A Habit Of Rudeness

I am frustrated. It seems that everywhere I turn, someone is rude. In fact, I think I must have a sign around my neck that is invisible to me, but visible by everyone else, that says "Be As Rude To Me As You Possibly Can".

Let me give you a prime example of what I mean. Last week my family and I decided to grab some dinner out. We were coming from different directions, so we drove two cars. My husband and kids were already at the restaurant, and I arrived a few minutes later. Parking was scarce, so when I spotted an open space, I stopped the car. There was a woman standing beside this empty space, standing outside of her car but leaning into the open door speaking with the driver. I was really in no hurry, so I patiently waited for her to finish her conversation, checked my phone messages, cleaned out a few pieces of trash in my car, and then looked up to see if it was clear to park yet. She then slammed her car door, moved to the other side of the open parking space, and began making exaggerated gestures in my direction, summoning that it was okay for me to park. Then she began mocking the way I had rested my head on my hand while I was patiently waiting for her to move, and yelling at me. Honestly, I was in shock, and wondering what in the world had I done to this woman? I had not beeped my horn, made ugly or impatient gestures at her, or yelled out the window to ask her to hurry up. I was completely confused why she was acting this way. I parked and got out of my car, closed the door, and began walking towards the restaurant, and she proceeded to yell curse words at me across the parking lot, call me an ugly name several times, and make a few physical threats. I simply made sure not to make eye contact and walk as quickly as I could towards the safety of the restaurant where other people were around. This woman scared me.

A few days ago I had stopped in CVS to get a few items, and upon leaving the parking lot, and since there were no cars behind me, I slowed down to answer a phone call. While talking on the phone, I was unaware that someone had exited the store and apparently I was blocking their car from leaving their parking space. This man proceeded to get out of the car, stand in front of my window, cuss, and flail his arms around in the air! I apologized and moved on, but was in awe of his rudeness (and the fact that I seem to attract these people somehow! )

Obviously these were extreme situations, but things like this happen every day to people all over America. It seems that today's society is caught up in a habit of rudeness, and people seem to feel fully justified in treating others rudely.

Someone cuts you off in traffic, practically causing you to wreck, then makes rude gestures to you as if you have done something wrong. The store clerk hates her job, so she treats her customers as a major inconvenience in her day. The drive-thru clerk can't see you when you are ordering, therefore no need to be polite or friendly. The boss knows you are required to be subordinate to him or her, so feels no obligation to treat you with simple consideration. The woman who bumps into you at the mall looks at you like you have just assaulted her and mumbles some words under her breath as she huffs off. The receptionist at your child's school is annoyed that you even called, much less the fact that she had to take a message. I could go on, but I"ll stop there.

What is happening to our world? What happened to the days when people said please and thank you, excuse me and no problem? What happened to the days when people opened the door for you, instead of knocking you out of the way to get through the door first? What happened to general kindness and consideration of others? What happened to patience and wearing a smile?

I think we are all guilty, myself included, of not making a conscious effort to be polite, friendly, kind and considerate of those around us. I have found that wearing a smile, not only on our face, but also in our heart, is a choice we have to make each day. But when the rest of the world seems to be in a bad mood every day, and then they inflict their bad moods on you and me, how do we handle that rudeness in a Christian manner? When our blood pressure is rising and anger is pursed at our lips, how do we keep from acting like everyone else?

Jesus is the only answer. Despite criticism, harsh treatment, judgement, hatred, insults, etc., Jesus never responded in a rude manner. Oh how I wish I could be more like Him, but at least we have His words to remind us of how He desires for our hearts to be full of love towards one another. Here are a few great verses to memorize into your heart so that you can call on these scriptural truths when someone is treating you rudely:

Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger"
Psalm 141:3 “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Proverbs 10:32 “The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse."

It is not easy to be polite to others, when they are not being polite to you. I have heard preachers tell stories of fighting rudeness with kindness, and how it often turns people around. For example, a grumpy store clerk was not speaking to anyone in line as she rung up their items. She was short and curt with anyone who spoke to her. But when someone asked her how her day was going, if she was enjoying the weather, and complimented her appearance, her entire demeanor changed. She smiled and engaged in the conversation, then told the customer to have a nice day as he left the store.

