Kaleidoscope of Grace

Cursillo Weekend.JPG

My mind is whirling, my heart is full and my soul is content.  The road taken to a good weekend at a women’s retreat does wonders for renewing and refreshing. I am not sure why I am always surprised when God shows up…..He has never failed to show up yet….but yes, I am always still surprised in a wonderful way.

I spent this past weekend at a place called Inspiration Hills. It was the location of the Christian women’s retreat where I was privileged to serve. The retreat was put on by Northwest Iowa Cursillo and it was a wonderful time of connecting with women, listening to talks on God’s grace and ministering to each other.

Today, it has been hard to focus on the everyday tasks of the everyday in my home.  My mind wanders and a grin comes to my face with the vivid memories of the weekend. I can close my eyes and see a kaleidoscope of pictures from the weekend.

Pictures of open Bibles, women praising and worshipping, tears falling as past hurts were let go, strangers becoming friends and genuine smiles. Pictures of delicious meals served by cooks with huge smiles, beds made by women who were giving of their time, and women kneeling in prayer for those they only knew by name. Pictures of grace in the flesh.

Women went home to the same trials, the same heartaches, the same problems and issues they had before……but they went home equipped with a stronger faith to deal with them. They went home knowing they had a network of women who were not going to let them fall. They went home knowing that in the brokenness God does indeed make beauty out of ashes.

Today it is back to doing the everyday tasks that are part of the everyday in my home. The difference is I am doing them in the after-glow of a grace filled weekend……and that is a wonderful blessed way to do those everyday tasks.

 

“God uses broken things.
It takes broken soil to produce a crop,
broken clouds to give rain,
broken grain to give bread,
broken bread to give strength.
It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume.
It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.”
― Vance Havner

 

 

 

54 thoughts on “Kaleidoscope of Grace”

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  7. susieshy45 says:
    Reply

    All along people have told us that women are not treated well in the Bible at least in Paul’s letters but here you have it- women have been instrumental in many of the Biblical events we know of. I am glad you had a good retreat and a good communion and Fellowship with other women, with whom you share a commonness now.
    I went to a retreat when I was 15 and that is when I experienced something akin to what you experienced. It is a great feeling when so many people magnify God together and share their joys and sorrows to one another and to God.
    Susie

    Liked by 1 person

    • thechickengrandma says:
      Reply

      I really don’t like the “broken” part…but yes it is so necessary. Right now I am feeling a little “broken” I had a hysterectomy this past Wednesday. But everyday is going a little better!

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      • bcparkison says:

        Oh no. so glad you are doing ok. If I had your mailing address I’d send you a “beautiful”get well card. LOL( Of course our God is taking care of you) Do take it easy for a while and don’t be chasing the hens.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Anni H. says:
    Reply

    I absolutely loved reading about your experience – and that of other women. It is always beautiful to have a well-attended, spiritually nourishing and uplifting retreat. I am so glad you had that opportunity to go!

    And, it’s always amazing how time away like that can put a skip back in your step when you go home to your life… That’s when I know it was a good retreat!

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  16. kindergartenknowledge says:
    Reply

    What a wonderful week you have had…remembering the shared experiences and friendships made…all in the name of faith. Something about your post reminds me of how we always felt when we picked up our children at Pine Cove…a non denominational Christian camp that our children attended from the age of 8 thru high school. After the parents arrived to pick up their campers, there would be a shared time with songs and prayers. So upbeat and uplifting! I can hardly wait for our future grandchildren to go to Pine Cove when they are old enough! By the way…our son-in-law also attended Pine Cove, but they never went at the same time! So ironical! Or perhaps…part of the plan!

    Liked by 1 person

      • kindergartenknowledge says:

        Yes…I imagine that they are very similar! I looked up and read about Inspiration Hills when you mentioned it in an earlier post…at least, I think that is the place! Pine Cove is located right outside of Tyler on Lake Palestine. They even have camping weekends for couples, dads/sons mothers/daughters and all sorts of conferences. I absolutely think that it is wonderful! Just like your place!

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  18. Deb says:
    Reply

    What a wonderful time it sounds like you had! It’s such an ethereal feeling shared by so many experiencing the same thing! I went to a Christian retreat when I was a teenager and I understand what you mean, everyone is feeling and sharing these moments with God, it’s truly magical. I hope you have a speedy recovery from your hysterectomy, my co-worker is going to have one at the end of the month. Well wishes being sent your way!! xo

    Liked by 1 person

      • thecobweboriumemporium says:

        Oh my word, you cannot believe how behind I am after being poorly for weeks on end. I think some folks have got a bit upset that I haven’t managed to visit their blogs yet, or comment, so they’ve given mine a very wide berth. Eeeek! 😦

        You’ll catch up quickly enough. It just feels like an uphill struggle at the start. You’ll be all caught up really quickly, and you’ll feel wonderful about how quickly you did it.
        Sending you heaps of love ~ Cobs. x

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      • thechickengrandma says:

        I couldn’t wait till you back to blogging! People need to give a little grace. I had surgery this past Wednesday and am trying to recuperate so it will take a bit to get into the full swing again. I am glad you are doing better! For some reason anesthesia and pain meds make for a foggy brain state!

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