I got home about an hour and a half ago. I spoke at a women's retreat in Fredericksburg, VA all weekend long. It was emotional, draining, exhausting, wild, fun, and amazing. Seriously, I am in awe of what God did.
First, He showed up personally for the ladies there. I witnessed so many personal connections and it brings me to tears of joy. I witnessed obstacles and walls breaking down in women's lives. I witnessed surrender. I witnessed revelations. All by God, for God. Yes, the ladies claimed freedom in Christ as we defeated the pirates in our lives and took hold of the treasure, God's Truth. Words cannot describe how I feel right now. Just really thankful and I give the Lord every bit of credit. I was empty and exhausted. Seriously, if y'all knew the week I had prior to this retreat, you'd understand. I had NOTHING to give. But God did. And He did. I love Him so much.
Also, this retreat served as a HUGE confirmation for me. I was doubting my calling as a speaker. I'm not like many speakers. I'm really more of a sharer of faith. I love the Lord so much I can't keep it in. Give me a weekend with a group of ladies and I explode with passion for giving your life to Christ and becoming His best friend, and relying on Him each and every day to walk with you and get your through life. I do believe it is all possible with God. I live it every day. Not always perfectly. In fact not anywhere near. But it is my relationship with the Lord that gives me the strength and desire to keep going despite my circumstances. I am nothing without Him. But I can be anything with Him. Because He does it for me. He did that this weekend in a super ultra big way.
Southside ladies, if you read this, THANK YOU for allowing God to speak to you this weekend. You all were open to hear from Him and you listened. I am seriously blown away by the stories you've shared with me how He met you this weekend. Lives were changed and I praise God for that.
Plus, the retreat was just fun. These ladies were wild and crazy. Yes, wild and crazy for Jesus! I'd tell you more about it, but what happens in Fredericksburg, stays in Fredericksburg, so if you want to find out, you'll just have to attend next year's retreat when Proverbs 31's, Sharon Glasgow will be their speaker.
Blessings and Lots of Love,
Melissa
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22 comments:
Praising the Lord with you and thanking Him for you. Thanks for making yourself available and willing to be used by Him. I loved how you wrote about the ladies claiming freedom in Christ, as the Lord defeated the pirates in their lives and they took hold of the treasure, God's Truth. Reminded me of Steven Curtis Chapman's song, "Treasure Island". Need to go sailing over there myself still today and dig up more truths from His Word.
Love ya my friend. Always enjoy hearing how the Lord is working in your life.
Hugs,
Joy
Melissa,
You were just what I needed this weekend. From the moment you began speaking Friday evening, I was captivated. God gave you strength for us and I can't thank you enough for your honesty and authenticity.
This was my first retreat and I didn't know what to expect. God worked through you for me. My burdens in exchange for God's treasure on Saturday night was almost more than my heart could stand. That verse was indeed meant for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
God bless you and your continued ministry.
Casey Higgins
Melissa,
God is so incredibly good! I am so happy for the ladies at the retreat as well as for you and the confirmation you received this weekend!
Love,
Lynn
I loved reading about your weekend. I'm praying for God to fill me up and the room up this weekend just like that in CA! As you know well,once you've experienced the bigness of God in that way, anything less is not enough!!
Ooh. .I miss my retreat days!!! Going to have to head to one soon!! God Bless you!!
Sounds like an amazing time---I followed your fight fun on Twitter...
You are such a blessing to me so many miles away!
Wendy
Hi Melissa!
How are you doing? You have been in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God will bless you in a special way today.
Blessings,
Pearls
Thank you for all P31 does to encourage & share His love! ceddins965@yahoo.com
Melissa:
Great to read an update. I am sure those ladies had their socks blessed off :)
The fact that you question your calling as a speaker simply means you're giving God all the glory. You're a vessel He can most surely use. I'll continue to pray for you to gain confidence in God's confidence in you as a willing servant.
Melissa,
It sound like you and the ladies from Southside had a great time. I am sure your messaged blessed each one of them.
I love how God confrims that we are His and He is using us! Thank you for being His girl and allowing Him to use you in such a mighty way!!
much love!
Micca
Hi Melissa!
We are so blessed that God chose you to spend the weekend with us at the Southside Ladies Retreat.
From beginning to end, getting to know you has been a joy. Your love for Christ and passion to show us how much He loves us is just contagious!
You have 52 new, life long friends in Chesterfield, VA.
I'm so honored to call you my friend. Missy Bingaman-Retreat Director
How great is our God! Thanks for sharing Melissa.
Oh, Melissa, it is such a blessing to read this after praying for you and for this event. So thankful God used you in a mighty way to speak to His women!!!
Love you,
Wendy
When you left for the retreat you may have felt you had nothing to give but I am sure God thought differently. Thank you for your sharing your words from your heart "… giving your life to Christ and becoming His best friend, and relying on Him each… every day to walk with you and to get you through life….it is my relationship with the Lord that gives me the strength and desire to keep going despite my circumstances. I am nothing without Him. I can be anything with Him." Those particular words spoke strongly to me and were a message I needed to hear tonight. Thank you - Kim
I love ladies retreats. Haven't been to one in awhile. I would love to go to one where the P31 ladies speak.
anyone know of one close to Lincoln, NE?
I found you from Lysa
thanks for being used by God
Jackie
I agree with Jackie, I would so love to go the a retreat where some of the P31 ladies are. Ever coming to the NW Indiana/Chicago area?
Thanks for your ministry!
Blessings
Kim
Just catching up on your blog today. I love you friend and I am thanking Jesus for confirming again that you are HIS and that you are called to speak of all that He is and all that He offers and believes for us as His beautiful daughters!
I know the women at your retreat will never be the same after seeing Jesus in you!!
Love,
Renee
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