Sadly... probably one of my last ones, if not last. Crazy... Alums came tho, which was nice. But even better was of course God.
Honestly... already some of the details of the retreat are fuzzy, which makes me sad, but it's okay. Pastor DL came with a RH leading worship. Along with RH came TH and their baby AH, honestly... one of the most adorable children I have ever viewed... I was dying every time I saw that girl. She was just so cute. If I ever have a baby that cute... man. What am I saying, if I ever have a baby that baby will be cuter than AH in my eyes haha. But key words... if I ever. Regardless, the alum female drummer JH came, along with elec JK, bassist, NP and his gf on keyboard/vocals JK, and GP on vocals as well.
Lots of alums came, a CL, photo/cook CJ, JK Senior, volleyball BH, SK from the good old RVA, and I think that's it...
DL is a master at telling good segues, like a beast. One minute laughing and joking, and then bam... super serious. That was a delightful roller coaster in of itself. But his messages were powerful (thanks be to God).
He began with the Gospel, re-iterating the same passage PIJ spoke on the previous Sunday, Luke 23:38-43.
1) Nobody is too lost for God, nobody is too far from God.
2) It is not too late to turn to God.
But from those main points, he spoke powerfully, reinforcing many things we know to be true but we often overlook.
Continuing on he spoke from Malachi 3:1-4, talking about trials and being refined. Once again reaffirming the blessings of trial and how God wants to refine us and He shall. And during that time, never ever did God leave you.
Then a brief seminar about how we need to look out for others, help out others, bring out the best in others, and reach out to others. He used Barnabas as the prime example as to how Barnabas helped to make Paul how great he was. Barnabas means son of encouragement, and his real name was Joseph. Despite his pedigree of being unable to serve God in the traditional way of a Levite because he was born in a gentile land he went out and saw the need for help. Barnabas supports Paul even though the apostles deny him initially. Barnabas also used to be the leader of Paul and was not afraid to step down and let Paul need. And one of the last things is that Barnabas parts with Paul to go with Mark (go figure) who was rejected by Paul because he wanted to reach out to Mark to help him because he believed in Mark's repentance. Cause he abandoned others at one point.
Aka Barnabas... is legit, and we overlook him, but honestly, I think he likes that. And that's been part of my prayers lately. If people see me, and forget me, but remember God, that is the best possible outcome (or maybe best is they remember me too... but probably not, remembering only God is the best).
Saturday night was focused on what does it mean to be a follower of Christ drawing from Luke 5:1-11.
1) Jesus constantly separates the disciples from the crowds. Aka either with Jesus or not with Him.
2) Every disciple is called to mission.
3) Following Jesus comes with a prize.
He mentioned a humbling thing about serving. We don't get have to serve, we GET to serve. And we should pray for faith to act properly, not necessarily for safety. We need the assurance of Christ to be upon our soul. Granted he doesn't support stupidity, but just a small distinction in thought process.
Finally Sunday service was from Matthew 22:34-40. Where he stated, "Our fellowship problems at the core are worship problems." Bam.
Of course there's more but that's a general outline. I can email a more concrete list of notes if you so desire.
Honestly, this retreat was great. Maybe because I came in actively praying to God that I would lay down this side of me that is so afraid of emotions. Maybe because it was the last one. Or maybe cause... I realized what it means for God to be someone who loves me faults and all, unconditionally (and even this I haven't fully grasped). Regardless... it was wonderful. Also PIJ put a stronger emphasis on prayer time, which I think was really really really good.
My small group was really good. Guitar master DS, first year tennis/LOL man KQ and JK Senior. All these descriptors are cause I think I might forget the initials... lol. But ya, I think we were pretty open, and I got closer. Seeing the alums was truly a blessing. I dunno why... but suddenly felt so much less alone.
Did I mention prayer? Haha. Spring retreat reminded me on the importance of prayer and the power of it, and how I often belittle it or just don't prioritize it. Perhaps one of the touching things... was praying and yes crying, but... having a man, NP, who prayed and cried over me... Haha. Even now... I'm happy lol. I think I really get closer to someone by praying for them/with them, even if they don't feel it, and that was ya... beautiful hahaha. I dunno. And I got to really catch up with elec JK, and... ya. Times have changed, but I was glad to see the bond still there.
This retreat in many ways... was a reminder, a closer, an encouragement, and other words. I'm sitting here in this wave of memories right now... man. Hopefully tomorrow will be... either one post on Little Lights or stretched out. Honestly, it might be too much for one post. But ya. Feel free to email if you want more info. The few people that read this have my email... I'm sure. lol. Back to the study grind, maybe after I pray some now.
Crisis Doesn't Create It Only Reveals So much truth in this article. Only just realizing it. Only just realizing so many things. Honestly, as much as I dread each new day, there is joy in it and joy in learning more about the great God.
Last cabin to sleep at a Spring Retreat probs...
Yay back to midterm studying and stuff hahahaha...
Edit: Two good songs, you prob heard them but whatevs. "Scandal of Grace" Hillsong. "One Thing Remains" Stanfill.
And I got Gowe's cd... so good. kk back to work for real.
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