Did she have a bad attitude, or did the people in line? The world may never know. But this is a great test for us all to take. We should ask ourselves.....is someone being rude to me, because I had a rude look on my face, even inadvertently? Is someone being rude to me, because I was not very polite to them? Is there something I should change about my own attitude and behavior that would deter rudeness being fired in my direction? Would a stranger that I come in contact with know that I am a Christian based solely on my brief interaction with them? If I am honest with myself, would I have to say that I too have gotten caught up in society's habit of rudeness? Hmmmmmm.

It takes a true Christian heart to be kind to someone, when they so obviously are not giving you that same courtesy. But isn't that what God calls us to do? To set ourselves apart from the world, to be different, to act in gentle love, and keep watch over our lips. To have an attitude of love, and a smile on our face, despite our circumstances.

Yes all that is true, but we all know that it is not easy. It takes practice. I need practice. Maybe that is why God is bringing so many rude people into my path. Is it possible that God is working on my heart, and trying to soften my heart towards people who have bitterness in their hearts? Is it possible God has a purpose for me by subjecting me to so many bizarre situations of rudeness? Without a doubt. I have come to believe that whenever something continues to happen over and over, then God is at work on something in my life. He knows our weak areas, and it is His job as our Father to help us see those weaknesses, and gain strength in areas of our life where we are struggling.

So far, I am not sure that I have pleased God with my responses or actions to rude people, but I am committed to turning my attitude around. The next time a person is rude to me, instead of entertaining thoughts of vengeance, turning away or giving them a blank stare of disbelief, I am going to say a quick prayer, and ask God to help me respond in kindness. Even if the person does not reciprocate in kindness, at least I will be able to walk away knowing that I responded in a Christian manner. It only takes a spark to get a fire going.... maybe my spark will make a difference.

Have you ever seen that insurance commercial where someone does something kind for a total stranger, then that person does something kind for another stranger, then that person does something kind to someone else, etc., etc.? There is a domino affect of kindness, all as a result of one person's small act of kindness. It is a wonderful commercial with a great lesson. If we spread kindness, even through one interaction with a stranger, and leave a sweet fragrance of our presence on the lives of those we come in contact with, maybe they will share that fragrance with someone else. Maybe just responding one time in kindness to a rude comment or grumpy look, will transfer kindness to many people throughout the day.

It's worth a try, and despite the outcome, I know God will reward us for our obedience to live in His ways. It only takes one person to make a difference, and with God on our side, who can be against us? Will it be easy? Nope. Will it be worth it? Absolutely. Make someone smile today! :)

The Scary Truth About Kids Internet Games

My kids have branded with me the title, "strictest mom on earth". If I had a dollar for every time I heard the words, "but everyone else gets to do it!", or "my friend's mom's don't care!", I would be a rich woman.

I admit, that Michael and I are more restrictive about what our children can and cannot do than many other parents we know, but we know in our hearts that we are trying to raise them in a Godly home and teach them good traditional values, even though we live in a non-traditional society. These restrictions include the normal parental type things, but also very limited computer usage, primarily because we have been stung before with the internet teaching our kids about things they had no business learning about at their ages, and the peer pressure they experience to visit certain sites. So as a result, they can use the computer for homework and a couple internet games that I checked out and deemed safe. Despite the trends among teens today, my kids are very internet deprived: they are not allowed to have a My Space page, or visit other people's My Space pages; they cannot have a Facebook page, or visit Facebook; they cannot search for videos on YouTube; or visit any other non-monitored sites where potential predators could be stalking, or where other teenagers are ranting and raving about everything under the sun, while using every curse word that was ever invented in the english language.

Normally my children are frustrated and even aggravated by not being allowed the same unsupervised internet freedom as their friends, but today, my two sweet middle school daughters are giving me a little more credit than usual.

Last night after being at the beach for three days, and enjoying a long but pleasant mother's day with three important "moms" in my life, we returned home around 8:30pm. We had only been home for two hours in the afternoon in between mothers day gatherings, and I was ready to rest for a while. But no sooner had I sat down, the doorbell rang.

I opened the door, to find a policeman standing in front of me. Knowing that I had not committed any crimes and had no reason to bolt out the back door, I politely greeted him, as he confirmed my name and address with complete accuracy. He then proceeded to inform me that someone from California had contacted the local police department because they thought someone in my house had threatened to commit suicide while playing an online internet game. The purpose for his visit was to check on the well being of our family.

