Reminders

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to the Closing of a Women's Emmaus Walk to hear the testimonies of the women who had attended. I almost didn't go. Lots of excuses ran through my mind as to why I should stay home. But an invitation from a friend convinced me, and I am so glad I went. To think that I nearly missed out on the blessing and inspiration that I received last night...

God used the testimonies of these women as reminders to me. It brought back memories of my own Emmaus experiences and what God had taught me. It also reminded me of the power of God's love and how he can use us to show that love to others if we're willing. There were women there who had recently buried loved ones, who had been hurt by the church, who had drifted away from God, who didn't feel loved...all kinds of pain. And these women found restoration. They had joy. They had hope. They felt the love of Jesus because of a group of people who were willing to sacrifice their time to invest in the lives of others. It was beautiful.

One story I heard from one of the ladies (we'll call her Jen) echoes something I struggle with...being quick to judge based on appearances. Jen says that there was a girl on the Walk who she was critical of. This girl had some physical deformities and a speech impediment. Jen was nice to her, but held feelings of judgement in her heart. Well, there came a time later in the weekend that Jen was overcome with emotion and was at the altar crying. Suddenly she felt a set of arms around her and heard someone praying words of comfort...it was this girl. Jen learned a powerful lesson and said she will never view people in the same way again.

It was an awesome reminder to me as well that we are all children of God. We share the same hopes, dreams, fears, and hurts. We may look at another person and think that we have nothing in common. Maybe because of how they look or act, or how we perceive their life to be. But there is so much that goes on beneath the surface. May we all take the time to see others for who they really are. Thank you God for the reminder.

Walk to Emmaus

Last weekend my husband led music for a mens retreat called the Walk to Emmaus. I went to the closing ceremony and was blessed by hearing the testimonies from the men of how God has impacted their lives. Listening to their stories always adds fuel to my fire and inspires me to share the love of Jesus with others. Several of the men thanked me for giving my husband up for the weekend, and I must say that it was worth it!

So what is the Walk to Emmaus and how can 3 days change someone's life? The retreat is for men and women seeking to strengthen and renew their faith. It is for people of any denomination and from all different points on their spiritual journeys. The goal of Emmaus is to show the love of Jesus and to equip Christians to go back and serve in their home churches and communities. What happens there? You hear talks given by pastors and peers, worship, fellowship with other believers, and are given many unique experiences to connect with God. The Emmaus weekend is unlike any other retreat or conference you may have attended in the past. Many will tell you that it's hard to describe, but is just something that must be experienced. The one thing I can guarantee is that you will feel loved, possibly more than you ever have before.

I went on my Emmaus Walk during my sophomore year of college. I was nervous about being the youngest one there, and not knowing anyone. But none of that mattered. It was one of the best experiences of my life! I have been on team twice since then, each time getting something different out of the weekend.

Sound like something you'd like to do? To go on Emmaus you need to have a sponsor...someone who has been through it. Just ask me and I can either sponsor you myself or connect you with someone who can. The next Walks for men and women are in the fall. You won't regret it!

Soulfeast

I just awoke from my nap...recovering from attending the Soulfeast women's retreat. The weekend touched many women in many different ways. This is my story...

I knew God wanted me to go on this retreat and I was excited to see why. My one reservation had to do with the retreat location. It was being held at Inspiration Hills, a special place for me because of the Walk to Emmaus. I was concerned that being there for something different might be a distraction. We arrived, had some snacks, and began our first large group gathering. We worshipped, heard a message, and then were ushered into a time of ministry. Only something was wrong. I was not at rest. I was not comfortable. I cared for the women around me but was unable to reach out to them. What was going on? Why was I here? I began to feel God telling me "It's ok. Just come to me. To the chapel." And then I understood the significance of being at Inspiration Hills. There was a place there that I had met with God in the past, and He wanted me to come. So I did.

The next day Kim led us in a Lectio Divina on Psalm 61. These are the words that spoke to me. "And when my heart is overwhelmed, please lead me to the rock that is higher than I". These words were already special to me. They are song lyrics. I believe it was the first song that Jeremy taught me to sing harmony to. I have memories of sitting by the reservoir on date night, just us and the guitar, singing that song together. But on Saturday the words took on a new meaning. My heart has been overwhelmed lately. And I needed to be led to the Rock. I looked forward with anticipation to the times during the weekend when I could escape to the chapel and be alone with my Lord. I set aside time at home, but lately it has become more of a ritual. This weekend renewed my desire and hunger to be with Him. I was filled with wisdom and love from the women around me, but I also needed those moments just me, my Bible, and my iPod...resting in the arms of God.

Thank you, sisters, for blessing me this weekend.