Redemption Lake Read Free Page B

just as important as my being here,” Phillip said.
    â€œAgreed,” Shelby said.
    Phillip’s stomach growled.
    â€œSounds like somebody’s hungry,” Shelby said.
    â€œActually, I’m not.”
    â€œAre you still fasting?”
    â€œNo, I was officially off my fast as of sundown. When the Lord put it in my spirit to fast, I wasn’t sure why, but now I understand. I needed to fast and pray about this upcoming week. Working with these couples won’t be a walk in the park. To them, their worlds are coming to an end, and I have to help them understand that with God, anything is possible. They can overcome the hurdles which the enemy has placed before them. They need to understand that what they are going through is only a test.”
    â€œDo you know what kind of specific problems these couples are having?”
    â€œI’ve read their profiles, which state in black and white, the surface problems for which they’ve applied to come here. But it’s the underlying problems that concern me most. But if you don’t mind, I’d like to keep the specifics to myself—for now anyway. I want you to be able to look upon everything with fresh eyes. I’d like to see what you’re able to pick up on as the retreat progresses. Then we’ll talk about it.”
    â€œSounds like a good approach to me. I can do that,” Shelby said.
    Phillip’s stomach growled again.
    â€œLet me fix you something light to eat. How about some cheese and crackers? Or some grapes?”
    â€œYeah, sounds good,” Phillip said.
    â€œWhich one? The cheese and crackers or the grapes?”
    â€œFix a little of each. Can I have a glass of water too?”
    Shelby kissed him again on the forehead and said, “You can have anything you want, my dear.” Then she sat up to head for the kitchen.
    Phillip pulled her back closer and kissed her again. “Ummm, keep kissing me like that, and I’ll skip the food.”
    Reluctantly, Shelby pulled back. “Hold that thought. I am a little hungry myself. You know the saying ‘we can have our cake and eat it too?’ Well, we can eat a little and then explore on your idea.” Shelby hopped up and took long strides to the kitchen. “We have this whole cabin to ourselves. I just wish it was cold enough for us to have the fireplace burning. And that faux fur rug over there is calling our names. Tonight, you, my dear, can have your cake and eat it too.”
    â€œWith all the icing?” Phillip asked with anticipation.
    Shelby sauntered back to her husband on the couch and kissed him long and hard on the lips. “With all the butter cream icing you want, baby.”
    Phillip shook his head as if he’d been in a daze. “Whew, I can’t wait.”
    â€œHold that thought.” Shelby returned to complete her task of making snacks in the kitchen.
    Phillip retrieved a thick down comforter and two fluffy pillows from their bedroom closet. He spread the comforter out on top of the rug, then placed pillows comfortably under his elbows and arms as he lay down on the floor.
    When Shelby returned with a plate full of club crackers, cubed cheese, and red grapes, she nodded her head in approval. “You are anxious for your icing, aren’t you?”
    â€œYou bet I am. And I’m not counting, but I do believe it’s been at least two weeks since I’ve had any cake.”
    â€œThat’s not my fault,” Shelby said. “You’ve been so focused on so many other things I guess I wasn’t that high on the priority list.”
    Phillip nodded his head. “I know baby, and I apologize, but don’t worry, I’ll make up for it tonight.”
    Shelby sat next to him on the comforter and plucked a grape off the vine and tickled his lips with it. Then in one fluid movement she popped it into her mouth.
    â€œHey? Why are you teasing me?”
    â€œI thought you said you