Sunday, June 16, 2013

"Royal Women" Retreat

"Keep your heart with all diligence  . . . . Proverbs 4:23."
Thirty-eight ladies from four sister churches traveled to Montagu for a two-day retreat on May 17-18.  Some traveled by car, others by van, and some even crowded into the back of a bakkie (pickup truck), all the while enjoying the fellowship and singing for almost 200 kilometers!
I was privileged to speak three times on the general theme of "Royal Women." The first night, I spoke on "Guarding the Castle of Your Heart."

 We enjoyed delicious meals together around the lovely tables with decorations provided by Gina Magarah and Holly Gilbert. 
Many hours of work before and during the retreat were contributed by the team of fellow missionaries: Judy Blanton, Kristie Elmer, Katie Graham, and Sue Knipe.
 Being a "team player" sometimes means participation in a skit that is far less than flattering.
 I took my husband's counsel, "to be a good sport," which means I got into the character of  being the grumpy camper!  (You would have to have been there or seen a video to know what "getting into character" entailed!)
 The ladies enjoyed warm times of fellowship around God'sWord, in spite of the very cold weather.
The second and third sessions were "In the Presence of the King" (having meaningful quiet time) and "Living in the Kingdom" (getting along in God's family).  I was able to provide the notes in Afrikaans for those whose language preference is Afrikaans.
Pray that the Lord will help each lady to daily spend time in His Word and model biblical womanhood in their homes and churches.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It looks you all had a great time! Sure wish I could have seen that skit . . . is there video out there somewhere???

Miss you!!!

Amy

Lydia Simpson said...

thank you so much for the lessons you taught us , everything I made my own but one thing which really stands out is your words " I still love writing my husbands letter..." wow wow wow after all these years God convicted me so hard on that so ofted sin flairs up in me when as a young pastors wife Kevin would ask me to write a note / make a few copies or what it might be having to be unselfish and get up from my comfortibility while he might be geting ready to meet the Lords people be it OBI,visitation mens meetings , God convicts me on my selfish nature so often but you pointing out just how you enjoy still doing that for your husband , I pray that I will keep that before be as I become a much better help for mine ,thank you again and cant wait to see you at the next ladies retreat. love you