Stauros Ladies Retreat

We arrived in Maryland on Friday, September 10th ... 6 Florida ladies ready to renew our minds at a retreat in the mountains ... and what a renewal it was! Peggy picked us up at the airport and the adventure began. We drove to meet Rock & Margie for a delightful dinner at a local cafe. We spent some time reminiscing and getting to know our Northern "ya ya sistas" (and Rock). When we arrived at Margie's beautiful home, it paled in comparisome as her gracious gift of hospitality took over and she made us feel so welcome and comfortable in her home.

After a great night's sleep wrapped up in comforters against the cool night air (somewhere in the low 50's), we lounged around in our pajamas for a while, had breakfast and then walked to the cabin, Elim House, where we had an impromtu time of group prayer as we felt led by the Spirit. Next we took off for a tour of local, historical Harper's Ferry. We shopped (YEAH, LORRAINE), took tons of pictures, ate ice cream (YEAH, PUMPKIN PEGGY), and walked UP alot of hills.

By the time we arrived back at Margie's the other ladies were beginning to arrive. We were joined by the lovely new addition to our group, Maria, and the fun continued. We met so many new friends as the group grew to 22 "ya ya sistas". After a wonderful dinner that included a 50 pound pan of lasagna ;-) , cornbread salad, and every desert you could possibly imaginge, we gathered for the teaching of God's Word. Amy led us in a study titled "It Is An Honor Knowing Christ Through You" which took us on a journey beginning with her old friend "Spurgie" and the cook, incorporating the poor widow and her humble offering, and reminding us how we are constantly influencing the people in our relationships, our friendships, and our children. Amy challenged us as she led us through a thought provoking and very interactive study of the Truth of God's Word and our responsibility to share the Gospel with others; to plant and water the seeds, while being mindful of God's grace in remembering that God alone has the power to change a heart of stone to a heart of flesh. Great job Amy! After the study, we had more desert, coffee and fellowship. After saying goodbyes to the ladies who couldn't stay for the rest of the weekend, we gathered together to watch a Choundra Pierce DVD, then headed off for another night sleeping with a comforter wrapped around us to keep the chill off. Me and Maria and Peggy got to sleep in the cabin, Elim House with our guard dog Jack to keep us safe!

Sunday morning was a little lazy, followed by a Devotion time, Craft time and a wonderful lunch of delicious home made Panini's from "Margie & Amy's Cafe" ;-) Next comes the bittersweet goodbyes as the day came to a close, and it was time to travel back to the airport and back to reality. Special thanks to Margie for her hospitality, Peggy for her transportation, Amy for her wonderful Bible study and to all our Northern Sistas for making our retreat such a fun and inspirational time of renewal and fellowship. Until next year.....God's special blessings to all.