What??!! I was appalled at the thought, but then just laughed it off. What a ridiculous accusation. I was sure that he was at the wrong house, but after calling the station to doublecheck his info, he confirmed he was at the right house.

I assured him that there was no one in my home who was emotionally disturbed, and that we certainly did not have any family members with suicidal tendencies. Since my 11 year old daughter was the only one who had played on the computer during the brief interval that we we had been at home, I calmly asked her if she had said anything about suicide on the game she had been playing, and with wide eyes, she adamantly said no. After a brief private discussion with the officer, and after convincing him that me and my family were safe and mentally stable, he said goodnight and left.

I came back into the house, only to find my daughter having an emotional breakdown, because she was convinced that she was either going to be arrested or seriously punished. Since she had previously told me she had not said anything about suicide, I was a little taken aback by her reaction. After wiping her tears, consoling her, and assuring her that honesty is always the best policy, she admitted that while she was playing the popular children's internet game of Club Penguin, she had playfully said to another penguin who turned down her request to play, "I hate myself, I'm going to kill myself!". But she was just fooling around, and thought nothing more of it. For some reason, kids in her school run around saying that, just as a funny expression in response to silly comments, but not with any real meaning. We had a long talk about the severity of that statement, and that it should not be said again and she sniffed, and agreed to comply.

Here is the scary part - when the officer had arrived, and explained the reason for his presence, he informed me that the caller from California had provided them with all the information they needed to check up on me. The caller had somehow tracked down my personal computer's IP address from where my daughter had been playing the game. The caller had somehow researched and confirmed my internet account and retrieved my full name. And the caller had looked up my home address. This mystery caller; this mystery stranger from across the country whom we have never met; this person who was playing a game with my young child on the internet, on a children's play site, mind you -- knew enough information about me to send an officer directly to my front door.

Until yesterday, I thought Club Penguin was safe (www.clubpenguin.com). I thought it was merely a site where kids played against or with the computer, not against or with total strangers from around the world. I had no idea that a complete stranger could track down all of our personal information and be able to end up at our house.

The shocking fact that total strangers can find out so much personal information about me, down to the IP address of the computer sitting in my kitchen, is a scary revelation that has stuck in my mind all day. I was disappointed in myself that I didn't check this site out a little further. Me, the official strictest mom in the world, had allowed her kids to play on a site where they could interact with people unknown to me. ........... but in my defense, it was a kid's game, with cute little penguins who waddled around and scooted innocently across the screen!! Who knew?!

Obviously, Club Penguin website play is no longer allowed at my home. This time we were lucky. It seems that the person who tracked us down was only looking after our best interest. But what if that had not been the case? What if the person who showed up at our front door was not an officer, but a violent criminal, or a sexual predator, or a kidnapper? The thought sends chills up my spine.

This goes to show, that you never know who your kids could be talking to online. You can never be too careful. If you are like me, you would assume that only kids would be playing on the kids game site, but that is not so. And like me, you may think that your kids are great kids..... they would never visit pornography sites; they would never bad mouth other kids on IM or start painful rumors about innocent school mates; they would never upload inappropriate pictures of themselves to Youtube or to their My Space page; they would never talk with strangers online. NEVER SAY NEVER. Good kids make mistakes. Good kids get caught up in the ways of this world, and the temptations of the amazing technology that is available today. Good kids get hurt.

I am just a mom, not a perfect mom, not an all knowing mom, but just an average mom. But I know with all my heart that the internet is a scary place. It is a boiling pot that holds millions of poisons that are just waiting to seep into the minds of innocent children, and adults. It holds millions of opportunities for child predators to seek out and locate children who think they are just playing a safe and innocent kids game. It holds bits of information that allows total strangers to show up on our doorsteps.

I truly believe that most parents today give their kids far too much internet freedom, even if they think are strict parents, and it can only come back to haunt them. Just a few words of advice from an average, every day mom trying to raise good kids:

1) never let your kids have a computer in their room
2) always have the computer in the family room where constant supervision can be monitored
3) invest in some internet security to block inappropriate sites
4) talk to your kids about child predators and the dangers of talking with strangers online
5) check the history on your computer frequently
6) check out every site that your child visits, even if looks innocent; play the games yourself first
7) never assume that your child knows better

Sometimes I think how much easier it might be to allow my children to do whatever they want to do, whenever they want to do it, with whomever they choose. It would be much less hassle to not try to keep track of their friendships or get to know their friend's parents before they can spend the night at their house. It would prevent a lot of arguments and headaches if I just said "yes" to every request pertaining to their ever evolving social life, and said "that looks great honey!" to every t-shirt and mini-skirt that reveals just a little too much. Life could be so much easier if I just trusted them to make good decisions, and put all my faith in the hopes that I have done a good job raising them so far and that they know right from wrong.

