Day 8 - 14 Nov 14 - Wales

Our breakfast at Salutation Inn was in a room which was quite small but very private and homely. Only we were in the room.

We set off at 10am to Ffald-y-Brenin retreat centre. It was an one hour drive because we had trusted the GPS and hence taken the longer route, which on hindsight, it would have saved us approximately 20 minutes if we had gone by an alternative route.

Upon arrival at the retreat centre which was up the hills, we were greeted by the amazing beauty of the surroundings - thick foliages blanketing the hills and the clear blue sky above it, shining warmth upon us amidst the cold and windy chill. We were shivering but its beauty was too captivating to walk away without seizing the moment to capture it but even then, we were doing injustice to what should have been witnessed and experienced in person. Carpe diem.

The buildings were stunning as well. The High Cross which was planted on the top of the hillside was a spot where all of us didn't miss. We watched the kids while the rest went on their own to seek the Lord and spend some personal time to connect with Him. When it was our turn, we brought the kids and because it was very cold and we thought it might be dangerous as there wasn't any barricades surrounding the High Cross, we didn't walk to the foot of it. Though we stood at a distance from the High Cross, God is near. We prayed for our marriage, our kids, our flocks, our church, our leaders and our nations. It was refreshing for us and assuring to know that God has heard everyone of our prayers. Lord, would you please do it for we know that You are a faithful God.

We left the retreat centre at 130pm and headed towards Newport for lunch. Midway, our car had a slight glitch and Denise suspected something was wrong with the gearbox and that caused our car to move at a really odd speed. Thank God for Francis who somehow managed to resolve the issue rather quickly.

Lunch was at Royal Oak which has the setting of a bar and restaurant. It was already 330pm. After that, we were off to the supermarket to grab some fruits. When we were back at the inn, it was already close to 530pm.

And we had dinner at 6pm. Emma and I shared a plate of fish and chips but even then, both of us couldn't finish it. After dinner, Emma stayed in the room with the kids while I attended the first session of the Kingdom Power & Glory conference which was held at Caersalem Chapel.

Roy Godwin spoke at the first session. What struck me from the session was that as God's servant, we are not only to do the things that Jesus did but also, to walk with the heart of God that has been revealed in Jesus. Jesus ministered with the compassion of God. Roy Godwin gave a wonderful illustration from the life of Peter. He compared the life of Peter in his epistles and his life as what was written in the gospels. He did not just do what Jesus did; His heart was changed. What a powerful reminder for me that we have to model after Jesus, not only in the things that He did but also to model after His very life and His teachings.

Thank you Jesus for what You have done in my heart. I am looking forward to what You are going to speak to me. Lord, open up my heart and do as You will.