So, I had the opportunity to go away this past weekend to an Apologia Real Refreshment retreat.  This is the second year I have been able to go.

The theme was Living Water. The speakers were unbelievable and so wonderful, friendly and nice!!  I just love it. I know I will be going back, Lord wiling.

However, as pumped up as I was, and as determined as I was, and as blessed as I was......all you know what broke loose when I got home. Satan got his digs in today, let me tell you!  I hate when this happens. He knows I was basking in the Lord's glory. He knows I was determined to be different and he decided to pull out all of the stops. And, as sure as the day is long, he managed to knock me down.  I am angry!  I felt defeat, depressed, done!!  So, what was so awful about today?

Well:
1. My kids fought all day.
2. My hubby and I fought and were not thinking of anyone but ourselves.
3. Hubby got a ticket. (Car is past inspection...had work done on it and had to drive it a couple of days to get the emissions properly checked. He got pulled over and we were going to take it in this week.)
4. We are short on the rent. Not a ton, but still.
5. #6 had a temper tantrum about EVERYTHING today. From the feel of her jacket to the food she wanted or didn't want to eat.
6. We forgot to put our dinner from last night away and it spoiled.

And how did I handle it?

Well:
1. I cried
2. I sulked
3. I cried
4. I snapped at people
5. I cried

So, here I am complaining away.  But you know what?  Good things happened. And I need to end with the focus on those things. So Satan can go to.....his home.

SO:
1. I got to have my dear, dear friend here for a cup of coffee just because she knew I was sad. Praise God!!
2. The officer told hubby to fight the ticket. We could get the car inspected and show up at court and get a reduced fine.  Praise God!!!
3. I got lots of hugs from my kids. Even the ones driving me crazy!  Praise God!
4. I have food in the house. Praise God!!
5. I got a lot of work done in the basement. Praise God!!
6. Hubby hung curtains in our bedroom!  Praise God!

Am I discouraged? Yes.  Am I sad? Yes. Am I weepy and emotional? Yes. But am I blessed? Yes!  And tomorrow is a new day. Will it be a good one? I don't know yet. But I will get through. I will get through.


In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand

and the last verse:

 No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

So take that, Satan!!  I have the Son of God on my side!!  The Comforter, the Counselor, the Alpha and the Omega!!   Yahweh Shalom: The Lord of our Peace and Rest!!!

AMEN!!