But God didn't call me to just be the friend, the supporter, the pal, or just the one who pays the bills, cooks dinner and washes their clothes - He called me to be the parent. He entrusted my precious children to my care, and God expects, and commands, me to care for them just as He would do. I know they are His, but they are mine in this life, and it is my duty to raise them.

So today... I'll take that extra credit that my girls are bestowing upon me, even if it is for brief time. Today they have seen first hand how people can find out who they are, where they live, and how to get to them. They now truly understand the dangers of the internet, even though my husband and I had tried to warn them many times before. Today, they saw a policeman standing at our door, and the warnings of danger hit home.

Today, I'm proud to wear a big sign around my neck that says "Strictest Mom In The World". I know that one day, they will thank me for it, and possibly, if I am lucky, they may even ask to wear it themselves.

Proverbs 22:6 Point your kids in the right direction – when they’re old they won’t be lost.
(The Message)

Proverbs 22:15 Young people are prone to foolishness and fads; the cure comes through tough-minded discipline (The Message)

Keeping Up With The Jones

Well, I have always heard that we should not try to keep up with the Jones's, but in this case, I have given in! Blogging seems to be the way to go these days, so here I am! I am looking forward to sharing my life with my friends and family and all those who visit my blog from around the country through their involvement with Proverbs 31. It is a blessing and an honor to be able to communicate with you, and I hope that many of you will take time to read my entries and post your comments and feedback.

Being a mother of an active eight year old son, and having two daughters in middle school, there is never a dull moment in our household. Not a day goes by that we don't have a sports practice to go, or several practices to juggle, cramming in dinner before we have to leave, nursing minor injuries when we get home, and facing a little dose of sibling rivalry over who the gets the first shower, although no one wants to be the first one ready for bed. All this after long days at school, problems with boys, issues with friends, who said what to who and when and why, homework, and 423 text messages. Isn't life fun!

God has blessed me immeasurably with a wonderful husband and three beautiful healthy children, so to be perfectly honest, I treasure each one of the things I mentioned above. Life is full of seasons, and I am thoroughly enjoying this busy but rewarding season in my life of being a wife, mom, and servant of Christ.

Until tomorrow........

Teaching The Called

The call to ministry is an invitation to unequalled privilege and excitement, and none of us would argue that. It is an invitation to unsurpassed blessing as well, however, it is often an invitation to discouragement, disappointment and stress.

Teaching The Called is a motivational and informative experience for anyone who has been called to lead, support or be a part of the womens ministry program at their church. There are many unique opportunities and challenges that present themselves that come alongside of being involved wiht ministry, and this conference has been structured to meet those needs for encouragement and inspiration.

Leaders will walk away from this conference excited, re-energized and passionate about serving Jesus Christ through ministering to women in their local church and community. Whether you are a bible study teacher, a pastor's wife, a missionary, or a women's ministry leader, you will benefit from attending this conference!

The all day seminar includes the following six 45-minute sessions. Praise and worship, meals, skits, etc. can be incorporated into the day by the church event coordinator as desired. This conference can be customized to meet your needs within a church, or to foster an attitude for passion for womens ministry throughout your community and surrounding cities.

For a detailed description of the below session topics, please visit the speaking topics page.

1. TAKING OFF THE MASKS: Learning to live a transparent life for Christ
2. EMPOWERED BY A WHISPER
3. CULTIVATING A HEART FOR SERVANT LEADERSHIP
4. EMBRACING THE CALL
5. STAYING FILLED UP SO YOU WON'T BURN OUT
6. BUILDING A STRONG WOMEN'S MINISTRY PROGRAM

This conference cannot take place without you! If you are interested in being a Host Church for a Teaching The Called Conference, please email traciewmiles@carolina.rr.com to request an information sheet, or contact Tracie at 704-975-1958.

Retreat Ideas For Event Planners

Having served as a leader in women’s ministry at her home church for six years, in addition to working with dozens of retreat planners over the years, Tracie knows first-hand how difficult it can be to plan a successful women’s retreat. The stress that comes with making all the decisions, from picking a date and overall theme, to the speaker, decorations, music and group activities, can often seem overwhelming.

