Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Cove, BGEA & the great shalom...

Hi friends~

'Been away for several days; my husband & I were out of town.

See, my brother & his wife gave us this gift certificate, like 2 years ago, for The Cove -- the BGEA Retreat Center in Asheville, NC. We tried to go last February, and had to cancel. But in August, we got an email about a "marriage retreat" featuring Chip Ingram , so we jumped on it! It was a weekend focusing on our age group (people under 45), so we would have lots in common with everyone there.

We'd never heard of The Cove prior to my brother's gift, & didn't know Chip Ingram either. But man-o-man do we know now!! 330 people were in attendance from 19 different states, & Canada.

It was a wonderful weekend, with a deeply refreshing spiritual message from the speaker. Also though, the fellowship with other Believers - some struggling in their marriages, some not - was priceless.

Mostly, what I'll 'take away' from the experience is how much I appreciate my husband, the blessing of knowing others are out there striving to live a Godly life - that we're not alone in the fight against our culture, & that God's design for marriage/family is part of His 'great shalom' :

“I will bring health and healing to it: I will heal My people and will let them enjoy abundant Shalom and safety...I will cleanse them from all the sins they have committed against me…Then this city will bring Me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations of the earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and Shalom I provide it,” -- Jeremiah 33: 6-9

And so, we're thankful to my brother & his wife for affording us the opportunity. But even more, thanks belongs to God for His ministry among His people, & His hand at work in our lives - leading us toward His Great Shalom.

Wow.
~~~

11 comments:

DUTA said...

It seems you've had a very deep spiritual experience at the Cove, focusing on relationship in marriage/family. Glad you've enjoyed it.
I like the mention of the hebrew word Shalom in your post. Great word, meaning both Hello and Peace.

Joe said...

I've listened to Chip Ingram on Moody Radio for years...he's the tops!

Glad you had a great conference!

Brooke said...

I am glad you had a wonderful experience!

Susannah said...

Duta~ Yes, we did! And I wish I knew more Hebrew, b/c it seems there are so many words that have a depth of meaning which doesn't translate into English...shalom being one. Shalom, my friend! :)

Joe~ Yeah, Chip Ingram was terrific - so clear & solid, w/o being 'preachy.' There were LOTS of Florida people there...wonder if there were mutual friends among us... ??

Brooke~ Thanks; we did. My Mom & Dad had the children (& Otis), so it was great to be free!!

Always On Watch said...

Asheville is beautiful at this time of year -- an excellent setting, conducive to spiritual renewal.

Susannah said...

AOW~ You're so right! Asheville was gorgeous! Perfect.

Joe said...

Name all of the Floridians and I will tell you whether I know any of them.

BetteJo said...

What a thoughtful gift!

Susannah said...

Joe~ Of course I KNEW you'd ask me about names...Honestly, I only remember first names, so that's not gonna do us any good, is it? Sorry!

BetteJo~ Very thoughtful, indeed. I emailed my brother a copy of this post. I think he was tickled by it! ;)

Anonymous said...

I listen to Chip.A great man.

Susannah said...

Fuzz! Yep, he was GREAT! So solid & straight forward. Just so real...