What refreshes you?

What a great memory we made at our February Women's Getaway!  Refresh - For I Am Your God  The weather shortened the conference, but didn't dampen our great fellowship.   I left feeling challenged to trust God in the "What ifs" and "If onlys" of my life.  He wants me to trust Him as my Stronghold and my Rock of Refuge.

A segment of our schedule included greetings from respected women in our Cru world.  Check out these videos and hear how Patty McCain, Karen Loritts and Christy Sellers refresh themselves.  What refreshes you?  How can you be intentional in taking time for your own refreshment? Please share under comments.

Click on each person’s name then sign in to your Gmail account to view the videos. The video should start playing automatically.

Patty McCain - Cru Campus Field Ministry Executive Director

Karen Loritts - wife of Crawford Loritts, Fall Staff conference speaker

Christy Sellers - wife of Steve Sellers, Cru Executive Vice-President of the Americas/Oceania

Women’s Getaway- A Mom’s Perspective

At the Women's Getaway, I look forward to getting a break from my kids and life in the home.  I love the uninterrupted time with the Lord.  I cannot wait for the balance of learning, relaxing, having fun, and going on a trip. It is just such a refreshing time in the Word and with other staff women learning of His goodness and how others are experiencing Him.  I also get to sleep in and go out to eat; two things I do not get much of at home!

As Athletes in Action staff, we do not have big teams on our campuses nor regional teams or meetings.  Because of this, we never have the opportunity to retreat someplace, refresh spiritually, reenergize emotionally, or reconnect with other staff.  I have attended the Women's Getaway three times in the past five years and every time I connect with other staff women and hear life changing stories. I leave refreshed and encouraged!  I love the opportunity given to me to be a part of such a life breathing getaway.  It is also amazing experiencing the larger ministry of CRU.

The Lord always revitalizes my relationship with Himself.  I leave filled up to go back home and minister to my family from a full tank.  I have a renewed energy from getting away with Him for these few days.  I leave spoiled by His goodness and love that is experienced every day at the Women's Getaway.

~Mary Throckmorton
AIA Staff serving in Raleigh, NC

Women’s Getaway- An Intern’s Perspective

I am not one for spending an extended time talking about my feelings, wearing a bathing suit in February, massages, or even resting. But last year, I went to the MidSouth Women’s Getaway anyway. Honestly, if a few ladies on my staff team were not going and had not convinced me that it would be a nice break from the busyness of life, I would have never experienced all the Lord had in store for me during those few days.

When it came time to register for the Getaway, my answer was no thanks. I could not help but thinking about how I was an Intern, wouldn’t know anyone there, and going away for a few days with women was so far out of my comfort zone that I didn’t really think twice about my decision. After staff meeting one day, a few women on my team told me I should consider going, I dismissed the idea once again and left dismissing their suggestion completely. That afternoon it was all I could think about. It was so strange to me that I could not get the idea out of my head. So after much thought and going back and forth, I registered and wrote it in on my calendar.

Once there, all of my fears about going came back. Sitting in the first meeting I realized that there were familiar faces in the room. Women I had met at Encounter, fellow Interns who I spent a week in Tennessee with, and the other random “I know you from somewhere but can’t remember exactly” women which removed my apprehension about not knowing anyone. The whole fear of spending time with women and talking about my feelings wasn’t even an issue during those days. Each session was so well designed to where I did not feel uncomfortable talking about my sin and struggles at all. I actually enjoyed it!

 

 

Those few days ended up being one of my favorite retreats as an Intern. I think it was a culmination of getting to know women you could talk about ministry with, learning from women on how God has been working in the hard times of life, and getting to spend time with the Lord one afternoon reflecting on the past year made me not regret my decision at all. While sitting in a rocking chair looking out at the mountains, God really showed me that my apprehensions were really just me being afraid to step out in faith and do something that was uncomfortable. I was reminded of how important rest truly is, and how God wants us to take refuge in Him. I remember leaving Asheville refreshed, renewed and excited to return to campus.

So if you are like me, not sure if you should go or not, my advice would be to do it! Sign up for a restful time with other women who are doing life in ministry just like you, where you can get away from home and experience the Lord through rest and relaxation. You never know, you may just get a few good laughs out of it too!

~Hannah Spragins
Cru Staff serving on the NC State Team

Refresh Women’s Getaway

Last night I had this crazy dream that I was in a big fluffy robe next to a fire pit and outdoor heated pool. When I listened closely I could even hear a waterfall in the background. The dream was so beautiful that I didn’t want to wake up; until I saw Mike Mehaffie and Bob Horner crash our party by walking out in Speedos and swimming goggles saying they wish they had been invited to Women’s Getaway. I awoke with a start.

Okay, while the second half might not be a reality, the first part of my dream can come true! We are so excited to share with you that the Refresh Women’s Getaway will be back at the lovely Grove Park Inn and Spa in Asheville, NC Sunday February 10^th – Wednesday February 13^th. Cost is still being negotiated, but will run approximately $320 (maybe a little more). Before all you new staff who have never been begin to gasp and faint, take a little look at this link:

http://www.groveparkinn.com/

This Getaway has been a favorite of many. For one, the Inn is beautiful and yet has a laid back atmosphere. In February it’s peaceful and chilly outside. There are big fireplaces with rockers to sit and spend time with the Lord, as well as get to know other staff women in our region. I think God really enjoys seeing us enjoy Him and one another in such a beautiful space.

Another highlight is getting to hear from a speaker, along with testimonies from different staff sisters from all walks and stages of life. Walking away from the conference I feel refreshed by what I’ve heard from the Lord and from heart to heart conversations that take place over the course of the week. Of course, a day in the spa doesn’t hurt either. In the past, the spa has been a huge draw for many of our staff women and I encourage you to look at the pictures online. We are not talking about a walk in the front door and sit in a steam room and that’s it kind of spa, but a world famous spa. I bet you anything that Jesus loved him a bath house. Can I get an amen?

I know it is early to be writing to you, but believe it or not, the Grove Park is adamant about getting a room count from us. Currently we have space for 54 women. However, if more than 54 sign up then we can expand it for a limited time. I sound like an infomercial, but it really is true. And if you are anything like me, you might just be noncommittal and say, “I’ll wait until closer to February” and think you are the exception to the “let us know now” rule. I’m guilty!!

But here’s what we need from you.

This week we want you to pray about joining us at Refresh and by this time next week we will hopefully have the CRS Registration site up and running for you to register. Even if you are just 90% sure you are coming, go ahead and register. We are only guaranteed more rooms at the discounted rate for a limited period of time, so jump on it like it is Celine Dion’s last concert. Okay dear women.

Love you so and hope to see you in the hot tub.

Beth Wayland

REFRESH: Seeing God in the Midst of Change

 

“REFRESH: Seeing God in the Midst of Change” was our theme for the Women’s Getaway - what a great time we had! I think everyone left refreshed and not only from the beautiful surroundings, but from the fellowship we enjoyed with each other. Our MidSouth Women’s Getaway is always a special time to connect with one another and get a closer glimpse into each other’s lives.

A few ‘quotable quotes’ from our Getaway:

“Being discontent and ungrateful makes you weary.” ~Bekah

“Realize that change is something God uses to mature us,
to make us holy.” ~Rene

“Knowing God has a bigger plan gives significance to daily circumstances and hope in heart breaks.” ~Anna Claire

“Change – and lack of change – conditions our hearts to be thankful.” ~Cam

“Even in changing circumstances, we have an unchanging God.” ~Kitty

“No matter our circumstances we always have hope. Christ is our hope!” ~Erin

A special thanks to Julie Jones for sharing her artistic talents with us! She entitled this picture “A Room with A View” – painted looking out the window from her room in the Inn on Biltmore Estate.