Sweet, lasting memories were made at our Mother/Daughters retreat last weekend. Girls came from all over the state – as well as local gals.
We had a blast! From themed snacks, flannel shirts and line-dancing, it was all things western!
The theme of the weekend was, “Invest.”
In four sessions, we encouraged the girls and their moms to:
- Invest in Wise Choices
- Invest in Inner Beauty
- Invest in Healthy Friendships
- Invest in Fun Together!
We even had a photobooth that printed pictures on demand!
But most importantly, we studied God’s Word.
Earlier this year, I purchased a copy of Donna Gaines book, “Choose Wisely, Live Fully.” The title intrigued me, and I looked forward to the read as Donna had offered such incredible wisdom as a speaker during our ONE WOMAN conference.
I was not disappointed. “Choose Wisely, Live Fully” became the catalyst for much of the retreat’s content. In her book, Donna contrasts the two women described in Proverbs: Wisdom and Folly.
Each woman makes very different life choices. Sometimes her consequences are insignificant. While other times they might be BIG.
For the retreat, we “acted out” the choices made by Wisdom and Folly and the resulting consequences that led to these two very different paths.
The first path called “Death” looks very enticing at the start. It’s a path many are taking. It’s an attractive path that looks like fun. It appears to be a path where we’ll be accepted and find love. But with each step, the path gets darker and darker. If we walk this path for long, our life will start to be filled with anxiety, fear, and confusion. In the end, it is a path of destruction and death.
Sadly, Folly takes this path.
The second path followed by Wisdom, is called, “Life.” The path is narrow. It looks plain and maybe even boring at the start. Sometimes it looks like there’s hardly anyone else on the path. But with each step, the path becomes brighter and prettier. As we stay on this path, we’ll be filled with godly confidence, strength, direction, purpose, and courage.
I explained to those at the retreat that our daily choices either put us on the path of life or the path of death. We’re either acting like Wisdom or Folly.
It’s our choice.
To better illustrate the point, I shared everyday life examples they may encounter as pre-teens and teenagers. I then asked them to indicate if the responses were from a girl named Wisdom or Folly. Here are a few examples:
- Her friend group has started a group text saying mean things about another girl. She comes off the group text and refuses to participate. Who is “she?” (Wisdom!)
- A boy asks her to send inappropriate pictures to him. She chooses not to. Who is she? (Wisdom!”)
- She has created a “finsta.” ( A fake Instagram account) but has not told her mother. Who is she? (Folly!)
- She posts pictures of herself in provocative, alluring poses in hopes of getting a boy to notice her. Who is she? (Folly!)
- She chooses to be thankful! (Wisdom!)
- She realizes her friend group is doing things that make her feel uncomfortable. Instead of participating, she backs out. (Wisdom!)
- She goes to church on Sunday but does not think about God the rest of the week. (Folly!)
- She spends time with Jesus each day by reading her Bible. (Wisdom!)
Friends can entice us to go down the wrong path…
I challenged each of the girls at the retreat to be Wisdom. To choose the path of Life in their everyday choices. And I encouraged them to turn back and repent if they mistakenly chose the wrong path. Tell God that you’re sorry and to help you walk on the path of Life.
The first decision putting us on the path of life is to believe Jesus died for “me,” personally. Asking Him to forgive me of my sins and inviting Him into my life. This gives us eternal life, a personal relationship with Him and heaven when we die.
By God’s amazing grace, many of the girls prayed to receive Christ. Eternal destinies changed as a result of this event! (A Mom suggested we bring a big cake to celebrate spiritual birthday’s at next year’s retreat. Not a bad idea..!)
We also played fun games and competed for prizes!
“How Well do you Know your Mother/Daughter?” was one of the games we played. Similar to the Newlywed game, mothers and daughters had to guess things about each other. The girls’ perspective is always entertaining.
The girls did crafts while the Mothers attended a Parenting Workshop.
They were so creative and produced beautiful little treasures and keepsakes.
Already looking forward to next year…
My volunteer team is wonderful. So committed, talented, and gifted. Working together to accomplish His purposes using gifts and talents directly from Him is fun… And exhausting.
To see a video of our time together, click here! If you missed the fun – don’t miss it next year!
To God be the glory! He is faithful.
Workshop: Teen Depression
Thursday, November 1st
PhD: Leisa Leonard
Luncheon: November 16th | Speaker: Fayeson Tilley
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