You retreat.
That's exactly where I've been for the past several days.
It couldn't have come at a better time, too. As the rest of the country was focused on current events, I was focused on the Word of God, preparing for a ladies' retreat in a remote camp about 3 1/2 hours away.
A Season ~ A Purpose
I've taught this topic before, but I have to say that I have never seen a group of woman put together a better weekend. Really, every detail was just amazing! I only wish the shiny red Kodak had been more cooperative.
Apparently, it was her foggy season. My shots kept turning out so blurry that I finally gave up. I'm hoping that someone will email some photos to me. Wish mine did it justice.
It was far more than just a time for me to speak
It was a time for me to laugh.
The activity leader was a creative hoot.
She planned something different for each season.
Here's Farmer Pat during candy corn harvest.
And here she is again for some spring cleaning.
Maybe it's because of my years in the classroom,
but I just love it when a theme is carried out well.
but I just love it when a theme is carried out well.
Folks, these ladies did it up right.
Season themed goody bags
And season themed door prizes.
The praise and worship was led
The praise and worship was led
by an amazing singer named Cheri
I'd share her photo, but she got lost in the Kodak fog
I'd share her photo, but she got lost in the Kodak fog
along with Pat the Christmas elf and Pat the beach babe.
Sigh...
Sigh...
All in all, it was a wonderful weekend,
and I truly appreciate the planning that went into it.
Mostly, though, I stand amazed at the work of the
Master Planner.
The One whose timing is always perfect.
The One who knows that to everything there is a season...
And a time for every purpose under Heaven.
A time to speak...
And a time to laugh...
And a time to weep...
And a time to dance...
A time to embrace...
A time to retreat.
*****
How about you?
Do you enjoy retreats?
When was the last time you went on one?
and I truly appreciate the planning that went into it.
Mostly, though, I stand amazed at the work of the
Master Planner.
The One whose timing is always perfect.
The One who knows that to everything there is a season...
And a time for every purpose under Heaven.
A time to speak...
And a time to laugh...
And a time to weep...
And a time to dance...
A time to embrace...
A time to retreat.
*****
How about you?
Do you enjoy retreats?
When was the last time you went on one?
39 comments:
Looks like a great retreat theme! So glad that all went well for you.
Good morning! I missed the last women's retreat at our church as it was happening when my step dad was soo bad. Really sad I missed it. It is always such a refreshing time. Yours sounds wonderful. Glad it went well for you. Enjoy your day!
This retreat sounds lovely. I would enjoy a Christian ladies' retreat like this one.
This retreat sounds so wonderful and amazing and incorporating a little of everything. I have done day long retreats and prayer groups but never an overnighter. I might need to do one. Sorry to hear about your camera. She is a little bit temperamental. :) xo
My husband and I are firm believers that retreats are necessary and worthwhile for many reasons. Yours sounds like it was a lot of fun and I'm sure spiritually uplifting as well.
Your post reminds me neither of us has been on one for a while. And I'd say it's long overdue! :)
Sounds like a wonderful time. I liked the gobble til you wobble dish - very cute.
Debbie, I'm really glad you had a chance to "retreat" and rejuvenate. Maybe we'll see more of you in Blogland again. (Fingers crossed!) As you know, I, too, love a well-planned theme event, and the planners certainly seemed to do just that. Kudos to them!
Sounds like an absolutely wonderful time!
I can't wait to hear more about it...
You know, I reflect on the word *retreat* - sometimes it has a bad connotation in my mind. Like it's a sign of giving up or giving in to an attack. But, even then, it's a chance to move away from the fray and re-group.
And no, I can't remember the last time I went on a retreat. I'm trying to get my friends to come up here to the mountains this winter - I have to admit, my home and the land surrounding it have all the earmarks of a good get-away.
May the Lord continue to teach me how to retreat from the world of craziness - and learn how to re-treat myself with His presence!
GOD BLESS!
I'm over on my page writing about tangled tinsel and you are writing about a wonderful retreat. And yet... untangling my tinsel is kind of the same thing!!
I would have loved to have been there and heard you speak.
The last retreat I went to was some years ago, but it still lingers in my mind. It was all of the things you mentioned, absolute laugh out loud fun, and deep and personally challenging spiritual sessions as well. There is something so special about being with other like minds and hearts and sharing a time apart.
I know you are refreshed! :)
Sounds like you had a great time! And um, I'm lovin' the Gobble Till You Wobble plate:@)
I have never attended a retreat. It looks like fun.
Gosh I love retreats - this looked like a great one. It is so much fun when everything is coordinated and there is music and singing and skits.
The last one I went to was called A Walk to Emmaus - it was a long time ago and at a rough time for me. But it had a lot of good things about it too.
Glad you had a time of fun and renewal.
Love, sandie
Your retreat getaway sounded and looked perfect! A lot of fun. SOrry your camera was acting up. The shots you did take are good. You asked me about that owl paper. It came from World market:)
Yea! I'm so glad to "hear" that the retreat went well! I was talking to several friends of mine over the weekend and reminiscing about retreats that we have been on together and the special times we shared. These ladies are some of the closest friendships I have. There's just something about a retreat, ladies sharing space they don't normally share, and memories that will last a life time. Friendships are forged and bonded forever in a retreat setting.
Wow! What fun you musta' had!
The last ladies retreat I attended was in September in Illinois. Staying up late, laughing, and the lessons, music, awesome fillyship, and with a college classmate not less who's a pastor's wife now. I had as much fun as you did!
