Last weekend approximately fifty of our ladies trekked down to the Cape for their annual retreat. The theme verse was, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:21; Luke 12:34). The keynote speaker was Diane Schreiner, who serves with her husband Tom at Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, where Tom serves as Preaching Pastor. (He is also the Professor of New Testament at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.)
In the days following the retreat, I heard many positive comments from our ladies - through hallway conversations here at church, e-mail, facebook messages and the like. I was quite encouraged by hearing these, and I thought it would be good for the TruthWalk readership to be blessed as well (especially since so many of our readers are members here at First Baptist Church). So without further ado, here are some comments (with little to no editing) that were passed on to me by various retreat participants:
The Ladies' Retreat was such a blessing to all of the ladies that attended. It was a real ministry to my sister Joan, a new believer...she even shared her testimony with all of the ladies!I loved Diane's simple style of getting out the fact that we are all at different stages in our lives.... I like how she taught us to use the verse "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14) as a stepping stone ... as we rise out of bed [and] begin the day before us. I also really loved the small gathering after each of the teachings where we shared our favorite Bible verses that helped us in our daily walk. And the bonus, which I really needed was the six hours of girlfriend time, just having some fun exploring on the Cape which was quite restful!! Although I came back tired, I was refreshed spiritually as well as mentally. I hope we continue to have retreats like this. Again, the simplicity of it made it possible for me to reflect on the teachings and put it into practical use.It was a long two weeks building up to what was supposed to be an exciting time away. The reality of going to a weekend event seemed like one more thing that was on a never ending list. The moment I walked into that room the worlds problems disappeared and women who I get a friendly "hi" in the hall from became eternal friends. The schedule was wonderfully balanced with worship, quiet time, free time and small group time. We watched as Moms and daughters, daughter-in-laws and sisterss, new believers and old all shared their heart and their laughter ... so much laughter! What an inspirational goal to strive for as I someday hope to share the time with my girls. God was ever present this weekend.. I am home very excited to apply the simple truths that were brought to the forefront and the ease in which we are to carry them out. To pass His love on to my family I feel equipped, refreshed and looking forward to next year.I really loved the retreat. I thought the speaker was a wonderful Titus 2 role model. She had a meek and quiet spirit, she was warm, loving and approachable, and her teaching was very sound. She encouraged us in our devotion to Jesus. I also appreciated the quantity and quality time we all got to spend together. We got to share together in small groups after the talks, and we got to laugh a lot together during the game times. Also, I enjoyed getting to know my roommate and riding home with her, too. It was really nice to get to spend time with her. It is a blessing to see her willingness to deny herself and follow Christ. She acknowledges how the Lord is rewarding her lately. When she won the raffle we were all so happy for her. She said her 20th anniversary is coming up. The Lord is good!As women, it is very easy to feel isolated and alone trying to juggle the demands of being a wife, and mother, of working outside the home, church ministry and many other responsibilities. Satan loves to discourage us through, guilt, lonliness and feeling that we are the only ones messing up or feeling overwhelmed. When you put all those women together who share similar stories and exeperiences you get 1) uncontrolable fits of laugher and 2) encouragement that we are facing the battle together as sisters in Christ. We have other women to offer advise, give encouragement, share scripture and hold us accountable. The fellowship was very sweet!In reflecting on the Retreat this past week-end, the number one thing that jumps out at me is the sweet fellowship and unity that was so evident. I totally echo another sisters sentiment when she passed along how she could sit down at any of the 10 tables and enjoy just talking and being with them. If you have been here for any real length of time you are aware of the fact that it hasn't always been that way! God has done a work in our midst and words can't express how thankful I am!! May God continue to have his way in each of our hearts and lives so we will continue to grow even closer and more like Christlike in every way.
Praise God for His work among these women and numerous others who joined them for this retreat! May each of us be spurred on in our walk with Christ, having been encouraged and challenged by these testimonies!