They Were So Shweet

Last week I mentioned I was headed to The Lodge at Deer Run for a weekend with the Fusion Women’s Ministry of West Hartselle Baptist.  One of my Siesta friends, Dianne Walters, invited me to teach for the retreat and of course, I was absolutely delighted to do it.  Occasionally there will be one Siesta at an event, but this time there were two.  Hi, Karen! Meeting you made me so happy.

I’ve told y’all many times that there is always something special about each group I have the privilige to serve and this one is no different.  Of all the things I loved about the Fusion girls, I think the discussion time at the very end of the sessions was my all time favorite.  It was so very obvious these women had a deep love for one another, their church, and felt no condemnation in being honest and open about very complicated issues and emotions they were facing.  These girls were profound. (Rhonda, the ‘heart in the bucket’ comment you made will stay with me forever.  There were many others that will as well but I’m afraid I risk oversharing if I am too specific with the things that touched me so.)  They were hysterical.  (From this point forth and forevermore I will refer to a group of wild turkeys as a herd.  And the amazing worship team’s rendition of ‘This is the Stuff’ was nothing short of priceless.  Especially the car.  And the cop. *grin*)

And I can’t get away without praising the accommodations. (IBC girls, this screams Couples Retreat! And yes, I’ll be checking in to that.)   Deer Run is located right outside of Franklin, TN and somehow I accidentally ended up downtown.  Probably because I was so busy looking at the leaves that were in full glory.  Or hoping for a sighting of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban.  Or Toby Mac.  I hear he lives there but I’m sure he just forgot to give me his address.  Anyway, I immediately called Luke to tell him I must have died on the way because I most certainly was in  heaven.  There were quaint Main Street shops and adorable cafes.  And there was a Pumpkin Festival, for Pete’s Sake!  For a Fall Loving girl like me, I could have been laid to rest right there.  I didn’t get any pictures because I was driving.  My fellow drivers who weren’t as eager for heaven are still thanking me.

Here are a couple of photos I’ve stolen off the Facebooks of my new friends:

 

The Amazing Dining Table that would not fit in our vehicles.  Not that we tried.

 

 

The wood-burning fireplace.  After sitting on this hearth, Cracker Barrel is dead to me.

 

 

The Girls.  One of the points of teaching this weekend was my sharing how I had been praying specifically as of late for the Lord to make me sweet.  It’s one thing to act nice – I’ve got that one down pat –  but to be a woman who is authentically sweet in the core of her being is another altogether.  (Does that one get just me or is anyone else resonating with that thought?)  I’ve got a way to go but not this group.  In the purest way, they are shweeeeet.  And adorable.  Just look!

 

 

Thank you one more time for taking me in as one of your own.  And for next year, remember the words of the Holy Spirit….”Two Nighter.”   And may I also add, though I do not have a word from the Lord on this, “Invite Lisa.”

 

And now a question for all of you:  Where is your favorite retreat location?  I’m always on the lookout for a good place for our church and I’m sure many other girls are as well.  You are welcome to leave a link/web address if you’ve written about it on your blog or have the facility’s contact information to share.

 

p.s.  I’m still giving away a Casting Crown’s “Come to the Well” cd on this post.  Nothing to do but leave a comment and there are only 10 entries so far.  What??   Jump 0ver there and enter!  I’m announcing a winner Tuesday.

 

Hope you had a great weekend, too!