I know it's Wednesday and I'm just getting around to recapping our weekend retreat but (here comes the excuses), when I arrived home Saturday, I came home to 2 sick children. Emma and Dougie were running fevers, coughing and all around miserable. The kids and I stayed home from church Sunday, which was really strange. But we did attend church at Bellevue Baptist in Tennessee thanks to the internet!
But back to the retreat, all I can say is AMAZING!!! We used the "Loving Well" retreat in a box by Beth Moore. The video series was taped at a conference she did a couple of years ago and to be honest, I was afraid that it would feel impersonal. But I can't tell you how great it was. During each break between the sessions, I heard many of the women saying how they felt like we were in the arena with her. It was like you could feel the energy! But what I know is that we were feeling the Holy Spirit!
I tried to keep the retreat simple! Simple decorations, simple games, simple activities. I didn't want these ladies to feel rushed or overwhelmed but relaxed and free to share with each other. One of the highlights to me was on Friday night. Each lady was asked to bring something that they love and be prepared to share why. I could have never known how God was going to use this simple activity to allow us share each others joys and pains. These women shared some serious stuff! Things like: their deceased mom's bible that has her handwritten notes, pictures of husband and children, a family photo before parents were divorced, pictures of grandfathers, grandmothers and others who influenced their lives and one even shared the little pink socks that belonged to her 2 month old who went to be with Jesus just last year......................
I believe that God did a transforming work in the hearts and lives of the women. I know He did in mine! There's so much more I could share, I didn't even touch on how great the lessons were!
If you have the opportunity to use this retreat, I would encourage you to do so. You can buy it at Lifeway.
I have a prayer request. You may remember last week I told you that Steven's uncle (Emmit)passed away. We received a call that Emmit's daughter had a heart attack Mon. evening and she passed away early Tues. morning. She was in her early 50's. Please pray for Steven's aunt Edna.
Love you all!
3 thoughts from Y*O*U:
Oh my goodness...this sounds like what happened to my late grandfather's family: His brother passed away suddenly on Friday this past week and yesterday, his funeral day, his 29 year old son passed away suddenly as well. I cannot even imagine what the wife/mother is going through, so please keep her in your prayers as well. Her name is Judy. Thanks!
Glad the retreat went so well. It sounds great!
And so sorry to hear all that's happening in your husband's extended family. Prayers for all of you....
Sounds like the retreat was a smashing success! Dont you just love it when God shows up in such a big way?
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