Choosing the Better Thing

Photo taken from my brother and sister-in-law's cabin near Estes Park ...

"I have called you to follow Me on a solitary path, 

making time alone with Me 

your highest priority and deepest Joy. 

It is a pathway largely unappreciated and often despised. 

However, you have chosen the better thing, 

which will never be taken away from you. 

Moreover, as you walk close to Me, 

I can bless others through you." 

(Jesus Calling)

Thanking God for this time in Fort Collins, Colorado ... time to pull away from the routine busyness of life back home, time to connect with other staff, time to hear from Him through great speakers, and awesome times of worship. Praising God together with 4,000 other staff ... a touch of heaven.

And, in the full days of meetings and events, taking time to be alone, listening, and connecting with God. So essential, and so necessary ...

Thank You, Lord, for Your many gifts this past week ...

~ many wonderful memories in my heart from the gathering at our home of 30 family members the first week in July ...

~ time to connect with a son last Monday evening, enjoying a special meal out with him ...

~ and times the next two afternoons to connect with another son, helping with details for his upcoming travels; cherishing these times as we will soon be missing him ...

~ thankful for a precious time of prayer together with my husband, up the hill at our town cemetery, so peaceful, overlooking our town ...

~ for lunch with a sweet daughter, hearing her heart ...

~ for Your help as we scrambled to get ready to leave for two weeks ...

~ for helping us get out our next newsletter before we left ...

~ for a safe drive to Fort Collins, in good time, just 9 1/2 hours ...

~ great news the next day of a large donation towards our needs, received even as our newsletter was still in the mail ...

~ for peace and strength amidst a trial ...

~ the joy of visiting a brother and sister-in-law at their cabin near Estes Park ...

~ times to connect with other Student Venture staff during three days of meetings together ...

~ being able to spend a bit of time with staff member friend and fellow blogger, Abby, and hoping for more time together here at staff conference ...

~ thankful for texting, email, etc., with family back home ...

~ for comfort and love, as dear friends pray together with us ...

~ for my husband, so blessed to be kindred hearts through all of life ...

~ such meaningful, powerful teaching from our executive director ...

~ extended time yesterday to spend time with You, listening ...

"There is only one thing worth being concerned about.

Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."

(Luke 10:42)

(One Thousand Gifts #534-551)

Linking up with others, sharing gratitude, at A Holy Experience.