"Aaaahhhhh". That's what I say with a pleasant sigh as I reflect on how awesome this time in Cali has been. I have never felt so relaxed in my life. This was exactly what I needed. I rested a lot! I'm not just referring to sleep either. I truly learned how to Rest in the presence of my Heavenly Daddy. I don't have to DO or BE anything with Him. I just Am.
Man, I have not laughed sooooooooo stinkin' much as I did this past week. It was awesome!!!!! I have missed those free spirited stupid moments. Jess, Rachael and I had the BEST girl night. Some memorable quotes from that night are:
"Um, I belong to BMG and I don't know if I can do that." (As I protested the idea of not buying cd's for six months)
"Wait a minute, you belong to BMG and you only have 100 songs on your iPod?!"
"Just go lick a knife!"
"International flavaaaaaa!" (Gotta love those foreign men)
Some other hilarious quotes from Jess's family that were as equally memorable are:
"I'm not freaking out!" (As Susanne was yelling and um....well....clearly freaking out)
"I don't want to fight about it." (As I inquired as to why Nate would buy mittens with the fingers cut out of them-which I clearly thought defeated the purpose of wearing mittens to keeps your hands warm, which would seem to include your fingers)
Man, I loved spending such quality time with Jess, her contagious laughter and smile! Fashion sense and style. Being so relatable!!! Dark beer-Yeaaahhh! I also really love her family and her cute little dog Oscar-He is sooooo funny! I had a great time swimming with Susanne and our thrift store marathons!!! Her love for her hummingbirds and her funny expressions. Sushi and Wine-YUM! Al is great. I like his distinguished look and the father vibe that comes off of him. Although, I'll still never understand how he has a boat but doesn't go fishing!!!!! That's like saying there's no water in the ocean! Yikes! :-) I'll miss him chasing the dog with the guitar and running around the kitchen as Oscar tried to get the can of soda. I love Nate's beaming smile which was the very first thing that stood out to me when we first met. His unexpected humor and his love for the song 'Umbrella'. Also, the shock factor in being introduced to 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', but dying of laughter and the awesome scenic drive that he took Jess and I on.
I haven't experienced such awesome community and fellowship as I did here in a long time. It was really authentic. The people of Cornerstone and Sanctuary are awesome. The weather is great. It was mainly in the low to mid 60's the whole time I was here and everybody was cold and I felt like it was a heat wave! :-) I got to fulfill a long dream of mine-get a professional massage and boy was it awesome!!!!! I also did some other pampering stuff like get a spa pedicure and manicure and shopped 'till I dropped! I slept in a bed that was clearly straight from heaven and enjoyed having the private sanctuary of my own bedroom and bathroom. I loved playing the piano and remembering how wonderful it is. I had some really good journal, cry and prayer sessions with God and realized how truly good it is to have your faith stretched hard.
Man, I don't want to go home today. I'm not ready. But the prayer that I'm leaving with that has been imprinted on my heart for days is this:
"Lord Jesus, please forgive me for choosing to let the love of the world in with all it's cares, worries, counterfeits and false promises. I just want you Lord. Jesus, I JUST WANT YOU!!!"
