I had the opportunity to spend a wonderful weekend with all the great women in this picture. I cannot even describe how awesome this weekend was. Our speaker, Ann Malone, was fabulous. She spoke from the heart and shared so much insight. She confirmed many things that I needed to hear at this point in my life. She spoke about the rocky roads that come up in our life and how to handle them. She shared about the rocky roads she has encountered and how God was there. What moved me was that God was there but answers did not always come quick. I want the "fast food" answer when I ask God for something. I was again reminded that God will work on His schedule not mine. She shared about divorce. I was once again moved by how she did not per say regret her divorce but grieved that it had to happen. Her kids have a relationship with their dad and mainly because she (Ann) made it priority. I needed to hear this so badly.
Something else that was brought to my attention was the way I am with Andrew and Abi. The speakers daughter made a comment that really caught my attention. She said that her mom never bad mouthed her children. Her moms friends never knew if her children were being bad that day. I tend to make comments like that and sometimes in front of my kids. I really need to watch this. This morning I shared with the kids some and I apologized for doing that. I also learned that my kids have been showing the love of Jesus to others far better than I have. I thanked them for that. They love others and there are not strings. Just love. It is amazing how God uses our children.
It was great to know that I can trust my husband. I didn't worry about him or the kids all weekend. Trish told me, "Eric is a Godly man and he makes wise decisions. Trust Him." Such simple words but such profound truth.
I loved spending time with all the wonderful women this weekend. On Friday night, I sat with about 4 other ladies and we just talked. We discussed the important things in life and the silly. It was just fun. On Saturday I had time to meet so many new people. That night I sat with my friend Angela for a while and we just reconnected. That was such a special moment for me. I love Ang and she makes me laugh so much. She is also someone who I know is praying for me and she is someone I can always depend on. We were joined by some of the single ladies. I loved this! I did not know any of them very well and I enjoyed them immensely. They are such wonderful, mature women. We had so much fun just laughing and eating brownies together. We were later joined by some other women and as the night went on, every thing got funnier and funnier. I am laughing right now just remembering! I had great roommates also. This was the first time that I slept so well at retreat. Laura's fan helped a lot. (thanks Laura!) We only had one shower for 7 women and we never had one problem. The worship was fantastic. I loved what my (new!) friend Melody R. said. "I love to worship in a room of 800 people and feel like it's just me and God."
The highlight for me was that this retreat had no boundaries. (which Shari J. says I need more of!) There were no boundaries on ages and that was particularly special. I had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and share some special moments. The retreat committee did a wonderful job letting us open this weekend and be vulnerable. I am so very blessed to call this group of women my friends. I am so thankful that they follow the vision that God has set before them. I could ramble all day about the lessons that God taught me and the good times I had but I should stop one day. I just have to say this...Take the time to get to know the Godly women around you, regardless of age, size, shape, race, school choices, etc. You will learn so much. God opened my eyes this weekend! I am spiritually refreshed! And even with only 9 hours of sleep the entire weekend, not even physically exhausted.
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