Tex wandered with us as we viewed the Dallas Valley Ranch Camp property & marveled at the God who created the land around us & the ministry happenings. Twenty years ago, when we lived in Regina, there was so much less to the grounds. It is amazing to see the difference & potential of a piece of land dedicated to God. I was blessed to meet & share time with the staff committed to making a difference for God on a daily basis... they cared, shared & prayed with & for camps & campers throughout our province... & probably beyond. I felt God's presence as I went for walks, spent time in prayer & enjoyed this week a bit removed from a busy pace. Was I bored... not once... it's like a little oasis 10 minutes from Regina. I'm thankful for training & reminders of what & how we're communicating... are we sharing the full Gospel message of: God's love yes, but also the knowledge that things will go wrong, sin is still a part of this world, but by accepting God's forgiveness & surrendering our lives & wills to His leading, we have His promise to be with us continually & see us through... not through a "rose garden" experience, but the real life struggles we face.
Toward the end of the week, pastors' wives started arriving & a whole new agenda came into being: ice breakers, meet & greets, sharing, worship, growing, praying... all the makings of true fellowship; the kind described in the Bible as koinonea. It was a special time together of those sharing similar leadership roles: a safe place mixed with smiles, laughter & tears. The teaching was of joy... real joy & all that little word includes... & altars in our lives: the ones that help us to remember God's work & those that may get in the way & keep us from God's best for us. We were directed to look at Gideon's life... not a brave warrior but obedient (though somewhat hesitant) a servant & the power that God can reveal through willing workers. All praise to God for meeting us in the valley; just as He says "where two or three are gathered in My Name, there I am in the midst..." Before leaving, we talked about: why women getting together is so special & relational & friendships happen so quickly... & our thankfulness for a District that sees value in such get-togethers. The only sad thought to our weekend was missing our leader & the blessing she brings to each one. May you know you & family are in our thoughts & prayers...
My week in the valley was extended a few days as we learned of blizzard conditions & weather warnings... Where but in the prairies does one pack shorts & mitts for a week's adventure? God's power is revealed in many ways.
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