Retreat!

RETREAT is: A weekend away…filled with lots of giggles, late night pillow talk, deep thoughts, spiritual insight and renewal, worship, walks on the beach (alone or in a group), leisurely strolling through shops without kiddos or husbands encouraging us along, naps, games, lots of food and tons of fun!

This year’s Salem Alliance women’s retreat was amazing! Lorelei Friesen spoke to us about the freedom in pursuing who God created us to be. I am still processing much of what Lorelei spoke about this weekend. I loved the depth and truth she spoke into my heart as I realized many ways I needed to understand myself and motives for the way I look at life.  Not to mention the way that God cherishes me…just the way I am…because he created me to be me.  Hmmm…maybe I will blog more about this later…I am not sure I can express the depth of my thoughts in this moment.

I loved that our Hearts at Home worship team, led by Shannon Campbell, was asked to lead worship this weekend! Such a refreshing time of worship and fun to see familiar faces!

 

And then there was FUN! This year I had a blast. All of the women on Hearts at Home Council came to retreat this year. Many of us roomed together and stayed up way too late. We did miss Sarah…who couldn’t be there…due to being sick (we were praying for her though). Pictured above…my dear friends: Me in the very back. Back row: Karen, Mia, Rachel, Jen, Becky. Front row: Heidi, Cary, Katherine and Deb

I just love these women! They really are becoming amazing friends!  We are enjoying challenging each other  in our personal and spiritual lives, while growing closer and deeper in relationship with each other. Each of these women work together to lead and make Hearts at Home what it is and it is clear that God is using these women to do great things in Hearts as a ministry…but also in my life, as I learn more from them each time we are together.

Below are some fun shots of the weekend.

 

Jen waving hello, while Cary works on her beautiful quilt for her daughter Cady.

Karen and Katherine, bed buddies and roomies.

OK…yes…those are rabbit ears. Mature I know…but who can really hold back given the opportunity? Dinner on Saturday night, by the way.

Roomies: Becky and Rachel

Jen and Heidi hanging out and catching up.

Kara and Jen…silly girls.

Shannon, I think that run did something to your eyes.  No, I am really impressed that you went running during women’s retreat! And that Kara would hug you afterward! WOW…that’s a friend!

Oh…I must say that I am already dreaming of next year!