sometimes it's not what you think
the vacation i went on wasn't really for me ... i mean, sure it was good for me to get out of the "care giver" mode ... but this time - i think i was sent away for leo's sake ... so he could have 2 weeks of uninterrupted time with the Lord ... to really have some prayer time and study time ... which is what he did ... it also gave him time to pray for our friend, who was given 2 weeks to live ...
sigh ... this was the first of our very close friends to die ... we've had family members die, who were also friends ... but this was a friend - who also felt like family ... i included them in a blog post back in 2006 (are we there yet?) ... it seems there have been so many earthly goodbyes lately ...
if there is anything you want to ask about this season in my life - put your email address (if i don't have already) in your comment - and i'll answer you directly and not publish the comment ... i just felt a need to say that ...
ok - now for some vacation photo's ... because i was still able to be refreshed while away - i just prayed when i could - believing that God had everything under control ...
it was peaceful - relaxing - and stress free in Arizona ... i just left my cares at home and lived in the moment ... with no plans ... *smile* ...
this is a greek chicken dish ... i tried so many different types of foods! i'm glad there was a pool at my cousins' place - definitely needed to swim and try and keep the calories in check!
here i am with my 2 cousins ... we're off to church ... since leo and i have "church" at home, it was such a blessing to be able to worship with a group of believers ... leo told me he prayed that the message would be clear, that salvation would be presented - and that i would hear old hymns that i loved ... well the service opened with a baptism (no clearer presentation of the gospel there!) AND the first hymns that were sung - count your blessings and blessed assurance ... well, tears began streaming down my face and into my shirt! the Lord answered leo's prayers very clearly ... i wanted to take that church home with me, the message was so uplifting!!! the pastor's dad had died a week prior, so you could tell his heart was tender, the way he shared his message with the congregation ...
after church - snowbirds know where to flock for good food ... there was a group of my cousin's friends who we had good fellowship with ...
oh, on the side trip we took - look what we encountered in the high country! 
lake havasu city and london bridge was another stop ... it is the most lovely of places ... and it's grown SO much in the 20 years since leo and i had last been there ...
arizona and the road runner go hand in hand ... i was happy to see one!
and those sunsets every night! wow ... i loved taking picture after picture of them ... it seemed that a person could not take a bad picture of a sunset there ... God's handiwork was everywhere on display ... my trip encouraged me ... no matter where i am - i know that God is there too ... but i was happy to get back to our own little condo and my husband who loves the Lord and tries to be the man God has designed him to be ... i am thankful ...
13 comments:
Dear Saija,
I am so glad you had this blessed journey to Arizona, especially the meeting. I love the old hymns too, and I often miss them when I go to church nowadays.
I understand that Leo are doing an important job be a man of prayer. It's a lonely,challenging, but oh, so important work, to fight in the spiritual world.
No wonder Leo needed to be alone. (I also know from my beloved, late daddy's experience, that it is a vast challenge being a care receiver.)
God bless you all, so that you may really feel the reality of Psalm 139: 5"Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me."
He is there, all the time.
from Felisol
Saija - although there is some sadness in this post, the joy that comes from God shines through. I'm glad you were able to have this time, especially that touching time at church. It's great that Leo was having his own time with God.
Such a sweet post, Dear ~ I loved the pictures you shared. I'm glad Leo could have some quiet time with the Lord. I'm sorry about the loss of your friend. Love you ~
The opportunity to participate in corporate worship is such a joy when you aren't accustomed to it! I totally understand that since I had to be at home for months on end to care for my late husband. I am so thankful you had that time of refreshing! The pictures are lovely. Arizona is one of my favorite places to visit. Enjoy a blessed week!
Many hugs............
Diane
How did you pack so much into one post? You express yourself so beautifully.
It seems that God had this entire trip planned, doesn't it? He is so good that way. I agree, it was important for Leo to have his time alone too, we all need that, and he used it wisley. It reminds me of the old song...I love them too..."friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine".
Your trip and pictures are wonderful, you have very precious family. I'm thinking you need to adopt me! lol
Saija, what a lovely lovely post. I agree with Pat - how do you manage to say, to express, so much in one post? Your thoughts are lovely.
Seeing the photo of the greek salad... I think I am ready to go back and get another one!
Miss you and wish we had more time together while you were here, Saija.
Love ya!
I certainly enjoyed this
post, Saija. Sounds and
looks like you had a
wonderful time. Thanks
for sharing it with us.
I know what you mean about
having church at home as
we do too due to Shaun's
autism. I miss worshiping
with a body of believers
too.
Blessings~
Lovely pictures. Glad you and Leo both had a blessed time. So like God to do that for the 2 of you.
I feel the bittersweet in this post. Thank God for putting his arms around you and holding you and giving you a blessed refreshing.
I'm so thankful both you and Leo had a good and blessed time. Your pictures make me want to run to my mom's now...hopefully July won't wait too long to get here! :)
We enjoyed our last trip to Arizona back in the early 90's. My sister lives in Tucson and I went to the UofA back in the late 70's. I miss the Mexican food. So glad you had a time of refreshing. God bless you both.
I loved this post, with your deep thoughts, and your pictures of arizona.
Love
Lidj
I'm so glad you had a nice vacation, and that Leo had some meaningful time alone. I'm very sorry about the loss of your friend.
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