A Retreat with an Interesting Turn of Events

Another D&D Ministry ministry opportunity was given to us and was such a blessing this past weekend. This had been planned many months ago, to a place I had never been – Amazing Grace Baptist Camp in Ottawa, Kansas. One of the staff wives, Elizabeth has been reading my blog for many years, but we had never met! She reached out to me and asked if I could come and speak at their Ladies’ Retreat. The Lord gave clearance to do so, and I was so excited about seeing another camp ministry reaching people of all ages with their unique setting!

Dale and I (D&D!) BOTH went on this trip. Why? After traveling solo for many years, I got to the place where I felt it was better (and a lot more fun!) to have a traveling companion. Dale and I are now in this new D&D ministry, so it was appropriate that he go with me. God always provides the travel expense (we never ask our host to provide this) and we enjoy these times together!

We flew out of our lovely local airport and headed to Charlotte. We were immediately informed that our next flight was delayed several HOURS! We prayed together, asking the Lord to get us to camp in His timing.

We had a lovely spot to wait in the atrium of the Charlotte airport where we could sit and read, study, and people-watch! My husband, the huge UK basketball fan, spotted “Big Z,” a former UK player. We had the fun of snapping a photo of my 6’2″ husband with this 7’1″ basketball giant! Now Dale has an idea of how I feel when I stand beside him! Such situations are memory-makers and grace blessings!

Our flight got pushed back so long that I knew I was going to miss the first session of the Ladies’ retreat. God gave perfect peace and never a moment of panic. His sovereignty rules over events, and I knew I could trust Him. Dale and I took advantage of this super “Scenic Route” and enjoyed our time together. We chatted, took walks in the airport, and just rested in the care of our Father’s hands.

We got to camp by Elizabeth’s kind husband picking us up and taking us there. We were settled into our lovely suite and after a brief encounter with some of the campers and a mini tour of the camp, it was the end of the first day.

On Saturday, we began with breakfast and mingling with some of the ladies. I taught the first two sessions of my study on James 1 – Counting it all Joy! Yes, the topic was TRIALS. The Lord gave me first person examples the day before as plans were changed, with no way to alter the situation, but only to put faith in a God Who is doing things we cannot see. The ladies listened well and truly responded to God’s Word with open hearts.

It is always a joy to talk with the ladies, hear their burdens and to pray with them between sessions. The needs are great, but God is able!

The day flew by, and before we knew it, it was time to head back to the Kansas city airport! Sweet Elizabeth was our driver and I loved getting to spend one-on-one time with her to hear her testimony and how God was at work in her life.

What did my husband do while I spoke to the ladies? Well, he ran my power point slides for me! After a bit of a struggle the first session, we got into a better groove and the second session was a little smoother!

He always serves me so well. Here’s another picture of his help…ironing my blouse! What a guy! ❤️

We got home around midnight Saturday night, tired but incredibly thankful! What a joy it is for us to get to serve together at these times. How grateful I am to teach, pray, chat and encourage women in the roles He has for them in the midst of trials, heartache and busyness!

It’s so wise to get away for a weekend to grow, be encouraged, fellowship with others, pray and seek God’s face away from the distractions of our daily routines! Have you gotten away this spring? I encourage you to look for opportunities to go to a place like a camp that can help you take your next spiritual step!

Who else has attended a ladies’ retreat this year? I’d love to know how it encouraged you!