Retreat! Retreat!

What was so Amazing about our Circle of Grace Retreat this weekend you wonder?

• The cabin suggested to me by the owner of BB Cabins was named "Amazing Grace."
• The planning committee team worked like a well-oiled machine and everyone pulled their weight so that we could all really relax and enjoy ourselves in between the hard work.
• When I thought we had no worship leader but we'd make due... poof! Sarah S. did a fantastic job with such humility and bravery.
• The weather was warm and clear which just made a very pleasant drive up, around and down.
• When looking for gifts to suit our theme, we found a "circle" silver charm with the word "GRACE" on it- the perfect fit to our theme, along with another novelty item that sported the name Grace on the tag.
  
• One of the girls trespassing onto private property allowed for a conversation with the owner of a future retreat location (right on the lake) that would accommodate the growth of participants perfectly!
• When Lara, Erin & I went to "drive by" said property, the owner was on site, gave us a personal tour through the entire location, and fixed our coolant leak so we'd be safe driving home!
  
• The EXACT same verse was used in the various readings and illustrations we'd prepared ahead of time about God's Glory and Grace... without any of us planning it or collaborating it-- God SHOWED us His GLORY!
  
• Friendships bloomed and hearts were softened right before my eyes.
• Women stepped up to challenges without complaint and allowed their talents to be used and tested in the most uncomfortable ways.
  
• Everyone pitched in without complaint so we were either early or on time for every single activity from meals to small group, to check-out time.
• We got be girly-girls while by being strong, goofy, tender, real, responsible, caring, open, vulnerable, raw, encouraged, taken care-of, blessed, important, sassy, and blunt.

In your journey with the Lord, and as you discover the Truth behind His Glory.... always remember:

We are not made for the mountains, for sunrises, or for the other beautiful attractions in life— those are simply intended to be moments of inspiration. We are made for the valley and the ordinary things of life, and that is where we have to prove our stamina and strength. - Oswald Chambers

Until next year!