So if you are an event planner or women’s ministry leader trying to begin planning an event, this information is just for you!

*Below you will find 15 suggested retreat themes and ideas, and suggestions for how Tracie’s topics can complement each other to make for a memorable retreat weekend. Keep in mind that these are simply suggestions, to give you some ideas, but that Tracie will be glad to work with you to customize an event that meets all of your expectations and the spiritual needs of your attendees.

*Each weekend retreat idea below includes multiple suggested titles, theme verses, decorating ideas, etc., in order to give you several ideas to consider. Retreats can include two, three or four topics (please see the Topics tab for full session descriptions). You will notice that some retreat sessions have been re-titled to reflect a suggested retreat theme, but the standard session title will be noted in parentheses.

*The “Speaker solo” suggestion is only applicable if you would like for Tracie to sing at your event. In addition to the suggested songs, she could also sing a song of your choice, either traditional or contemporary, if given enough time in advance to prepare. (This is completely optional, just a special offer for those who are interested or in need of a soloist.)

IDEA #1
Retreat Name: In Living Color; Reinventing Your Rainbow; A Weekend To Get Real; Colors of the Heart; The Color of Life
Goal: This retreat encourages women to see how God has been painting a rainbow in their lives through all of their good and bad experiences. They will glean a new perspective on how the colors of the rainbow actually symbolize our life experiences, and how God’s covenant promise impacts our lives today. Women will experience healing and forgiveness, and be inspired to begin living a transparent life, through gaining confidence and courage to be real with themselves, with God, and with others. Women will leave with an increased understanding of how God can use all things to His glory, and how He can turn our past into our purpose if we are willing to step out in faith and answer His call.
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 147:3; Genesis 9:13
Decorating Ideas: Mardi Gras masks; Rainbows; Colorful streamers; Pots of gold; Gold linens/all colors of linens; possible centerpieces - water pitchers with colored dye in each one; colorful flowers; paper mache’ rainbows;
Praise & Worship Song: The Revelation Song
Speaker Solo: The Real Me; Heal Me
Session Titles:
1. Letting Your True Colors Shine Through (Taking Off The Masks)
2. Reinventing Your Rainbow (Turning Your Past Into Your Purpose)
3.Glorifying God With Your Rainbow (Embracing The Call)

IDEA #2
Retreat Name: The Woman God Sees; The Woman In The Mirror; Seeing God’s Reflection In You; A Woman, God’s Treasure; God’s Treasure Box Weekend
Goal: This retreat will help women stop the self destructive pattern of comparing ourselves to others, and learn to see the treasure that we are in God’s eyes. It will help women to release feelings of shame and guilt, and realize how much Christ loves them despite their mistakes or shortcomings. Women will have the opportunity to embrace a new sense of identity, as they recognize that their value lies in who they are in Christ, not in the eyes of the world.
Theme Verse: Exodus 19:5; Isaiah 43:4; Luke 12:34
Decorating Ideas: Mirrors; silver mirrored paper for activities; Possible centerpiece ideas include shaped mirrors with elegant candles; black and white elegant theme; Or a beauty theme, with makeup/hair accessories, spa themed items; Or Treasure theme; jewels/jewelry boxes; faux pearls.
Speaker Solo: The Real Me; Heal Me; This One’s With Me: Who Am I
Session Titles:
1. Taking Off The Masks
2. Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life
3. Learning To Love the Woman In The Mirror

IDEA #3
Retreat Name: Out with the Old, in With the New; From Rags To Riches: Embracing Your New Life; Prescription For A New You; Turning Your Past Into Your Purpose
Goal: This retreat is focused on helping women discover that they can hear from God and strengthen their walk with Him as they learn to build an intimate relationship with Him through focus and prayer. They will hear Tracie’s testimony and embrace how God can use all things to His glory, and that He has the power to turn our past into our purpose when we are willing to step out of our comfort zones and into a life of faith and dependence on Him. They will leave with a greater understanding of how we truly are a new creation in Christ.
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:11-13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Luke 12:34; 2 Peter 3:18
Decorating Ideas: Rags to riches theme; spring flowers; new growth; healing; pharmacy/medical theme;
Speaker Solo: Come Just As You Are; Mercy Said No; This One’s With Me; Because I’m Forgiven; Who Am I: Fly Away
Session Titles:
1. Empowered By A Whisper
2. Taking Off The Masks
3. Turning Your Past Into Your Purpose

