• Want more of God in your life?
• Want to connect with some awesome sisters of faith? 
• Do you need victory over situations?
• Need refreshing in your spirit and soul?

As you know--with the economy--and so many being financially strained--I had been really concerned about the retreat being held here.  I felt uneasy-although I only shared that with a few--not to stress anyone--fully expecting God to work out HIS Will and Purpose for us. I had just not quite settled it in my spirit of having it here. It sounded logical--even good on paper. It sounded wonderful to even think of the possibility of filling this place for Jesus. But the feeling of uneasiness would not leave.


In April of this year I began a 21 day fast. It was for 2 reasons. The mission trip I am to join in July required it. But I also did it for the speaking that God lined up for me to do for Mother's Day and for next Saturday (June 5--pray please)

AFTER the time of prayer and fasting was over (this was tough--spiritually and physically) I came to the calm sweet knowledge from the Lord--that the requirements I was putting on myself were not HIS. They were of my own doing.

He has not called me to host a retreat for thousands. (I am grinning here) (He doesn't put more on us than we can carry or do.)

He simply reminded me of my passion. Reaching and loving on a few.

Thus, A Sisters Retreat is reborn. A time away to pray, fellowship--share the joys of the journey--and the pain. I have some ideas that I have thought of--but I learned during this fast--when I had gone without food--and had sought God for HIS purpose and plan--that I needed to GIVE UP my agenda to HIM. I couldn't follow anyone else's plan--it had to be ALL GOD.

When I felt in my spirit that we would have a retreat (I had actually told the LORD that we could just cancel it--but He had other plans)--I began to seek HIM for the where--and the how.

Where: Panama City Beach, Landmark Condominiums http://www.landmarkpcb.com/

How much: For each of us-- it is $34 (plus tax) each for the weekend. Each person is responsible for their own food, etc. We have a limit of 48 guests--and the spaces are already filling!


Each condo will have 6 guests.  Sharing of room/bed should not be a problem for us "sisters".

From 2001 or so, my sisters, Aimee, Wanda, along with my mother and her sister began having "Sister's Retreats--and that began to build a grand passion in my heart. To come together as a unit--having served God where we each were--but yet needing time to refresh our spirits in Him. Needing to lean on one another--for there were battles that others of us had fought that some of us were just beginning. We needed that godly counsel.

In the quiet of the kitchen table in the early morning over breakfast we shared passages of Scripture. We gathered around one another and prayed. And girls....the Spirit of the Lord not only moves on Sunday's in our churches, but He moves whenever we invite Him into our hearts and homes. Into our lives as we give ourselves--completely--without reservations.

We spent time shopping interesting antique stores, and favorite stores. Whether we bought anything besides our food in quaint little eatery's or not-- was of no importance. We went home refreshed like no other vacation has ever done! Because we met with Jesus. We invited Him daily to be a part--show His love along the way! It was incredible! Every single time!

With each retreat being more anointed and refreshing than the last--I had so hoped that each heart would experience something precious and similar to that at the 2009 Bloggers Retreat. It was great--yet, there was something missing.

Can I tell you where it was found? In my living room. As 3 of us sat together huddled up talking of the awesome things we had each experienced in our daily lives-God showed up. Tiffany-Barbara and I prayed-laughed- and tears fell as God blessed us with His presence. On the other end of the couch were 3 others--probably experiencing something similar--but I wasn't listening--I was basking in what was going on in our circle. I had hoped that each group there that special weekend--- experienced the same in their rooms. I can only testify to what He did for me.

It is time we get apart from the harried schedules you each have--and take some time to devote to pray. Just that. Seclude your heart with Him.

Wouldn't it be grand to be walking along the beach--as the sun is rising or setting--and feel the presence of Almighty God right beside you? He will be wherever YOU are and whenever YOU invite Him to participate in YOUR DAY. AND what if---you encounter some soul that God places in YOUR path--to lead them to Him? Wow.

Once you have registered, information will be passed along to you at that point via e-mail or phone call.
Check in is at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. I will let everyone find their way there. Maps are available online with good directions. For those driving it should not be a problem.

For those flying in--there is a NEW local airport--Southwestern Airlines and Delta fly in this is their link: http://www.iflybeaches.com/ . You can grab a taxi or shuttle to the condo from there. Not far at all from there.

I will post schedules of getting together to eat supper that night with each of you via e-mail-as well-you will be assigned a condo with a "condo mom" and she will be contacting you as well. We will relax and you can use the pools, hot tubs, beaches, exercise room--or shopping--until supper time. There is a club house that I have asked to use for a few minutes on Thursday night to give just a general welcome. Nothing formal nor fancy. We will have a written schedule of time when we will leave for "Seaside Beaches and Village" the next day.

Breakfast will be at the condos--with morning devo's provided by the condo mom-or whoever she assigns. Each of the condo mom's will be given a list of her sister's that will be staying with her--with contact info. The condo mom will contact each sister as to what they prefer to eat for breakfast--enjoy your terrace! Everyone* will go in together to purchase their breakfast foods. (*Each group of 6 ladies) Each group will provide their own snack foods/drinks etc. Condo mom will simply tell you what she needs you to bring--keep it easy for all! There are local stores to make purchases easy! We will actually be going to one Thursday night--so all the breakfast items can be purchased then. We just don't want to buy more than we will eat. ;)

A few links for your viewing pleasure:

http://www.theseasidestyle.com/per-spi-cas-sity/
http://www.seasidefl.com/ShopAndDineMap.asp
http://www.seasidefl.com/default.asp
http://www.seasidefl.com/communityChapel.asp (even though the church wouldn't be open --we could have pictures made in front--it really is beautiful in person)
http://www.seasiderep.org/ (Their ampitheatre hosts free seating-lawn style-, but the October Calendar is not up yet.)
http://www.seasidefl.com/ShopAndDineMap.asp (on the left of this map-you will see list of shops and restaurants. We will only have lunch here that day. Photo opportunities galore!)

We will return that afternoon to the condo's in time for rest-showers-dip in the pool or beach. We will journey to some local restaurants for dinner (list will be provided) and meet back at the club house.


I will let everyone to get back to the airports via shuttles or taxi's--whatever they provide on their own. A rental car would be much more handy--if two or three went together--that way, you would have the luxury of hitting some stores you might have missed before your plane leaves. I leave the details of that to those who fly.

To those who drive, of course after 10:00 a.m. check out-- you are free to stay in the area as long as you wish! Whatever you do--wherever you go--take JESUS back to where you came from--inviting them to join YOU in something similar in the spring--where you live!



Mailing address for registration: 
Marianna First Assembly of God
ATTN:  Susan Baldwin/Sisters by Heart, Inc.
4186 Lafayette Street
Marianna, Florida 32446



 We hope to see you there!  (We are not taking comments on this post)