The Summer 2015 Young Women's Retreat was an incredible time of growth, fellowship, and refreshment. Our three days together were jam-packed! Enjoy a little recap:
One goal of the Retreat is to celebrate femininity and beauty. The girls each received a handmade gift- a small reminder of how cherished they are.
Our sessions this year were on the subject of Feminine Strength. The sessions were titled, "Building a Strong Foundation", "Becoming a Woman of Principle", "Strengthening your Body for Christ's Service", "Turning Your Greatest Weaknesses into Strengths", "Turning Romantic Desires into Increased Spiritual Strength", and "Staying Strong during Hard Times". I shared several sessions, and we also heard from my dear sister, Chelsy, and a sweet mentor of mine. "Sessions" at Retreat are informal times of sharing from the heart, with plenty of questions and discussion.
There were four sets of sisters among the attendees at this year's Retreat, and it was a sweet time for them to connect with each other, as well as make new friends.
There was an abundance of girly activities such as painting nails, discussing clothing, and doing makeup.:)
We attended church together on Sunday morning, and enjoyed lunch at my family's home afterwards (pictured below).
Coffee. Yes, coffee drinks were abundant! The coffee bar had a continual supply of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a myriad of coffee toppings such as chocolate shavings, crushed peppermints, mini marshmallows, flavored syrups, etc.
And WHIPPED CREAM!!!!!! Ask any Retreat alumni what's so special about whipped cream, and she will most likely get a huge, happy grin on her face and begin reminiscing about the endless canisters of whipped cream that were consumed. Whipped Cream was delicately mounded on top of dozens of cups of iced coffee, hot chocolate, or hot coffee drink concoctions, multiple times, every day. We love us some whipped cream!
This photo could have many captions- in fact, I would love to hear suggestions in the comment section from girls who attended the Retreat!
Group time was always a treasure of learning and sharing together.
Girls love to talk, to connect, and to share what is on their hearts, and the Retreat is a wonderful time of doing this with other young women.
Monday lunch- salad bar and a host of delicious treats that the girls brought.
One of our sessions was about finding balance in the area of nutrition and fitness. We discussed how the goal of having strong, healthy bodies is to better serve our Lord. After that session, a bunch of the girls decided to work out together.
Chelsy made a scrumptious dinner for us one evening- Chicken Alfredo, Garlic/Butter Green Beans, Italian Salad, Garlic Break, and Layer Cakes.
There were many rousing rounds of "Four on the Couch"!
Beautiful music filled the air!
One evening we enjoyed a hayride down the country road and through the woods. We spent the evening enjoying each other's company in the beauty of God's creation.
My dear Grandmother opened her home to us for the Retreat, and her property was the perfect place for these young women to get away for a time of rest and refreshment. There were fields and lanes to explore, beautiful views to be enjoyed from the front porch or back deck, and plenty of space for everything that was planned for our time together.
These young women blessed my heart so much- their love for Jesus, their sensitive hearts, and the joy that flowed out of each one of them. Our time together was a gift.
"Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come." (Prov. 31:25)
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Thanks to Chelsy Bontrager, Elizabeth Adams, and Rachal Craig for the photos.
-posted by Allison