About a year ago, God put it into my heart to have a ladies’ retreat here in Butler. I’d never done this before, but I began to step out in faith and God began to orchestrate it beautifully.
I asked my speaker friends Diane Bishop and Patty Bartlett if they would speak. God brought a worship leader, Carolyn Bolinger, who led a sweet time of worship on Friday night and Saturday morning and afternoon. My daughter Heather, her friends and I did a funny drama skit using zumba.
My friends Theresa Erickson, her daughter Genevieve and her daughter-in-law Nina, Debbie Nagel, Diane, Patty, and Heather helped me with cooking, decorating, serving coffee, and clean-up. I couldn’t have done this without their help! Genevieve let me use some of her Premiere jewelry as display pieces on some beautiful chests I found to use for decorating tables.
My masseuse friend Bonnie came Friday night to give the women free massages. The businesses in town generously donated gifts for many door prizes, which the ladies loved. Pat Decker and Bonnie (our massese) donated the grand doorprizes, an overnight stay at a bed and breakfast and a free, one-hour massage. The Butler radio station donated $100 of free air time for advertising the event. God’s favor was upon us.
Diane and Patty did an awesome time teaching. The ladies ate delicious food, fellowshipped with each other, and we prayed for women’s needs. It was a success, with 20 women attending who gave only positive feedback and asked us to do it again! Everyone was blessed, but I think I was blessed more than anyone to see how God arranged every detail and deeply ministered to the women there. When you step out in faith, God will bless it and provide every need!
Here are some pics from the event for you to enjoy.
Treasure chest decoration with purple tablecloths, rose petals, & Premiere jewelry
Carolyn Bolinger, our worship leader for the retreat
Praying for an attendee on Friday night
Our wonderful masseuse, Bonnie, massaging the ladies on Friday night
Saturday morning brunch – this shows only part of the delicious food we had
Ladies enjoying the brunch
Patty Bartlett did an anointed, wonderful teaching relating to essential oils and herbs on Saturday
Diane Bishop teaching on Saturday – she’s an anointed teacher and got rave reviews from everyone
Mrs. Mathis and Frances Lawrence, some of the attendees
Theresa Erickson, her daughter Genevieve, and DIL Nina
The 3 Speakers for the retreat: Diane Bishop, Me, and Patty Bartlett
Thank you, Lord God, for all You did and will do! To You belongs the praise and glory!