Craving...

Today we had a Solitude Retreat with our church. It's hard to believe, but there is this grassy, forest-like retreat center just about 45 minutes away from us, on the other side of Downtown LA. It's peaceful and though it's only 5 minutes from the 101 freeway, it is easy to forget where you are.

I've got to admit - I didn't have the best attitude this morning about going. I'm really tired from the week and was CRAVING some good ol' sleep. But, God had different plans. It really was refreshing for the ten of us that attended. We grew together, learned from each other, and encouraged one another with words or thoughts from the Lord.

During the first breakout session, where we spent alone time with God, I learned that I am CRAVING...craving for His affection and relationship, craving to hear His voice, and craving greater discipline in my walk with God. But most of all, I realize that I am really CRAVING something more personal than these other things: I crave to embrace my identity in Him--not in the world around me, not in my husband, not even in my family. I need to know my identity is in Him. For all the women out there, this is important. We need to recognize and embrace our intended relationship with our Heavenly Father and allow Him to protect, provide, support, heal, hold, and uplift us even more than our significant others or families.

This isn't a new revelation for me, but God is revealing just how much He wants to be all these things to me...more than I ever knew. I am His beloved...