I took the weeks following B’s wedding off to rest and seek the Lord for new direction in my life. I have been thinking that it was time for some sort of change, apart from the typical ongoing change that we are all doing as we are being conformed into the Lord’s image. I have finally become convinced that all work and no play is not part of God’s plan for us. His word is very clear about the importance of rest in our lives. Well, rest I have done! I have spent time with my family, done some much needed projects, a bit of baking, organizing and I have also done a little traveling through the byways of west Texas, making memories with my sweet daughters and a few friends. Honestly I hope that this is only the beginning of my restful adventures. Life has been hard the past few years, filled with much service to others and I have come to realize that often it is that way because of my own doing. There is absolutely no reason why I should not occasionally schedule in some rest time for myself. When my children were young I would get away occasionally to regroup and get rejuvenated. I would always return a much better person. I guess when they got older and my nest was empty I had a hard time justifying a break. After all I was no longer raising children so I should have free time all the time, right? Wrong! It’s interesting to me how difficult it is to set good healthy boundaries for ourselves no matter what season of life we are in, all that to say, I thought I would share a few things I have been doing to get rejuvenated.
Rachel, Mary, Julia, and I took a trip to San Antonio. We stayed in a friend’s brand new cottage right outside of Boerne. The cottage was amazing! Sherrie, the owner, has a real knack for decorating with old pieces of architecture. Here are a few pictures.
We also spent some of our time shopping and eating at some yummy restaurants.
Recently I traveled to Salado Texas to meet one of my dear friends, Edie. Edie and her husband Brian are really special to T and me. Our lives run pretty parallel to one another. They have raised three daughters who are very close in age to ours.
We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast I have mentioned before, Stone Creek Settlement. The proprietor Jill and her husband have been in business for over eleven years. I highly recommend there B&B if you are ever in the area. It has some of the most charming cottages along with a sweet restful environment not found many places. The B&B is also available for retreats. They can accommodate about 32 people, and offer catering as well. It would be a great place for a small family retreat, or a church staff retreat.
I arrived a few hours before Edie and spent some time reading, reflecting, and napping. It was a sweet time. I was reminded of how invaluable a change of scenery can be to our overall well being.
After Edie arrived we had a late afternoon meal at Ambrosia Tea Room. You have also heard me talk about this wonderful place before. It’s worth a drive over just to experience it. It’s the best kept secret for all you lovely ladies who enjoy the entire tea experience! I had a wonderful dumpling soup, chicken salad on raisin cinnamon bread, fruit and the most delicious lemon and spice tea.
We also had a late afternoon meal the next day at Adelea’s On Main, a Bistro with amazing food. Not to mention the ambiance! It is a neat house converted into a quaint eatery.
My visit with Edie could not be described adequately with words. All I can say is “Thank you friend for sharing your life with me and giving me time that you didn’t have to spare.My heart was encouraged!
I also took a day trip to a couple of small towns in west, TX with a two sweet ladies, Gwyn and Jill. Gwyn showed us some fun places to shop. We began our adventure in Sante Anna, where we visited “Pearls and Primitives.” It’s a neat little shop that boasts a unique blend of antiques, bling, and trendy décor. The owner is Carrie, but her mother, Betty Rae was shop keeper for the day. There was enough warmth in that place to make you want to pull up a chair and brew a pot of tea. I haven’t laughed that much in only God knows how long. Thank you Betty Rae for making our visit so welcoming that we had to stop back by on our way home!
We then traveled over to Brownwood, TX and had lunch at Steve’s Café. The wait was long, but well worth it. We didn’t realize it was homecoming week for Howard Payne University. I should have known, my daughter graduated from there. Their food is as tasty as tasty gets (in west Texas that is). The biggest treat of all was running into two friends that I share with my daughter B, Sarah and Stacy. Those girls have some of the best hugs ever! It was almost as good as if I had gotten them from B herself. It was so great to see you two!
We then walked around the corner to the shop that drew us to Bwood in the first place, “Cheapo Depot.” I could not believe that my daughter lived in that city for almost four years and I never knew it existed. After spending time there I realized why she never told me about it. She was trying to save me from temptation. To bad B, I’m hooked. This little store is so fun. Everyone should visit it at least once in their lifetime, and if you can’t, that’s ok I will visit enough for you and all your friends. I can’t wait to go again! I know, I really should get out more.
Our time together came to a sad ending when I returned to Gwyn’s home only to be greeted by her husband who had a smashed cell phone in his hand that he had found in the driveway. Did I mention that I couldn’t find my cell phone all day and thought someone had stolen it? You guessed it! I dropped it in the driveway when I picked Gwyn up and rolled right over that cute little pink thing.
Now you know why I don’t have an IPhone! I guess this is why my hubby insists on having insurance on my phone! The company was sweet, the fellowship rich, the fun exuberating! Thank you ladies!
After a month filled with a wee bit of adventure I am settling in and getting ready to prepare for the upcoming holidays. I have begun to get some direction about the future but still not seeing as clearly as I need to. I will continue to rest, to hope, to dream and look to the Lord for His guidance.
1 comment:
Great post. My part of your "time off" was tons of fun. Can't wait to do something with you and Jill again. :) gwyn
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