This is nothing short of magical. Bonds are forming. New friendships made. Yokes broken. Burdens released. Marriages healed.

I endured a lot to get here. I woke up thinking about this. Yet, I’ll take nothing for my journey.

All of the laughter we shared. The painful stories revealed. None of us perfect. All of us needing something. We all received.

Day 3 of the retreat, the last official full day and I’m up reflecting on all that has transpired since arriving on Thursday night. We’ve had so much fun, it’s ridiculous and yet so much fun is still in store. Many of us, if not all, have been restored.

Restore was the first ‘R’ word for the retreat given by my husband. I can affirm that this did take place in this short amount of time. Many arrived heavy laden not knowing what to expect. But it didn’t take long at all for the group to open up to one another and we became one big family.

I can’t describe it. I don’t know if this is normal or not but I’m already spoiled with this atmosphere. Going forward, I won’t accept nothing else but a stage resembling this first one.

This is our first marriage retreat and it has done my heart well. To know you were obedient to His call is amazing in itself but to know that I survived to get here, whoa this is another level. I mean you just don’t know what it took for me to make it here.

I’ve said time and time again, do something, anything for the Lord and watch the attacks that will begin to unfold around you. Literally, all hell breaks loose and it’s essentially your fault. You see the enemy doesn’t want you to be victorious. He will throw his best shots at you to knock you off post. So if you aren’t aware enough to recognize his tactics, the easier it will be for you to fall for his tricks and off course you go.

I spoke about spiritual warfare. The topic was given to me in advance of the planning and I had to craft this message all while going through the storm, through the field of booby traps, and through the dark lonely alley. I’m no expect but one thing I know is that there is an enemy that is lurking among us and he comes to kill, steal, and destroy. He’s come to destroy our lives, our marriages, our families, and tear down our relationship with God.

He is real but I serve a God that is mighty in battle. I serve a God that is the strongest and most powerful but yet gentle and compassionate. I serve a God that knows me and my every need. I serve a God who provides and sustains. My hairs are numbered. Not that He knows how many are on my head but He took the time to label them. This is 1 hair, this is 2…

Therefore I am wonderfully made and crafted. I was designed with a purpose in mind and gifted with the abilities to see it through. So along the way, I had to constantly remind myself that I was on the enemy’s hit list, but I had the best trainer a girl could ever want and ask for.

Know this, if God sends you, He will equip you and He will be there with you every step of the way. He makes a path for you. He wants you to succeed. All of this allowed me to keep on moving. It allowed me, no matter what, to take another step.

When that slap meets your face, take another step. When that dagger reaches your chest, take another step. When it seems like you’ve given all you got and you have no more to give; just take another step. Don’t give up! Don’t give in! Our God is on the other side of that pain, the other side of this journey like a parent of a baby learning to walk saying, “That’s it baby. Just take another step. Daddy is so proud of you. Take another step. Come on. You got it. I’m right here. Don’t be afraid. Just one more step.”

Thank you for your attention. Remember you are your own competition.

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