It's Tough Being a Woman

Girl time!  My sister and I attended a retreat sponsored by the Syracuse (Nebraska) Baptist Church.*  What a relaxing, uplifting time!  The retreat was the kick-off for Beth Moore's Bible study on the book of Esther, "It's Tough Being a Woman".   Although neither of us live close enough to attend the study, we had a wonderful time at the retreat and brought the study book home to complete on our own.  The event was flawlessly planned and designed to make each lady feel special and coddled.  

At check-in, we received a black and pink tote bag printed with the retreat title and date, matching pen, notebook, study book and bag of "goodies" - make-up samples, lotion, Bath and Body coupons and candy.  Friday evening began with a candle-lit banquet modeled after the king's banquet in Esther.  Blue and purple cloth draped the entrance and tables.  Each table was decorated with candles, pearls and jewels, and each place setting included a hand-painted goblet -  "each one different from the other" (Esther 1:7).  The evening also included praise music, a devotion and door prizes - followed by mini-spa treatments.  I had a hand massage, a foot massage, a neck/shoulder massage and a facial.  Total pampering!  Of course we stayed up way too late chit-chatting in our room.  Even after fifty, sisters can still sound like giggly girls.  Exercise time kicked off the morning, but we slept through it - darn!  We did get around in time for devotions at 8:00, then brunch, more music, and the opening video of the study.

What a blessing to share the time with a group of beautiful women and learn about "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit". (1 Peter 3:4)

* For home-town readers, Syracuse Baptist Church is pastored by Fred and Cheryl Anderson.