In this new season of "empty nest" there have been a few times where I've felt a bit "empty" and other times where I've sensed a new kind of freedom. This past week, I took a personal retreat for a couple of days, not being responsible for anyone but myself. At first I thought I should spend time making things for other people, but after asking God, I felt led to just spend time being with God. We settled in to a comfortable ease and conversation. At times I put on worship music, read Scripture, listened to a few Bill Johnson sermons, and worked on my "Shalom" journal, a visual word study. There weren't any big revelations, but peace grew and He brought people to mind to pray for. By the end of the second day, when I went to bed, I envisioned being nestled in the palm of His hand. His hand became a nest in a tree, warmed by the sun, with leaves gently rustling and sparkling like aspen leaves in the wind; a lullaby of the Spirit. I carry that picture in my mind as a reminder that I am never alone, as He has promised. 

May the blessing of peace and the reality of God's loving presence by yours today!

Valerie