Our First Night in Sicily … Yumm-o!

I'm moving to Sicily!  WOW!  The food here is awesome.  Last night we went to Donna Fortunata, a pizzeria in Motta a city just outside of Catania. 

 
It was fantastic.  As we followed Jamie to the restaurant, I began to wonder what this "hole-in-the-wall" place was going to be like.  We turned a corner, went behind a building (where, by the way, we saw freshly laundered clothes hanging from clothes lines above our heads – just like you see in the movies!) then turned a corner only to find a quaint little pizzeria that was just divine!  Jamie ordered for us and as far as I'm concerned can order for me the whole time I'm here – look at this spread.  It was delicious.  No counting calories, carbs and fat for me while I'm here!!! I don't want you to think that I ate ALL of that by myself – this was for us to share.  BTW – The bottle on the table is water – Jamie suggested that we NOT drink the water while we're here.

After stuffing ourselves with delicious Sicilian food we drove back to Sigonella for some much needed rest.  

This morning (Thursday) I spent some time thinking and praying over the retreat sessions.  I can hardly wait until Saturday afternoon when the retreat begins.  Please be praying along with me for the hearts of the ladies who will be at the retreat.  Pray their hearts would be soft and ready to receive HIS Word.  I'll share more in my next post about what our sessions will be about.  For now I'll give you a hint … the title for my three session series is Let's Go AWOL!  The focal passage for the weekend is Mark 12:30-31 – Love the Lord your God with all you heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength …

I am truly overwhelmed by God's love for me, and the prayer of my heart is that I will love Him the way Jesus commanded in these verses … with my everything.  As I sit here at Jamie's computer typing, I can see the love Jamie has for her son Dexter.  They are sitting together on the floor in the den watching a Baby Einstein video.  Dexter is on Jamie's lap completely mesmerized by the puppet on the TV.  And Jamie … well, she is mesmerized by her love for Dexter.  You can totally see it in her eyes, her actions and her words.  She loves Him unconditionally.  Seeing her love and care for Dexter reminds me of God and His love for you and for me.  It is a mere glimpse of the enormity of Jesus' love and care for us each day.  Oh that I could display that kind of love for Jesus …that unconditional, "do anything for Him" kind of love.  Talk about passion!  That's what He desires from us and that's the kind of love I want to convey to these women over the weekend … passionate and glorious love straight from Jesus.

Below is a link to one of my favorite praise and worship songs … it is the prayer of my heart.  Enjoy!

One Pure and Holy Passion

Until next time … Arrivederci!