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Shrn 
6:20pm Sunday
Just arrived back home and haven't unpacked or checked my messages. I just wanted to write in my journal for sharing and to remind myself how wonderful I feel. Wow! What an inspiring weekend. It's hard to even know where to begin.
For those who don't know I spent from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon at a spiritual retreat for women. The topic was "Beauty from the Ashes" and the topic was what I was anticipating. We heard on Friday evening how much we are loved by our creator and the privelege of being a Child of God. Of course, I know my Father loves me, but it's always nice to be reminded that he loved me before the creation of the world and that love is boundless, complete and pure. He loved me before I even knew him as my Father and after I acknowleded Him the gifts were endless.
The teachings were interspersed with wonderful music and song which just lifted my spirits higher. On Saturday afternoon we broke into small groups to discuss the topic of 'grief' and 'what grieves us' and how we overcame or are overcoming out grief. The first person was grieved by the condition of our world and has to focus on who is in control, us or God..
The next person shared that her husband had a brain anneurism (ex. Sp) 4 years ago and lives with her as caregiver in their home. He has no idea who she is and curses at her, throws things at her, and her life is horrible. This was the man she planned the rest of her life with. Because of finances she remains his caregiver.
The next person shared that she was raped. Her husband decided he couldn't stand to touch her or even look at her since she was defiled. He divorced her and left.
Need to hear more? A lady shared that she had three children. Two are in college and doing fine. The third one went to jail at 16 due to drugs and alcohol which lead him to a life of crime including stealing, not only from his parents, and strangers, but also from the neighbors who watched him grow up. She felt totally humiliated.
I looked at my life with clear eyes and saw the loneliness of missing my precious husband. I also saw my two children who make me proud. I saw the new livingroom furniture I just bought a couple months ago. I saw the pension check from my husband's retirement, the widow's benefit check that comes monthly, I saw a healed hip surgery that is 6 weeks old and I walk without a cane. I saw my apartment that is warm and newly remodeled. I saw my dogs that love me and welcome me every time I enter my home. I saw you, my friends on DS and how you have loved, supported, and encouraged me for two years now, without failing me one time. I saw all I have and all I've done, like cruises, retreats, my car, my health, and I felt blessed.
What grieves me? In comparision to others I have no complaints. I was raised with parents who loved me, grandparents that spoiled me, a husband that loved me unconditionally, children who respect as well as love me. I learned much this weekend. I learned to trust my heavenly Father completely. He hasn't failed me and never will.
Comments
Great Sharon, Retreats are always great to get your life back to almost normal. I wish they hold one here soon.
Benie
No I am not offfended by this. I am glad you had a lovely weekend and the stories are unbeliveable. We do not realize how much better off than some people are. I could not believe some of the stories in your journal. Glad that the weekend was good for you.
TedC
Good for you Sharon, halllejah!!!! We all have so much to be thankful for, especially when we can focus on our Heavenly Father rather than our earthly endeavers. Hugs and continue to magnify the Lord!
Stan
stand1moretime
A great tribute to a wonderful weekend. I am happy for you. Glad you are back. Joe
JoeC
Oh Sharon how wondeful!! I am so happy to hear so much joy in your words...God is really working in your life and you are blessed!!!You put it in perfect words and it is a great journal that blest me..Love ya, Glenda
Glenda
Perspective - it works wonders. I know that I always come to realize how great my life is after hearing of the honest to goodness hardships that others must endure. Against their stories my complaints often sound trivial.
Glad you had such a rejuvenating week-end filled with Joy, contemplation, sharing and understanding..
Hugs
Sel
nannysel
You are so right and I needed to hear it. Was a hard weekend but I still have blessings to numerous to count. Thanks for the reminder. Hugs!!1
GoneForever
Sharon: I am glad you had a very spiritual weekend. It is always good for us to take time and realize how lucky we are and give God thanks for all of it. Sometimes we are so consumed in our pain or life that we forget to give thanks and not realize that there are people who are having a hard time than we are. Thank you for sharing your stories with us because it made me realize how lucky I am. God bless you and lots of hugs Linda
lindalun
I am so glad that your retreat was so inspiring. Reading some of your stories for your weekend retreat does put things in a better perspective. When we hurt, we forget about all the good things that we have had in our lives. I cannot wait until I get to the point where you are right now. It has only been 11 weeks since my husband passed away. The grieving process is still so raw for me but I can see from your journal entry that you are truely blessed. Hugs, Maria
MDD
Dear Sharon
Yes, What you have ex[erienced is very true.there are so many people in the world who arein worse condition than us.. more sorrow more pain and more frustration. In some realms we ae surely better off. That is a consolation. But I feel your connection with God made you feel blissful that is the thing we must have.. otherwise I feel this logical things just soothe for sometimes but then goes away. only thing which comes for the Higher level, level of the Divine can heal us.. He can only give us bliss and peace. I am so happy that you got the opprtunity to connect yourself with Him. love Mamata
mamata
Glad to read that you had such a good week end. It is good for us to remind ourselves of what we have to be grateful for and what is good in our lives. Thanks for the reminder.
pneylan
Your post was so inspiring. I too am so blessed admist my sorrow. I thank God for my family,friends,health and that I can afford to only work part-time for now giving me the time I need to grieve. I have had some beautiful visions and know my husband is joyous.
tskks
Sharon, just read your journal entry. Amen and amen!!! We are blessed beyond measure. Thanks for sharing your experiences at the retreat. You feed my spirit and may the Lord bless you for it. TJ
pathoflife