bring us a lot of things that we will be doing here for the last time.



We needed time away - to pray and plan for our future. God graciously allowed us to be able to go to a bed and breakfast in Door County. It is completely and totally romantic, secluded and a perfect spot to 'get away.' We checked in early, and went right up to our rooms placed our suitcase on the chair, took a few pictures.





After about 2 hours of planning, it was time for a break. My husband had phone calls to make, and some appointments to plan - I needed a cup of coffee. I walked to the main house and got a cup enjoying my saunter back with my camera. The garden was not as beautiful as it is in summer; however, it was lovely because in it's silence it spoke of promise. Promise of things to come - just like our future is with God.




With phone calls made, meetings planned and a hot cup of coffee accompanying me in my nook - we took some time of personal Bible reading and prayer time. It was wonderful. I read in I Timothy 6. Somehow verse six blessed my heart.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain."

I have learned a great deal about myself throughout this whole process. This week the house will go up for sale - to move into a house we know not of - our belonging will be packed into boxes unsure of where or when they will be reopened. We are following what God has called us to - but following in faith. We have so many questions unanswered, so many paths unknown. As I finished my quiet time with God I felt complete peace - for, no matter what happens - it will be for my good. He does nothing TO me - but always FOR me!

Later that evening, we started a fire in fireplace and the room took on a beautiful glow. We talked and planned and prayed as we enjoyed the warmth of the fireplace. Throughout the night it burned.

Breakfast was taken at the main house. What a breakfast it was! I will not even talk about the breakfast with you - for the pictures seemed to say it better than words could.




Before heading out for home we took some time to go to the bay. It was beautiful but windy. Here are some shots from the water. Water always makes me feel calm and reflective.





So, we are back. What a profitable time we had! Trust you are able to find time to come away and meet with God. He has the directions -we need but follow.


Blessings

~Martie

8 comments:

Melly said...

As soon as my boys are a little older, we're going to do this. That looks like a lovely weekend!

Anonymous said...

I found your blog over at Grafted Branch's Restoring the Years. You certainly have a gift with the camera. What a blessed time away you had! And what a time to rest in the beauty of God's creation.
Deb
www.AsWeWalk.typepad.com

Simply Heart And Home said...

Martie,

What a lovely weekend away together. I pray that you had a refreshing relaxing time!

Becky K. said...

Martie,

I especially liked the pictures of you. You look so happy!

The B&B looks very nice and I am just a bit jealous...in the best way possible... that you got to go away with your husband.

Mine is out of town and I am missing him.

I am appreciating your autism series. I don't have anyone in my life at this very moment dealing with autism...well, my friend Shelley has a special boy at her daycare...but I am not dealing with it in my regular life, however, you never know when this will be good information to know myself or as a resource for a friend. Thanks!

Blessings!

Becky K.

Meredith said...

Oh I am just eating up the beautiful details there! Thanks for sharing a little slice of your weekend with us : )

~~Deby said...

oh what a beautiful spot to GETAWAY and get in that place where you can truly commune with each other and the Lord. I enjoyed seeing these pictures and everything you wrote sure shows the leading of the Lord in your lives. It is exciting...
as I was reading this, the hymn IT is Well with my Soul come into my mind, that is how this post seems to me, your attitude and your heart's desire.
Deby

nancy said...

Martie, I've just been enjoying browsing around your blog. My goodness, girl, you have so much going on in your lives. It had been a long time since I was able to visit you and I'm so glad I did.
Nancy

Martha said...

Nancy,

Thanks for stopping by. We are really in fast motion right now. I think it is God's way of assuring us that it is He who is doing the work - we are just along for the ride.

Blessings,
~Martie