Steal Away...

Charleston, South Caroloina is a gorgeous place and I have the amazing opportunity to be there right now! What an amazing weekend it has been on the ocean in a rustic little beach bungalow right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with four amazing, God-fearing women. Let me tell you that when I first moved to Chattanooga, I never would have expected to spend a weekend in Charleston on the ocean. God has been so good... I am incredibly blessed. Despite getting burnt to a crisp, (as I always do) this weekend has been such a refreshing, rejuvenating, relaxing time to just unwind and steal away from Chattanooga. The weather is absolutely wonderful, hot with an amazing breeze that blows freely through the open screens and shutters to our cozy little cottage.

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This morning, the group gathered around in a circle on the porch to talk about what we want to get out of this weekend away. It was great to reflect on the different things:  to take time away from a busy schedule, to get relief from the stresses of life, to have great fellowship and conversations with one another, and to steal away with Jesus. It's amazing to be in such a beautiful place to dwell in God's presence, his creation, and listen to what He is speaking into our hearts.

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So far, we have already had some great conversations. This morning, we each wrote down 10 things we love and 10 things that we struggle with or tear our hearts apart. This list made us think about how we can use the things we love to help us with our struggles, or how God can use the things we enjoy to bring justice to things that break our hearts. I think some of the top ones on all of our lists were- LOVE: great conversations, hanging out with friends, and family. STRUGGLES & HEARTBREAKS: forgiveness, worry, and discrimination. How do we achieve the things we love and how do we cope with the hardships of life? Only with God's help can we go through our lists in life and prioritize them according to His will. Only by His help can we make it through the struggles and things that break our hearts. Only he can show us how to love the unloveable. Only he can show us how to forgive. Only He can bring justice to those who have been treated unjustly. Only he can relieve us from our stresses and anxiety. He has given us friends, family, and relationships with people who we can have great conversations with... who speak truths into our lives. He has also given us His Spirit. He has given us opportunities to talk with him, to steal away... to bring to him our burdens and our sorrows and the stresses of everyday life. He has given us His peace.
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"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from men or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." - Philipians 4:4-9
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"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... it's learning to dance in the rain." - unknown

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