With my speaking schedule having been full for weeks and a glance at it indicates the same for the next months, there comes a time when I need to pull back and have a time of spiritual and physical refreshing.  When I'm not speaking, I'm occupied with writing magazine articles or working to complete my new devotional book - "Laughing with the Lord", so yes, I needed and wanted a respite.

Along with my husband Steve and a couple of dear friends, I traveled to Branson, Missouri, to a Phil Waldrep Senior Celebrators Conference.  Having been to many of these events in the past, I didn't need to look at the program to know it would provide what I needed in the way of a spiritual refreshing.  It did just that.  Charles Billingsley, the worship leader of Thomas Road Baptist Church, was used by God to bring us to His throne in true worship.  Some of the speakers, such as Bruce Wilkinson, author of The Prayer of Jabez, challenged us to a more consecrated walk with the Master.  Dennis Swanberg made us laugh until the tears rolled.  The singing of Wintley Phipps and Greater Vision lifted our hearts in praise.

Of course one can't travel to Branson without taking in a show or two.  We saw Shoji Tabuchi's show.  No trip to his theater is complete without a visit to the splendidly decorated restrooms.  In the ladies' room, fresh orchids adorned each lavatory. But perhaps the highlight of the trip was Noah the Musical at the magnificent Sight and Sound Theater.

The inspiration and entertainment proved to be just what the doctor ordered for me, but a little business had to sneak in.  Meeting people from all over the U.S., I just had to hand out a few of my brochures because my prayer is exactly what Bruce Wilkinson encouraged - "Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!" As I prayed this, I felt it meant, for me, a request for God to allow me to share the joy of Jesus with more people - people across the world.

I came home with a new zeal and hit the road running.  Jesus withdrew from the crowds at times to rest and refresh.  If it was good enough for Him, it certainly is good for me.