A few weeks ago the deadline was approaching to sign up for the Ladies Retreat at our church. I thought that RK's birthday was going to be on the Friday of the retreat, which would cause me to not attend. Well, I'm just going to be honest. I was going to use that as an excuse not to attend. I was just coming out of that battle with depression and didn't think I would be able to cope being around a lot of people. So, we're sitting in church one SONday morning and Pappy asked if I was going to attend. I told him no because of our grand-girl's birthday. He said, "Deb, her birthday is on Thursday." I immediately got out the checkbook and wrote the check for the cost and gave it to one of the coordinator's after church......
because I knew if I didn't go ahead and do it right then, I would back out. I had felt since I found out about the retreat that God wanted me to attend, but I had fought it.
The retreat was this past Friday evening and Saturday. A young lady from our church spoke Friday evening and on Saturday, Ms. Kari Anne Wood from Thistlewood Farms and her husband, Denny led us in song and then she spoke giving her testimony of things God had brought her through. It was an amazing weekend, one I'll not soon forget. I was able to share this great time of fellowship with over 50 other ladies, but especially my precious friend, Dawn. She drove two hours to come and go to this retreat with me. God certainly ordained our friendship from the very beginning fourteen years ago (more on that in a later post).
Ms. Denise speaking Friday evening
Ms. Kari Anne Wood and her husband, Denny leading us in song right before she spoke
Ms. Kari Anne and her hubby
The ladies at our table
Salad served out of rain gutters to go along with the title of the retreat, "Grace Like Rain"
The biggest banana split I've ever seen,
again served out of a rain gutter
I didn't get pictures of the crafts we did, but I'll post a picture of the wind chimes later. I received such a blessing by attending and I'm already looking forward to next year.
I'm so grateful that I heeded to that still small voice!
Breathing in Grace,
Beautiful...that is what I miss about being down south--the Christian fellowship...nothing like that up here.(sad to say, friend)
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely upcoming week. Blessings
I'm so happy for you, Deb! Seems certain that God led you to writing that check and getting there to bask in His Grace...like rain. Awesome testimony!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were able to get to the retreat! What a time of healing it must have been for you. I love that song. When I saw the title of your post, that song sprang to mind immediately. Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteDeb,
ReplyDeleteI LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!!!!!!! It's just like you. :) Full of joy and sunshine. :)
Happy day friend!
karianne
Oh Deb, I'm so happy the Holy Spirit prompted you to get that check written and go to the retreat. Sounds like you were blessed beyond measure. Pray your spirit has been lifted and you are feeling His peace in your heart.. Ladies retreats are always awesome. Love ya my friend, have a great week.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb! ( Again with the incredible header! ) I'm so happy you went to that retreat, and that so many women came and enjoyed it too! We really need fellowship and to share the gifts of faith and wisdom we have. We shouldn't keep it all in, so I'm so glad your husband encouraged you to sign up.
ReplyDeleteI have a few programs to attend in December, and I'm really excited about them. It's such a great thing to get a little encouragement on our spiritual walks. I don't want to stop, and it helps to know I have partners on the way.
Blessings on you Monday,
Ceil
Woohooo! So glad you decided to JUMP! Love you, sister---- it was a great weekend, wasn't it? We all need a regular time of laughter and fellowship like that!
ReplyDeleteStephanie
Ms. Deb, thank you so much for sharing how God worked in your heart. Your obedience to writing out the check as soon as your husband told you that RK's birthday was on Thursday so that you wouldn't back out from going where you knew He wanted you to go. I understand about coming out of depression and not being able to be around a lot of people so I could understand your uneasiness about going at first. You are a blessing! I'm so glad that you were able to have a wonderful time. I'll look forward to seeing the craft!
ReplyDelete