Fruitful Words

Retreat Learning Experiences

I always try to learn one thing from each retreat, conference, sermon, or class. More than that and I burn out, get to overwhelm and bury the whole learning experience. Why do I dig for the lone lesson? The following quote says it well:

There is only one thing more painful than learning from experience, and that is not learning from experience. ~Laurence J. Peter

Plus, it is in the learning experience that I hear from God. And I like hearing from God. Hearing what He wants me to learn. . . . How to grow. . . . Find that next step.

Learning is not compulsory… neither is survival.–W. Edwards Deming

This retreat was no exception. I learned. Not what I expected to learn though - like something about the spiritual disciplines. Actually it was more of an unlearning. And then a relearning.

The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.–Alvin Toffler

I am grateful that this Retreat weekend was a relatively calm experience. No major upheavals other than a lost notebook and being stuck in a handicapped elevator. Plenty of quiet, alone time to reflect, wrestle, and debate my thoughts and God’s thoughts.

There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.–Willa Cather

And you, what did you learn? Before I spill my beans, gather yours and share. Then I will too. Let’s see if we can collect our stories, share them, discuss them, and learn/heal/love one another through this online experience.

Here are the guidelines . . . .

1. Write a post on your blog about a “learning experience” that is related to Retreat.
2. It can be in any format you choose: humour, pictorial, anecdotal, prose, serious, bullet form.
3. Post your entry at your blog. Then leave a comment here. If you don’t have a blog, submit your entry to susan2009 (at) gmail (dot) com. I’ll post it here for you.
4. After the deadline (July 5th) I’ll compile all the entries in one post.
5. Be sure to read all the entries and leave a comment.
6. Pass on this info to everyone who attended retreat. Wouldn’t it be FUN to have a bunch of us participating in this bloggy event? Who knows, our speaker may even participate, especially if we promise her socks, smiling faces, nods and the occasional wink.

Submission Deadline is 12 midnight July 5th, 2008.

Edited to add:

If you didn’t attend CNC’s Women’s 2008 Retreat, you can still participate in this group writing project. Simply write about what you learned at a retreat you attended.

Spending the weekend with 46 ladies in beautiful Lake Tahoe learning about spiritual disciplines was fun, challenging, growing, tiring, and worth every minute. The time away provided me with the opportunity to …

• Learn from 2 gifted communicators
• Engage in worship under the direction of a unified, talented team
• Hear others’ insights
• Laugh, worry, pray, and discuss
• Enhance my relationships

I came away with the idea that spiritual disciplines are relationship connectors. They help me to connect in a deeper, more meaningful way with God, myself and the community (called the church).

I came away with the idea that even though I am so flawed, God desires to and does work in and through me.

I came away with the idea that my girlfriends help keep me balanced through their reprimands, prayers, acceptance, and godly examples.

My thoughts are still swirling and will land soon. That’s when I’ll be able to assess what my next steps are.

I do know that I am so grateful for the time, energy and talent that so many ladies gave to make this retreat a success. In fact, I believe that includes each woman. Each woman gave something of herself to make this retreat a connecting time. Thank you all.

In 6 weeks about 50 women from church will be going to Women’s Retreat 2008 in the Tahoe area. In order to receive the most impact there and long term, I’m going to journal/assess 4 areas.

I’ll assess my relationships, the challenges/problems in my life, the Retreat experience and my follow up/accountability plan.

1. Assess my relationships. This will be in 3 areas: (a) God, (b) myself, (c) others. I will take the time to ask and honestly answer the following two questions in the three areas. (i) How’s my giving? (ii) How’s my receiving? I am purposefully making them broad categories so I don’t go into this pondering time with preconceived notions.
2. Assess the challenges/problems in my life. Again, I will do 3 things. (a) Look at what’s not working in my life. (b) Look at what’s working. (c) Brainstorm and pray (by myself or with a friend) about what to do next.
3. Assess the Retreat experience. (a) What are the golden nuggets of info that have impacted me? (b) What will I continue to do at home or start once I’m home? (c) These are some of my ideas from past retreats: include pampering in daily life; have planned meals instead of chaotic snacks; implement a flexible, fun schedule and follow it; more time in Nature; have more silent time.
4. Assess my follow up/accountability plan. Without such a plan, all my gold nuggets will turn into dust and puff away with the wind. Therefore, I will answer the following questions. (a) Who will I share my insights with? (b) What do I want her to do with/for me? (c) When will I talk to her?

I will also take time to create an evaluation card for my life. Every three months I will look at that card to see how I am doing. I will share these results with my accountability person.

So what’s your plan to make retreat more meaningful?

Let’s hear it now!  Pick up, Fill Out and Turn In!

One more time: Pick up, Fill Out and Turn In!

“What am I to Pick up, Fill Out and Turn In?” you ask.

“Retreat 2008 Registration Forms,” I say.

