2010 WOMEN'S RETREAT

Submitted by: Janet Garner

     The 2010 Women’s Retreat had to be scheduled a little earlier this year due to the fact that Passover is going to fall early. The four to five inches of snow and ice didn’t dampen our spirits at all but made it a little difficult Sunday morning when we started to leave for home. We had to traverse some hilly back roads to get to the main road and this caused problems for a few of the ladies who had to call AAA to pull them up the hill. Praise Yahweh everyone made it home safely, and we all had lots of wonderful memories to take along.

     Thirty-seven wonderful sisters come from seven different states—some from quite a distance—to spend time together, getting to know one another better and sharing thoughts, concerns and love for one another. There were tears of emotion, lots of fun and laughter, and the food was fabulous. Yahweh has provided us with a perfect setting to have our retreat and we thank Him for it. We had sisters as far away as Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa and of course, Missouri. The ladies from Texas weren’t too sure about the white, wintery mess, but they made it home okay.

     The programs were truly inspiring and the conversation that followed showed that Yahweh was in our midst. It was a very spiritually uplifting and edifying weekend for everyone.

      The sisters started arriving Friday afternoon, and after get settled in and spending time greeting each other, we gathered at the dining room for a delicious pot roast dinner. After the meal, Sister Elise Wilson gave a talk on “The Five Languages of Apology”. Each person has an “apology language” and we need to know what THEY NEED in order to accept our apology and truly forgive. The presentation and discussion that followed was truly needed by us all.

     Sabbath morning, sister Tiffani Robinson gave a wonderful talk on the marriage relationship and compared it to our relationship with Yahweh. It was a very good study, and the discussion that followed was emotional and heartfelt. She encouraged each of us to spend more time with our Father, Yahweh, talking to Him on a daily basis and truly seeking Him, because He has promised in His word that if we seek Him, we will find Him.

      Sister Liz Bitterman handed out a booklet that she had put together on “The Fruits of the Spirit.” It defines each of the fruits of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23, and compared our spiritual life with our physical life, and the importance of nurturing them both. Yahweh has given us physical food for our healing and wants us to keep our temples clean and holy, just as he wants our spiritual life to be clean and holy. She went through the 9 fruits of the spirit and compared them to 9 vitamins that Yahweh gave us to nourish our minds and bodies. If you would like a copy of this booklet, please write into the office and we will be happy to send you one.

     Elise and Amanda had some surprises prepared for us for “Fun night.” It started with a hilarious skit that they put on. Then they played “The Price is Right,” where the contestants could win a new car or other prize. That was followed by “Jeopardy.” The winner receiving the most points won a gift. It was a great evening.

     Sunday morning we had our last meal together then started packing for the trip back home and saying our farewells. We were sad to be leaving, but were already making plans for the Women’s Retreat in 2011. We hope to see everyone back again next year and pray that each sister was blessed in a very special way for attending.

    Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure!

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HalleluYAH!