We are fresh off of returning from our Fall Retreat. Planning for this retreat was full of ups and downs as I felt God constantly giving me more and more for our students. This retreat began by planning on going to Charlotte. We were going to talk about 'Making Giants Fall' and go to Carowinds. Then, I felt God was directing me to take our teens to 'Silver Ring Thing' a purity conference in Lexington. All the flyers were out, prices were advertised and everyone was excited.
Then, we got the news that Silver Ring Thing had been canceled. This really upset me, and shook for a little bit. I considered canceling Fall Retreat all together. I wanted to throw in the towel. I honestly didn't want to do anything at all. Then I realized the impact that these retreats have on our students. I knew I owed to God and to them to see where we were supposed to go.
Over the next 2 days, as God poured into me, I poured into the keyboard. Searching for places to stay, things to do and busted out our entire retreat book. (I don't say this to pumped myself up, but to show just how awesome God is.) We ended up having 11 students go, and WOW was it awesome!
I am continually floored at just how awesome our God is, how he works, and that he is willing to use a nobody like me to share His word.
We focused on 3 words to help us in dealing with disappointment:
- Perseverance
- Character
- Hope
It is my hope that as I type this our students are sitting in classrooms with a refreshed spirit this morning. I know my heart is full after such a great weekend.
Shine On,
Chase
