#1 Finding Refreshment as we Stretch our Hand Toward the Father
Speaker: Donna Kauffman
The Master Planner lovingly labored over writing a blueprint for each of our lives. We’ll explore how God can take all the events of our lives, and as we stretch our hand toward Him, to seek Him, He redeems and transforms them. We’ll sift through the pain and the pleasure of our own life seasons to recognize that our loving Father longs to shower us with refreshing breezes, inviting us to a place of joy and freedom, as we dwell securely in His presence.
#2 Finding Refreshment in the Wilderness
Speaker: Brenda Weaver
Our wilderness journeys vary. Mine may be through the soul-aching loneliness of widowhood. Yours may be through the chaotic, demanding service of young motherhood; or the quiet longings and unanswered questions of singlehood. We may traverse trials and hardships like infertility, painful memories, betrayal, illness, unrelenting pain, or may watch beloved children turn away from God. We read scripture like “Count it all joy when you fall into…” and wonder where the joy is, and how we will endure our present circumstances, let alone learn from them.
Ah—but there is refreshment in the wilderness! Sometimes only tiny puddles in which to rest our weary feet. Sometimes bubbling brooks and tree-lined oases. Sometimes a burning bush, before which we slip off our shoes and kneel before our Holy God. How do we seek, and where do we find refreshment in our personal wilderness?
#3 Praise and Laughter, Refreshing Breezes for the Weary Soul
Speaker: Brenda Weaver
Praise God in these circumstances? Laugh about life? Really? It can be so heavy at times! While praise and laughter may not come natural for you and me, they can be refreshing breezes for the weary soul. Scripture says laughter is good medicine, and commands us to give thanks. “Giving thanks in all things for this is the will of God…” Even in THIS? we ask.
Have you noticed praise bubbles out of a grateful heart? We sometimes wonder: What is God’s will for my life? Here are two tried and proven paths to refreshment and living in the will of God: Lighten up and laugh. Praise God in everything.
#4 Finding Refreshment in Friendships
Speaker: Donna Kauffman
Grasping the gentle love that Jesus offers to you and me, His very own daughters, invites us to an intimate friendship with Him. We’ll review how Jesus reached into women’s lives in that same compassionate way as He walked everyday life with them. Knowing Him in an alive and intimate friendship gives way to authentic, open and deep kindred spirits with girlfriends. Of course, we’ll discuss really fun stuff about developing soul-mate relationships with ladies and keeping those connected hearts together for many years to come.
#5 My Home, A Place of Refreshment
Speaker: Brenda Weaver
Have you decided what message you want your home to convey? Years ago, as a new bride, I decided to make my home feel like a peaceful place. Home to a farming husband, and toddled and trampled through by five growing children, or with a kitchen piled high with tomatoes to can, my home certainly did not always seem like the peaceful haven I’d wanted it to be! But I learned to direct my gaze to the walls, or places of peace that still rested my soul. Let’s have fun observing ways to make our homes places of refreshment for ourselves and others. Whether you are a baby-boomer with clutter, or a millennial with little to dust, you can create places of refreshment.