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The “We Know a Better Way” Folks

They are all around us–the “we know a better way” folks.  We all have those women who, from their vantage point, always know a “better way” to do the things we are doing.  Often, their ideas and suggestions are valid, and could be helpful in the right time. But it does seem that these women are never available in the planning stages–but are more than happy to step up and offer their opinion after the ball is already rolling.  You have a plan for decorations, and are busy implementing that plan…and along comes that person who knows a better way and has a better idea.

What is your response going to be?  I know it’s frustrating, and it’s tempting to see their input as criticism of what your are doing. We can’t give in to the response our flesh would like to give! Instead, be kind, be graceful, be loving.  A simple “we’re going to do it this way this time” should suffice, followed by an invitation to be a part of the process for the next event.

 

 

Posted in: Lessons Learned, News & Information, Realities of Ministry

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Have You Visited the Website Recently?

Has it been awhile since you visited www.retreatinabag.net? I thought so!  There are changes!  My wonderful and tech-savvy son made the time to help me out and make the site more user-friendly. Pages have been updated and resources should be easier to find.  In addition, I’ve been busy adding new content.

In “Free Resources” I have added a new graphic (“A Fruitful Garden”) and new skits, including “A Fruitful Garden” series, “Spring Cleaning” (one-act) and “Finding Your Way” (one-act). Free resources are available for you to download and use at any time.

In “Premium Resources” there have been some exciting updates and changes.  We have updated the cover of one of the Retreat-in-a-Bag books (“Disciplesheep”), added a graphic to the “Hidden Riches” Retreat Guide, and  added a brand new Retreat Guide entitled “Wonders in the Deep.”  What is the difference between the books and the guides?  The three Retreat-in-a-Bag books were originally intended to include as much information as possible about carrying out a retreat theme in one place (thus the name); they include all sorts of general information in addition to all of the theme-specific resources and creative suggestions. As the website has been up an running now for more than a couple years, much of the general information found in the books can be found on the website.  So the Retreat Guides have been shortened to include only theme-specific resources and creative suggestions.  I have to add that each of the books and guides represents some of our favorite retreat themes and skits!

Posted in: Latest Downloads, News & Information, Website News

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Why Not?

As retreat season ramps up into high gear, I have some thoughts for your planning committee:

Posted in: Retreat and Event Planning, Book Table, Inspirations, Little Things Make a Big Difference!, News & Information, Retreat Remembrances, Skits

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Where Everyone Knows Your Name

I am reprinting a popular blog from a couple years ago.  I thought it apropos as we all gear up for our fall women’s events!

I heard this song (from a 1980’s sitcom) again this week, and I think the lyrics hit the nail on the head as far as “step one” in caring for our women. You may recognize these familiar lyrics:

                                 Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name…

                                And they’re always glad you came…

                                You wanna be where you can see your troubles are all the same…

                                You wanna be where everybody knows your name.”

I think that song writer was onto something!  Maybe the very first way that we can show our women that we care is by learning their name….and letting them know that we are glad they came…and being open and honest so they know that they are not alone in their struggles.

How can we create that caring atmosphere in our women’s ministries?  I know we all want it–we want everyone to feel welcomed and comfortable in a safe environment that encourages open sharing. I think it has to start in our leadership and trickle down from there. We as leaders need to do what it takes to learn names and go out of our way to welcome people.  We need to be open and honest about our daily walk and daily struggles and temptations so that we can all come to the foot of the cross together in weakness and humility.

Posted in: Inspirations, Little Things Make a Big Difference!, News & Information

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What Worked Before

I can tell from the number of “hits” on this website that many are looking ahead and starting to plan for upcoming women’s events and retreats.  We are too.  So far, we have the theme, the date and the venue nailed down.  We thought we had a speaker, but we are back to square one on that. Here in the planning stages, I have to admit, our retreat schedules and activities look very much the same from year to year.  We alway have promise verses; we always have a quiet time study; for the past few years, we have done an interactive Bible study workshop, all of which our ladies have come to expect along with the teaching sessions.

During Bible study this spring, I felt like the Lord spoke to me from a story in the Old Testament.  If you remember, in Exodus 17, the children of Israel were wandering in the wilderness and there was no water for them to drink.  The Lord told Moses to take his rod and strike the rock in Horeb.  When he did, water came out for the people to drink.  Later, in Numbers 20, Moses faced a similar situation–thirsty complaining Israelites.  This time the Lord told Moses to take his rod and speak to the rock, and it would give forth water.  However, Moses took the rod and struck the rock twice.  Water again came out for the people.  However, this was an act of unbelief and disobedience, and because of it, God punished Moses.

I have always looked at this story as willful disobedience on the part of Moses. However, I looked at the story a little differently this time.  What if Moses was doing what he knew worked the first time?  That doesn’t excuse his disobedience, but it does make me understand him a little better.

As we plan this year, are we falling back on schedules and activities which have worked before? Or are we seeking the Lord for His direction, being open to His changes and new things?  It is something to ponder.  I don’t want to fall into sin just because I was only doing what worked before. Don’t be tied to the past; don’t assume that what worked before is how God wants to work now!

Posted in: Retreat and Event Planning, Inspirations, Lessons Learned, News & Information

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