Picture this, fixings to create your own croissant sandwich, salads, chips, and don’t forget, a room full of women needs desserts like cheesecake and chocolate bundt cake. I think the women were licking their plates clean. Not a crumb was left behind.
We played a game called “What’s in your purse?” Most women have everything but the kitchen sink in their purse. Today was no exception. Tanya Sturm and June Burnett proved to have the most “junk” in their purses. Special guest, worship leader, Colleen Epperson won the prize for the oddest thing in her purse. It was so odd, I can’t remember what it was. I think it was a “caliber”.
Nothing is more beautiful than a room full of women worshiping God. Colleen Epperson with four kids in tow and accompanied by Ginger Hohm, blessed the Women of Hope with her lovely and tender voice singing and praising our savior Jesus Christ.
Our theme was, “Out with the Old, In with the New.”
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ~Romans 12:2
Our guest speaker was Teri Herndon, a pastor’s wife, devoted mother and incredible speaker. Teri brought up the reality show “What Not to Wear”. “What Not to Wear” draws on the personality and talent of two fashion experts to convert participants from dowdy to dashing. They basically take that persons old wardrobe, gets rid of it and replaces it with new, up-to-date styles. To some participants it’s heartbreaking to be separated from their old wardrobe. They may have known it’s out of style, but because it’s comfortable & all they know, they just stick with it. Just like with our feeings & mindsets, we know we shouldn’t stay angry at someone but we do & harbor those feelings. It’s easier to stay in our comfort zone than sacrafice and make a change. Teri enlightened the women on how to get rid of our “old self” and take on a “new self.” Cleaning out the closets in our mind/heart.
Teri got some women to volunteer and put on “clothing” (a.k.a. attitudes) that we wear. Sometimes we don’t even know that we’re wearing that attitude/”clothing.” Examples are: Irritability, Sexual Immorality, Filthy Language, Anger, Depression. When someone makes us angry, we wear anger. If we are upset or sad about something, we might be wearing depression. I could go on and on with examples, but these are “clothing” we need to rid ourselves of.
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your eartyly nature: sexual immortality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” ~Colossians 3:5-8
Teri then shared with us how we can put on a “new self” or be transformed by the “renewing of our mind.” She had the ladies replace their “clothing” with new ones, like: Humility, Love, Patience, Kindness, Forgiveness, Happiness. Turning anger into forgiveness and depression into happiness.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances yo may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” ~Colossians 3:12-14
It’s easier said than done to just put on the new “clothing.” But Teri said we need to first recognize what we’re wearing before we can take on trying to change it. Then arm ourselves with the Word of God, and fellowship with other believers for encouragement. Teri said the best way to clean out our closets/mind, is by doing it one rack at a time.
Special thanks to the women that made this event possible:
To Nedia, for “Spring Cleaning” us and guiding Teri Herndon on her vision, Ginger for bringing us Colleen Epperson, Mai for the decorations, Jo for organizing the kitchen and food, and Valerie for the advertising. Last but not least, thank you to all the women who enjoyed being “spring cleaned”.
) Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this retreat! Check out pictures from last year’s retreat on our blog and our Facebook page.
