Retreat!

I love reading history. I love reading about war. Don't ask me why. I would never want to actually fight in a war. One of the best parts of being a woman is knowing I will never be drafted...or at least I hope not. One of the most fascinating aspect of war is the art of knowing when to "advance" and when to "retreat." Most of Washingtons brilliance during the Revolutionary War was in his hasty retreats followed by just a few bold attacks. Well, this last weekend I hosted a "Womens Retreat." There were 16 of us who "retreated" from our life's battles long enough to meet at the Yardley Inn for good food, inspired messages and music. I think we all got something a little different from the experience, but I know I needed that "retreat" more than I realized I did. In fact, I have become a big fan of the fine art of the "retreat." Put away your white flags folks..."retreat" is NOT "surrender"...it is just a chance to stop getting beat up by life long enought to re-group. So, I am taking a cue from Washingtons play book and am going to learn how to win lifes battles with a deft and dextrous combination of "retreats" and "attacks."

Full of it...

Have you ever been so full of gratitude you could almost bust wide open? Well, I guess I'm "full of it" today. I think the real secret to a happy life is feeling gratitude for all things....yes, I mean ALL things...even the rotten stuff. I tell my kids there is nothing so terrible that can happen to you that can't learn something from it. This time last year I miscarried what I believe were twin boys...they would've been our 11th and 12th children. I am still in mourning for the babies I will never hold but now that I am farther away from that heartache, I can feel gratitude for what I learned from that experience. The first thing I learned (again) is that God is in charge and that I'm OK with that. The second thing I learned is that when I was at my lowest point my friends, children and husband all were there to catch me in their loving safety net. The third thing I learned is that I am now the owner of a more compassionate heart. And with this more compassionate heart I will create the music that will heal and comfort and enlighten...or just simply entertain. God has placed me on the path of music and it is a joyful journey indeed.