An Extreme Makeover Weekend

I got back yesterday afternoon from our church’s ladies retreat.  It was a fun weekend.  We went to Mandalay Bay in Oxnard…The weather was beautiful, and our room had a nice view of the ocean (which, if you know me, is as close to the ocean as I like to get!).  We spent our free time at the nearby outlet mall.  Mostly, we had fun just wandering through the shops, and being able to hold a conversation that was not punctuated by “Grandma/Mommy, look at me.”  There were no spectacular deals to be found, as the prices probably weren’t any better than your typical sale at the mall, but I did find a few cute things that I had been wanting, and my mom found a few things she had been needing.

We spent most of the weekend in sessions or workshops relating to the theme of an “Extreme Spiritual Makeover.”  There was a lot to think about and consider – in several areas…

My favorites were the two workshops we attended.  These were taught by ladies that have taught in the Wednesday morning Bible study that I attend.  Nancy taught a wonderful workshop entitled “Sharing My Beauty Secrets.”  She taught on how to share the gospel.  Now, I know the gospel.  I know how to share it.  Problem is, I don’t really do it.  I’ve lived most of my life in a “Christian bubble” – Christian school, Christian college, and now, as a stay-at-home mom…most of my friendships and interaction with others is through our church.  Nancy had us break up into groups that would imitate settings that everyone finds themselves in at some point.  We were instructed to role-play directing the conversation to a point of sharing our (short) testimony, and hopefully lead to the gospel.  While I’ve always understood the concept, this little exercise helped me to see just how easy it could be to turn these everyday moments – of waiting for a car to be repaired, having your hair cut, working out at the gym, waiting in a waiting room, or playing at the park with your kids – into conversation about the gospel. 

The other workshop I attended was based on the TLC program “What Not to Wear.”  Chris spoke on Colossians 3:1-17.  She used articles of clothing to represent those sinful attitudes and behaviors that we are to “put off” (the items that got trashed), and also to represent the righteous attitudes and behaviors that we are to “put on” in their place (our new wardrobe).  It was a great, and super-creative visual aid for that passage! 

It really was a fun weekend.  This is the third retreat that I have been to, and it was the first time that I could look around and say that I actually recognized a few people!  Of course, I still spent most of the time with my mom…and her friends.  We had some fun roommates – both named Debbie.  One was a friend of my mom’s from her Sunday School class, and our roommate at the last retreat.  She brought her friend, also named Debbie, who drinks more coffee than I do!   They were a lot of fun!   We also had “a good time” hanging out in Brenda’s fancy suite on the first night!  I have not laughed so hard in a long time!   So, sleep deprivation aside, it was a good weekend.  But…I was very glad to be back home with my sweet husband and daughter…and to sleep in my own (quiet) bed.

On the way home yesterday afternoon, my mom and I stopped and got a flat of fresh strawberries…Yum!  Hannah and I have already sliced some for breakfast.  And, Jason wants some chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert tonight…if they last that long!  So, Hannah and I are off to have a little fun in the kitchen!!