Christian Women's Retreat

I had not planned to go to our women's retreat this year. I felt that I shouldn't spend the money, even though I really wanted to hear our guest speaker, Rosa share with us.
I wrote about Rosa's work translating the Bible into the language of the West Papua people, in Indonesia. I placed the link at the bottom of this page so you may go to it if you'd like. I would not have attended our retreat, but Maralee asked if I'd decorate the tables. So I did. Rosa mentioned that all of us were there by God's appointment. I was there because God wanted me there. Wow! If you will recall this is what I came up with: copper jello molds with living chive plants, and cut dogwood flowers placed in the dirt and fake candles and crystal candle holders in the center. I bought fabric and hemmed 22 inch squares for the tables. They turned out beautifully, which thrilled me for I had not done this before. Come join me at my women's retreat. Here is the entry table where we signed in and below is Rosa speaking to us ladies.
I'm so happy I got to attend. Rosa spoke about the difficulty of laying down our most valuable treasures at Jesus' feet. The things we hold onto the most and would be afraid of losing. Could we give those to Him? or would we be afraid to live without them?
I thought of many things which would be hard to live without: My husband, children, home, financial security, reputation, and much more. It's a matter of trusting the Lord, that if He were to take those things, could we still believe Him? could we still trust that He is in control?
Many people in the Bible had their faith tested in such a way. Abraham and Job were two. I can remember two incidents in my own life where God asked me in a gentle nudge, which I know was coming from Him, whether I could trust Him or not. The first was, "Could I live single and be an 'Old Maid' for my whole life?" I struggled with this when I was about 20 years old. I finally, said, "Yes, Lord, if You want me to be single the rest of my life, I will trust You." I had instant peace. Then, the Lord showed me who my husband was going to be. I laid this thing I held so tightly down in His lap, and He gave me the desire of my heart." Yes, ladies, we can trust Him, with big or small things. He is faithful and loving.
This is Lonna. She led worship and has a gorgeous voice. I continued to ponder the question Rosa had asked us. I remember another time when I had a fear of becoming a quadriplegic. This was after reading Joni Erickson's book, about her life after a diving accident. I had so much fear that I panicked at times when driving my car, for fear of an accident. Finally one day I sat behind the wheel of my car and said, "Okay Lord, here I am. If you want me to be paralyzed for the rest of my life to better glorify You, You can have me. I trust You."
This is Mariah. She did a great job with the songs and overhead projector and Pat was marvelous at the piano. Right then and there in the seat of my car that day, I felt so much peace and love. All fear was gone. I am so thankful I can truly trust Him. I know that if such an accident were to happen to me, I would never be alone. He would never leave me. I also know that though this life seems long, it is just a dot compared with eternity with Him in a place where there are no heart aches, problems, pain, fear, crying or despair. It won't be long and I will be with Him in my new glorified body.
Sorry this one's a bit blurry. We all talked about the things Rosa shared with us and we prayed together. Then it was time for fun and games.
Maralee and Danita placed us on teams. Since our theme this year was jungle and was called "Survivor," they were actually "tribes. I was placed as tribal leader. That's me in the red top.
These are our team posters. I am noticing that I am being placed in leadership positions more and more, which is quite out of the ordinary for me. I am both honored and ready to take up the reins. I guess there is a time and a season for these things, and I don't take it lightly.
Here we are staying up past our bedtime playing cards. Those are pretzels in our mouths. Okay, okay, I confess, it was my idea. That's me again in red with my hair up and glasses. We played "Apples to Apples." What fun and what sweet ladies.
Breakfast! How nice. No cooking and no cleaning up. I love these two ladies. This is Liz and her daughter-in-law Danita. We are praying for Liz, who has cancer.
We felt so loved and encouraged by one another.
Time for morning exercise. It was raining outside so we briskly walked laps around the gym.
Charla tells us we have a very important guest. She is a soul survivor.
Here is our soul survivor, Virginia (paper bag over her head).
Virginia shared her life story and how she has survived many things because of God's mercy and grace on her life.
This lady in front is Ann. She was our "cabin mother." I appreciated her thoughtfulness to us girls in her cabin.
Ann brought this bright and sunny yellow plant for our cabin.
Ann was so sweet to give us these little gift bags with water bottle, chocolates, pen, paper clip and note pad. Thank you Ann.
Lunch time!! I loved the yummy salad bar and soup.
" Mmmmm" Again, no cooking and no clean-up; just rest and relaxation!
This is so good for us ladies. We need this kind of refreshment once in awhile.
Oh, my, time to go shopping!!! Lonna, Danita and Maralee show me how it's done.
They brought me to this darling place!
I love this kind of store. This is where ideas are generated!!
I want at least one of my windows to look like this! How fun.
I know I'm way too old for this to be worn as a dress, but worn as a top? with a a cap sleave tank or tee underneath with jeans? Maybe.
Oh the girly jewelry. I just love looking and imagining.
I even decided since I don't work-out, that this is the year I start. They had sweat suits on sale. I've actually gone out walking and jogging with my husband since this purchase.
I used to knit those cute cotton washcloths, but forgot how. I brought my knitting with me and Liz re-taught me.
She knits beautifully.
We stayed up again, way past our bedtime again. It was such fun; like being a kid again. No responisbility, just do what we enjoy and visit with one another.
Rosa spoke again and touched our hearts with God's word. She shared her testimony and brought many of us to tears. Thank you Rosa.
I loved hearing these two dear ladies sing. What beautiful voices. Thank you Lonna and Danita.
Thank you for coming along with me to my women's retreat. If you would like to read the post about Rosa's work, please click here. May God richly bless you today as you tell Him your hopes and dreams, and trust Him with your life~even those hard to let go of pieces of your life. Love, Kathi

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" Matt. 6:33-34