Winter Retreat

     This past weekend my family and I traveled south to Bemidji, MN for a winter retreat.  Considering the fact that the first day of spring arrived before the retreat may make one wonder why it was called the winter retreat.  Well, prior to arrival, Bemidji received 6 inches of snow and while there the temperatures fell well below zero - again.  We definitely felt winter and we definitely had a good time.  So here is what I'm thankful for:

• Safe travel to and from the retreat.
• Seeing my parents - who decided to travel up to the retreat.
• In-laws and all the work they did for the retreat as well as putting us up for the weekend.
• All the good food that was served - I think I ate too much :)
• The wonderful fellowship that was enjoyed with friends.
• and lots not forget the speakers and their thought provoking messages on revival.

Pain

     Have you ever thought about being thankful for pain?  As I posted last week concerning the treatment for my kidney stone, now I have to deal with even sharper pain.  there are times when the pain reaches upwards of 8,9 or even 10 on a scale of 10 and for that pain I have reason to be thankful.  For the pain means that the fragments from the stone that was pulverized are coming out of my system.  Further more I can be thankful that the pain is very short lived.