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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Retreat (as in quiet time away) (08/01/05)
When I could breathe again I looked around the room only to find every woman there sobbing with me into their last Kleenex. It certainly was not my intention to bring the room to tears, but the Holy Spirit had moved and we all felt it.

Why was I sobbing almost uncontrollably? Because I had clearly realized just how much God loved me – and it broke my heart. Actually remembering how sinful I had been over the years and how much pain it must have caused Jesus on the Cross of Calvary was simply overwhelming. I was so guilty and had so much bad behavior to regret!

This was the first of many retreats for the ladies of my church. We teamed up with women from two other like churches to meet together for fellowship, prayer, Bible study and this particular night, testimonies. I was not a new Christian but I had not been serving the Lord with my life and had recently rededicated myself to Him. In giving my testimony that night my heart had openly broken and confessing my sinfulness publicly resulted in tears that cleansed my soul from much of the useless emotions of guilt and regret that I harbored. It also prompted others to do likewise. It was a life changing experience for me.

This time away from the routines of life refreshes and revitalizes each of us so that we can resist the attacks of our most dangerous spiritual enemy. Without these times of retreat and refreshment in the Word we would surely be goners. There is much fun and silliness intertwined with the heart-felt, fervent prayers of women for their families, friends and circumstances. Laughter often brings the same need for our Kleenex that does confession of sin and enlightenment from the study of God’s Word.

Over time God has sweetly and gently taught me that since He has forgiven me for all my past sins, I should forgive myself. He has removed all my filth as far as the East is from the West, and I should forget it too. What a peace is to be found in His Love.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
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This article has been read 908 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Tesiri Moweta
08/08/05
What a peace indeed!Thanks for sharing.
Anthony Tophoney
08/08/05
My wife and I were led to this verse over the weekend and reading your entry has brought me to its truth once more. Thank you for sharing!
Dixie Phillips
08/09/05
Have you ever heard the saying, "When Ladies have Coffee a Marriage is Saved!" Your piece reminded me of that. Thank God for women meeting together and allowing the Holy Spirit to change them for this life and eternity!
Cyndie Odya-Weis
08/09/05
Yes, integrating the prayer and reflection into every day life- that brings the everyday retreat of God's grace
Beth Muehlhausen
08/09/05
Women do need other women, and God seems to gather with us when we speak to each others' hearts. This story should encourage those who work in women's ministry!
Debra Brand 
08/10/05
Joy comes in the morning! Good approach to topic.
Maxx .
08/12/05
Very nice. Thank you for sharing this testimony. :-)
dub W
08/12/05
Well composed, albeit an exclamation mark :), the message and discussion are clear. Thanks.