On Saturday morning, as we gathered in the lobby of our hotel for prayer, a man in the breakfast room walked by and said, "I don't know what y'all are up to today, but I have a feeling the devil's got his hands full!" We didn't look like much of an army, but we were definitely there to do battle, tell women the truth about who God is and who they are in Him, and proclaim victory in Jesus name.
Singer/Songwriter Holly Newton leads all of us in worship.
I had the privilege of leading a small group through discussions after each teaching time. We were "divalicious!" Each of the women had a story. They were all so receptive, sweet, and appreciative that weekend, but when we'd sit down to discussion, it always hit me like a ton of bricks to be reminded that each of them was there because something horrific had happened in her life. Their determination to move past it and see God deliver them through it was challenging and inspiring.
Spark in the Dark is an all out blast for the residents, staff, and children as we turn out the lights and get serious about having fun! That night, an emergency light nearly ruined our plans, until someone had the genius idea to have several of us stand on tables, holding a black cloth over the light fixture so that the fun could go on. As I stood there, taking my turn, arm stretched over my head, aching, watching the silliness swirl around me for five full songs, I felt ridiculous. And, then I thought, what if one of these women gets this? What if she sees us standing up here, in pain, determined to let them have this moment with their children? What if by some crazy supernatural miracle, God is able to let her understand this very small sacrifice for her in a way that translates the message of His Gigantic sacrifice for her? I don't know. Maybe. It's how I could shrug off the soreness in my arms the next morning, at least. ;-)
Spark does nothing halfway. Even when we took the women offsite on Saturday, our decorations came with us to ensure the girliest, happiest, funnest retreat atmosphere possible. This was the break table, before we covered it with every snack food imaginable!
If your name starts with the letter "K" get up and dance! This weekend really stretched me! I'm way more self-conscious than I generally let on, and standing up to "dance" in a room full of women is WAY beyond my comfort zone. But, over and over again, I was called to get over myself. It was never easy, but those women were so worth it.
Molly and Patti insisted I not miss out on the opportunity to take my first horseback ride! I'll let you guess what the V's stand for!
I didn't even squeal! Bud and I had a great time together!
Being the keeper of the marshmallows made me a very popular lady at the campfire that night!
The whole gang!












































