I just received this photo and memories flooded me. These are fabulous women! I can't wait for heaven when we'll have eternity to chat together, pray together, and praise the Lord together.
Many months ago I was asked to speak for the Wapato Valley Baptist Church. As I drove to the coast last weekend I listened to worship music and prayed. I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me, telling me that I'd been chosen for this time, this place and this topic. I felt humbled and honored. I had little idea, however, that although I was the "teacher" God had a lot for ME to learn.
When I arrived at the beach house in Lincoln City I was thrilled. It was absolutely beautiful! And the team of ladies who met me there immediately felt like family. I knew it was going to be a great weekend.
By the time the rest of the women from Wapato Valley Baptist began arriving my back was having a hayday. I have a bad back, and it flairs up from time-to-time. Interestingly it chose this weekend to get cranky. In spite of it, God saw me through and I was able to fulfill my "obligation".
I watched the ladies love and care for each other, and they didn't forget to have a lot of fun as well. And through my pain I was introduced to the beauty of the women of this church. These lovely ladies prayed for me, cared for me and spent time with me. Although my body was hurting my spirit was being nourished.
In the months prior to the retreat, as I prepared to teach about Living Without Masks, I was challenged. As I studied and worked through scriptures I learned so much, and then when I shared with the women during the retreat God spoke to me. By the end of the weekend, He'd given me a glimpse of His plans for me and revealed a mask I had no idea I'd been wearing. I must say, I was stunned at the revelation. I'm in process on this one, but I'm excited to discover what God has in store for me.
We serve a great God. He doesn't miss anything and He knows what each of us needs in order to grow and mature so we can better serve one another. I thank Him for his love and grace, especially that which was so beautifully demonstrated through His servants.
I'm always amazed at how God can take a group of His children, throw them together and make a family. The ladies of the Wapato Valley Church are my forever family.
God uses people and circumstances to cause change in us. May we all open our eyes and our hearts to Him and discover a deeper, richer relationship with our Lord and with others.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
