Apples to Apples
Retreat:
Fuzzy
Explosive
Juicy
Soft
Fabulous
Exhausting
Okay, these adjectives may seem strange to all of those who were not present for the A 2 A game Sat. night/ Sun. morning. However, they do accurately describe the weekend as I will explain.
When I think back to this retreat I will undoubtedly get a fuzzy feeling about the fellowship time I spent with some amazing people and the undeniable presence of God displayed in the landscape. Waking up and stepping outside to wide open green fields, dirt roads, and all of nature's wonderful sounds in the morning; then the star filled sky and cool (er..cold) breeze at night. Really taking in nature gives me a sense of Heaven and draws me close to the Lord without even thinking about it.
The teachings and worship time were explosive. While it was a lot of information to digest in a short time, it was very insightful and a good testament to how brothers and sisters in Christ can have different views and not let it get in the way of God's work. I admire Jeff and Lance's ability to respect each other's viewpoints and communicate that in the body of Christ we are bound by love not agreements on every single issue.
Okay, juicy may sound misleading, but its not. The whole weekend truly was juicy. The food, the fun, the time with God, and the time with each other. Every moment seemed to overflow and seep into another. Each moment was sweet and rich with joy.
Though I was running on empty by Sunday morning when we pulled out of Logan Valley, I acknowledge that God was gentle with us this weekend. His loving embrace is so soft and yet strong. He teaches me through mercy and kindness of others just as much as He teaches me through recognition of my own actions. Our Father held us close together this weekend without any rifts among brothers and sisters. Maybe some of you think that is a given on a church retreat, but I can attest that it is not. When people are out of their comfort zone, tired, and stuck together in one room - things can get ugly.
Overall the weekend was a fabulous experience. I'm so thankful that I was able to go. I love being in a place where no cell phones work. There is something refreshing about never being interrupted by the annoying sounds of ring tones and distracting side conversations. As soon as my service bars ran out I turned the phone off and rejoiced in my head. I admit that I love the city, but being away from all that it entails is something I crave more often as I get older. Just recently I am learning to be still and silent before the Lord.
Now, back in my apartment in U.city, I am sitting in my pajamas with Kleenex laying all over the place. I got sent home from work and am sick with what I think is the flu. My body is utterly exhausted from 60 degree slip 'n sliding and very little sleep. I also managed to attack my immune system with some very tasty yet grease laden food. I have to say, even if I truly do have the flu - it was worth it.
Fuzzy
Explosive
Juicy
Soft
Fabulous
Exhausting
Okay, these adjectives may seem strange to all of those who were not present for the A 2 A game Sat. night/ Sun. morning. However, they do accurately describe the weekend as I will explain.
When I think back to this retreat I will undoubtedly get a fuzzy feeling about the fellowship time I spent with some amazing people and the undeniable presence of God displayed in the landscape. Waking up and stepping outside to wide open green fields, dirt roads, and all of nature's wonderful sounds in the morning; then the star filled sky and cool (er..cold) breeze at night. Really taking in nature gives me a sense of Heaven and draws me close to the Lord without even thinking about it.
The teachings and worship time were explosive. While it was a lot of information to digest in a short time, it was very insightful and a good testament to how brothers and sisters in Christ can have different views and not let it get in the way of God's work. I admire Jeff and Lance's ability to respect each other's viewpoints and communicate that in the body of Christ we are bound by love not agreements on every single issue.
Okay, juicy may sound misleading, but its not. The whole weekend truly was juicy. The food, the fun, the time with God, and the time with each other. Every moment seemed to overflow and seep into another. Each moment was sweet and rich with joy.
Though I was running on empty by Sunday morning when we pulled out of Logan Valley, I acknowledge that God was gentle with us this weekend. His loving embrace is so soft and yet strong. He teaches me through mercy and kindness of others just as much as He teaches me through recognition of my own actions. Our Father held us close together this weekend without any rifts among brothers and sisters. Maybe some of you think that is a given on a church retreat, but I can attest that it is not. When people are out of their comfort zone, tired, and stuck together in one room - things can get ugly.
Overall the weekend was a fabulous experience. I'm so thankful that I was able to go. I love being in a place where no cell phones work. There is something refreshing about never being interrupted by the annoying sounds of ring tones and distracting side conversations. As soon as my service bars ran out I turned the phone off and rejoiced in my head. I admit that I love the city, but being away from all that it entails is something I crave more often as I get older. Just recently I am learning to be still and silent before the Lord.
Now, back in my apartment in U.city, I am sitting in my pajamas with Kleenex laying all over the place. I got sent home from work and am sick with what I think is the flu. My body is utterly exhausted from 60 degree slip 'n sliding and very little sleep. I also managed to attack my immune system with some very tasty yet grease laden food. I have to say, even if I truly do have the flu - it was worth it.
posted by SBean at 10:12 AM
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