Skip to main content

strength vs. comfort

"God is concerned with making me strong. He isn't concerned with making me comfortable."
~ Sharon Daniels, first session

I've never been a big group kind of person. Prior to this weekend, I had previously been to two ladies retreats in my whole life and hadn't overly enjoyed either one. So I entered this weekend with more than a little trepidation. I shouldn't have. Yes, it did stretch me a little past my comfort zone to be with that many people for three whole days, but I can honestly say I enjoyed it! Bobby laughingly commented last night that he sent me to a retreat for rest and I came home exhausted! I told him that was true, but at least I was recharged! It's a good thing I didn't stay up late to play games or I really would have been wiped out! I can't even begin to list all the things I enjoyed (there was way too many!) but here's just a few of my more favorite memories:
Rhamatu during the "God and I" time
I loved being able to see the ocean, take walks, and sit outside to reflect on things. Even with the rain Thursday and some Friday, we could still see the waves!

June "Janice" Kidd, my roommate
Rhonda dubbed Mrs. Kidd "Janice" the first night. Mrs. Kidd never once corrected her. I enjoyed our conversation times, and found it neat that she was working on the type of stamped cross stitch that I enjoy. Her grandson's wife is expecting twins (a boy and a girl) next month, and she's diligently trying to make sure both child has a baby blanket. She had just started the boy blanket when we arrived. Keep stitching Mrs. June!

1/2 of my last night supper buddies "no kids clique"
Coming home we stopped for supper.Lauren, Jacqueline, Emily and I shared a booth and had a great time chatting and getting to know one another. One of the cool things we discussed was how all the CBC Moms aren't exclusive. Other than quite a few homeschooling discussions, the retreat wasn't filled with conversations centered around children. I love the fact that CBC Moms read books, have hobbies, and enjoy maintaining more than just their Mom facet. Don't get me wrong. I love hearing about children and what they say and do, but it's also nice to have friends who are Moms that can carry on conversations I can participate in. That's one of the many things I have loved about CBC. I have never once started a conversation with a CBC lady who answered, "I don't have time for such things. I'm a Mom." And that's pretty cool.

Saturday morning sunrise
This was the first retreat I have been to where we had ample free time to enjoy nature, fellowship with others, or just relax. From the monstrous and multitude of sea shells on the beach, to the high waves during the storm, to watching birds fight over crabs, it was great. It was also neat and a little funny to watch people straggle down for breakfast. I didn't take pictures since we were all sharing bathrooms and many were graciously waiting until after breakfast for showers, but it only took two mornings to figure out who the early risers were. Now if I can just figure out how on earth Alice, Lydia, and Rhonda can stay up so late and still be refreshed so early in the morning, I'll be in business.


Labels:

Comments

Lydia said…
Don't forget Melinda- that woman has WAAAYYYY too much energy!! And the only reason I was up until 3am that last night was because I was too scared to go to sleep- Alice is a dangerous roomie (laughing)!!

I am SO very glad you could come!!!!!
January 25, 2010 at 6:27 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

things we do for love

Saturday we had a baby shower for Bobby's niece. As I was making the mints, Bobby asked what else was on the menu. After I recited off the litany of items, he responded with "No peanut butter?! This shower is for Hannah! What's she going to eat?" (Hannah has had stomach problems over the years and has been unable to tolerate many foods, but peanut butter has been her staple.) Despite my assurances that she would enjoy the foods we were having, he was adamant that I needed to make peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for the shower. Even though I protested that NOBODY took that to a shower, he persisted, and informed me I could make them dainty with my little cutter. And so I did. To my surprise all but 3 were eaten. Who'd a thunk it?
9 comments
Read more

perspectives

A few years ago after a Bible study a lot of the group continued to sit and talk and simply relax. One of the ladies felt like she was being mistreated by her boss. She was always given extra tasks or asked to assume responsibilities that no one else was asked to do. She felt it was unfair. As she was listing off some of the extras (she worked in a cafe for a plant), I was in flashback mode. My last year of college I was a shift manager at a fast food place. One of my many duties was to ensure that certain cleaning jobs (extra duties) was assigned and done properly. We were inspected by company headquarters once a quarter, and 3 of their 4 visits was ALWAYS a surprise visit. When I handed out those extra assignments, I had three things in mind: Who will do this job without making a bigger mess? Who can quickly do this job so we don't impede serving customers? Who will do this without the most drama? In essence, I wanted the best person for the job. Use the teenager who griped and c...
Post a Comment
Read more

fun...funny houses

 We saw the above house in Pittsboro while on our way to the mountains. It was the strangest house I've ever seen. Evidently this isn't a modification, for Bobby remembers thinking it funny as a child. Evidently a governor lived here at one point. I think the sign said it's now a Masonic lodge. And if seeing one funny house wasn't enough, the latest issue of This Old House had a link to their website that had several galleries of funny (or strange houses). Here's my favorites from their collection:   Szymbark , Poland  This just makes me laugh, and I would love to visit this house in person. Created by a designer who wanted to demonstrate "wrong-doings against humanity".  Visitors have stood in line for as long as 6 hours to tour the house, and many come out feeling "sea-sick".     Kalambaka, Greece... This 1,000 foot cliff drop has housed monastaries since the 11th century. Six of them are open to the public, " assuming, of course, th...
1 comment
Read more