It was so beautiful! I love how God can take a place that was known as "Whiskey Row" and transform it to a place that has become a sanctuary to many souls. http://www.pe.com/columns/carllove/stories/PE_News_Local_S_slove28.3bdc807.html(If you want more of the history you can click on the link)
The theme of the retreat was "Simply Jesus." We were very thankful to Debbie Eaton from Harvest Christian Fellowship for being our guest speaker. She was amazingly humble and powerful at the same time. What wisdom she had! She taught from Song of Solomon Chapter 5. She had a way that when she spoke, she spoke clear, powerful truth. It was great!
When we weren't in session we had some free time to explore the grounds, what beauty.
Here are a couple pictures of the grounds back in the day......
and now....
Hot Springs
 |
| Why don't mine look as beautiful as these? :) |
Beautiful Waterfall
Natural Hot Springs
I loved the mosaic work all over. I was told when Calvary Chapel purchased the land they tore down the infamous mud bath houses and used the old tile and bits and pieces to mosaic the walkways.
I also shared a room with 5 other amazing women, one is missing out of this picture but they were wonderful! I was very blessed to room with my neighbor Lindsay 4th from the Left, her sister 3rd from the left and their mom on the left. Ya, they are a fun bunch! Made me want a sister watching those two :) Thank you for making me feel so welcomed!
All in all I grew in a greater understanding of who Christ is and His purpose for my life right now. Here is a little something I wrote while we were having a time of prayer, and worship where we were free to speak as we felt led, or just listen:
One of the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard was a room full of women praying for each other
Spanish, English, the different languages one God
Beautiful music before Our King
Weeping, laughter, burdens lifting, our flesh dying
The Lord exalted.
Lord you use such broken people to bring You glory
You have restored me, made me new, cleansed me, plucked me from certain death, and delivered me into your arms
I find such overwhelming comfort in You
Joy that surpasses all understanding
No matter my circumstances I turn to you, You are perfect in love
I cast my cares on you, You lift my burdens and always provide.
As my time came to an end I reflected on some things....
A funny but seriously great part of the weekend was being able to.....show up and someone else served dinner, being able just walk away from the table and not do the dishes, knowing that someone else was going to clean the bathroom I used and wash my sheets. Ahh the simple things that make me happy.
Thank you Adam for watching the kids and working hard to provide this wonderful opportunity for me.
I love you.
glad you got to go. looks like god's working away in you.
ReplyDeleteps you should adam home alone more often.