Monday, February 2, 2009

Standing Shoulder to Shoulder

This weekend, I had the privilege of attending a ladies retreat with 65 other ladies from our small town. It was absolutely God-ordained and exactly what I needed. I have to tell you that for the month of January, my life has not been where it should have been with the Lord. I had neglected my quiet times almost entirely; and when I did get them in, they were shallow at best. I had allowed the Enemy to tell me lies. Lies about myself and my God. Lies about my salvation and my worth to the Father.

Thankfully, I had long ago signed up to be a part of the leadership of the retreat by being in charge of favors with a friend of mine. I really enjoy that sort of thing. Anyways, I went up the night before the retreat, knowing that something in my life had to change. I began seeing glimpses of Truth that I'd been neglecting even on the ride up with two other ladies. It never ceases to amaze me how God meets us where we are.

Our theme for the weekend was the same as our ladies ministry theme for this whole church year, Standing Shoulder to Shoulder. We draw strength from each other by standing together.

I'm sure this post could go on and on, so I will try to give you small glimpses over the next days of what God revealed to me, but for today I want to tell you that God showed me quickly that I am a child of His, and that I had allowed the Devil to have a foothold in my life. The biggest thing that I came away with is that God has given my my story - the challenges, sorrows, triumphs - to share with others.

I can tell you that this blog will continue with the same fluffy stuff that you've been seeing - my decorating projects, craft projects, shopping deals (did I mention the outlets near the retreat center?!), and life in general for me and us; BUT, I will begin to share more of my story. What God is showing me. My prayer is that my story might encourage you, and may be God will even use it to extend His kingdom.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do share, Hadley!! I love your name, by the way!!
Yes, I do think we would be friends in real life for sure!! I wondered in a past post of your's when you mentioned Augusta, if it was in my state or not?? Same state you were in recently, if not live in...
Feel free to email me...
athomeelise{at}yahoo{dot}com
Hugs,
Elise

Anonymous said...

Hadley,

It's nice to "meet" you, and I look forward to reading more of what you're learning, as well as seeing all your "fluffy" projects. =)

Anonymous said...

hey thank you so much for your kind comment about my husband's return! i love meeting all the people who read my blog! btw love your name! i have a niece with the name chadley!