The Ladies…
The Ladies Retreat…
What an amazing group of women God assembled that first week in May!
The retreat theme was “A Day at the Races.” As with the US, the UK has many famed horse races all throughout. To celebrate Great Britain’s rich horse heritage and the Royal’s love for horse racing, we began the retreat with a Royal Enclosure.
The Royal Enclosure is at the heart of the Royal Ascot which is a horse race founded by Queen Anne in 1711. The Ascot is held annually in June and is steeped in tradition, pomp and circumstance and pageantry. It is the epitome of British culture.
The 5 day meeting commences on a Tuesday. Each race day begins with a Royal Procession which dates back to the 1820′s. Her Majesty, the Queen attends along with the Royal Family. Within the Royal Enclosure there is fine dining and hospitality. The dress code is strictly enforced. For women, they are to wear a dress and a FASCINATOR (comparable to our “Derby Hats”).
So with our sparkling grape juice and strawberries in hand, here is how we started our retreat…
What fun!
With the theme in mind, the Lord led me to develop and present lessons entitled “Finishing Strong.” With 5 sessions to present, this is what He gave me:
Session 1: Starting Point… (Salvation)
Session 2: Marathon vs. Sprint… (The walk of the Cross is a marathon, not a sprint)
Session 3: Avoiding Pitfalls… (What can potentially deter us from finishing strong)
Session 4: Don’t Give Up… (Since it’s a marathon, we must be well conditioned as we press forward)
Session 5: A Time of Affirmation… (Affirm and being affirmed by our sisters in Christ)
Although the women were attentive and extremely respectful, pulling out my glasses that light up allowed me to really win them over. They mortify Dan ~ I mean completely embarrass him ~ but I love them (and so do my sisters across the pond).
Please allow me to share some of the sweetest ladies on the planet…
Now, I know it’s impossible to get to know each lady, the heart of each lady, through a picture. I would LOVE to gather all of you together and take you with me the next time, giving you the opportunity to meet and get to know this amazing group of ladies. I promise you’ll find a love for them just as I have.
A highlight of each day was the meals we ate together. When the 4-6 of us gathered around the table, we had a lovely time getting to know each other.
Krystal eating a traditional sandwich ~ chips (fries) with sauce on bread…
And who taught her this?
Sheila… (Pastor’s wives cut loose when out with the ladies…)
We also had “Afternoon Tea” together where we’d chat, share, listen and enjoy sweet English tea and coffee. (Of which I’m making as I type…)
As our time together came to a close, the Lord led me to divide the group into smaller groups for a time of affirmation. The goal was to encourage one another in the Lord. If we are to FINISH STRONG, receiving and giving an UpLIFTing Word will help propel us forward, especially when discouragement rears its ugly head. One sweet lady said the activity was “brilliant”. Thank you, Father! Here we are affirming each other…
Wow! I can’t believe our time in the UK has come and gone.
I…
loved London.
adored Bath.
enjoyed Wales.
I’m…
so blessed.
extremely honored.
totally humbled.
I’ll…
praise Him forever.
love Him for always.
serve Him completely.
live in His presence eternally.
