“For where two or three gather in my name,
there am I with them.”
—Matthew 18:20
Snow was a possibility. Cloudy skies were predicted. Cold temperatures were forecast. And yet…
I believe I was one of the first people to sign up for the FIRST EVER Daughter’s First Retreat, a 48-hour getaway for Christian writers and communicators to recharge their souls. I had the option to book one of the few rooms available in the Glen Eyrie Castle, but I chose the Eagle’s Nest Lodge instead. The seven-minute walk to the castle under sunny skies with a warm breeze, past wild turkeys and across a stone bridge, was the perfect warmup to a spiritual workout.
I wouldn’t normally blog about a conference I attended except that God kept showing up at this one. His first appearance came with the perfect weather.
The first people I met after checking in were Marnie, Twyla, and Becky—three of the retreat organizers and women I had admired from afar. They are all accomplished authors, speakers, and podcasters, and each greeted me with a hug, as if we were old friends. That doesn’t normally happen at conferences. I knew then and there that God had showed up again and that this retreat was going to be special.
As you know, I’m always looking for good stories to share in my Wednesday emails. God did not disappoint. In the course of four hours, I met over 20 Christian women and heard at least ten print worthy God-sighting stories I hope to write up in the coming months. As I soaked it all in, I was reminded of John 21:25, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” So many stories; so little time.
On the morning of the second day, I attended Marnie's break-out session entitled, Listening for Jesus. It was right in my wheelhouse. Did you know that hearing loss can be an early sign of cardiovascular problems? God knew. Jesus said, “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them” (Matthew 13:15). Their hearts were damaged because they had lost their ability to hear God.
During another session, someone took my seat. So, I simply gathered my belongings and found another. I wound up sitting next to a lady named Bethany who shared something quite profound with me. (So profound, in fact, that I don’t remember what it was!) But I do remember responding by asking her, “Do you see visions?”
She smiled and said, “Yes. How did you know?” I told her that I could sense her light.
I've come to learn that when I'm actually looking for God it's easier for me to spot him. When I fail to intentionally seek him, I miss opportunities to connect with God through others and my surroundings.
On the way to take a tour of the castle, I passed Cynthia whose book was in my backpack. I don't normally read fiction, but this one was about music, and I couldn't resist. “Is now a good time for you to sign my book?” I asked her.
“It’s as good a time as any,” Cynthia answered. “I have a meeting with a publishing house in town. I have thirty minutes to get there, but I can’t get an Uber to respond.”
Cynthia is an agent—one I would LOVE to work with. She had a problem, and I just happened to have the solution. A rental car.
“I can drive you,” I said. And that’s how I managed to get 20 minutes of alone time with a literary agent I greatly admire. Coincidence? I think not.
During the hour break before dinner, I returned to my room to continue writing this blog. There are only five rooms in this lodge and each open onto the lobby. When I entered, who did I see but Jennifer Dukes Lee—the keynote speaker—sitting in one of the big armchairs. Apparently, she was staying in the room right next to mine! What were the chances?
Not only did we have a nice chat, I got my picture taken with her in front of the lobby’s fireplace. (If you’re looking for a great read, pick up a copy of her book, Growing Slow. SO good!)
Today, I will leave this tranquil place to catch a plane home. While I am sad to go, my heart is full, and my spirit is at peace. Praying, praising, and resting with a bounty of spiritual women made for the perfect Lenten experience. God was not only present and active, he was also downright surprising. I may have missed the castle tour, but I had a front row seat to the kingdom.
I pray that as you prepare for Easter, you too will experience God's active and surprising presence. Just keep your eyes open!
THE SONG THAT COMES TO MIND is The More I Seek You by Kari Jobe
Favorite lyric: “The more I seek you, the more I find you. The more I find you, the more I love you.”
GOD is amazing — and I love you Michelle! Thank you for posting and sharing all of your God encounters and His Word ❤️