Womens Retreat 2014 : Soar!

Last week, I experienced a rough situation, no actually it was a heartbreaking one. I waited in a bar for two hours for a guy I thought cared about me and came to discover he was a big jerk who I did not need to waste all my tears on. If you have ever been stood up, let me tell you something, I know what you mean. What's ironic, is I read a book once called 'Why men love b**ches' and I thought I had learned everything I needed to know, but that's not the case, because I know in my heart I can't be like that, but I can at least protect myself. I can prepare myself for the future and never again wait longer than 10mns on a guy, not two hours! Anyways, I was having a rough evening and my friend from life group had asked me Wednesday night if I wanted to go to Women's Retreat. I threw out the application, but last Thursday, resolved after midnight and lots of tears that I would love to go if there were still openings. I faxed over all of my info to the coordinator Friday morning, and she said come on and join us! I took a half day at work and left at 2 with my friends, Leah, Megan, and Cheryl and her mother-in-law. We headed up to the foothills of Challenge California where the Woodleaf camp is; the very same camp I had nature camp in 6th grade, and returned again as a counselor. I was elated! Such beauty, joy, serenity, and plenty of fresh air to really distract me from all of my stresses and worries. The theme this year was called Soar ( soar on wings like eagles). Elizabeth Honnicut was our worship singer, Mindi Russell was our awesome chaplain speaker. We had seminars to attend, general learning/town hall sessions to go to and really connect, meet new people. I stayed in Hangtown cabin, met new great friends such as : Tiffany Kovar, helped her young infant son, held him as we iced his head and rocked him, she accidently knocked her nook on the lil guy, and I told her not to berate herself, these things happen), Leah, Megan, two of my closest gals from church, Jenica, fun lady, and Danelle who made me smile and laugh, Donna who has overcome so much, Ashley, whom I adore and hadn't seen in ages, Heather, the girl with a huge heart, and understanding so wonderful. There were so many special, amazing ladies, who really came to retreat seeking to get away, come to God, seek renewal, and so much more. I did zumba, read on grassy knolls, jogged in the a.m., had great meals in the mess hall, ate junk food, sat by campfire, did karaoke, worshipped. bawled and cried during general sessions of really knitty gritty confession, and true presence of the Lord, witnessed a live, beautiful prayer room and was met by a woman who kneeled with me as I was crying for my life's challenges and just really let go. I could not believe how many people shared their lives and their stories, and we were all made to feel that no matter how insignificant we felt our problems were compared to others, that in fact it didn't matter how big or small because they do matter. I held little infant children and felt their little hands in mine and hugged the mothers, knowing one day they said, I would have children too and to enjoy all I have now and God will let me know what guy is right for me. I can tell you so much happened this weekend and it's going to be for so much for the better for me. I was held on wings of glory and reminded I am loved forever, because His love endures forever. I came home refreshed and I pray I hold on to that rock of strength that I am not alone, we all have sorrows and struggles and trials and tribulations. We all want microwave solutions for crockpot situations, Mindi says. I want to soar high in the sky, what a great weekend to experience and record in my memory bank. God Bless to all, and cherish what's right in front of you one day at a time <3



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