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“Retreating...Discovering and Re-discovering
Your Creator”
Make Me an
Instrument of Your Peace
Leech Lake, MN
October 3-5, 2003
Reflections of their time spent with Christ and in
fellowship with each other.
“Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace” has impacted my faith
journey by…
“Making me slow down, look around me, and take notice of things and
people. I learned that we all have a lot of the same issues –
most of which revolve around love, trust and faith. I learned
you can love your neighbors and walk thru faith together.” 1
Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain; faith, hope and
love. But the greatest of these is love.”
“Bringing me again, into his nature to appreciate and enjoy His peace with
Him. It all was absolutely awesome, Awesome God! Awesome
nature! Awesome women! Awesome fellowship! Awesome growth!
Awesome time alone – Me & God! The concept “nest” is so much
more than the bird nest or our own home. I will remember in my
own life to continue to allow God to work through me in love-
Prayer of St. Francis – much as the bird builds the nest and
we build our lives and faith for the benefit of others.
Matthew 22: 37-38 “ Jesus replied, “ Love the Lord your God
with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” Thank you
for yet another opportunity to sort out the distractions of
the world and focus on God and his love." Pat
“making me aware of the fact I need to take time in my life to
thank God for all the wonder around me and to spend more time
nurturing my soul so I can be the person I so want to be. I
love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I learn so
much from them. I felt good about doing and saying things I
didn’t think I could do. A woman needs to get away, connect
with others to renew her Spirit. And if my Spirit is happy and
healthy than my nest will be a better nest for everyone who
comes there. Thank you for putting forth your time and faith
to nurture mine.”
“In the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord”. This weekend
the fall colors were absolutely breath taking. I was filled
with awe at the presence of the Holy Spirit in the wilderness
of Minnesota. The Holy Spirit worked on me all weekend. I was
being nudged and prodded to make steps forward, out and toward
the light. Every day it seemed like someone was on the same
road of faith supporting me in my journey. Without my even
being aware of it I was taking an active role in the preparing
of the Lord’s way.”
“Seeing God’s perfect creation and beauty in nature- a
humbling experience to see all he has given us and how little
I’ve done for Him, with Him and to Him. Making me realize how
deep my faith runs, but in a more non-traditional way. I was
able to find my way in the Bible and read verses that
certainly impacted me (to tears!). I was able to be completely
open in small group – truly “spill” and know there was no
judgment passed on to me. I feel cleansed and content with
myself.” Kim
“Inspiring me to read the bible more. Connecting with women which has
strengthened my relationship to trust. Realizing how wonderful
and powerful nature can be. It reminds me of the song, “How
great thou art!” Be quiet and taking time to pray. Reflecting
on the gifts God has given me…especially my family. Asking for
forgiveness and forgiving yourself! Thank You!" Dawn
"The time spent with these phenomenal women this weekend has
helped me grow so much in my Faith journey. I often question
where I’m at – and whether my faith is “strong enough”. The
weekend helped me realize that my Faith is a journey and it’s
okay to be at any point. The importance of sharing my Faith
was reinforced. I often keep it to myself. Thank you-thank
you-thank you for supporting this wonderful weekend.”
“I stepped way out of my box with this experience. I learned to take time
to read the Word and see the beauty of God’s creation. I
learned that the weight of the world does not have to be on my
shoulders. A great group of women. Have a greater appreciation
for the positive things in life. Great weekend for spending
time with the Lord. Ephesians 4:2-3 “Make every effort to keep
the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is
one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope
when you were called.”
“We Lutheran’s tend to be so bad about sharing our faith. It was great
sharing my faith and having others sharing their faith and
faith experiences. It was a great faith filled week-end with
beautiful people and God’s awesome creation around us.”
"Teaching me it’s ok to have quiet time and not be afraid. My
husband died recently and I’ve been afraid of the quiet alone
time. I have been active in working through my grief with my
grief support group – this weekend taught me to be ok in the
quiet and listen to God – to find inner peace for myself and
his death. God is SO awesome! I thank him for bringing me on
this weekend with these beautiful women." Mary Ann
"This trip has really brought me into the Bible. I always have
good intention but never seem to take the time, to sit by
myself and read. I pray a lot…but don’t read the Bible. This
trip has opened my eyes to taking the time…I deserve it!
Dishes can wait! Ephesians 6:16 “Take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the
evil one!”“God is my rock – my refuge – my strength! 2 Samuel
22: 3-4 “My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield
and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge
and my savior- from violent men you save me.”
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