The Cabin Retreat

Upon arriving home, a mass e-mail was sent out and we were all to reply to all, stating what we had learned over the weekend. It was a fantastic weekend, and here are the replies given so far (without names attached, though, in case someone cares :-) ): I was blessed by them, and I hope you all will be, too.

"Yes we were surrounded with the breathtaking beauty of the fall foilage and rolling hills and ICE MOUNTAIN....but I was more taken with the beauty of the people surrounding me....wow! Each one of you blessed me in your own special way. I love how everyone is so diverse, but each has their own gifts and talents and dare I say quirks (LOVE IT). Anyhow, I am so blessed by the way you all have accepted me into your community. I've only know you all for a short time, yet I feel like we're old friends....thank you for that.

I love how God uses little moments (aka weekend or what have you) as little mini retreats. I needed to have this time to just be, and step away from the craziness of what I know as life--and to just be God's daughter. I love how God communicated His love to me through you, His creation, and hey...let's not forget--His stars. I can get lost looking at His stars---and what a show God put on this weekend...SUPER STREAKERS (okay, maybe not as big as the one Joseph saw, but extraordinary enough for me). Anyhow, Andrea can ramble--so I'll sum it up. I was blessed and I am blessed---so let me be a blessing!!!! :)

Thank you all, thank you Jesus!"

"1. I learned that no matter how big the group is, if you have the right plan and the right people in place, it's still going to be organized.

2. I learned that you God doesn't also need to use sermon or even a person to get a point across. .

3. I learned that you can still be tired after a long weekend of relaxing.

4. I learned that I can worship more freely when I'm around a group of people that I can trust.

5. I learned that if it seems like something is impossible, if it needs to be done, God will allow it to be done.

6. I learned that the Holy Spirit can take people from different walks of life, who come up with a different thing to share, and make each thing fit to what God has to say (and make all the points come together)

I enjoyed hanging out, talking, chatting, meeting new people, building other relationships etc. It was a blast. I feel very blessed (And you all should be too) have this group of friends. THis is a special group. :)"

"What I learned....That God is so real and awesome and really does show up and work on our hearts each in our own way, regardless of how far we are from him....
That ladybugs crawling up your back or down or crack is still gross even though they are PRETTY and harmless
That I am a big wuss-e-woo when it comes to cold and prefer being by the fire or snuggled in bed
That witnessing to others is the most fantastic high the Lord created - because having the Spirit talk FOR me and through me is thrilling....and reminds me how DEEP and how WIDE and how TALL and how strong HIS love is....
That Joshua Gravis really is the most friendly man in the world....even when he's stressed
That Mr. Houston was born to do things like choppping wood....
That I enjoy Philip's songs all week in my car but nothing compares to in person.....
That Sara Baker is a talented poet who is published...........
That Andrea is a huge blessing in my life......
That Dan the Man can praise God by running around in a field making me see how openly and honest he approaches the Lord with his whole being...........
That God works intricately, weaving together moments -- like a call from Romania at Cracker Barrel that will bless you dramatically ..........That I am blessed to have found this group after years of wandering ...(hee hee...at least it didn't take 38 years and 9 months!!)
That reading scripture round robin with a huge group including believers and non-believers is POWERFUL!!!!That hearing about the incredible faith that others had in attending this retreat warms my soul -- Yeah---SHERWIN and JASON and FRANSCISCO!!!!
That Diane can cook up a mighty meal for the masses in a VERY humble kitchen!!!"

"
I learned:

that I can sleep on a slanted bed without sliding on to the floor . . .

that there are a gad-zillion lady bugs in America, most of which reside in the Old Peer Place . . .

that 40 people can successfully manage with only 1 bathroom . . .

that I actually can cook for 40 people with good results despite no commercial equipment but with fantastic help (thanks James) . . .

that I can still hike at least halfway up a mountain . . .

that suspended bridges are really cool . . .

that my love of horses and ability to get along with them is as strong as ever . . .

that I love the wonderful group of men and women who went on the cabin retreat . . .

that I'd like to do it again, but at a place with more cabins and bathrooms . . .

that I still feel closest to God in the glorious nature He created!"

"I learned that it is great to take time to get away, even if it isn’t a long time.
I learned that if you haven’t played football in more than a year, you are going to be sore after playing several hours in one day.
I learned that you can keep good friends even if you don’t see them but once in a while.
I learned that West Virginia has some beautiful rolling hills.
I learned that I am grateful for having the opportunity to go and to know a good group of young Christian people.
I learned that I learned that things don’t have to be structured and mapped out for God to work in our lives.
I learned that cellos can be brought on camping trips.
I learned that you can fit 25 people in a cabin with only three bedrooms.
I learned that if you sleep under a table you are bound to hit your head at least once."

"Lord,

I want to thank You and give You all the glory for all the wonderful facets/gifts/blessings of Your Body that I saw at the cabin such as Dan Dubinsky and Andrea, Your beating heart of love; Sally (Mom), Your expression of humbleness; Diane (Mom) and Joshua, Your arms of acceptance; Philip, Mary Beth, and Elijah, Your passion for creativity; Sara Baker and Angela, Your eyes that see true beauty; Tim , Your ears that listen to the heart; Joseph M. and Leslie Schlosser, Your inexorable patience; Marie Baldi, Your heart of sweet compassion; Jeff Walawender, Your knowledge of wisdom; Joe Bumba and Denise Wingerd, Your voice of encouragement; Pio, Your words of guidance; Joseph Houston, Your acts of humble and willing service; and all the other adopted children, the manifestations of Your desires, thoughts, expressions,...which compliment Your majestic, omniexistence.

I praise and thank You, Father.

Amen."

"1. i learned that no matter how much planning i put into something, it is more important to be open to the leadership of the Spirit, considering carefully the mood and happenings of the people, and also being sensitive to the needs of individuals within our community.
2. i experienced the importance of delegation: i could not have played the cello if my life depended on it, nor could i have cooked such amazing food, nor inspired myself to walk around singing and dancing like a "fool for Christ." it takes every body part to make up your body, so consider that it takes each person present to contribute his or her gifts for our body to function together.
3. i foresee the Lord doing a work in His people to grow them beyond their capacity. what will you do with the growth He produces in your heart? will you only hold onto it for yourself? OR WILL YOU ALLOW HIS LIGHT TO SHINE THROUGH YOU, LOVING THOSE WHOM HE PUTS INTO YOUR LIFE WITH THE LOVE THAT HE HAS FOR THEM?"

"THINGS I LEARNED FROM TRIP:
- It's hard to sleep when u can't feel your toes :-P
- No matter which direction I sit near the campfire, I'll always have the smoke hit me.
- I can't get enough of fellowship with this group!
- I needed to have a quiet me & God time!
- Kids are one of the best stress-relievers/encouragers! And they don't even know it :)
- No matter how long the time, any time with God & my fellow brothers & sisters in Christ is worth while! ( I got to know some new people & got closer to ones I already knew)"