Every day I am surrounded by women who are strong, loving, compassionate, and most importantly ladies who fear the Lord.
In Proverbs 31:30we read “…but a woman who respects the Lord should be praised.” When I read this verse my thoughts went to my mom, my sisters-in-love (I love this name that a dear friend, Pam, gives to her “in-laws”), precious friends, many godly ladies in my life, and last weekend.  Yes, those are a lot of thoughts.  Like I mentioned previously, I am surrounded by fabulous women.  Praise God!
First of all, “fearing the Lord”…William D. Eisenhower says in his article ‘Fearing God’ in Christianity Today:“Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but love from the Lord is its completion.” I found an informative article on the internet that explains fearing the Lord.  If you need clarification on this topic, checkout “What does it mean to fear God?”
Now, you may have read the list of women who I thought of and was puzzled by the last item in my list, “last weekend”.  Yes, last weekend I attended a Ladies Retreat.  For the past few years, Kay Morris, the director of women’s ministry at my church, and her team have created a wonderful “get-a-way” to occur on the Friday night before Mother’s Day and the event ends at noon on Saturday.  It’s called “Spring Breakaway”.
This year the guest speaker was Tracey Lynn Russell.  Her topic is about living a repurposed life.  Tracey is a gifted speaker with a beautiful testimony.  To discover how God has repurposed her life, and still is, was interesting.  She used various mason jars as visuals to illustrate how they can be repurposed with the different stages in our own lives.  Listening to Tracey speak encouraged me let go of some plans that I have and watch God turn them into a purpose for Him.  We all have a testimony.  I want to challenge you to write down significant occurrences from your life and see how God has repurposed you!
The music at the Spring Breakaway was such a time of worship and praise.  Two ladies sang in beautiful harmony that I didn’t even realized they sang!  Hands were being raised in praise and honor to God, tears would even flow as emotions were heighted, and..hmmm…who said Baptist don’t dance (?)…there were hips swaying and heads shaking. Glory!  At times I would step out of my own worship time to glance around the room full of ladies.  What a priceless sight to see God-fearing women sing praises to our King.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”  Psalm 139:13-14

What made this event even more special and memorable was that I got to spend it with my mom.  I am blessed to have such a God-fearing woman who instilled in me a love for my Heavenly Father.  She is beautiful inside and out!

Wait, did I say mom?  I meant mothers.  Okay, this is going to be quite comical to some who know her, but…When my friend (of only four years older), Jeanne, and I went to grab a quick bit before the first session began we each ordered a slice of pizza.  The male-server looked at us and said with a grin, “Is this a mother/daughter weekend?”  Bahahahaha!!  I cracked up!  Jeanne on the other hand was wondering if she was getting her pizza FREE!  Jeanne was gracious and ended up laughing at the whole thing.  Not only was Jeanne my “other mother” for the night, she was my roomie and another God-fearing woman that I had the pleasure of being surrounded by.

“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Psalm 119:50

One of the precious moments I captured on my iPhone camera was the image of a dear lady and her sister.  During the praise and worship time through song, the two ladies held hands through one song that I know hit close to home.  You see, as I am typing this now, today is the first year date from when her son, Doug entered Heaven’s gates.  Not only was Doug Mrs. Liz’s son, but my husband’s best friend  and the one who was responsible for getting Tim and I together. (The two links highlighted are worthy reads.)  Mrs. Liz and Ms. Sandy are two God-fearing women who are both learning to repurpose their lives.  I was so grateful and excited that Mrs. Liz had the opportunity to attend the Spring Breakaway.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  Romans 8:28

I loved the decorations at the retreat!  A talented lady, Kathy Wall, provided the centerpieces.  Over the past few weeks I have noticed her posting these incredible artworks on Facebook.  Kathy calls it “doodling”, but I call it a God-purpose in her life.  Not only did she provide the table displays, but had a few copies made of her “doodling” for us to take home.  Kathy, I am proudly displaying it on my wall in a blue frame to accent the stunning colors your hands doodled.  Thank you!  Another…God-fearing woman who is humbly sharing her talent.
Kay and team, I just want to thank you for a refreshing event!  I can’t wait until next year.
I pray many blessings and much joy for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie