"See The Leaves"

A few week ago, Stuart was reading a devotion about a couple who traveled all the way to Maine to "see the leaves"...that really struck a cord in me....since I love fall so much and so enjoy watching the trees release their full beauty of vibrant color and radiance. The next day I was online checking prices to Maine so I could "see the leaves!!" -- well my trip to Maine didn't end up happening....but I was amazed how many "see the leaves" tours there are and how so many people actually make trips from all over the world to see these trees in all their glory. Soon after, we took a trip over Mt. Hood and the trees were unbelievably beautiful!!-all in their blazing glory.....As I looked at these trees with the sunlight hitting their leaves, I had a new perspective--these leaves are "dying"--they are all in various stages of death. It made me think that the Lord really sees "death" much different than we do. It really is in the "dying" stage-the stage these leaves were in--that radiates beauty the most. It really isn't the "death"--it's the day to day "dying" that we have to do--laying down our desires, rights and lives for the sake of Christ and His glory in us. I had a new understanding of what it means to "lose my life" for Christ...As I looked out the window at this beautiful sight, my heart had to cry out Lord, whatever it takes, this is what I want - I want others in this world to behold you and all that you are, so you can radiate so beautifully through "my death"--I will never "see the leaves" the same again.

Gift Certificates and Anonymous Gift Donations available...

What better gift to give that special someone you love and care about than a personal retreat....the gift of peace, rest and refreshment. And by donating a complimentary stay for someone, you are being a beautiful part of this ministry. We can send or deliver personal certificates for those who would like to donate anonymously. We can also personalize any retreat-from a personal private massage retreat (from a licensed massage therapist) to blessing your guest with special treats, meals, music or other resources. Please feel free to contact us for more information about retreat gift certificates.

Tick Tock...Tick Tock...

I love old clocks...whenever I go to a garage ~ estate sale, my eyes are scanning the scene for anything old really, but I have a real fondness for old clocks ~ like the little "Big Ben"  chime alarm clocks.  The kind you have to wind up every day....what a reminder of how desperately we need His hand to "wind us up everyday"...I know that without that, I am nothing and cannot function the way He designed me.!  (I like to think that He puts the "tick" in my "tock!" :). Have you ever listened to one of those old chime alarms....it is so pleasing compared to the sound of the new alarm clocks--I despise the sound of new clocks.  I make Stuart lock his clock up in the bathroom close to his side of the bed so I can't hear it when it goes off!  If I have to use an alarm clock, I set my cell phone to vibrate and put it under my pillow!   That too, is a wonderful reminder of how much I want His chime of love to resound in my life... to have a beautiful, pleasing sound ~ especially since I tend to "react" instead of respond  a lot of the time. I'm still on the lookout for a perfectly functioning vintage "Big Ben" chime alarm clock!  I like to decorate with them, maybe putting three in a cluster.  Most of my old clocks don't work properly ~ maybe one part works, like the chime/alarm  feature, but one of the other knobs is broken off in the back that actually sets the clock!!  That doesn't matter to me....I just love old clocks.... I love to think about the life they've lived and how they have been used by people.  The older-the better in my opinion!! 

Lately I have been struck with this whole issue of  "TIME" ...and my clocks are a constant reminder...maybe that's why I am so drawn to clocks, because I need a visual reminder to how precious this "time" commodity actually is.  But as I consider clocks ~ they represent "time" the very thing we savor so very very much.  I think of how these old, vintage clocks have given their "time" and now they are done.  Who knows how many years they gave, but by the signs of my clocks, they have been around for quite some time and really given themselves.  What about us?  Someday, all that will be left of us will be the legacy of our "TIME" here.  Will the "time" we spent be something valued by others?  Will others desire to have a constant reminder of us~ and how we lived ~ always before them?  Will those reminders spur them on to value "time" so preciously?  This "time" of our lives is the legacy we are leaving....it's about the small moments and the big ones....but it all adds up to respresent who we are and what we value most.    My prayer is that the time I am spending now will leave a legacy that my children and grandchildren will value and respect....just as I put value on these old, worn out clocks that may have just ended up in the dump if I didn't come along!  But I set them on my mantle and allow myself to be reminded how precious and beautiful is this gift of  "TIME"...and the legacy I desire to leave.   

Fall Open House

Our first Fall Open House was a wonderful and bountiful blessing!  We were able to meet new people and see dear friends that we haven't seen for a long time.  Thank you for those who took the time to stop by...your love and support brings the presence of the Lord into this place~It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord continues connecting the dots in His amazing way....connecting old friends/acquaintences through new ones!  Stuart and I feel so bountifully blessed!  Love to you all...Stuart and Traci

Still Waters Fall Open House ~ Saturday September 27th

Still Waters will be hosting a Fall Open House on Saturday, September 27th from 10am~3pm. Please stop by for a tour and complimentary coffee, tea and goodies. The address is 18603 NE Cramer Rd. Battle Ground, WA. 98604.

Shared Hope International Luncheon

Last Thursday, September 4th I had the wonderful opportunity and blessing to attend the Shared Hope International Luncheon. It blew me away in many ways and opened my eyes and heart to catch a bigger picture of the Lord's continuing work of restoration and grace in the lives of hurting women and children around the world. It was so neat to hear from Linda Smith and hear her testimony...she also passed out her book to everyone who came-WOW--this book has broken my heart over and over with the true stories of young girls all over the world who find themselves in bondage to sexual trafficking and slavery. I would encourage everyone to read her book-It is called "From Congress to the Brothel." by Linda Smith. I am amazed and inspired by the risk that this woman took to "go after the lost ones"--I am going to encourage all of my older children to read this book. I know that sometimes it can just take one story, scene or eye-opening experience to ignite something within them that cannot be taken away. Please do check out their website-what a ministry--It causes me to ask "what else can we as women living in such freedom here, in the United States-married to good men do for these girls and women who live as slaves everyday?"...

I (Traci~Still Waters) shared a table with Florence Mc David (Journey's Rest Ministries)-we were so blessed by the whole event. Also, our friend Lani Kent with Healing Expressions had a table. It was so wonderful to gather as sisters and be able to share with others the visions and common threads of ministry that he has put in each of our hearts. There is a common thread of hope, healing, restoration and refreshment that each of us share-and yet the Lord is weaving that thread through different areas. Each area coming from the yearnings or struggles that we as individual women and couples have faced. You can check out Florence with Journey's Rest Ministries at www.journeysrest.com and Lani Kent at www.healingexpressionsbylani.com or click on them under "links" -- God Bless your day...Traci