Two weeks after Easter, our church attended a women's retreat for our district. It was held again this year at the Calvary Chapel retreat center.
President Chloe welcomed the women from the district with words on our theme "Hope for the Journey" from Romans 15:4 "Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
Our special speaker for the weekend was Bee. She used encouraging words from 1 Peter 1&2. She reminded us that this book was written to people who were suffering for their faith--persecuted by Nero, people that needed an anchor of hope in their tumultuous lives.
Bee's motto for the weekend was this:" it's all good!"
How does one say that in the midst of suffering, heartache and pain? It's not excusing the pain or difficulty; not evading the reality of the situation; but, acknowledging the pain and then trusting that God will get us through--and He will bless us and refine our faith. We don't become "super-human" but God gives us the strength and hope to sustain us, because HE IS A FAITHFUL GOD.
Can we say that no matter what--it's all good?
I was privileged to work with these talented women in the music ministry for the weekend.
The theme song for the weekend was "Faithful God"
(God) You are a lamp to my feet, a light to my path, You're the hand that's holding me--
Faithful God, every promise kept, every need You've met, faithful God
All I am and all I'll ever be
Is all because You love faithfully, Faithful God.
We had several small group seminars ("huddles"). Alyssa shared her story of hope in the middle of very dark circumstances, as her daughter struggled for life. Based on the song, The Solid Rock, she shared how her faith sustained her even in the darkest of times. Like Simon Peter, we can choose to take our eyes off of Jesus and we will sink. But when we grasp for God and His Word, we have an anchor that will hold fast, even in the strongest storms of life.
All of this wonderful teaching and encouragement was held in this beautiful setting...
...surrounded by trees, lakes and flowing streams
...and beautifully landscaped gardens, it was a wonderful place to relax, meditate, pray and be refreshed.
Plus, we were served delicious meals! The food was served family style, by friendly students who worked during the summers and weekends. We were together on campus with about 200 other women from various church groups.
This was the lovely presentation of our Sunday morning meal. Each meal was not only delicious, but beautifully displayed at the table.
Each church group was responsible for their own table decorations. It was interesting to see the many creative centerpieces from the various groups at the retreat center.
There were many other activities as well: games at night...
visiting with friends, planning the next event...
shopping at the auction table...
... meeting a new friend (and prayer partner)
...winning prizes
...renewing friendships
...bonding with people from our own church group
...refreshing the saints
...stopping by the coffee shop for some Java
...relaxing in the cool interior of the coffee shop
...enjoying the hot springs
During the day, the water from the hot springs was too hot...
...but every evening, it felt great to relax in the hot springs!
Saturday evening was a time for some fun and hilarity. Several churches presented skits...
...that were interspersed with mini-auctions (Renae kept things very lively!)
...and our very own "Vanna" was such a comic!
This group had a crazy plane ride...
...and we all laughed very hard that evening!
After all, laughter...
...is good for the soul!
The women's retreat for me (Marilyn) is one of the highlights of my year. And this wonderful group of ladies make it so enjoyable!
It's all good...because we know and love a God who gives us hope for the journey.
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