March 23-24, 2007--This weekend was the spring 24-hour retreat for women, sponsored by the Disciples Womens Ministries of the Christian Church in Mid-America. Our gathering spot is the Rickman Camp and Conference Center, just south of Jefferson City, MO. This retreat had fewer women than in past years; some 22 from all corners of the state came together for a time of reflection and worship. The Rickman center is comfortable, with motel-style rooms and amazing food served in the dining hall.
On Saturday morning most of us took walks in the sunshine to enjoy a glorious day. I came across Connie Atchley from Bowling Green and Faye Vaughn from New London and two other ladies and took their picture. Then another woman passed by and took this one with me in it as well. Soon we went inside for lunch, followed by a closing session.
Not long before I came across the group above, I took a half-hour prayer walk in the woods. One sight on the grounds was this perfect little dandelion among some interesting rocks. I'm going to place some meditations from the retreat, and some more photos from my walk, on Thursday's Child.
Our retreat keynoter was the Rev. Romney Nesbitt from Oklahoma. She is an artist and story-teller, art teacher, minister and spiritual director, as well as mother of two sons and wife. She challenged us to "rekindle the fire within" us, and illustrated Bible stories with chalk drawings such as this one, of the two disciples on the Emmaus Road, unaware of the outcome of the Easter story. I appreciated this retreat for the rest and renewal and challenges it brought to me. It was a great way to begin my week of Spring Break from school.
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