I grew up in the church. I am 41 years old. I have probably attended, over the years 60 retreats, maybe more. I have just gotten back from a very unique retreat. And yet there were things about it that were delightfully typical:
beautiful location- mountains of Southern Colorado
great hikes
lots of women in one place
games
laughter
tears
fire pit
smores
Amazing Grace
development of inside jokes, "Bless your heart"
prayer
Psalm 103
And yet it was different...
Here were some of the firsts for me on a retreat:
adventures on ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles)
cattle in the high country meadows
calves at play and grampa cow always working to catch up
an engagement annoucement
hot tubbing
Yoga
movie watching in a state of the art theatre room
women actively trying to get to know all the other women there
But best of all the home we stayed in was a work of art. It was beautiful. It honors God's creation. It invites you to dream big dreams... It was obviously built with love thinking always of all that would cross its threashold.
Our hostess was the embodiment of hospitality and loving sacrifice in every possible way.
The combination of these two realities did something to us, her guests. Our souls were opened up in beautiful ways. We were free to be generous with each other as she and the Lord through her had been generous to us.
I have never perosonally been more impacted or watched others be more impacted by this gift. There are passages in the book of Acts that will forever mean more to me than they ever meant before.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above you heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
3 comments:
Beautiful Cheri! You said it perfectly! Loved the time with you and look forward to lots more of it! Marie
Cheri ~
It's as if your words framed the weekend ~ not only for you, but for me, too (and probably all of us). It WAS a unique time. It WAS God led. It WAS a time meant for introspection and loving memories. So many revelations on Raspberry Mountain! Thank you so much for this, Cheri ~ it's beautiful.
Sherri
Oh Cheri, this was so amazing! Thank you for spending time with me and allowing me to get to know what a terrific person you are! You were such a great example of Christ and His love for us....Actually I think everyone looked like that to me! I will never forget what that weekend in Colorado meant to me and how it changed my life forever!
Debbie E.
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