A Love That's Everlasting: Part I

Yesterday, I hosted my first (hopefully annual) God Loves You Spiritual Retreat, entitled "A Love That's Everlasting." Hosting a Spiritual Retreat in my home has been a dream for many years. However, I never knew how and where I would find people to speak, let alone have the money to pay for their services. As God would have it, He put two people in my path to speak who were more than happy to speak pro bono (Latin for "for the public good").

The first speaker, a retired university professor, discussed two ancient forms of prayer: lectio divina (prayerful reading of Scripture) and contemplation. Once thought to be the prerogative of monks in monasteries, these forms of prayer are now being taught to the laity as ways to draw closer to God. Pope Benedict XVI believes that these forms of prayer, done regularly by the masses, will change the face of the Earth.

The second speaker, who has worked in communications and public relations for 26 years and is currently earning a Master's Degree in Nutrition, as well as becoming a certified Life and Health Coach, provided a coaching session entitled "A Closer Relationship With God."

As I was planning the retreat, I was asked by a few people why I was doing this. In thinking about it, I really couldn't come up with an answer other than, "It's just something that I've been wanting to do for years." At the end of the retreat, the participants were sharing openly about their spiritual journeys, ways that God has blessed them, and miracles they have seen in their own lives. It became a very emotional time as we listened to each others' stories. As I watched all of this unfold, it suddenly became clear to me why I was doing this... to fulfill my life's purpose: To use my creativity, passion, and writing to inspire others to joyfully experience God's Presence in all things and to tell people that God Loves them.

In my next two entries, I will write more about each of the topics discussed during the retreat.

I'm extremely grateful to our Lord for giving me this, and so many other, opportunities to share His Infinite Love. "There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread." - Mother Theresa