So glad you were able to recharge your batteries at this retreat!! I love that Gobble til You Wobble tray!! LOL! blessings ~ tanna
Hi Debbie,
I'm always so glad for your visits; they really make my day! Thanks for your sweet comments on the fireplace; I had fun fixing it this year. I often put my candles inside the fireplace, too. I actually think they look cozier that way.
This retreat looks like just the thing to re-enforce our Christian spirit. It looks like it was so well done! And I agree with you; things like this are always so much better when a dynamic and organized person is leading it. I love when they have a good sense of humor, as well.
I think hubby and I wish we could go on a retreat for the next four years; they're not looking very hopeful at the moment. I totally agree with the quote at the top of your sidebar, BTW.
Thanks again for your comments, Debbie. Have a wonderful day!
Hugs,
Denise
I enjoy retreats too...You have many good pics even if your kodak was not cooperating:) I am Amazed at how He plans things like this retreat to help us
ps. You are a very talented blogger, like the header too
It's been too long.
Thanks for sharing your time!
Wow...it has been a long time since I went on a retreat of any sort. I used to go a lot back in the 90s, and I always came back feeling a lot better about things. I'm glad you enjoyed this one! The photos you have here give us a little insight into it all, and I agree that it was put together nicely. I hope you're able to get more photos from someone to have as a keepsake and to share.
Looks like a fun and productive retreat, but I have a feeling that your attitude would shine through and make it fun and productive no matter what was going on. laurie
Too bad those that create the "current events" aren't more focused on God as well.
Hi Debbie...Retreats are wonderful.
So pleased yours was so refreshing and enjoyable.
Have a good day
Barb from Australia
I appreciate when things are well done also! It looks like this was done well, so glad you had a great time
Carol
What a blessing! My last retreat was as a youth in my youth group.
But I went to half of a women's conference this past weekend, so that would have been a retreat had I stayed.
I'm amazed at the Master Planner, too.
How wonderful to be refreshed at the beginning of what can be a stressful season.
On Sunday sweet boy and I packed Thanksgiving food boxes for the hungry. I've been peacefully happy ever since.
Sounds like a time to be filled! How wonderful. I love the themes and characters. What a wonderful opportunity to refresh and be filled. We all need that, especially as we begin to get overwhelmed at this time of year.
Sounds so wonderful Debbie! Its been years since I've been on a retreat and I could really use one. As long as I don't have to sleep in bunk beds! Lol!
Vanessa
Your retreat sounded wonderful. I can't wait to hear more about it. It's always so nice to be refreshed every once in a while. I have a great Sunday School teacher that regularly refreshes me and I'm always so thankful when she has an opportunity to receive some refreshment, too.
I've never been to a retreat like this but hope to attend one someday.
Thanks for sharing your little piece of heaven!
I can imagine how much fun you had during the retreat. I would have loved to be there listening. Something about retreats that make you come out refreshed.....Christine
It's been a long long time but it's something I definitely would like to do again. It looks like you had a wonderful time!
Oh I wished I could have heard you...this looks wonderful and I have to say I think the timing was right on also...a new season of your life
I haven't been to a retreat in decades.
Wow! Looks like you ladies had an awesome time. I would have loved to hear you speak.
Sounds like a wonderful retreat! I got a chuckle out of "foggy season"...sorry your camera didn't cooperate.
What a treat for a retreat, I too love a theme! It has been awhile since my last retreat, and me thinks it is about time for another! Thanks for always sharing such encouraging thoughts .I am so glad you were able to get away! Enjoy your weekend,
Wishing you and your family a most blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.
Hugs,
Sue
Oh it sounds like you had a blessed week end! Pray that the rejuvenation lasts awhile.
PS: The pic on my sidebar was one I took on hubby's and my 22nd Anniversary. I was trying to get a pic of us with fall leaves behind us but sadly my arms weren't long enough, lol.
Blessings and ((HUGS))!
-Mary
What a great retreat! This sounds like the best of times!
I am commenting here, Debbie, because I read your Sunday post and couldn't comment there. That lesson was just awesome. You are a fabulous Bible teacher, and I only wish I were in your Sunday School class.
Sending you many hugs across the miles...
XO,
Sheila
Funny you should ask, I've been in Scottsdale, AZ with my Mom and 5 sisters for our annual Girl's Week. We laughed till we were blue and enjoyed a daily devotional and we always share an idea we all make for gifts. Like you, I really don't live in the shadows and sometimes I wish I could. We have all been given gifts and talents and it is blessing to share them. Sending hugs and Thanksgiving wishes your way.
OH, Deb! Know that I'm with you on retreat in spirit - though my week was all about wedding and far to many emotional dramatics churning inside. I feel like I can't think straight and really need to get back in the groove here with my homeschool busy. I sympathize with you on the camera biz - I usually am very good at capturing my kid's what-alls on film - but have few if any photos of all our preparations and the event itself was lighted so poorly that my little canon just wasn't up to the task. Glad my friend Karyn had the job of putting it on film - more of her works to follow as they become available.
Back to the retreat - LOVE PAT! My kinda retreat speaker! I present like that, too. Everything needs a costume and props to go with it - fill the eyes with meditative visual metaphors and the ears with articulate rich words peppered with dramatic pauses for effect. I loved your theme and love it when all the bells and whistles are connected to one another! Bravo, ladies!!
Bless you, friend - happiest of Thanksgivings to you . . .
Joy!
Kathy
P.S. The Bezalel study on Sunday hit the nail on the head. We should celebrate our gifts and callings in the Lord and take joy in His grace and goodness to bless us so heartily for His glory! No better place to be but in His Shadow . . .
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