IDEA #4
Retreat Name: Woman to Woman; Leaving A Legacy Weekend; Making Your Mark
Goal: At this retreat, hearts will be healed and spirits restored as women realize that the key to true joy in life, is living a life sold out for Christ. Women will embrace a new sense of peace as they let go of the past, and embrace the future, recognizing their worth and value in God’s eyes. They will be encouraged to step out in faith and allow God to use them for great things, as they step out of their comfort zones and into the faith zone.
Theme Verse: Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Jeremiah 29:11
Decorating Ideas: friendship/girlfriend time; antiques/vintage theme; goal setting; mentoring; books; story telling
Speaker Solo: I Want To Leave A Legacy; Who Am I; The Real Me
Session Titles:
1.Taking Off The Masks
2.Turning Your Past Into Your Purpose

3.Embracing The Call

IDEA #5
Retreat Name: A Princess At Heart; Embracing Joy; The Call To Joy; Living With Joy
Goal: This retreat inspires women to take an inward look at their heart, and their attitude, and examine if their thoughts and actions are God-honoring. It will encourage them to embrace the opportunity for a joy-filled life, even amid difficult circumstances and hardships. Women will gain a renewed sense of self worth and identity as they recognize that their value comes from Christ alone and that He has selected them as His priceless possession.
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Chronicles 16:27; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 51:12
Decorating Ideas: princess themed items, shiny papers/decorations; crowns, high heels, feather scarfs; dress up; castle prop; mirrors; Disney items; antiques, vintage theme
Speaker Solo: Fly Away; Come Just As You Are
Session Titles:
1. Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life
2. Forever A Princess
3. Loving The Woman In The Mirror

IDEA #6
Retreat Name: Woman Overboard; Ultimate Stress Makeover Weekend: Stress-less, Live More; Discovering A Life of Peace; Embracing A Stress Free Life; Learning To Get Out Of the Boat;
Goal: This retreat helps women grasp the reality that they can hear from God on daily basis as they embark on a new journey of walking more intimately with Him. They will be reminded of how our attitude not only affects or life, but also our faith walk. They will walk away understanding that Jesus sincerely understands how they are feeling in the situations they are facing, and that He is the only source of true and lasting stress relief.
Theme Verse: Matthew 14:28; Exodus 33:14; Psalm 9:9-10; Psalm 145:18-19; Psalm 46:10a; Matthew 11:28-29
Decorating Ideas: various styles of Bibles, items that symbolize peace (crosses, clouds, blue skies, peace symbol); spa themed/relaxation items; soothing sound-scapes or relaxation music; ocean themed items; boats or marine theme; beach/sun-fun-surf theme.
Speaker Solo: Come Just As You Are; Praise You In This Storm; Jesus Take The Wheel; Held; He Will Carry Me
Session Titles:
1. Empowered By A Whisper
2. Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life
3. Woman Overboard: Finding A Ribbon of Calm In A Sea of Stress

IDEA #7
Retreat Name: Absolute Devotion; Life With A Purpose; Living A Life That Matters; A Weekend For Worship; Friendship And Faith; A Passionate Pursuit of Faith & Friendship; Friendship Matters.
Goal: This retreat is focused on helping women discover a renewed understanding of the importance of an intimate friendship with Jesus, found through prayer, worship, God’s Word, and time with Him. It is a weekend that can be focused on the importance of friendships in our life, and with Jesus. Women will walk away encouraged to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be attentive to how He speaks to their spirits, and to embrace the joy found in a passionate pursuit of Christ.
Decorating Ideas: bibles or religious themed items; items that symbolize peace (crosses, clouds, blue skies, still waters, nature, peace symbols) ; girlfriend theme; if event is in February, consider a valentines or heart theme;
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:13; Psalm 46:10a; Proverbs 3:5-6
Speaker Solo: Come Just As You Are; Heal Me: The Real Me
Session Titles:
1. Empowered By A Whisper
2. Absoloute Devotion
3. Embracing The Call

