Refreshed.
March 28th, 2010 by Kristi Stephens
I’ve been feeling battle-weary lately. Tired, worn, alone. Know the feeling?
This weekend God refreshed my soul. We had our annual women’s retreat in a beautiful inn located in our local Amish country.
My sister-in-law offered to watch our children in the afternoon on Friday, which was refreshing in and of itself! I arrived early to the inn and found a beautiful corner to be alone with my God and His Word. It refreshed me.
Then our speaker arrived – someone you may know! Julie, who blogs at Come Have a Peace, was a person who marked my life when I was in college. I told her this weekend that I don’t think she can fully know what an impact she had on me simply by opening her home to me as a college kid, allowing me to hear her heart, watch her parent, observe her marriage, rest in her home. My life was deeply impacted by her example she set by walking out in front of me a life of faithfulness.
She did a beautiful job speaking at our retreat. I think we were all fed, filled, encouraged, challenged. I also so loved the time to sit and talk with her one-on-one. I confess I monopolized her time for hours. ;) I needed it. My soul has been refreshed in so many ways – as a wife, a mother, a lay person in ministry, a blogger, a writer… it was a sweet time to reconnect.
You never know who your life is impacting. Be faithful in your walk with God, and invite others into your life and home. Seeing your daily walk as a disciple of Christ just might mark someone’s life forever.
- 3 Comments »
- Posted in Daily life, Uncategorized
March 28th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Kristi, thank you for these sweet words of encouragement. I’m so glad I could be with you this weekend. I, too, came home refreshed and with a full heart. Lots of blessing packed into little time, and it was a joy to be “monopolized.” ;) Just kidding! Loved being with your ladies over God’s Word and in worship.
FYI, ;)
Julie
March 29th, 2010 at 1:34 am
Truth, Kristi. We never know. I may spend hours trying to help someone, and never realize that the person who just received my smile on the street benefitted more from that brief kindness.
March 29th, 2010 at 8:31 am
Kristi,
Thank you for sharing more about your weekend with Julie (and the beautiful picture of you two also!). I had the pleasure of praying for Julie during her time with you, so it was super fun to read your post. I’m grateful Julie directed me to your blog ~ I’ll be back :)Your heart for the Lord is so beautiful.
Also, I’m praying today for you, Kristi ~ that God would remove any and all obstacles from getting you to She Speaks in August. I can’t wait to hear how He provides for you! And may the Lord open doors for you to share His message of Truth to women. May He also remove barriers from getting your book written! :) I can’t wait to read it!!
Have a blessed week!!
Warmly,
Cindy :)
*She Sparkles*