Though the year is but young, I know one of my most favorite things from 2012 will be attending created for care. It lived up to the hype. It was a tiny glimpse of glory in three short days. Worth the road trip. Worth the time. And so worth the money. So what were my favorites of this "favorite thing?" In no particular order...
My date with God.
Before I experienced it last year, I'll admit that I secretly wished I could skip out on this part of the retreat. Let's face it, "date with God" just screams feminine/emotional/touch-feely-ness. It didn't really appeal to me. But after last year and getting to spend the full hour there this year, I feel like it (along with reading Pursuit of God) has revolutionized the way I view my time with the Father. So many times I'm the one talking. Not expecting at all for God to actually show up and talk to me. What little faith.
Thankfully God isn't far. He draws near when we ask. I asked for Him to draw near and He did. In so many ways. Through prayer for the nations, sculpting, painting, reading, journaling, and seeking His presence expecting Him to speak.
Connecting.
From the moment I arrived at Allison's house, to the moment I got back in my car to drive home, I was continually amazed at the specific people the Father directed to my path. I can't even recount how many times God provided just what I needed to hear through so many sweet ladies. What a blessing you all were to me!
The road trip.
Yes, you read that correctly. Though I dreaded the 6.5 hour drive by myself to Mississippi, it wasn't as bad as I had imagined. My road-trip partners (David Platt and Matt Chandler) kept me going.
Encouragement.
Just to name a few....Sitting next to Shelly Owens at dinner Friday night. Being led in worship by an adoptive momma and a great band. Receiving tips from Chris Peters during a breakout session. Praising alongside 400 other women. And constant reminders that He is faithful in big ways and small.
Indeed created for care will be a highlight of 2012. I'm thankful that God has used people like Andrea, Christy, April, and the rest of the created for care team. If you are an adoptive mom and would like to go in March, hurry and sign-up, it's filling up fast!
I'm linking up with friday favorite things because after all, created for care is a favorite thing :).