Blizzards and Blessings!

"And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’ And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.’ And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.”

- 1 Kings 19:5-8 (ESV)

We just returned last night from Colorado. I mentioned that we were there at the invitation of a couple whose ministry seeks to give physical and spiritual refreshment to pastors and their wives. Their goal is to mirror the spirit of 1 Kings 19:5-8 where the prophet Elijah, too wearied to continue his journey, was strengthened by God in order that he might continue in ministry.

The trip was truly amazing. The host couple said they wanted to provide "The Three P's" - pamper, play and pray; they did all three very well. Each day they prepared a yummy breakfast right before we stepped out of their condo and skied down to the lift. We skied as long as we were able (I am not the young pup I once was who could ski eight hours straight without hardly stopping!) and then walked around the village at Copper until it was time to get ready for dinner. Every evening they treated us to fabulous food at restaurants all around the area. Dinner was followed by a sweet time of dessert, hot coffee, sweet fellowship and best of all, prayer - for our personal needs, our families, our church and anything else God laid on our hearts.

It was a time I won't soon forget. And not just because it was the best skiing the locals said they had seen all season (thanks to a blizzard that arrived the day after us) or because our last day was a "bluebird day" - what Coloradans call days of fresh powder and bright blue skies! But mostly because it was a time to rest and reflect on what God is doing in our lives. I truly realize how blessed I am to have had this opportunity. Thank you A & D! I am more grateful than words can express.

Our Sr. Pastor, his wife, myself and dh heading for dinner at Copper Village.

Dh and I before heading out for our first day of skiing.

Up on the mountain!

Enjoying ribs (Yum!) and some amazing fellowship!

Me, my friend and our precious hostess.