What a good experience once again. Our theme was “To Know Him”. And the way details came together and prayers were answered showed us that He certainly knows us and what we need.
Mention was made in our surveys afterward that people enjoyed kayaking during free time. Our Creator gave us His grandest weather for late September. I for one, was able to sit by the lake for quiet time on two mornings. The wood ducks nested there this summer or they were rafting prior migration, or both. They’re beautiful and noisy. But back to the retreat.
The decor is a big deal, and so is having a thoughtfully beautiful atmosphere. Lots of soft, hungry hearts show up for these two days. Some of us came praying and excited… This was our third year. Some came excited and scared, needy, maybe leery, even. No matter how we came, we were filled and blessed.
Questioned at the store counter as to why so many boxes of tissues, of course Marge said, “We’re having a ladies retreat and there will be lots of crying.” For that moment though, there was laughter. We had both.
There were worship times where we sang the old hymns. There’s something really solid and relaxing about those words, asking God again to open the wells of grace and salvation. To pour the rich streams deep into my heart. So familiar, but new, too. Two hundred voices in harmony. It’s rather moving to our earthly ears and hearts.
Thanks again Luci, for sharing with us your heart and stories while making our desire to know Him reachable. You taught so simply and clearly. Calming and convicting, at once.
We had ladies from Canada and from all over the US. I suppose Marge could do a spreadsheet showing how many miles were traveled. She had all kinds of other pieces of math figured out about us and our retreat, anyhow.
But it would be pretty hard to add up the efforts of work and prayer, cooking and cleaning, laughter and tears. That’s God’s business to do. He did take such good care of us. Praise Him.
Stone House Scribblings 