Praise to the One Who Reinvigorates My Soul

For the past week, I have been in another time and place. My mind has been both up in the clouds and rooted in rich soil. I am exhausted, but I am no longer weary. I have seen and experienced so many good, uplifting things, and my soul has been revived. I can only thank the One Who has given me this wonderous opportunity for

- amazing spiritual leaders

- safety in traveling

- green grass and beautiful flowers

- the opportunity for meditation in the Word 

- cool nights

- good small group discussions

- health and strength for my body

- good times spent with friends

- time for personal prayer walks

- hymn sings and uplifting music

- the ability to run and feel light and carefree

- hot showers

- quiet time

- the Holy Spirit Himself living inside me and guiding me through it all

Ten Donkeys Dancing in the Moonlight

It's always interesting to think that animals have minds of their own. As I was preparing myself for bed one of these nights, I stopped suddenly when I heard the sound of several sets of hooves galloping around outside my window. Horses? Here, at this time of night? I had only seen horses in my town a handful of times, and when I did, it was only one or two. I could believe it, but it didn't seem likely. No. When I looked out, the sight before me held a family of ten donkeys trotting down the path next to our home. One of them was a little foal. I had seen this group before, but who knows what they were doing out this time of night? Maybe it was a designed escape from their owners. Or they were taking a family stroll. Or maybe they were simply feeling happy and wanted to embrace the cool, peaceful night. It's wonderful to realize that these calm, reliable beasts are also fun, intelligent, social creatures, and the mysteries of their ways continue to amaze me.