Redemption Lake Read Free Page A

unpack the rest of our stuff and get this place ready for tomorrow. I want to relax a little tonight.”
    â€œYou got that right. I didn’t come up here a day early just to look in the freezer,” Shelby said as she winked her eye.
    â€œI believe that’s everything.” Phillip looked down the checklist that the reverend had sent him.
    â€œI’d say we’re ready for tomorrow.”
    Shelby assisted Phillip in putting the welcome packets together, which held each couple’s agendas, notepads, pens, nametags, and a set of keys for their respective bedroom.
    After setting the packets up on the bar separating the kitchen from the dining room, Shelby asked, “Did you call the kids?”
    â€œNo, not yet.”
    Shelby pulled out her cell phone and pressed the number two for her speed dial. “I’ll check on them and let Mom know we got here okay.”
    As Shelby proceeded to call and check on their children, Phillip’s mind drifted back to the upcoming retreat. While Shelby was filled with hopeful anticipation, he was feeling differently. He’d actually read the couples’ applications, and from what he had seen it was probably going to take a miracle to help some of them.
    He shook his head thinking if God could form the earth in less than seven days, surely the Lord could turn the lives of the couples around in that timeframe also.

Chapter 2
    Phillip Tomlinson
Sunday: 8:30 P.M .
    Phillip held Shelby in his arms as they cuddled on the floor in front of the couch. Before them sat an unlit fireplace. “This is nice. I’m glad we came a day early.”
    â€œThat’s what I was thinking,” Shelby said. She nuzzled her face under her husband’s neck. “I wonder how the couples are faring as they prepare for their trip here,” Phillip said.
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œFrom what I’ve read in their profiles, they all have some pretty heavy problems. When we first came, we’d been having problems too, but we’d pretty much resolved them.”
    â€œI see what you mean. There’s no way I could have imagined taking this three-hour trip with you while we were at the height of our troubles,” Shelby said.
    â€œI know you couldn’t. You had a hard enough time riding with me across town from the hospital to our house. You wouldn’t look at me and barely spoke to me. And when I touched you to try and help you get out of the truck, you acted as if I’d poured hot coals on you.”
    Shelby pulled her body away a couple of inches. “Don’t remind me. That whole time in our marriage was a nightmare for me.”
    â€œSorry, I don’t want to rehash everything, but it’s in my spirit. If we are going to help the couples, we can’t forget what we went through. They’re all going through some pretty tough times right now. For some of them, this may be their last hope.”
    Phillip thought about their retreat days. Even though their marriage was already on its way back to being mended, the other two couples who’d attended were ready to throw in the towel.
    â€œCan you believe we’re actually going to be the one’s helping three new couples get their lives back on track? They’ll be looking to us; well, mainly you, for guidance,” Shelby said.
    â€œDon’t discount your contribution in helping these families. They’ll want my spiritual and professional guidance, but actions speak louder than words. They’ll be watching both of us, trying to see how we relate to each other. I think that’s why this retreat is set up the way it is—with a married couple counseling other married couples.”
    â€œI guess you’re right. I know I wouldn’t have wanted to hear any advice on what I should and shouldn’t be doing from some single person with just a little book knowledge and no marital experience.”
    â€œSo we agree. Your being here is