IDEA #8
Retreat Name: A Journey Worth Taking; An Adventure of Faith; In His Steps
Goal: This retreat is focused on helping women discover a renewed understanding of the importance of an intimate friendship with Jesus, found through prayer, worship, God’s Word, and time with Him. It is a weekend that can be focused on the importance of friendships in our life, and with Jesus. Women will walk away encouraged to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be attentive to how He speaks to their spirits, and to embrace the joy found in a passionate pursuit of Christ.
Decorating Ideas: bibles, devotional items, running shoes, pathways, luggage pieces, airplanes, cars
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:13; Psalm 46:10a; Proverbs 3:5-6
Speaker Solo: Come Just As You Are; Run To Jesus; Find Your Wings
Session Titles:
1. Empowered By A Whisper
2. Taking A Walk To Remember (Absolute Devotion)
3. Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zones (Embracing The Call)

IDEA # 9
Retreat Names: Daughters of the King; A Royal Weekend; An Indigo Retreat; Women of Royalty; His Princess
Goal: This weekend encourages women to see themselves as ordinary people, in the hands of an extraordinary God. Women will leave with a renewed sense of their identity in Christ, and a new perspective on who they are, and where their personal worth comes from. Attendees will also experience a new perspective on how to hear from God in their life, and how to live a life that is intimately connected with Him. Women will walk away feeling royal and empowered to be all God created them to be and to live a life that exudes His power within them.
Decorating Ideas: crowns, jewels, faux jewelry and necklaces, linens and decorations with royal colors, such as purple, indigo, ivory and red.
Theme Verse: Psalm 46:10a; 1 John 3:1a; Job 4:12
Speaker Solo: Who Am I; Fly Away; Come Just As You Are
Session Titles:
1. Forever A Princess
2. Empowered By A Whisper
3. Loving The Woman In The Mirror

IDEA #10
Retreat Names: Transforming the Mind, Reforming The Life; A Weekend of Transformation; Heart, Mind and Soul Restoration;
Goal: This retreat gives women an opportunity to purify their hearts, minds and souls and get right with God. It is a reminder that our joy comes from Christ, not from circumstances, and that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us, and that He is our safe place of refuge.
Decorating Ideas: spa themed items; relaxation theme; places of peace (oceans or mountains)
Theme Verse: Psalm 51:10-12 ; Matthew 22:37
Speaker Solo: Heal Me; The Real Me; Because We Are Forgiven
Session Titles:
1. Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life
2. Absolute Devotion
3. Empowered By A Whisper

IDEA #11
Retreat Name: Women Under Construction; A Work in Progress; Divinely Designed
Goal: This retreat gives women an opportunity to purify their hearts, minds and souls by getting real with God, themselves and others. It is a reminder that our joy comes from Christ, not from circumstances, and that we can do all things through Him who strengthens. Women will leave inspired to live an authentic life for Christ and allow Christ to work through them to do extraordinary things, while realizing that we are continually being molded and built into the woman God created us to be.
Decorating Ideas: ladders, saw horses, plastic drip sheets, paint brushes, tool boxes; construction masks or hard hats; tool aprons; buckets as centerpieces with building tools in them; orange/yellow construction color themes; floral arrangements in paint cans;

Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:11-13; Proverbs 14:1
Speaker Solo: The Real Me; Come Just As You Are
Session Titles:
1. Shedding The Hard Hats (Taking Off The Masks)
2. Designed by God (Loving The Woman In The Mirror)
3. Stepping Off The Ladder (Embracing The Call)

IDEA #12
Retreat Name: The Sweet Life: Satisfying Your Craving For A Sweeter Walk with Christ; A Candy Coated Faith; Jesus and Chocolate
Goal: This retreat puts a fun spin on the sweet, savory goodness that Christ brings into our life when we make Him a priority and foster an intimate friendship with Him. Women will learn how to hear from God in the unique ways that He chooses to speak, and be inspired to take a leap of faith in serving Him, allowing Him to do extraordinary things with us ordinary people.
Decorating: Candy themed decorations and giveaways; Candyland items; Fondue fountains; Old-timey candy store appearance;
Theme Verse: Psalm 73:28; Ephesians 3:20-21
Speaker Solo: open to suggestions

Goal: This retreat is focused on helping women understand the importance and necessity for spending time with God and building an intimate relationship with Him. They will be encouraged to deepen their walk with Him through daily reflection and prayer. Women will feel a new hunger and thirst for being passionate about serving God and others with their life.
Session Titles:
1. Food For the Heart (Absolute Devotion)
2. Savory Moments (Empowered By A Whisper)
3. Nourishment for The Journey (Embracing The Call or Turning Your Past Into Your Purpose)

