Sukkot

I am learning about the holiday, Sukkot, or Feast of Tabernacles at FFOZ , "Camping out with God." (ffoz.org)

Anyway...I thought...except for the outdoor part...and being vulnerable to the elements, that's kind of what I'm doing here. Camping out with God, totally depending on Him. I'm realizing what a gift I've been given. There are over 100 people who apply for school here, EVERY DAY, from countries all over the world. They can't get in until the school gets their accreditation. Once that is in place, the flood gates will open, and literally thousands of students will come here, from every country imaginable. I realized the privilege of my seat in class with the thought that so many would give anything to be in my place.....the incredible gift of 3 months freedom from responsibility to pursue intimacy with Jesus, and camp out with God.

For over a year now, I committed to go on a retreat once a month, just overnight up at Maria Stein. It has become one of the most important disciplines I have developed in my walk with Jesus, and God willing I will never stop doing it, in one form or another. Jesus did it...it's imperative if we really want to connect with the heart of God.

Gwen had a dream last night. She and I went out to dinner. We each got a steak, and ate only the best center part out of it. Gwen then told her husband Dennis, "we have to go to this amazing restaurant." It was a luxurious hotel/restaurant with nouvelle (sp?)cuisine. The waiter was amazing, taking care of only them the entire time. When the bill came for the two dinners, it was $499.00!! She said she felt bad because Dennis was paying for it, but he took it in stride like it was nothing, and it didn't lesson his enjoyment of the experience.

We both realized, as she related this, that God was giving us a picture of our husbands, and what they were doing for us. Both of them layed down their own desires (lives)to give us this time to pursue God. They are paying a pretty steep cost, taking on our responsibilities, and sacrificing so that we can obey God's call on our lives. And doing it cheerfully...which you know God loves that cheerful giver!!

Brad also sacrificed having my income....a dicey thing at the moment with him having a temporary job, though God has been faithful, even giving him overtime. We don't know what the full cost will be to follow Jesus in this life, but we know that ultimately....it's nothing compared to the "incomparable riches found in Christ."

I'm getting the "filet mignon" for the moment, and Brad's getting the bill, but I pray that next time, he's the one dining.

I told someone once, that Brad was my "Jesus with skin on." That's not as sacrilegious as it sounds....we are to be Christ' hands and feet in this world. Brad is God's practical, earthly way of hugging me, loving me, providing for me. Thank you for your obedience Brad, and for covering me with your blessing. We may be sowing in tears, but I'm already reeping a great harvest, before it hardly hits the ground! What an awesome God we have! What a special husband I've been given!