Retreat Reflections
Hebrews 11:6 NASB
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
I have to tell you that our God is sooo very big. He brought over 50 women from all over together this past weekend. I have been to retreat now for three years, and it has never disappointed me!
This year when I arrived to the retreat center, I was distracted by work! Totally distracted. I knew it was the enemy, but I didn't even want to be at retreat. I started to panic... quite a bit. It was the beginning of a spiral. Thankfully our worship music began with our precious sister Lianna Saleeby Hamm leading us, I could feel something changing in me. Then Amy Cutrer Rogers began her message. FAITH IS WHAT IS HOPED FOR VS WHAT IS SEEN. I have that written and circled in my notes and there are even a few tear marks on it. I could see that somehow I had let the enemy stop me from trusting in God and giving my troubles to him. I knew that God was with me, with all of us in that building. All of my worries were pushed aside. God allowed me to focus on what He needed me to hear. She talked of the Hebrews hall of fame. (Hebrews 11) It was incredible.
On Saturday, Chris Baxter talked about the assurance of God's love and reminded us His love never quits as we read through Psalm 136:1-6. And Missy Gowen Washam reminded us that strongholds cancel out our abilities to bear fruit. So good!
We also had some incredible small group time. I heard from other groups the same thing that I felt. God had a hand in organizing the groups. There was some powerful discussion in my group, but I heard the same thing of others as well. I hope that our small groups can stay in touch. I know I will be praying for the girls in my group!
We also got to hear Merrilynn Stockton share her testimony. I am changed from it. It strengthened my faith and it made me love her even more than I already did. It is posted on this page. I highly recommend you watch it.
What a great weekend! I could go on forever!
To close up, I wanted to pray for us...
Father God, you are a BIG God with Big plans for us. We know that your plans are much bigger than anything we can even imagine. We thank you for our sweet time at the retreat and for all of the hard work that went into it all year from our leadership team. Bless them. Dear Lord, use us all and use us BIG! Bring us our heart's desires or something even better in ways we cannot imagine. I pray that each woman in this group knows how loved she is by you Lord, and that she shares You with everyone she can. I cannot wait to see what you do with our sisters to do our part In sharing the gospel. You are an amazing God and we love you! In the name of Jesus, Amen
Oh... and we had an amazing concert from Mary Sue and Lisa. Wow! They were fun and incredibly talented.
