Nature!!

Why do all retreats have to happen in the woods? Why can't we "retreat" at the beach? or even in a nice hotel in the city? Why the woods?!?

Don't get me wrong, I love nature. Well, I enjoy parts of it, for a time at least. I enjoy hiking... to a specific place (an overlook, a waterfall, etc). The actual process of hiking is really just walking, and I enjoy that along a lake or river more than I do in the woods. I am okay with camping, as long as there is a bathroom nearby. I do enjoy the quiet and calm, but I get that at the beach.

We are supposed to bond together in nature. Fishing together, hiking together, etc. What about football? Why can't we all watch football together...that would be awesome bonding for me!!

I am in the mountains in North Carolina and I am having a good time. Relaxing, reading, enjoying friends, sleeping...but as I walked in to the place where we were staying, we say a huge sign warning us of bears! That's right, there are tons of walking trails, places to fish, etc. but if we choose to venture out to them, we need to be cautious of bears. How is this relaxing?!? I retreat from the dangers of the city into nature...where I face bears!! I think I stand a much better chance in the city...

I am looking forward to the day when I go on a staff "retreat" where we rent 2 or so houses at the beach and we spend our free time at the ocean or a pool. That may never happen, but I can dream. :)

Okay, now that I got that off my chest, I can move on. I am having a GREAT time!!! This staff conference is so great so far! Let me go back a little...

On Wednesday I flew into Knoxville and spent the day training for my new part time job. Its very similar to what I did before, so the training didn't take long. My friend Sara also drive me around Knoxville and I really enjoyed it! Its beautiful!! The Tennessee river is spectacular, I wish I had taken my camera.

Thursday we got up and drove into Asheville, NC for the AIM staff conference. We ate dinner here and then had some time of worship. That part was incredible. The entire staff spent time worshipping and praying together...with no agenda or teaching...just time with the Lord...corporately. The purpose of this weekend is to meet with God, and follow Him from there. We will spend time in meetings and planning, but only after we have spent time, individually and corporately, with Him. Then we will follow Him. The theme for this weekend (which was revealed to us last night...not preplanned) is Joshua 3:3-4: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before..."

I feel like this is the verse for me...I'll explain later.

I am excited to see where we are going to go from here. God is speaking a lot to me and I will share it when I get the chance to really process all of it. In the meantime, I'm going to watch a movie. Ahhhhh, nature. :)

(In my defense, it is raining right now...not that I would change my plans if it wasn't, haha)