Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Single and loving it
Well, maybe that title is a bit misleading. I did have a wonderful time at the Word of Life Winter Singles Conference this past weekend. I met some old friends, made some new friends, learned a Hawaiian song, and soaked up the teaching. I may not get this now, but I am even closer to fine.
If you are married, you might be thinking, "what would they do at a singles conference?" And if you are single, you might be thinking, "what would they do at a singles conference?" Well, let me answer both of your thoughts, ok?
The format of these conferences is to bring believers (that's Christians who have a belief in Christ as their Savior) together for fellowship, exhortation, praise, worship and fun. Mostly, its fun, even in worship. The teacher this go round was Jeff Teague, who hails from Florida, and was lovin' the cold (-4F) temperatures and the snow in Schroon Lake (he recently married, and honeymooned in Banff, which is way up in snowy Canada.) His experience in working with singles at his church, and indeed his singleness until recently were great attributes in his teaching. And, he was a funny guy too. There were other speakers also, and we got together for six sessions during the four day weekend.
The rest of the time was spent entertaining the adult child in all of us. The early arrivers on Thursday got to spend Friday in field trips to a ski area, or to Lake Placid (where some went on a harrowing plane ride over the High Peaks.) The food is marvelous, at every meal, and is served buffet style. Friday night we met the later arrivals and all spent the first part listening to Jeff, the second hanging around the facilities, which includes an indoor cafe and pool.
The theme of the conference was "Tropical Dreams," and Saturday night, the tropical theme extended to the meal (a luau!) and the activities, including a belly flop competition, tube races (in the pool, it was -10F outside,) and the annual Open Mike program. Sunday was breakfast, a worship service and a closing dinner, as people from all over the Northeast began their trip home.
So, what did I take away from the conference that helped me? That my life is spent serving God, and that is the answer. No matter what I do, as long as it is done with a selfless heart, I am serving Him. I am in this place in my life to make a difference in me, my son and the people around me. That my singleness, as well as marriage, is just another step in obedience. That I need to live by faith in everything, and always attend to my spiritual health and soundness. And that my widowhood will be remanded, from time to time, as Psalm 126:5-6 reminds me that the fields of my life are sowed in tears sometimes. My prayers will sometimes not be answered right away, or at all, unless I deal with the problems in my life first.
And yes, there were two other highlights (actually there were more, like the fantastic illusionist/mime that worked for us, the music, the food, oh I've already said that,) the learning of a song from Hawaii, which really can't get out of my head
and Mr. Wonderful, who entertained Mike Bush as much as he entertained everyone else. Ask me to explain.
It was great to see Marissa, Tim, Dawn, Kathy, Mario, Dottie, Steve, Chris, Toni, Vincy, Janice, Mary, Chris (the other Chris,) Paul, Felix, Mark, and a whole lot of new people. Thank you to the staff at Word of Life Inn, Mike Bush and Steve Bowen especially.
Ok, I'm done. You can go about your business now.
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If you are married, you might be thinking, "what would they do at a singles conference?" And if you are single, you might be thinking, "what would they do at a singles conference?" Well, let me answer both of your thoughts, ok?
The format of these conferences is to bring believers (that's Christians who have a belief in Christ as their Savior) together for fellowship, exhortation, praise, worship and fun. Mostly, its fun, even in worship. The teacher this go round was Jeff Teague, who hails from Florida, and was lovin' the cold (-4F) temperatures and the snow in Schroon Lake (he recently married, and honeymooned in Banff, which is way up in snowy Canada.) His experience in working with singles at his church, and indeed his singleness until recently were great attributes in his teaching. And, he was a funny guy too. There were other speakers also, and we got together for six sessions during the four day weekend.
The rest of the time was spent entertaining the adult child in all of us. The early arrivers on Thursday got to spend Friday in field trips to a ski area, or to Lake Placid (where some went on a harrowing plane ride over the High Peaks.) The food is marvelous, at every meal, and is served buffet style. Friday night we met the later arrivals and all spent the first part listening to Jeff, the second hanging around the facilities, which includes an indoor cafe and pool.
The theme of the conference was "Tropical Dreams," and Saturday night, the tropical theme extended to the meal (a luau!) and the activities, including a belly flop competition, tube races (in the pool, it was -10F outside,) and the annual Open Mike program. Sunday was breakfast, a worship service and a closing dinner, as people from all over the Northeast began their trip home.
So, what did I take away from the conference that helped me? That my life is spent serving God, and that is the answer. No matter what I do, as long as it is done with a selfless heart, I am serving Him. I am in this place in my life to make a difference in me, my son and the people around me. That my singleness, as well as marriage, is just another step in obedience. That I need to live by faith in everything, and always attend to my spiritual health and soundness. And that my widowhood will be remanded, from time to time, as Psalm 126:5-6 reminds me that the fields of my life are sowed in tears sometimes. My prayers will sometimes not be answered right away, or at all, unless I deal with the problems in my life first.
And yes, there were two other highlights (actually there were more, like the fantastic illusionist/mime that worked for us, the music, the food, oh I've already said that,) the learning of a song from Hawaii, which really can't get out of my head
and Mr. Wonderful, who entertained Mike Bush as much as he entertained everyone else. Ask me to explain.It was great to see Marissa, Tim, Dawn, Kathy, Mario, Dottie, Steve, Chris, Toni, Vincy, Janice, Mary, Chris (the other Chris,) Paul, Felix, Mark, and a whole lot of new people. Thank you to the staff at Word of Life Inn, Mike Bush and Steve Bowen especially.
Ok, I'm done. You can go about your business now.
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