Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Waiting for Rise and Shine

In 11 days the Rise and Shine women's retreat will be taking place! In a way I've been looking forward to this since last October when the first retreat was held. This year Lysa TerKeurst from Proverbs 31 will be joining us and I know God has great things in store.

We have been meeting and planning for close to a year and it's exciting to see all the details coming together. God is obviously putting the pieces together once again and I'm anticipating Him filling in the gaps this year as well.

It's been wonderful to connect with others who are attending this year through our Facebook page and it will be great to put a face to a name. There are so many things to look forward to, but at the same time there are so many things to do yet!

I know in the days ahead there are loose ends we need to tie up, final decisions to be made and finishing touches to be put on. And there are prayers that we must continue to pray!

But at the same time there's more...the other day as I was anticipating the day of Rise and Shine, I realized though the day is special and will be blessed, I really don't need to wait! God will speak on the 30th, but if I listen, He will speak today as well. God will create connections, but He'll also bring people across my path today. God will use me at the retreat in Cedar Falls, but He can work just as powerfully through me today in my home. His presence will be real at Orchard Hill Church, but He's here right now even as my children argue!

All of these thoughts remind me that Rise and Shine truly is more than a retreat; it is a way of life. I know the 30th will be wonderful, but at the same time, "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 It doesn't matter where we rise and shine; the important thing is we allow His light to shine!!

1 comment:

Kimberly said...

"All of these thoughts remind me that Rise and Shine truly is more than a retreat; it is a way of life."

I love that! :) What a great post, Jill. One that I know must thrill the heart of God. You are so, so right. We can hear Him, meet with Him, live for Him each and every day. :) We can so easily get focused on waiting for one special event...which it is totally okay to look forward to those retreats...but we have to be careful not to forget He is with us and ACTIVE right now! :) Thanks for this reminder!

I am praying for you and every lady involved...whether on your team or attending.

Hugs to you!
K
(P.S. I actually have a sign in my kitchen that says Rise and Shine. :) What a great reminder in my home...to pray for you and to remember every day is a day to rise and shine.)