I dreamed of Laity Lodge. Long before I knew it existed a part of my soul knew this place. As a new mommy I read about their family camp and considered applying for a scholarship for my young brood. That was 10 years ago. The Lovelies were really little.
At Allume in 2013 a friend asked if I’d be attending the High Calling retreat at Laity Lodge. I remembered the name immediately and reflected on how life sometimes seems to circle back. Allowing us to revisit places and things we felt important or a connection to. Laity Lodge was on my radar. Laity Lodge called my name.
I didn’t make it that year. Blogging/ writing has become a part time passion but I can’t attend every conference. Who can handle all the awesome? But I’m here. And I need this. I’m filled with gratitude for the way God showed himself mighty in bringing me here. I’ll tell you in a later post all the hoops I jumped through to get here. The back and forth, the yes and no. Yeah…I’ll tell you about that later.
For now I’m waiting for the final leg of the journey to begin. A three hour drive to the canyon – and I’m told through a river! Yes, a river. I already know I’m in for a treat. I can’t wait to share it with you.
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I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of us does, in pure grace, it’s important that we not misinterpret ourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to us. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him. (Romans 12:3 MSG) (edited)
Can you believe we’ve met together like this 28 times? That’s more than half a year! I can’t tell you how I’ve grown, how God has stretched me. How He’s used your words and stories to bless. Your words and encouragement have been a light. A special meeting place, a study in discipline and devotion. I’m so very grateful for this weekly offering of grace. God meets us here. He does that for us.
I’ll celebrate and say thanks by hosting the first annual #GiveMeGrace gratitude giveaway!
Link-up today to automatically enter for a chance to win an Epperson goodie grab bag. Filled with some of my favorite things you’ll find – a designer original from Epperson, a sweet art print, a pair of my favorite fleece leggings and my latest lip balm addiction. The winner will be selected and announced on Monday via Random.org
I don’t have pictures of all this goodness. I’m scheduling this post from the airport but trust me…you don’t want to miss it. Link up NOW!
Let your handmaiden find grace in your sight…#GiveMeGrace
♥
So glad you’re here in the canyon! You’re quite the hoop-jumper.
Deidra recently posted…The Cat is Out of the Bag | A Behind-the-Scenes Story
I’m so glad I pressed through Deidra. So glad.
Lisha Epperson recently posted…Give Me Grace : A Gratitude Giveaway
What beauty and grace portrayed in your picture. I just heard recently about the High calling retreat and I am thrilled that you have been called to be there. God knows what we need and blesses us with abundance. I have seen several beautiful pictures of you and friends at the retreat. What fun! Blessed by your words and your home that you freely open to all of us each week.
Mary Geisen recently posted…Sunday Morning Always Comes-Longing
It’s been so much fun Mary. but more than that..this place is filled with the kind of a God glory you can feel. Can’t wait to write about it.
I’m so glad you were able to go, Lisha. Seeing everyone’s pictures has been so fun and made my heart just about explode with love for so many of y’all. Jumping Tandem??? xoxo
Dana Butler recently posted…On the Nearing of Advent, and these Unpredictably Rhythmic Offerings
Oh Dana please find your way here next year. It’s unbelievable in the best way. Jumping Tandem baby…you’d better believe it. Saving for a ticket now.
Really? Jumping Tandem — yes! Oh, I’m so happy to hear that, Lisha, and so thrilled you were able to join all the beauties at Laity. Looks like an incredible place, and I can’t wait to hear more. Always love you — your gratitude and the grace with which you speak. You are a gift.
Oops. That was me. I forgot all the sign-in stuff. Time for me to turn in. xoxo
Ashley Larkin @ Draw Near recently posted…Five Minute Friday: Notice
I’m glad you came back to sigh in. I was all…”who do I thank for such a sweet coment” please tell me you’ll be there. Love you Ashley!
Hope you have a refreshing time at the Lodge, Lisha. (and Happy Early Thanksgiving, too.) Hugs
What a way to bring in a spirit of gratitude. The gift of laity Lodge will stay with me forever. Happy Thanksgiving Lyli!
[…] joining the #givemegrace community at the beautiful Lisha […]
So glad you got a weekend away! I may have to consider this retreat next time!
Holly Barrett recently posted…in step with each other
You should Holly! I want to come every year. maybe it can be my birthday/ Christmas present EVERY year. Thanks for linking up!
One of my favorite places on earth! Haven’t been to Laity Lodge, but have spent a lot of time at Mo-Ranch, another retreat center down the road. Such a special place. Hope it spoke to your heart and renewed you.
Kathryn Shirey recently posted…This Advent, Soak in Jesus {Free Printable Advent Calendar}
I had no idea Texas could be so beautiful. Renewed only scratches the surface of what went on here.
I long right there in the canyon with all of you, but thrilled for everyone who is able to make it happen. May the blessings of these past few days continue in the days and weeks to come. xoxox
Patricia @ Pollywog Creek recently posted…I {LOVE} November Sundays::to rejoice, pray and give thanks…
Yes…I was just thinking how I’ll keep this feeling close. If you’ve ever thought of doing a retreat like this Patricia this is the place to do it. Happy Sunday!
I’ve wanted to visit Laity Lodge as well! Maybe some day. Glad you are there and feeling His peace. Blessings to you, Lisha!
Jason Stasyszen recently posted…Sanctuary: with Open Heavens
You’d love it Jason! God shared things with me I could only hear in a canyon. What a special place!
Praise God for His amazing grace! Thanks for the beautiful post, the giveaway, & for hosting! God bless.
Laurie Collett recently posted…Flowing Triplets: Fount of Every Blessing
Working on a post to share all the good times I had. Thanks for linking up Laurie!
Lisha, I’m so glad I found your link up. I have not participated every week, but I have been blessed by what I find here. Your words always touch me and I appreciate you so much
Gayl Wright recently posted…Run To Jesus
Hey Gayl! I’m grateful for our connection as well. Love the friends I found at Story Sessions and the fully committed, all in way they share their words. Trust me, I’m learning from you.
you are the second person who has been to Laity Lodge. It sounds wonderful. I am happy for you that you are going there. Just spent some time catching up with missed posts from you. we were with family for a week . No link up this week. My blogging sometimes gets sporadic when I am in a season of “unknowing.” Learning to be ok in this time is my challenge….willing t live without answers, or what we thought we answers. It’s not a bad place to be, but I don’t particularly love it:)
Carol Longenecker Hiestand recently posted…The most wasted of days is the one without laughter!
It’s glorious Carol. If you ever get the chance to go – you should. Seasons of unknowing are hard. I’ll be praying for you.
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Your gracefull words always touch a place in my heart and make me smile. So glad you were able to get away and enjoy the beauty this weekend.
Blessings,
Dawn
Dawn recently posted…Grace Reflects Grace
I had a great time Dawn. God met me there and I heard Him speak. It even seems like I brought back a little of the warmer temperatures with me. NYC was really cold when I left. Have a great week.