The forms are avaialbale at the Secret Sister bookcase or I can email you one.

“What’s it all about?” you ask. (more…)

. . . June 6-8, 2008.

Yep, that’s the weekend for the next ladies’ retreat in South Lake Tahoe.

More details will be in future CrossRoads and future bulletins.

55 women ended up going to Retreat. 2 stayed behind at the last minute because of the potential for health problems from smoke from the Angora Fires.

Smart decision they made. While the air was clear, I could smell the smoke Friday. I think it was the smoke that gave me a headache from Friday to Saturday afternoon. I am allergic to wood smoke. Someone also suggested that it took a few days for the smoke to “leave” our rooms.

Some one counted and said as many as 20 women were up front sometime during the weekend. And the success of the weekend can be traced back to each woman’s purposeful involvement.

It can also be traced back to the involvement of those not in “leadership.” You all pitched in to help, to visit with newbies, and to you opening your hearts to God.

Here are some representative comments about what the women liked most about our Retreat.

• I enjoyed meeting new people. Getting to know all the women! The time to spend with women for an entire weekend.

• Easy drive.

• Common area.

• Quiet time.

• Ample free time Saturday night.

• The speakers were awesome.

• The dramatizations were powerful – and the fleshed out accounts. Jesus is more wonderful with each word portrait of Him I see.

• The beautiful setting.

• The fellowship overall, but specifically the silly songs.

• The unity of women. The beauty of the loving, open hearts and arms of the group.

I will treasure what I personally “caught” from God and from each of you dear women. The silliness, the Scripture, the prayers, the care, the questioning, the teaching, the rest, both physical and spiritual, impacted me. Now I want this impact to go into my day-by-day life.

Sisters, thank you for daring to admit your thirsts and for daring to grow. Now accept who you are in Christ and live well.

Remember there are a bunch of women (54) who are willing and wanting to help you with your day-by-day life. Call when you need/want help.

I’m ready to talk to you and pray with you.

Items Needed: calendar, pen, checkbook, stamped envelope, Retreat brochure, phone number for Church Office and Reggie Williams. 

1. Look at your calendar to see if June 29-July 1 is free. If yes, write in “Women’s Retreat.”
2. Open the Retreat brochure and fill out the registration form. You can find brochures on the Women’s Ministry bookshelf in the foyer.
3. Write a check for the deposit ($50.00) or the whole amount ($150 p/p for a lodge room or $120 p/p for a cabin room). Make it payable to CNC and note that it is for Women’s Retreat.
4. Return money and form to the church office in person or mail it in a stamped envelope. Or give it to any Women’s Ministry team member. If you are at church, put it in the offering box.
5. Call the Church Office or Reggie if you have any questions.

Note: We have space for 70. The spots are filling up fast! Submit your deposit today – you won’t want to miss this “BAD” weekend.

“Date Night is like apple pie. It’s best if you don’t have to share it with too many people.”

“Retreat is like birthday cake. Lots of people sharing it means lots of people at the party. With gifts. The gifts women bring to retreat are themselves; humor, insight, experience, love. And everyone shares the best gifts with everyone.” by Joan Spangler, a retreat 2006 attendee

It’s that time of year: signing up for Retreat 2007. Below are some details. Call me if you have any questions.

To-do list:
· Write retreat date on calendar: June 29-July 1, 2007.
· Read the Retreat details below.
· Complete the form from the previous post
· Write a check for the deposit. ($50.00)
· Turn both into the office at 10600 Coloma Road.
· Do Today!

Information on . . .

Lodge Rooms:

• $150 per person
• Double occupancy
• Three rooms are handicap accessible.

Cabins:

• $125 per person
• None are handicap accessible.

Cabins are variable occupancy.

• Cabin # A – 2 people
• Cabin # B – 2 people
• Cabin # 33 – 11 people - this cabin has one bunkbed.
• Cabin # 54 – 4 people
• Cabin # 56 – 4 people

Reservations:

• Reservations are now being accepted for 70 slots.
• Reservations are on a first-come first-serve basis.
• Final payment is due Sunday, March 25, 2007.

I don’t want to miss out, please sign me up!

Grab a form from church (found in the brochure) or send in your own with the following information. I’d love to see you there!

$50 deposit (at a minimum) must accompany form.

Date:
Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
I’m including my check for:
__ Deposit of $50 for lodge room.
__ Deposit of $50 for cabin room.
__ Full payment of $150 for a lodge room.
__ Full payment of $125 for a cabin room.
__ Other _____________________
__ Scholarship. List $ amount & person:

__ I need a handicap accessible room.
__ If in a cabin, list cabin # preference. ____________

I’m interested in carpooling as a:
__ Driver.
__ Passenger.
I have spoken to someone about being my roommate.
__ No.
__ Yes. If yes, list the name(s):

I have special dietary needs which are: