On April 16-18 our district held the annual Womens' Retreat again at Calvary Chapel Conference Center in Murrieta Hot Springs. In this beautiful and relaxing setting, we truly were refreshed.
Winding pathways to walk, visit, pray, meditate...
gently, bubbling springs...
the hot springs to enjoy each evening...
delicious meals prepared and elegantly served, lovely centerpieces that graced our tables...
and creative table favors crafted for our enjoyment.
Those were just a few of the many blessings that came our way as we joined together in this upper room- from two different states and several different congregations-one district, gathered to hear about "Living Inside Out."
Our president, Judith, led the sessions
Our retreat speaker, Cheryl, shared from several biblical texts. On Friday evening, she shared from Genesis chapter 1-3 and asked us to be open and free, to look inside of ourselves and see who we really are and allow the creator God to make us into the kind of woman He wants us to be.On Saturday, Cheryl challenged us in the morning session to live inside out within our inner circle, those that we are closest to-- our family, our friends and the family of God. She used the story of Naomi and Ruth: Naomi, who was "empty" and bitter against God for all the pain and hardship she had endured, and how Ruth "poured" herself into Naomi's life and turned her focus toward God, who then could fill Naomi's life with joy again. In the evening session, we learned from the life of Jonah how to reach beyond our comfort zone and live inside out in the outer circle: our acquaintances and all those people that God puts in our path or lays on our heart.
Dorothy led the women in worship and praise, admonishing us to fix our eyes on Jesus, and to present our lives to God to be made into a holy, living sanctuary. 
We enjoyed the beautiful flowers everywhere...
the soothing waters, and the quiet of a small chapel.
On Sunday morning, we were challenged by our speaker to live way outside the box! From James 1 we heard about being willing to be used by God, to dare to be open before God and do whatever He asks of us in the coming year.
Retreat is a wonderful time to share: answers to prayer...
prayer requests...
and to strengthen friendships.
Free time offered opportunities for playing games...
checking out the auction items...
"Blanket blessings" a quilting project...
beading, or just relaxing or even shopping.
On Saturday evening, we enjoyed a time of laughter and fun, hosted by Sharon.
Each church group presented a skit, both thought-provoking and funny.
Even a bit of music and dance! (thanks Barbara!)
A reminder that we are all aging...
and that we need to "cast all our cares on Jesus!"
The special treat on Sunday morning was a concert performed by the Christian family.
Following God's leading, this teacher-turned mom- has adopted 17 children from all over the world. She led her family in testimony though songs and scripture.
Each child radiated the joy of Lord!
The family's motto: "this is what we do best--love the babies, the children, and anybody else who needs us!"
This woman and her husband are living examples of our theme for the weekend, Living Inside Out!
Dorothy led the women in worship and praise, admonishing us to fix our eyes on Jesus, and to present our lives to God to be made into a holy, living sanctuary. 
We enjoyed the beautiful flowers everywhere...
the soothing waters, and the quiet of a small chapel.
On Sunday morning, we were challenged by our speaker to live way outside the box! From James 1 we heard about being willing to be used by God, to dare to be open before God and do whatever He asks of us in the coming year.
Retreat is a wonderful time to share: answers to prayer...
prayer requests...
and to strengthen friendships.
Free time offered opportunities for playing games...
checking out the auction items...
"Blanket blessings" a quilting project...
beading, or just relaxing or even shopping.
On Saturday evening, we enjoyed a time of laughter and fun, hosted by Sharon.
Each church group presented a skit, both thought-provoking and funny.
Even a bit of music and dance! (thanks Barbara!)
A reminder that we are all aging...
and that we need to "cast all our cares on Jesus!"
The special treat on Sunday morning was a concert performed by the Christian family.
Following God's leading, this teacher-turned mom- has adopted 17 children from all over the world. She led her family in testimony though songs and scripture.
Each child radiated the joy of Lord!
The family's motto: "this is what we do best--love the babies, the children, and anybody else who needs us!"
This woman and her husband are living examples of our theme for the weekend, Living Inside Out! "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
