The Gift of Abiding in Christ Retreat - October 10-12, 2014

     "...apart from Me, you can do nothing."  John 15:5b


What a blessing this weekend was for Kathy and Sherry!  As God prepared their hearts and taught them many important truths about abiding in Christ over the last couple of months, He proved Himself faithful yet again as He showed up mightily at "The Gift of Abiding in Christ" Restore Retreat this weekend! The women experienced an authentic Passover Feast as we looked deeply into John 13 and the teachings of Jesus to His disciples in the upper room. The Lord revealed His heart for us as we studied and meditated on John 14 and 15.
 Our lives were forever changed as we stepped into the pages of Scripture and encountered the Living Word!

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Below is just a sampling of the preparation for the retreat, the Passover meal, Kathy teaching, new friendships, and the creative Soulcare Card Party!  Our next Restore Retreat is April 17, 2015!  Save the date and join us for another session of "The Gift of Abiding in Christ" at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center near Alexandria, Louisiana.  If you are thinking about a retreat for your Women's ministry, Community Group or just to get some women together, pray about contacting us!  Other dates and locations may be available for your own Restore Retreat!

We asked the women to write some thoughts of what the "Gift of Abiding in Christ" retreat meant to them. Here are some quotes from these precious women who invested a weekend of their busy lives to pull away and spend time soaking in God's presence, His Word , worship, prayer and sweet fellowship together as we explored some of Jesus' last words to the disciples in John 13-15.

Father, help me to remember that I can do nothing without you. I want to remain in you. Yet I am prone to wander and try to produce fruit on my own. I need you to help me. I know the discipline of spending time with you will produce the fruit I really want. Peace, joy, love - fruit with and from your heart which will emit a sweet fragrance to those I serve. Thank you for your indwelling Spirit. 
Hilda Harthcock

The Restore retreat was an amazing few days to slow down and refocus on what is really important - our relationship with Jesus and ABIDING in him. My generation is desperately missing these truths and promises. What a change we could make if we clung to Christ and committed to a life abiding in him! It only takes a small sacrifice of time to catch a glimpse of eternal purposes of our life.
Sarah Johnson

WOW! The Lord was here present with us at the Restore Retreat. When I saw the event posted on facebook I immediately felt like I was to attend. The Lord was so faithful. It was such a sweet time to be with my first choir that poured their life into me. It brought back such beautiful memories. I will never be the same! Thank you Kathy and Sherry for putting this retereat together. I hope to be at the next one this spring. I felt the Lord’s presence in such a very strong way. He revived my heart. I pray for this ministry, that it will be used to water the barren land with God’s abiding presence. Thank you Lord for the “Revival Rain’ that was poured into my heart and so many others that attended.
 God bless you both. 
Lisa Young

Thank you, Lord for inviting me to Restore Retreat twice. It’s clearly Holy Spirit orchestrated. Thank you for annointing Kathy and Sherry with such wonderful gifts and hearts to share. It was the most beautiful music I have ever heard. Being invited to a real Passover was absolutely wonderful and yes, I could imagine what the disciples may have thought, even what they may have said. The teachings were fantastic - a very welcomed depth. It’s your abiding love that I see in Kathy and Sherry - and us here. Thank you for pairing these two servant’s so beautifully. 
I cherish you and your friendship Jesus, Love you both, Kathy and Sherry,
 Gaye

12 Gifts of 
Abiding in Christ

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Sherry teaches about the gift of hope and the rich lessons found in John 14.

Thank you , thank you for this weekend - what a blessing at this time in my life! Can’t imagine a better Scriptural focus for me as I end one season of life and enter another. It is most definitely a time of pruning for me and you’ve left me with much to ponder, drink in, and abide in, most especally the love of my Savior, 
With love, 
Ava

The Restore Retreat is a vacation for the soul. Yes, you get physical rest, but also teaching us to rest our souls in Jesus’ arms. Kathy and Sherry guide you through the process of building a closer personal relationship with Jesus. Not a bunch of head knowledge, which is important, but literally help you pursue your Savior. These tools can be brought home and used daily in your own mini retreat with Jesus every day. This was my second Restore Retreat to attend and will not be my last. 
Thank you, Kathy and Sherry. 
Cindy Corie

What a wonderful weekend this was! God’s presence was so real (tangible) and precious! Your teaching was so encouraging, challenging, life-changing for me! The worship was amazing - bringing and lifting us into the heavenly realms of God’s Glory! Fellowship with the sweet sisters was also an extra blessing! Also time alone with the Lord in this beautiful setting was such a great gift!
Thank you for your hard ( heart) work to prepare for and facilitate the weekend! 
Your sacrificial love is a great example to others -
 giving 100%.
Love you both, 
Merilyn

Restore retreats minister to women spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically,. You will experience solid Biblical teaching, beautiful music, healing stillness, creative workshops, fun and laughter and sweet worship. I love RESTORE retreats because they invite me to meet Jesus in the gentle depths of His love.
This Restore Retreat has opened my mind and my heart to the true meaning of Abiding in Christ.
It has introduced me to a prayer journey and shown me how meditating on Scripture can really deepen your relationship with the Lord and gives Him opportunities to speak to your soul.
Thank you Kathy and Sherry for sharing your talents, your gifts and your love for Jesus with us. You have truly been a blessing to us all .Keep your dream and vision alive~nothing is impossible with God. 
 ~ Kim

The Lake at Tall Timbers Retreat Center is a beautiful setting for a quiet time of reflection, prayer and meditating on God's Word.

Thank you ever so much for hosting this retreat for us to leave the cares behind and draw closer to the Lord. Your service to us is a splendid display of your extravagant love and worship of our King. Your annointed teaching, worship and service has touched my heart. Your teaching of the last supper and “ abiding in the Vine” has given a visual image etched on our hearts of a loving Savior. God certainly has been glorified at this retreat in all that you have poured out to us. May much fruit come from your ministry as you abide in Christ. 
Love,
 Cindy L.

During the Tapestry of Praise Concert, Sherry accompanies Kathy for her to sing her life's theme song.  Listen to the lyrics of this song!  It just might become your theme song, too!

Group Photo!  

Back Row: Gaye, Ava, Maria, Cindy, Kathy, Wanda, Lisa, Hilda Middle Row: Cindy, Lynn, Wendy, Merilyn, Suzanne, Sherry Front Row: Margaret, Debbie, Monica, Sarah, Kim

We were blessed and amazed at the extravagant love and grace that the Father poured over us this weekend! Thank you for all who were praying for us and the women who came! Truly the divine life of abiding is ours in Christ. May we bear fruit for His kingdom in the days ahead for He has called us to live a life set apart and totally united in Jesus as branches connected to the Vine.  It is His work within us that will enable us to lay down our lives. May we answer His high calling and find our rest and hope in Him as He brings forth the fruit of His love within our innermost being. 
Grateful for His Abiding Love,
Kathy and Sherry 


Please pray about joining us for our next retreat April 17 - 19, 2015 or contact us to schedule a date for your group!