Retreat

This last weekend I took part in a prayer retreat with people from all over the United States, and the World for that matter. I have never been a huge fan of using the word "retreat" when it comes to these events. Reason being, are we really retreating? I am probably splitting hairs here, but to me this word isn't a good representation of these types of events. Let's start calling them a time of renewal or recharging. I know it might not seem as "catchy," but we did not "withdraw from enemy forces as a result of their superior power," and we certainly are not "defeated." That is one of the definitions of retreat. One definition that I will concede is that it can be a time of "withdrawing." Just a thought...

We had a great time in the mountains in the central part of this country. The air temp was in the 60s, and it was a welcomed change! Due to the heat, I haven't worn long sleeves in a while. It was nice. Hearing familiar sounds of insects and brisk mornings reminded me of times spent camping in the woods at home. What a blessing to enjoy God's creation and sit in the sun without getting overheated quickly.

They grow amazing strawberries up there. They tasted as good as they look! Now if I had some Chilton County peaches to go along with them, we would be in business!

 

These organic strawberries were just picked.

I think someone actually discovered a better use for the strawberries... Homemade strawberry ice-cream with vanilla & chocolate thrown in for fun! Fresh strawberries on the bottom too.

It was so good to spend a couple of days surrounded by trees and grass. At home, I would have waited to take a picture of some picturesque view, but God has shown me the beauty of just seeing grass and trees.

A new friend snapped a picture of me spending some time in prayer and reading the Word.

After reading the Word, I was filled with a good bit of conviction. I was reading in Mark 9:17-29. This is where a man has a child who is possessed by a demon, and the disciples were not able to cast it out. The man came to Christ and said that the disciples were not able, "But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." I am guilty of asking that same thing of God myself. Jesus' response to the man brought my conviction. He said, "'If you can!' All things are possible for one who believes." Later on in the passage, the disciples ask, "Why could we not cast it out?" (Jesus' response is paramount here.) He said, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer." What a humbling passage of Scripture!

Lastly, an encouraging note that I have found after reading that passage is found in Ephesians 3:20-21. Paul writes, "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."