weekend getaway --> Lanesboro, MN

We had the best time on our weekend getaway to Lanesboro.  Zach always says that anything that is a need is so much more enjoyable when you get it, and this weekend felt like a need. It was so helpful for just the two of us to get some time together, away from distractions. We stayed at this cute B&B, the Scandinavian Inn.  Doesn't it look like a life sized doll house? The owners were so sweet, the breakfasts were amazing, and there's even a cat named Stanley that welcomes you on the front porch.  I don't even like cats, but Stanley quickly became my friend. 

Lanesboro is known for it's beautifully scenic biking trails, which we took full advantage of.  We rented bikes in town and spent most of Saturday riding through trees and bluffs on a path alongside the Root River.  We stopped at two little towns and took our time exploring.  We also stopped for pie a la mode after riding 27 miles.  (Makes perfect sense to me). 

Side note: if you're not an avid biker, riding 27 miles in one day will make your bum hurt. Real bad. 

I am so so thankful for this time we had together, to connect with one another, to process through current life situations, to spend time reading God's word, and just to rest.  To be honest, life right now does not feel as carefree or happy as these glimpses in photos may portray.  In fact, this is a difficult season.  I find myself praying for thankfulness a lot, asking for God's help a lot, and being broken and needy a lot.  Sounds like somewhere the Lord would want me.  In need of less of myself, more of Him.  He certainly teaches us things through trials (big and small), and I'm fighting to remember God's commitment to growing me in the midst of being in a place I don't want to be. (And fighting to remember I have much to be thankful for).  

I recently listened to a sermon by Paul Tripp, and the phrase that he continued to reiterate was this: "God will take you where you haven't chosen to go, in order to produce in you what you couldn't achieve on your own."

In other words, trials are grace. I'm really praying that this reality would sink into my heart, and walking through difficult things would produce in me a heart more glorifying to Christ, rather than bitterness toward God.  I'm thankful that He is the one who produces change in me, not myself. I'm also thankful that God is so committed to me that He's not satisfied with me staying stagnant in growth - He wants more for me.  He wants to give me more of Himself, which is more satisfying than anything else in the world I could desire. 

If you're interested you could listen to the sermon here.

And, if you're ever headed to southern Minnesota and you'd like a few suggestions....
you may want to stay here. (say hello to Stanley!)
eat here. (try the sweet potato fries, and save room for ice cream!)
catch a play here. (So worth it! We saw an excellent performance.)
And bike all over town.  Eat pie too. :)

PS. thanks to my husband who was so patient the entire weekend when every few steps I said "hey wait! let me take a picture here!" He must love me. 

Retreating

Although it was supposedly gorgeous over the weekend in Minneapolis, we packed up our little hatchback and headed north where there was still snow on the ground.  We spent the weekend in McGregor, MN with about 40 other couples from our church for a marriage retreat.  

The theme was stories of marriage on mission, which was so great to hear about and learn from.  Different couples ranging from about 10 years of marriage to 49 years (!!) shared their experiences of marriage, struggle, joy, sin, grace, and hope.  Although each couple's story was so different, God's faithfulness was evident in each one.  

It gives me such encouragement to hear from other couples, wise with experience, who have endured trials and triumph in their marriages.  We're so new at this, and learning so much.  God's grace is covering us now, and He will continue to prove himself faithful for years to come.  

I'm so grateful for other couples who have walked ahead of us, and can offer guidance.  I'm also grateful for the couples who are in the same place as we are, walking through similar seasons, trying to navigate this new experience.  

It was a good getaway for Zach and I.  We came home yesterday to a very messy house, tons of laundry that smells like a campfire, no groceries in our fridge - but nonetheless lots of thankfulness in our hearts.  (And our nice neighbors made us dinner) :)

    

Speed walking/run backwards race 

Puddle reflections  

Pro packers