We met together in Mt. Juliet, TN at the lakehouse. There were about 20 of us. Few of us knew each other before that weekend. All we had in common was FiveMinuteFriday…and a love for Jesus.
We were moms, grandmoms, singles, single moms, adoptive moms, some through fostering, and of course some of us were empty nesters.
We were moms, grandmoms, singles, single moms, adoptive moms, some through fostering, & some were empty nesters. Share on XOne mom is still nursing so Happy Haven joined us. What a sweet disposition! We all enjoyed her. She is the third in her family and mellow and happy. She was a fun addition to the group.
The theme of fear and brave for devotions
In terms of speakers. Our devotions revolved around fear.
- Fear-presented by Kate Motaung (finally learned how to pronounce her last name!)…the kind keeps us from doing what we know GOD has called us to do no matter how “humble” the reason, or that keeps us from doing the right thing. (where the Spirit of GOD is not present),
- Fear of Man-presented by Trillia Newbell, author of Fear and Faith who drove through the fog that morning from Franklin, TN to share with us. She talked about Fear of Man. Delightful and challenging!
- Brave…as in getting-out-of-the-boat kind of brave found in the early part of Peter’s story with Jesus. This was presented by Mary Geisen.
Each one was helpful and stimulating in its own way. I have been aware of the need to deal with fear in my own life for many, many years. Dealing with fear of man has probably been something I’ve been dealing with for 20-ish years. All of them lead to working on bravery and courage in the context of Can I truly trust GOD in this new area? but I think the one on Brave was especially pointed for me. It is always good at the end of a retreat. Am I going to sit on all this truth/information? Or am I going to take the first steps and do something to move in a new direction that is scary?
Or am I going to take the first steps and do something to move in a new direction that is scary? Share on XVideo conferences with Ann, Charity and Dan were very stimulating
We also had some great video conferences. The two authors of a book on the writing life: On Being a Writer were excellent! Their names are Ann Kroeker and Charity Singleton Craig. I’m anxious to follow that up with Kate Motaung’s study of this book that starts on Monday. It will be great…very practical and down to earth!
The other video conference was with Dan King. He is from FistBump Media. We each had a 1/2 hour consult with him before the conference that was very helpful. He is overflowing with helpful, practical ideas.
I hope to be able to use some of his services soon. He was able to help me see hope for some ways to earn money doing what I’m doing and that is very encouraging for sure! His mission is to manage the technical side of blogging/ebooks for writers so they don’t have to be bothered with it. I love that! It is the miserable side of blogging for sure.
ViBella and the mission they serve to help poor women
I also can’t forget the fun we had with Amy Breitmann from ViBella. I’ll tell you more about it soon, but it is an organization that has helped bring work to women in Haiti, Mexico, and the midwest. They make jewelry and are paid well but they also receive medical care for their families as well as education for their children. It makes the difference between their being about to have a decent job or working on the streets.
I enjoyed hearing about this group and the things they do for women. Cutting up jeans, trying on jewelry, looking at catalogues just added fun to the weekend!
Much of the weekend included conversation.
Of course, one of the best aspects of the weekend was conversation! We had lots of time for that. With conversation came lots of laughter! Lots:) When a group of ladies gets together, it always seems to happen. It was fun as we laughed…tears too, and shared parts of our stories with each other.
That is where we find those with whom we have much in common! We sat and chatted and often were drawn to some of the same women because of similar experiences.
It was a wonderful weekend. Despite some flat tires, traffic jams and stormy weather, we all made it there and home again.
Now what? Stepping out of the boat will look different for each of us.
Now, the work starts! What will change? That remains to be seen.
May the grace of GOD be with us all as we “get out of the boat” and trust GOD to overcome our fear of man, our tendency to compare, our fear of failing or sinking…and move ahead with the work He has for us to do!
Courage dear sisters!
May the grace of GOD be with us all as we get out of the boat and trust GOD to overcome our fear. Share on X
Missing you Martha! I love your reminder: What are we going to do with it? The weekend was such a blessing it would be a waste and disappointment to not share how God was in the midst of us! Love you bunches sweet friend.
i loved meeting you natasha:) we might have to find a way to get together again:) we’re not that far away from each other…or meet in the middle. hope your year is starting off well.
I really enjoyed your pictures and hearing about the retreat. Sounds awesome.
thanks so much for stopping by laura:) glad you enjoyed it. maybe next year you can come!
Great summary, Martha! So glad you were able to join us. Blessings to you in the week ahead, as you go forth trusting God!
thanks kate:) it was truly a wonderful weekend. i’m still sorting through my thought and feelings in the aftermath.
I really appreciate what you said. “Stepping out of the boat will look different for each of us.” I enjoyed each and every conversation. Thank you.
Hugs,
Melinda
it’s true isn’t it. i look at some people and think i could never handle what GOD has given them to do but they are able to function pretty well by His grace. Others aren’t sure they would like to walk in my shoes for similar reasons but i seem to plug along ok. so interesting!
i loved meeting you melinda:)
I love this and was honored to have my own brave moment when I led the devotional for all of you on Sunday morning. God is teaching me and I am listening. Looking forward to my big step because I know God is preparing me. Love knowing you and meeting you friend!!
i enjoyed meeting you in person too mary:) my retirement was only a couple years ahead of yours so i can identify with the stage you are going through. it’s nice you can stay in the area you have lived for a long time.
thanks christy. my photos aren’t the best but canva or my favorite, picmonkey can make any photo look awesome! the key is cropping:) or maybe one of your kids will enjoy doing it:)
i took a fun class online with crystal stine that she turned into a cheap ebook. she taught in a fun order and i learned a LOT about making graphics. it was a 31 day series.
i look forward to reading more of you dear christy:)
Great recap of the weekend! Encouragement to be brave IS always good at the end of a weekend like this! The benediction you give us! “May the grace of God be with us all as we get out of the boat” <3 <3 <3 this! And I give a hearty AMEN! On a side note, I MUST do a better job at picture taking because it seems photographer goes along with being a writer 😉
It was a sweet time of fellowship; and it was such a nice blessing to meet after seeing your name here and there around the blogosphere for some time now.
<3
Christy