Selah - a Pause

What better thing to do in the middle of winter than spend a weekend with 11 friends at a beautiful retreat named Selah Springs Ranch? A year ago I had the winning bid for a 2 night stay at Selah Springs Ranch located 10 miles south of Brady, Texas. My original plan was to stay there this past summer with my family, but due to scheduling conflicts that did not happen. So we went to plan B.

Plan B was to invite Lonnie Lane of Jacksonville, Florida to be a presenter at a winter retreat for a group of my friends (aka "Sisters in Christ"). Invitations were extended, plane ticket was purchased, food was organized and God sent rain to refresh the San Saba River that flowed past the lodge. As everyone gathered on Friday evening we were in awe of the grandeur of the location, the immenseness of the living room with the huge wood burning fireplace and the plush sleeping quarters. As we stepped onto the deck from the living room we could hear and see the river gently flowing through the rocks. Gentle rapids enticed me to the edge, but the temperatures convinced me to not step in the water.

The weekend was spent listening intently to Lonnie as she shared her experiences of being born a Jew and then accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

We were filled with excitement and questions for this wonderful teacher. Teachings led to more questions as the night progressed, and some burned the midnight oil to gain more insight from her. Teachings continued on Saturday, along with great food and fellowship.

As Saturday evening approached, the husbands joined us for dinner and the last sharing of the evening. It was difficult to believe that the weekend was coming to a close and that my new friend would be returning to Florida. On Sunday morning, we were greeted by cold winds from the north as my Floridian friend donned her winter coat. Her recent winters in Florida had de-climatized her from her many cold winters in Pennsylvania. Needless to say, Texas winters hardly compare, but they are colder than Florida.

The drive from Brady, the "True Heart of Texas" to Belton seemed to go by quickly as I delivered Lonnie to her brother for a visit. "Next time we will get Mary and explore the antique stores I may need to buy some red boots!"

Lonnie stated as we said our farewells. We knew that we must meet again soon, for the bond of sisterhood had been established.

"Selah"