July 6, 2021

Young Women’s Retreat 2015 Recap

The Summer 2015 Young Women’s Retreat was an incredible time of growth, fellowship, and refreshment.  Our three days together were jam-packed!   Enjoy a little recap:
One goal of the Retreat is to celebrate femininity and beauty.  The girls each received a handmade gift- a small reminder of how cherished they are.
Our sessions this year were on the subject of Feminine Strength.  The sessions were titled, “Building a Strong Foundation”, “Becoming a Woman of Principle”, “Strengthening your Body for Christ’s Service”, “Turning Your Greatest Weaknesses into Strengths”, “Turning Romantic Desires into Increased Spiritual Strength”, and “Staying Strong during Hard Times”.  I shared several sessions, and we also heard from my dear sister, Chelsy, and a sweet mentor of mine.  “Sessions” at Retreat are informal times of sharing from the heart, with plenty of questions and discussion.
There were four sets of sisters among the attendees at this year’s Retreat, and it was a sweet time for them to connect with each other, as well as make new friends.
There was an abundance of girly activities such as painting nails, discussing clothing, and doing makeup.:)
We attended church together on Sunday morning, and enjoyed lunch at my family’s home afterwards (pictured below).
Coffee.  Yes, coffee drinks were abundant!  The coffee bar had a continual supply of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a myriad of coffee toppings such as chocolate shavings, crushed peppermints, mini marshmallows, flavored syrups, etc.
And WHIPPED CREAM!!!!!!  Ask any Retreat alumni what’s so special about whipped cream, and she will most likely get a huge, happy grin on her face and begin reminiscing about the endless canisters of whipped cream that were consumed.  Whipped Cream was delicately mounded on top of dozens of cups of iced coffee, hot chocolate, or hot coffee drink concoctions, multiple times, every day.  We love us some whipped cream!  
This photo could have many captions- in fact, I would love to hear suggestions in the comment section from girls who attended the Retreat!  
Group time was always a treasure of learning and sharing together.
Girls love to talk, to connect, and to share what is on their hearts, and the Retreat is a wonderful time of doing this with other young women.
Monday lunch- salad bar and a host of delicious treats that the girls brought.
One of our sessions was about finding balance in the area of nutrition and fitness.  We discussed how the goal of having strong, healthy bodies is to better serve our Lord.  After that session, a bunch of the girls decided to work out together.
Chelsy made a scrumptious dinner for us one evening- Chicken Alfredo, Garlic/Butter Green Beans, Italian Salad, Garlic Break, and Layer Cakes.
There were many rousing rounds of “Four on the Couch”!
Beautiful music filled the air!
One evening we enjoyed a hayride down the country road and through the woods.  We spent the evening enjoying each other’s company in the beauty of God’s creation.
My dear Grandmother opened her home to us for the Retreat, and her property was the perfect place for these young women to get away for a time of rest and refreshment.  There were fields and lanes to explore, beautiful views to be enjoyed from the front porch or back deck, and plenty of space for everything that was planned for our time together.
These young women blessed my heart so much- their love for Jesus, their sensitive hearts, and the joy that flowed out of each one of them.  Our time together was a gift.
“Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come.” (Prov. 31:25)
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Thanks to Chelsy Bontrager, Elizabeth Adams, and Rachal Craig for the photos.
-posted by Allison

Tags

memories, summer, young women's retreat


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Leave a Reply
  1. I just love post like this one because I'm going through a very sad an hard time right now one of my best friends in church her name is tabby passed away on my birthday due to cancer,witch is a blessing this post reminds me of a girls retreat we had a few months ago when she wasn't Abel to go thanks for posting this this post was comforting just thinking of u guys it cheer me up lil bit I would appreciate it if u guys could pray for my church an her fam thanks hugs lov u guys an God bless u

  2. Oh Alli!!!! I LOVE it! It was so wonderful to look back and reminisce about all of the great memories of the retreat! Oh my, that picture….well, let's just say we were having loads of fun!! 😉 Lol! Thank u for posting this…it was great to spend time with all of you young ladies, and getting to draw closer to the Lord was definitely my favorite of all!! Looking forward to the next time! 🙂
    God bless y'all!!!
    Love,
    Olivia T.

  3. Oh,Allison. I l.o.v.e this post…such precious, sweet memories made that weekend! Yep. Whipped cream scores=) And that picture??!!=) I loved being able to attend y'all's church as well-it was amazing! Loved being able to spend time with all you lovely ladies who love the Lord and seek to draw closer to Him most of all. It was such an incredible blessing and totally worth the longish drive!!!

  4. I kept seeing different pictures of a certain person and thinking she looks familiar, and then I realized, the 3rd "teacher" was Apryl Haynes!!! And now I'm remembering, she had texted me a few months ago and mentioned she was at a retreat with y'all but I didn't realize it was this one! Looks like y'all had a lovely time, and I'm looking forward to seeing her in just a couple weeks!! Love that lady! 🙂

  5. Aww, this post warms my heart! So much happy. What an inspiring, encouraging, special gift it was to have this time with "sisters." Sweet times with Jesus. Your grandma's lovely home. (And she is such a gem!) The coffee bar was just dreamy. AND OH THE WHIPPED CREAM. [Haha, about the only caption I've come up so far for the funny photo is "Did someone say whipped cream??!" :)] The exercise/fitness time. The heart-to-hearts. Chelsy's gourmet dinner spread. Late night 4-on-a-couch/catch phrase/empire laughter. Beautiful music. Singing on the way home from the campsite. Oh the memories! Thank you again for all of the love you poured into making the retreat so special with so many details. It blessed us all immensely, friend. <3

  6. Did you hear about france? How do you feel about us taking their refugees? I hope all is well with ya'll. I just wanted to ask ya'll that! Thanks
    Meghane

  7. Oh Allison how I wished I lived closer so I could help you with one of these retreats! What a wonderful thing to inspire and equip the next generation of women in the way that you are! Praying for you and this beautiful ministry, dear friend!
    -Kayla

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