Earlier this month, my mother and I had a wonderful time at our church's women's retreat. Good food, pretty scenery, great fellowship and fantastic teaching! The only thing I would change would be to have retreats every year instead of every other. (Hint, hint, mom! And whoever else is responsible for making that discision! )

Our  theme was Living On the Alter from Romans 12:1-2. Over the weekend we had four sessions focusing on becoming an acceptable, working, and delightful sacrifice. Our last session, Offering Up a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving, was uncomfortably convicting as our speaker challenged us on thankfulness through, in, and for trials.  She also shared a poem by Fanny Crosby that I had never read previously.  I'll post it at the end of this entry.

A definate highlight of the trip was being with mom! I also enjoyed getting to know some of the other ladies better.  The small group time following each session was a blessed time of encouragement and building one another up.

For What His Love Denies

by Fanny Crosby

God does not give me all I ask, 

Nor answer as I pray;

 But, O my cup is brimming o'er

With blessings day by day.

How oft the joy I thought withheld

 Delights my longing eyes,

 And so I thank Him from my heart

For what His love denies.

Somtimes I miss a treasured link

In friendship's hallowed chain,

And yet His smile is my reward

For every throb of pain.

I look beyond, where purer joys

Delight my longing eyes,

And so I thank Him from my heart

 For what His love denies.

How tenderly He leadeth me

When earthly hopes are dim;

And when I falter by the way,

He bids me lean on Him.

 He lifts my soul above the clouds

Where friendship never dies;

And so I thank Him from my heart

 For what His love denies.