Focused Living Retreat Testimony

In 2002 I talked to my husband about relocating to Columbus. He responded with “Let’s pray about it and see what happens.” The next day his company sent an email out with a job opening for his position in the only site in the Columbus area. God is so amazing! And in this case, fast! Upon moving, one of my husbands new coworkers suggested we visit Violet Baptist. It was a refreshing change for us. I was impressed at what length the church went to place people in ministry positions according to their gifts. Later that year there was a Focused Living Retreat. Mike & I attended the Friday night session. Mike went alone the next day, he returned home “on fire”. God had used the retreat to show my husband how his passion for basketball could be turned into an outreach ministry. So God brought Upward Basketball to our church. It was (and still is) exciting to see the players and their families pile into the church for practices and games every winter. I was excited for him and I was happy to be along for the rollercoaster ride it took to get it started.

At that point I was curious what God had planned for me to do. I had taken class 301 and I knew I had a heart for hospitality. I also knew being a wife and a mother were crucial roles for me to fill. I was at a point where I wanted to dig a little deeper. I was thankful that another Focused Living Retreat weekend had been planned. I was anxious to take part in it and I was seated with a great group of ladies. I felt comfortable which was amazing to me because my life history was sitting in front of me for all the world to see!

I considered why I had missed so much the first time the FLR was offered. I thought about how Satan hates it when we step out of our comfort zones to do something great for God. I was actually amused picturing the Devil stomping around when we started Upward. I don’t know that he has feet to do any type of stomping but it was satisfying to know that all those late nights and early mornings were worth it. The first child who came forward in faith made it all worthwhile. I thought about how difficult the past can be to write about or talk about. It made it real for me again . It was a difficult weekend for me. However, at the same time it was a GREAT weekend for me and my walk with God. It’s empowering to know that there is a purpose for my past. That God can and will use my imperfect life for his perfect plan. Once I started focusing on him instead of how bad my pink post-it notes hurt, I started making progress toward my personal vision.

As I saw the Biblical Purpose, my Life-Ministry Values, and my Personal Vision develop I was amazed at how God is working in my life. I’m thankful to have had this opportunity. I highly recommend a Focused Living Retreat for anyone that wants to see the vision God has for their life.