Women's Retreat

This was my second year to go on the NW Women's Retreat, in beautiful Blowing Rock, NC. It's sweet to get away for a time of refreshment and rest, surrounded by many ladies I love and new ones to meet. The teaching we get to sit under is phenomenal, and challenges me to walk deeper with Jesus. Plus, we're in a quaint little mountain town with great shops and restaurants. Sounds like a good deal to me!!

Oh, and I forgot to mention there is ice cream...

This was the view from our window. Ahh. Gorgeous.

You never know what can happen with these ladies around...

I got to room with Stephanie again this year. I'm so thankful for her friendship...truly one of my dearest and closest friends, one of the godliest women I know, and honestly just a lot of fun to be around!!

The retreat this year was centered from John 15 on abiding. The women's ministry team asked if I would share my testimony of how Jesus has changed my life, and how he is continually teaching me to abide in Him. What a humbling thing to be asked! The prep time for that was so sweet...looking back through old journals and tracing the faithfulness of God through different seasons, and realizing the parallels to this current season. It was good for my heart to go back and remember that I can "hold unswervingly to the hope I profess, for He who promised is faithful." (Heb. 10:23)

However, missing this was not easy...

While I was away on the retreat, my husband had the amazing privilege to preach at North Wake Church for the first time! When our pastor had asked him to preach several months ago, we failed to make the connection that it was the same weekend as the women's retreat. It was a couple weeks out before we ever did realize it. I was so torn, and very nearly did not even go to the retreat so I wouldn't miss it. But Josh was lovingly firm that I go and share, and minister and be ministered to, so I went in glad submission and with his complete blessing. His parents were able to come up for the weekend, which definitely was a huge help and joy!

(And thanks to technology, I got to hear him the day after...)