Sometimes, the things we are the most hesitant to do.....

I was recently asked to lead some worship songs at a women’s retreat that an amazing lady named Diana Pemelton was putting together. She teaches a great class named “And God Made Woman” which I’ve gotten to sit in on a couple of times and I was thoroughly entertained and at the same time emotionally moved when I did. She has a gift for speaking right to the heart of women.

Anyway…. When I first got the invitation, I wasn’t at all sure that it was something I was comfortable doing. I had never led worship at a women’s retreat before. Plus, I’m not a big camper and just the word “retreat” sounds like something involving woods, tents, and bugs. Ick!! Not ANYWHERE near my comfort zone. However, I had been praying for God to send opportunities for me to share my music and it’s hard to look up at God when he gives you exactly what you had been praying for and say, “Uh, gee God, maybe I should have been more specific in my prayer. Yes, I prayed for an opportunity to share my music, but I had a nice air-conditioned theatre where people pay me big bucks in mind.” Picky, picky…… SO, I emailed Diana and said, ‘Do you still want me to help with the music at the AGMW retreat?’ She immediately responded with a big YES!!!!, so I looked up to heaven and said, “Okay God… I hear ya. Just guide me through this, ok?”

Boy, am I SOOOOO glad I accepted the invitation to be a part of this awesome weekend with some AMAZING women!! First of all, I’m happy to report that there were CABINS with Air-Conditioning!! No tents were involved..Hallelujah!! I had a wonderful time getting to know all these women and hear their stories. Relaxing on the swings and taking in the beauty of God’s art in nature. Laughing, eating, crying, eating, sharing, eating……you get the picture! We even got treated to a belly dancing lesson!! Now THAT by itself was worth the drive. Now I’m seriously thinking of taking belly dancing lessons!! My husband will LOVE that!! J

Anyway, the whole experience was a “lesson learned” for me. I was reminded of this truth: Sometimes, the things that we are the most hesitant to do, end up being the most rewarding. SO…..

Thanks to Diana Pemelton ---for inviting me to be a part of this eye-opening weekend. http://conversationswiththewomeninmyhead.blogspot.com/

Thanks to Melissa Irwin… for sharing her beautiful, beautiful story and letting us experience the deep devotion of Christ through her journey! http://untilthejasperwalls.blogspot.com/

Thanks to Leslie Shew… for sharing some invaluable health information to us all, so we can be more aware of what our bodies are saying to us! http://www.integratedlifewellness.com/

Thanks to Jonnelle Rein…for helping organize the whole thing and especially for the belly dancing lessons!! LOVED IT!!

Thanks to Lorrie Harden….Diana expressed over and over how much you helped her get it together. What a treasure you are!!

And most of all.. thanks to every single woman who showed up at Hillmost Christian Camp this weekend to share your stories, listen to our stories, and make this such a special weekend!!

Oh… and BIG thanks to God… for giving me the strength to stretch outside my comfort zone. And for just showing up. He does that “showing up” thing really, really well.

Everybody have a GREAT WEEK!!!…. Hugs… M