IDEA #13
Retreat Name: Winter Women’s Retreat / From The Mall To The Manger / Holiday Makeover Workshop; Celebrating The Reason for The Season; All I Want For Christmas; Home For The Holidays; The Wonder of Christmas;
Goal: This retreat will inspire women to keep their priorities straight and their hearts focused on Jesus as they kick off the busyness and chaos of the holiday season. It will remind them how to keep Christ in the holiday celebrations, to celebrate the gifts that God has promised us, and to focus on remembering that our lives are meant to be a reflection of Him not only at Christmas, but all year round.
Decorating Ideas: holiday / Christmas theme; or fall/winter/Thanksgiving/Christmas themed tables; Consider having women volunteer to be in charge of decorating one table each with their own holiday ideas;
Theme Verse: John 3:16; John 10:10
Speaker Solo: Mary Did You Know?; Breath of Heaven; Christmas Jubilation Medley
Session Topics:
1. A Cup of Christmas C.O.C.O.A.
2. The Gifts Under God’s Christmas Tree
3. Christmas Angels - In - Training

IDEA #14
Retreat Name: Going MAD (Make A Difference); Woman Overboard; Sold Out For Jesus
Goal: This retreat focuses on helping women realize that God is in control, even when life seems out of control, and that He calls us to get out of our boats and trust Him. It will encourage them to examine their hearts for traits of leadership and how God has gifted them to lead, and to step out of their comfort zones to make a difference in God’s Kingdom. This is a great retreat to encourage women to get involved in local ministries within the church, or missions opportunities.
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 25:40
Decorating Ideas: crazy faces/masks; leadership roles/hats people wear; boats/marine themed items; missions focus;
Session Titles:
1. Woman Overboard
2. Cultivating A Heart For Servant Leadership
3. Embracing The Call

IDEA #15
Retreat Name: Teaching The Called
Goal: This all day or weekend workshop is intended to equip, inspire and encourage women’s ministry leaders and team members, or any group of people who serve in ministry leadership roles. The series of sessions provide encouragement for living an authentic Christian life, listening for God’s voice for clarity and direction, cultivating a servant’s heart, being excited about embracing God’s call on their life, and how to avoid ministry burnout. For women’s ministry workshops, an additional session will be included which equips women to build a strong women’s ministry program and offers tips and ideas for events.
Decorating Ideas: any seasonal-themed decoration; ministry/religious themed items;
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:11-13; Psalm 25:4
Speaker Solo: to be discussed
Session Topics:
1. Taking Off The Masks
2. Empowered By A Whisper
3. Cultivating A Heart for Servant Leadership

4. Burning Out vs Fueling The Fire

5. Building A Strong Women's Ministry

6. Q & A Session / Information & Idea Sharing

Special Note:
Before you even begin thinking about planning your retreat, spend some time in prayer, and ask God to give you clarity about every decision you will be making. Also, make sure you know the needs of your group before choosing a speaker, or a retreat theme. It is so important to be in touch with the women being served, and keep in mind the issues they are facing, the concerns that they may have expressed recently, or common difficulties that many are dealing with in their relationships, work, community or faith walk. Doing this will help you to plan a women’s retreat that will be most successful, because topic of the retreat will addresses key issues that they are facing. If women can see immediately “what’s in it for them” and how they can be spiritually, emotionally and physically restored, they will be motivated and excited about participating in your weekend retreat.

Resources

My first published book is entitled Reinventing Your Rainbow, which was published in October 2006 by Publish America. This book is for any woman who needs to be reminded of God's sovereignty and that He is in control of all events in our lives. This book will motivate women to seek God's forgiveness for past mistakes, forgive themselves, rest in His peace and mercy, and yearn to discover their divine purpose for their lives. They will be encouraged to step out in faith and follow the calling that God has placed in their life, and recognize that all things can be used to the glory of God.

To purchase this book, please visit the Proverbs 31 online library, http://shopp31.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=151

There are so many resources available to you at the Proverbs 31 library! Please visit our online site to check out the categories of resources available, for audio CD's, DVD's, and a multitude of books to encourage you in your Christian walk and empower your spiritual growth. http://www.proverbs31.org/

I am also a contributing author to the 7th book in the Refined By Fire series, published by GMA Publishing. This book can be purchased through http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ .