Rotunno Mini Update – May

May has been a month of rest and retreat for me so far. It started with fasting for seven days, then a weekend away at a women’s retreat, and now a few days at the beach in Cambria before the summer season begins at Gleanings. I had imagined and hoped that I would be writing more these past two weeks. I have been writing, but not on the blog as I had promised you. I’ve been journaling more. Which is great because sometimes those journal entries are like prayers and sometimes they become something I can share with you.

Women’s Retreat

At the women’s retreat, I felt God’s peace in such a sweet way. His presence has been more playful and romantic lately, which feels like a strange thing to say, but I hope you know what I mean. He shows up and brightens my day in surprising ways. I learned lessons from God when I went hiking alone. I finally tuned in to the small things: the wildflowers and even the ants on the leaves. More on this to come.

Fasting

I got the idea to spend time fasting and praying because our church is doing a series on the habits of holiness. We have to train to be disciplined. Good habits do not come naturally, so we have to be intentional to build up good habits. One of the sermons was about fasting, so I had the idea on my heart.

I had not fasted since college, which was a long time ago. I was very hesitant at first, but then it turned out to be a huge blessing. My original objective for fasting was to pray about some health issues. But as I prayed, God placed other things on my heart. First, a lot of forgiveness. Then some things that I need to let go of in my life. It was so so so good.

Juicing

During my fast, I drank only fresh-squeezed juice in the morning, water, tea, coffee, and homemade chicken broth. I felt amazing. I had more energy. I was a much more pleasant person to live with. And all my fears about my health disappeared.

I decided to continue using my juicer as much as I can. If you are interested, I can post the recipes for the juice and broth, and how it all worked for me.

Mother’s Day

How was your Mother’s Day? What did you do? Is there a right way to do Mother’s Day? I visited my mom and dad the day before Mother’s Day, and then Andy and the kids and I went out to lunch after church on Mother’s Day. I am so thankful for all the mother-figures in my life. I am also thankful and honored to be the mother of five little ones.

Writing Goals

I did not reach my writing goals before my birthday. I feel like my inner growth and inner peace has been a priority these days, along with finishing up the homeschool year and preparing for the busy summer season ahead. But I will keep going, keep listening, and I will be keep writing. It is my calling.

I’m figuring out my pace, my purpose, my people. I want to be real but also be positive, helpful. I want to offer my work, my writing, as a gift to you. I will keep learning, loving, and sharing with you.

God is so good, isn’t he? He gives us his perfect design and invites us to walk in it with confidence.

Love,

Chelsea