Another Retreat

Today marks the end of another retreat weekend. It's such an honor to be a part of this program, to be a friend with these women, to have an active role in renewing the spiritual lives of other women.

I'm always amazed at the women who come to the retreats - they have come for a specific reason, whether to strengthed their faith, to meet new women in the church, or just to escape their home for a day and a half! Whatever the reason, God puts them together and feeds them in His Word by encouraging the team members to share their lives. The women that look so plain at the beginning of the retreat shine with extraordinary light by the end.

My note to the retreatants:

Ladies, I am so thankful that God brought you to the retreat. Whatever you expected from this weekend, I'm sure you are overwhelmed by the results. I'd like to encourage you - whether you feel filled with the Holy Spirit or completely overwhelmed and in need of a nap (or both!) please go to the next meeting - the reunion, the Evening of Discernment - and share your thoughts. That evening will help you sort through your experience. It will give you time to talk with any of the witness-ers and seek their help and prayer. Prayerfully consider joining the team to help other women have a similarly wonderful experience in the fall. This weekend, as powerful as it was, is nothing compared to the formation process available to you over the next 5-6 months. Trust in God! He never disappoints!

Lord, I lift these ladies up to You. Encourage them with joyful hearts and thankful spirits to continue on this path. You have so much to offer, so much to share with them. Let them see that this first step can lead to a life they never thought possible. Lord, bless them with peaceful sleep tonight and protect them as they re-enter the reality of every day life. Keep this feeling alive in them for days and weeks to come. Bless them, Lord, in all the ways You can. I pray this in the divine name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.