I am linking up for Five Minute Friday. The FMF is hosted by Kate Motaung on her blog Heading Home. Today’s prompt is “Blessing” I have been gone for a continuing education trip. I have missed you all and will be back again soon. Check out FMF’s new home at http://fiveminutefriday.com
I have been incognito as of late. Ok maybe not incognito but I have been in one of my favorite places with some of my favorite people for one of my absolute favorite continuing education events: the Lutheran Academy of the Rockies.
Ten days of learning, ten days of being in a place where cell service etc isn’t easily accessible, but most of all ten days of being in community with friends who are more like family to me.
In the midst of my life’s transitions as of late, these people are incredible blessings in my life. I honestly don’t know what I would do without any of them. They cried with me. They give me emails and phone numbers to remind me that I am not alone. They continually remind me of the gifts that I have in this world.
Sometimes these blessings come in unexpected ways. The other day I climbed to the top of Estes Cone with some of my fave people. I didn’t quite make it to the top but I got awfully close. Yet my friend Scott found a makeshift chapel already on the hill and let me have a moment to let go of the past and look towards the future. It was an incredible moment captured in time and space; a blessing in disguise that I am so incredibly thankful for. A memory I won’t soon forget.
Blessings are all around me friends! Thank you for being my light in the darkness. Thank you for your love, grace and goodness. Blessings abound in and from each of you friends. Thank You!
I love this. Blessings in disguise are among the best blessings of all.
Indeed!
Tara, the warmth and wisdom in this essay…wow. You’ve written a towering testimony to God’s love acting through each of us.
Thank You friend!
This is lovely, Tara. I’m glad you’ve had a good time away with your friends and seen so many blessings!
Thanks!
Amen to God’s grace. I love hearing about your trip to the Rockies. That little chapel for rest is a picture out of a movie. I love that. I think about you daily. I hope you are filled to overflowing, friend. Miss you.
That chapel truly was a picture out of a movie. Only God could orchestrate that. I am indeed filled to overflowing. Missed you too!
What a lovely explanation of what you have been doing lately. We truly are blessed.
Indeed!
Thank you for sharing about your time at Lutheran Academy of the Rockies, and your moment at the top of Estes cone. I remember standing at the top of Pikes peak with Hillsong’s lyrics running through my head “I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground.” I hope you have a lovely weekend! -Jolene
I love those lyrics. They capture that experience so well. Thanks for sharing them.
A life filled with friends is a blessed life indeed. You are so fortunate, Tara. What part of the Rockies have you been in?
I was in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado near Estes Park, Colorado and the Big Thompson river.
Getting away is always a blessing! 10 days in the Rockies sounds amazingly peaceful! I’m in the 47 spot today.
It was!
Tara, Sometimes we are unaware of all of our surrounding blessings until other areas of our life are stripped away. It is then that we recognize the treasures that neither moth nor rust can destroy. And surprise blessings are the best! What a gift-that chapel! May your eyes continue to catch more of these blessings to carry you in this season.
That’s so true! That chapel was a great gift!
Retreats are a wonderful way to find hidden blessings. Your post is inspiring!
Thank You!
May God continue to bless you in your time of transition and may the Holy Spirit keep your eyes wide open to the wonder of all he has in store for you!
Yes! Thanks
I love your description of taking time to let go of the past and look to the future. It is a blessing when you can do that with the support of true friends.
Yes!
I pray that you feel the gentle touch of Jesus on your heart in the days and weeks to come. Transitions are never, ever easy, even if they are wanted. He has you, Tara, and He won’t let you go!
Amen! Clinging to that promise!
Tara, has anyone ever told you what a blessing you are?! You are always encouraging people. I enjoy it when I get a text from you on messenger. It’s nice to know I’m thought of. May God bless you richly, friend! xo
Aww thanks Gayl! May God bless you richly too!
Been watching your posts on FB. After all, I have to keep up with my online daughter!!! Can’t wait to hear what God has for you next. xo
Love that! Xo
I’ve always believed that God shows His care for us through the people He places in our lives. Well you are like a warm hug Tara, and I’m so glad to hear you have the love of friends to “hug” you back. (Wrapping my arms gently around too!)
Indeed! Thanks for the warm hug too.
you are so right tara. blessings come in the form of people and experiences that GOD brings into our lives. it’s great:)
Amen!
Thinking of you often as you search for God’s Way! {hugs}
Thank You!