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Why Me and Why This Ministry?
Well, the only way I can answer this question is to simply say, "It was God's Plan." Retreat to Complete did not evolve from a well thought out business plan, but instead, it was the answer to years of difficulties and tearful prayer. I have had the privilege to watch Retreat to Complete grow from a peaceful environment where women gather to craft & fellowship into a ministry of encouragement and mentorship. RTC has become a place where women can take off the ever popular "It's all good" mask, and replace it with the truth and an understanding of the challenges woman deal with on a daily basis.
But why me? Why would God place me in a ministry that I am totally unqualified to handle? First of all, I don't know enough about "ministry" to do it. I haven't gone to Seminary or taken courses in theology. I don't have a psychology degree or know the "correct" thing to say when someone is hurting. I don't know anything about mentoring with adults or having "real" girlfriends. In essence, I have walked through life, in crowds of people, yet I have felt totally alone in the journey. I am thankful that I had my husband, my children and lots of acquaintances, but I never had that one healthy relationship with another woman that we all need... Until the cabin....
You see, I have found that God has used the "Retreats" to "Complete" me. For the first time in my life, I'm not afraid to be transparent. I have a huge sphere of women older than me WANTING to share their wisdom and experiences. I have a huge sphere of women younger than me WANTING to learn from the wisdom and experiences of others. And, I have a huge sphere of women the same age as me who can totally relate to this stage of life. Girls, we were never meant to journey through life alone; we are meant to love, support, encourage and mentor one another. We were meant to enjoy our friendships and to have times of fellowship. God knew that I needed healing and that these were lessons that I needed to learn. He has taught me so much through these retreats; maybe that's why it was me.
Ladies, it is my continual prayer that you will come looking for laughter and fun, but leave feeling rested, refreshed and restored.... that you are refueled to face whatever life throws at you. My hope is that while you are here, you feel something peaceful and fulfilling, that you feel loved and encouraged. That you gain wisdom and support, but most importantly, that you feel the Spirit of God while spending time doing the things you love to do, and it is my prayer that all of it goes back home with you to share with others until you return again.
But why me? Why would God place me in a ministry that I am totally unqualified to handle? First of all, I don't know enough about "ministry" to do it. I haven't gone to Seminary or taken courses in theology. I don't have a psychology degree or know the "correct" thing to say when someone is hurting. I don't know anything about mentoring with adults or having "real" girlfriends. In essence, I have walked through life, in crowds of people, yet I have felt totally alone in the journey. I am thankful that I had my husband, my children and lots of acquaintances, but I never had that one healthy relationship with another woman that we all need... Until the cabin....
You see, I have found that God has used the "Retreats" to "Complete" me. For the first time in my life, I'm not afraid to be transparent. I have a huge sphere of women older than me WANTING to share their wisdom and experiences. I have a huge sphere of women younger than me WANTING to learn from the wisdom and experiences of others. And, I have a huge sphere of women the same age as me who can totally relate to this stage of life. Girls, we were never meant to journey through life alone; we are meant to love, support, encourage and mentor one another. We were meant to enjoy our friendships and to have times of fellowship. God knew that I needed healing and that these were lessons that I needed to learn. He has taught me so much through these retreats; maybe that's why it was me.
Ladies, it is my continual prayer that you will come looking for laughter and fun, but leave feeling rested, refreshed and restored.... that you are refueled to face whatever life throws at you. My hope is that while you are here, you feel something peaceful and fulfilling, that you feel loved and encouraged. That you gain wisdom and support, but most importantly, that you feel the Spirit of God while spending time doing the things you love to do, and it is my prayer that all of it goes back home with you to share with others until you return again.
So Why Only Women?
Women are wired to be nurturers... we care for our children, our spouses, our elderly parents, or a stranger in need. We give all that we have to love and care for others. As woman who are constantly pouring ourselves out for others, we need rest. We need a time to be refilled, restored, and refueled so that we can continue to pour out into others. Now men can be caring and nurturing too, so why just women?
Here is why... I love and respect my man, and I never want to shoulder the burdens that he has as the provider and protector our family. I intend no disrespect here, but when my husband's day is over, he has time to choose the activities he wants to do. However, as a mom and wife, I rarely see the end of a day. Ladies, as a mom of 3 very active, but now grown kiddos, and a husband who works very long days, I remember what it means to need rest. I remember putting on that SuperMom cape and dashing into each day attempting to keep the peace and get everyone where they need to be, close to, but rarely ON TIME. Moms are the taxi drivers, chefs, personal shoppers, maids, financial officers, teachers, doctors, event planners, chaperones and even referees... And that is on an easy day!
Or how about those of us who don't have kiddos at home? Well it is likely that we are as busy or busier than those who do! Many of us are entering a season where we are caring for an ill spouse or an elderly parent, having to balance responsibilities of two homes. And just as a word of advice, don't ever appear to have a small window of quiet time because some one is standing in line ready to schedule it! (Not being ugly here, but making a statement that most of you can relate with.) As women, we are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.....We Need Rest!! And if we aren't intentional about SCHEDULING time for ourselves, it won't just happen.
That, my friends, is why we NEED Retreat to Complete! God, in His generous kindness, has provided a place for His daughters to come and rest. Regardless of the season you are navigating, I not only encourage you, but I personally invite you to come and rest....renew your body, mind and spirit!
Love, Hugs & Blessings,
~ Kim
Here is why... I love and respect my man, and I never want to shoulder the burdens that he has as the provider and protector our family. I intend no disrespect here, but when my husband's day is over, he has time to choose the activities he wants to do. However, as a mom and wife, I rarely see the end of a day. Ladies, as a mom of 3 very active, but now grown kiddos, and a husband who works very long days, I remember what it means to need rest. I remember putting on that SuperMom cape and dashing into each day attempting to keep the peace and get everyone where they need to be, close to, but rarely ON TIME. Moms are the taxi drivers, chefs, personal shoppers, maids, financial officers, teachers, doctors, event planners, chaperones and even referees... And that is on an easy day!
Or how about those of us who don't have kiddos at home? Well it is likely that we are as busy or busier than those who do! Many of us are entering a season where we are caring for an ill spouse or an elderly parent, having to balance responsibilities of two homes. And just as a word of advice, don't ever appear to have a small window of quiet time because some one is standing in line ready to schedule it! (Not being ugly here, but making a statement that most of you can relate with.) As women, we are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.....We Need Rest!! And if we aren't intentional about SCHEDULING time for ourselves, it won't just happen.
That, my friends, is why we NEED Retreat to Complete! God, in His generous kindness, has provided a place for His daughters to come and rest. Regardless of the season you are navigating, I not only encourage you, but I personally invite you to come and rest....renew your body, mind and spirit!
Love, Hugs & Blessings,
~ Kim