Another Outlet for My Reality Obsessed Self

I have been planning a retreat for the ladies at our church for about 5 months give or take... I had lots of help, want to take no credit myself, but stressfully felt like the project manager from the Apprentice. Thankfully it all went off , thank God, better than I ever dreamed, and here is a letter that I sent to the gals... Warning. DEEP!


Dear Friends,
As i sit here, emotionally drained, physically worn out, shaking because I feel the Holy Spirit working in me, I am thinking of you... all of you.

I see your faces in the dining hall chatting with a new friend, thanking the Lord for this time of refreshing, refilling, spoiling as only the Lord knows how to do.

I hear the stories you told me about meeting new people when you showed up to "catch your ride" at church. God knows.

I see you quietly excusing yourself to go pray and minister to each other- love each other- as the Lord leads you to.

I see you stumbling, messing up, falling, but asking forgiveness, and trekking on.

I see you bravely coming out to the common area, hoping someone will be there to "be" - just "be" with you, because you came lonely and needing the counsel of a girlfriend.

I see you letting your hair down as you get silly during Apples to Apples- are you just giggly and tired (haha) or are you so happy to be playing with friends, learning personalities, happy to not have babies hanging off of you, getting a chance to love and be real to these ladies who were strangers the day before...

I see you taking off down the hiking trails with one another,-I am watching from the deck-not in a nosy way, but as a "mother loves her child" way, so thankful for you as you melt my heart with your new found friendships that wouldn't necessarily be formed but for this time...I am praising HIM as I listen to The O.C. Supertones belt out their version of "Jesus, Lover of my Soul" from my Mp3, and praying for you by name. I am thanking the Lord and I am celebrating with him as we both see you hiking...

I see you in the bookstore buzzing around , looking for a gift that will touch someone that the Lord has laid on your heart.

I see you taking time to talk to someone who just "needs" it... Thank you Holy Spirit for prompting us to just take the time this weekend .

I see you standing outside the door, 6:45 sharp, wondering what these crazy retreat planners have for you tonight! did you die a little when Angela broke the plate and we all screamed OPA (in GREEK. i know opa in german means grandad-rofl)? our deepest hearts desire was to make it unforgettable for you. Did we?

I see you nodding in agreement as Susan testifies, shows her real side, her words penetrating through your soul, leading us closer to our Lord Jesus. Why are we the chosen ones to hear what she has for us? Divine Appointment indeed!!!!!!!!! I feel almost lucky- is blessed the Christian-ese word?? I am still a work in progress.... :) I see you admiring the bestfriendship that she has with Dianne, and hear your prayers for God to send someone like that to you...

I see you taking communion. I see new relationships that I will pray will continue well past this weekend. I see you sharing things that otherwise would not have been shared, but how much easier to do so as we share the body and blood of Jesus.

I see you lifting your hands , praising the Lord, all at once, and I see Glenda pouring herself out to us, as we soak it up like a sponge soaks up water. I see you looking around for the one who can fill the void as we sing the words to "I Need You".

I see you on your face for Sunday morning... without your faithfulness, ...well, I just don't know...

I see you coming to me asking me if I need prayer. I wonder quietly "how did you know exactly what I needed", ...yet already knowing who sent you and WHY He sent you. Thank you for being real. I hope I expressed my gratitude in a way that you understand, that blesses you, and that you connected with me like no one else, but the Lord, did this weekend.

To you all.... Thank you for being a blessing -Gosh, I feel like that word is not even close to strong enough to what you have meant/ and will continue to mean to me...

What is your story?
Hit reply all to share it publicly or with me privately to ---insertemailhere--

Thank you precious friends. I love you,
Serving HIM, Gina

"I want to see a life change.
I want to see a new (wo)man.
I want to fight the good fight.
I want to take the right stand.
I want to be like Jesus.
I want to pour my heart out.
I want to pick my cross up.
I want to hear the mob shout."
-Supertones, Sureshot.