The retreat...

Before the retreat, on Thursday night, we went to Moon River Pizza (yum) and hung out with the boys as well as the girls. It was good times.

Friday, we got up and made 72 hot dogs and gave them out with chips and a coke to the homeless guys downtown. Then we had lunch in the park, and went to get pedicures. Good fun. We drove to Kissimmee and checked in.We rented a four bedroom town house in one of those time share like communities. It was huge and beautiful. Then we went grocery shopping and cooked dinner. Yum. We had our "opening ceremony" and Brandi led it. It was really good.
I measure success by the amount of tears and laughter. It was successful.

The next morning we went to the pool. They had a big water slide and a lazy river. Totally fun. Then we went back to the house and had small groups. We went out to dinner, and then came back. I led the night session. I had written a song. There were tears...success. The first night Brandi had us all write down what makes each person beautiful, and we all had our own sheet. SO, Sat. night I had us read them to each other and then the person had to look in the mirror and say, "I am beautiful." It was difficult for some of us. It is hard to believe we are beautiful when we've been calling ourselves ugly (inside and out) all our lives. But...God makes all things new...and all women inherently beautiful.
Sunday morning we got up and went to Wekiva Springs and went canoeing...so much fun. And we swam in the springs. We saw an alligator too...just a baby one. So cute. Then we went back to Orlando and saw a concert with Shane & Shane and Josh Wilson. Josh Wilson amazed me. He is such a great performer. And what he could do with that guitar - unbelievable. And God spoke to me through His lyrics too. Through the same song that Brandi put on our "Captivating" playlist. Here are the words:

Try and pretend that you're okay
But I don't believe the smile you fake
It's about time that you stopped saving face
I'll meet you where you are,
I'll meet you where you are

Why don't you let me, let me love you
Oh, you don't have to prove a thing
Why don't you let me, let me love you
For you who you are, not who you should be
Let me love youA
nd I will let you love me too

Why are you scared to tell the truth
What do you think you're gonna lose
You know we're forgiven, not accused
I'll meet you where you are,
I'll meet you where you are

Why don't you let me, let me love you
Oh, you don't have to prove a thing
Why don't you let me, let me love you
For you who you are, not who you should be
Let me love you
And I will let you love me


I am letting God love me...just as I am. And He's doing a pretty dang good job at it. You should try it...FR! It's FABO!