If you’ve ever contemplated attending a Christ Church women's retreat, I’m telling you flat out: GO!
No need to ponder, clear your schedule and GO!
At the very least, you will get a break from cooking three meals and get to fill your plate with delicious food, cooked by somebody else. At the very most, something extraordinary may happen!
It’s WIN-WIN!
Here is what happened to me:
I went -- excitedly -- because I was eager to meet some of the cool ladies I’d seen in church, I wanted to force myself to take some time out for my faith, and the idea of shutting off the rest of the world for almost 24 hours seemed heavenly!
As a wife, mother, and kindergarten teacher, my life was full, and I definitely had faith, but I was looking for something more to center me. By attending the retreat, God helped me pull it all together and without sounding corny, my life changed...for the better It did! It really did!
During the retreat, you’ll hear brave, inspiring women share their stories. You will have the privilege of listening to them open up their hearts in an effort to show you how much they have grown in their spiritual journeys. And if you’re lucky, you’ll take away a nugget or two that will help you grow as well. You will connect with someone or some song lyric or a part of someone’s story and think,
“It’s true? I’m NOT the only one?!”
One such very cool lady spoke about her daily spiritual practice and how she came about doing it, how it had affected her, and then gave us lots of suggestions on how to start our own. At the time, I liked the idea, but wasn’t exactly sure what my plan was going to be. But the idea really spoke to me.
Here’s where the God part comes in- wouldn’t you know, when I got home, I found one of the very books that was recommended ON MY BOOKSHELF! It was a gift that I had never really paid attention to, called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It looked very doable- short, daily readings with scripture references. I could do THAT!
However, I was a little hesitant about the reading the Bible part. The Bible was always very intimidating for me because frankly, I just didn’t understand it most of the time. I knew we had a few bibles in the house too, and guess what?! We had a Daily Application study Bible no less- it explains what you read in the Bible! Another gift, just sitting in my house all along. Amazing, right? So I had these 2 tools right under my nose and I began using them. I also used the journal and the pen I got at the women's retreat to write during this time as well. This was STEP ONE of the whole life-changing thing I mentioned earlier. Every morning, I took this time to read, pray, write, and just be still before I started my day and slowly, I felt different... More patient, more understanding, more faithful, more peaceful. Not every minute of every day of course, but I was beginning to be aware of the Presence of God throughout my day.
STEP TWO: I started listening to Christian music in my car. I don’t think I would have been as open to the idea if I hadn’t been influenced by my time spent with Jesus Calling. My husband and I have 5 kids between us and when your sweet little 10 year old is singing along to the music that is all about adult feelings and well, you know, it’s very unnerving to say the least. So I looked for a better station and found WPER 90.5 (much to my kids chagrin). Soon after I took their 30 day challenge of listening solely to Christian music to see how it affects your life. Well, as you may have already guessed, it was awesome and positive and inspiring.
These two important life-changing steps were prompted by a spark that was ignited within me at
the Women’s Retreat.
It will be two years in May that I have been doing my daily “morning spiritual exercise.” That, together with my daily commute where I get a second dose of God in listening to Positive Encouraging Radio, has not only strengthened my spiritual journey, but encouraged me to share it in my daily actions. I am lucky to teach at a Catholic School, so I can bring my faith into my job and teach it to sweet little 5 and 6 year olds. Oh and yes, it helps give me a lot of restraint and hope when dealing with teenagers at home!
And the icing on the cake? I have made some amazing women friends here at Christ Church-- women who make me better and help me keep my heart and time focused on what’s really important through 10:25 small groups, summer bible study, and the women’s ministry team.
So... TO RECAP:
See? Win-win!
- Kerri Fletcher
In case it wasn't obvious, Kerri really thinks all women should GO to the women's retreat. "Sister Acts: Loving and Encouraging Our Sisters in Christ to Go Forth and BE the Church" will take place Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6. Click here for more info and to register.
