Lorraine's Blog

SEASON's
February 3, 2012 by Lorraine

To everything there is a season, time for everything. Ecclesiastes(3:1-8) As I think about my life's journey the past year, I stand in awe of God and all His abundant blessings. Each new dawn is a new season, and every new friendship a new beginning, the beginning of a new journey, uncertain where the road leads. Trusting Jesus is walking beside us, carrying us when we just can't take another step forward, often times not wanting to look back.

Seasons of life are ever changing, and often times not what we expect. Season maybe be a moment, a day, a week, a month, a year or longer. Life's seasons are constantly changing, just as the wind, one direction then another, and yet we are often unfazed that our direction has even changed.

The winding paths carry us through life with hope of something better and exciting. Often times we stop and question why we are here, at a particular place, or a specific time, only to see in hindsight, it was all part of God's perfect plan.

I was recently invited to spend the weekend at Barefoot Gardens Fellowship Ministries and Christian Guest House, in Ada Michigan hosted by dear friends Shelly, and Wanda, aka Schwandelly. The time we shared was refreshing, and heartwarming. The weekend retreat was breathtaking, inside and out, as Mother Nature gently dropped three to four inches of beautiful soft flakey snow that weekend. The next day the sun broke free from the clouds, and the snow glistened like diamonds on the trees, that surround the retreat.

The Southern Colonial is owned and operated by Cyndi and her wonderful husband, and Camellia, her executive assistant, a wonderful young lady who caters to your every whelm and desire. Her dream is to study in Jerusalem, and we know God has a special plan for Camellia. We wait with eager anticipation for her new season in life to begin, as she walks where Jesus walked, during His life's journey.

We had the most joyous pleasure of meeting extraordinary women who are authors, publicist, writers, photographers, pastors, film producers, speakers, women whose work is in radio broadcast, ministry, and have a servants heart for God.

Each woman gave a moving and powerful testimony of God's incredible grace and mercy. I only wish I could share each one with you, but permission, time and space doesn't allow. For the time being, you will just have to trust me on this one. However, our hope and prayer is to highlight their special season of life with you, in future newsletters.

Please feel free to visit the website www.bare-foot-gardens.com and if you have an opportunity, book a retreat, or if just need some special and or quite time away, give Camellia a ring. Hide away and enjoy the comfortable and intimate setting of peace and tranquility, and meet some wonderful new friends. Please be sure to tell Cyndi and Camellia hello from us.

The week prior to the wonderful time we had in Ada Michigan, a dear friend and I traveled to Nashville, TN to attend The Christian Women in Media Association Conference (CWIMA) www.CWIMA.org. We had an amazing time of fellowship, prayer, laughter, dinner, music, visiting with old friends, while making new ones. This particular season was very short, but truly wonderful. The friendships that were made leave an everlasting impact and hold a special place in your heart.

January 29, 2012 marked another milestone in our journey and a season of painful memories. This date marked the 13th anniversary of my daughter's attacks. The two weeks leading up to the actual day, for me, are the most difficult. It reveals now, what I would never have anticipated that fateful cold January day.

This special anniversary date was a day spent with my husband, kept busy by helping others in a time of need. God is so gracious. I caught myself watching the clock all day, and each time, I would instantly recall where I was at that precious moment and recalling the events as they played out in my mind. And this time, as for the past thirteen years, I knew exactly what the next scenario would be. This was a strange occurrence for me, because this had not happened before, as most were just brief recollections.

I see this as yet another season in my life that comes and goes, as I grow, adjust, and compensate, finding I fell into a comfort zone, and find it uncomfortable to step out of those boundaries. I put up walls to help me cope with things that are unbearable. When the seasons change, as they do, we struggle to understand what we are feeling, and why, yet knowing full well life goes on.

Through God's word, I have broken down those walls, and I pray you will too, and your life is filled with trust, faith, joy, and happiness as God brings forth new seasons. And remember, if the season didn't change, life would be boring and uneventful. Although some are heartbreaking and challenging, we hold on to the hope of new and wondrous things that are yet to be revealed.

God bless you, and remember to look for the rainbows in your seasons.

In His grace,

Lorraine