On April 11-13 the women of our district gathered together at the Pine Valley Bible Conference Center for their annual women's retreat. Set back in the mountains, the setting was rustic and relaxing. There was plenty of time for renewing friendships and making new friends, for hiking and also horseback riding, for playing games, for praying and singing, and for being nurtured from the Word of God. 
Some of the ladies traveled many hours to come to the retreat, others had a shorter drive.
This proved to be one of the places of great memories! In this building, the women enjoyed delicious food and wonderful fellowship. At every meal, the ladies were treated to a fun little favor that co-ordinated with the weekend theme "Walk As Jesus Walked."
There was even a cute little coffee shop ("Altitude") that was open early in the morning for those ladies who needed that jolt of java upon awakening.
The women spent many hours in this building as they sang and prayed together, and listened to the teaching on the theme "Walk As Jesus Walked" from Mark 4. 
The guest speaker for the weekend was Casey Baardson. She challenged us to get to know Jesus intimately so that we can walk as He walked--to read and study the Word of God, to sit under the preaching and teaching of the Word so that we will be able to discern God's will for our lives.Fear can often paralize us, but we were reminded once again that God only calls us to do something that He can do through us. Walking with Jesus is a step by step journey; He goes before us and never asks us to go where He has not already been. 
Ruth Vallevik (left), the director of National Women's Ministries, also spoke at the retreat. She presented a seminar on developing women for leadership, and gave the women a report on the activities of women's ministries at the national level.
Casey told the women, "God meets you right where you are, because He loves you and wants to lead you. He sees beyond your circumstances and wants to astound you with what He wants to do through you!"
Casey told the women, "God meets you right where you are, because He loves you and wants to lead you. He sees beyond your circumstances and wants to astound you with what He wants to do through you!"
The worship team (from Calvary and Immanuel) led the group in praise
Prayer partners for the coming year were chosen, and the women paired off and enjoyed a time of intercessory prayer for each other.
This year, the women elected a new president, Judy Paulson (left), and celebrated the wonderful service that the outgoing president, Delvina, had given to the district.
On Friday evening, the ladies enjoyed a time of fun at the "Pajama and Slipper Party."
Some of the slippers were quite creative!
Others were quite practical... It was all part of the theme of "walking."
All of the churches brought items for the silent auction to raise money for women's ministries. This project was very successful, and not only was a good amount of money raised, but many women went home as "happy shoppers!" Of course, no retreat is complete without laughter and fun! On Saturday evening each church group presented a skit.
The "coffee mug" party
The very talented Faye gave her rendition of Rindercella...
"Blest be the ties" that bind...
Laughter is good medicine for all of us, and the women certainly enjoyed exercising their "smiling" muscles during this night of fun!
On Sunday morning, the whole group participated in a drama of scripture and song that was written and directed by Ruth entitled "Faithwalk." The christian can be hindered in his/her relationship to God by many obstacles: our natural blindness, our own reason, our dull hearing, our will, fatigue and time pressure, our sins...
...fears, false teachers, lack of knowledge, distractions. But if we will let Him, Jesus tenderly comes alongside us to open our eyes and ears to give us understanding; He carries our burdens, cleanses us from sin; teaches us the truth (by His Word), calms our fears and walks lovingly beside us all the way to eternity. 
There were forty-three women in attendance at this year's event. Now, everyone start planning and saving for next year!
