OH WOMEN'S RETREAT, HOW I LOVE THEE.

I think that this women's retreat has possibly been one of the most helpful retreats I've ever been to. Scratch that, it has been the best retreat that's helped me better understand who I am and what we are called to do. The theme of this year's retreat was "Women of Grace". Stacy talked about the meaning of biblical womanhood and what the Bible says about what it is to be a Christian woman. A Christian woman is not one who is quiet in the literal sense and sits at home cooking & cleaning all day. No, a Christian woman is a lady who embodies a quiet fortitude and gentleness. When the Scripture talks about women being quiet, it means women should be gentle in action, with a strong inner strength and peace.

I loved how Stacy talked about 3 women in the Bible who aren't necessarily the most well-known, but were the BOMB. This just shows the vastness of women in the Bible. A lot of times, it seems that there are so few stories of great women, but NO NO there are. YES she talked about Abigail- I love Abigail. I remember reading it last year or so and being so excited because she was THE (wo)MAN. a;ldkfja;dslk I love her. I am very much considering naming my future daughter Abigail... at least her middle name...

Here is what I learned:
1. Women are called by God to break the cycle of sin in this generation.
2. God is the one who grants victory- not man or woman.
3. We women are called to serve the Lord with an attitude of graceful fortitude
4. We need to learn to respect others (especially the namjas) with our words.
5. Our faith must lay in the fact that God will keep His promises- that is where our confidence comes from.
6. We are to have an "unfading beauty of a gentle & quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." I Peter 3:4
7. Women should not "take over" when men are "lacking", but instead encourage and uplift them.
8. Women have the power to tear men down through their words.
9. Prayer accomplishes what talking cannot in relationships with others.
10. To every good side, there is a bad side; to ever bad side, there's a good side.

Biblical womanhood does not mean that we are all introverted, quiet girls. Rather, it means that we submit out of obedience, supporting, etc. We can all strive to make huge differences. We can be the next Deborah, Abigail, Priscilla...

I really liked serving in various ways throughout the retreat as well. I think I'm getting more comfortable being visibly in the front for Praise Team. It's so very encouraging seeing people worshiping God during the praise time. I was really encouraged during the Spiritual Journey part of retreat. It was good to really evaluate oneself and come to grips with our struggles. I don't know why, but I was SUPER hyper the entire time. I WAS FILLED WITH GOD'S JOY & LOVE! Dang, mebbe I'm still feeling the residual effects...

God is truly one who always protects us. Amidst accidents and great opportunity for danger to break us, God places His hand over us and keeps us safe.

I don't think we should have gone in the snow. I really don't. It was a great retreat and incredibly blessing, but I really didn't/don't think we should have left. Regardless of what I think, God is great.

It is now 8:44 pm. I am pooped. I must shower (because I did not during Davina), edit pictures, and sleep.
I shall resume/catch up on my readings tomorrow.