Sisterhood Rocks!

Dear Friends,

I usually post every Monday morning but today was a travel day for me. This weekend I had the privilege of speaking at a retreat set in the mountains of Chalis, Idaho. Every year the women of Twin Falls Reformed Church hold their women's retreat at the beautiful Living Waters Ranch. We had a great time together and I have to say, I LOVE THESE WOMEN! Spending time with these precious women made me want to get home and wrap my arms around every one of my girlfriends. What a gift God has given us in our girlfriends!

I spoke three times at this retreat and taught a Power Stretch class. We laughed together, shed a few tears together, and shared some fabulous mealtime discussions together. I listened to many stories and the journeys of these women reminded me why we need each other. I was struck how certain paths intersected creating a bond between women that has stood the test of time.

One group of women find encouragement by staying in regular contact for the purpose of friendship, accountability and prayer. Another group spends much of their time laughing, acting silly, and enjoying the break from every day life. Still, another group sits close, talks about things deep and wide, and holds one another up in prayer. At the end of the day, all of these women know they are loved by Jesus. They walk in His love, count on His love, and pass this love on to their children.

It was easy for me to see why God loves these women so and after my time in the mountains, I'm even more thankful for my own girlfriends.

When we determine to put to death the stereotype of cattyness and pettiness among women, and we walk with our girlfriends with honor, holiness and purpose, we will find a sistership that makes our pilgrimage to the Promised Land especially sweet. Thank you, Jesus, for our girlfriends!

May we all be real enough to enjoy deep and thriving relationships with our sisters.

May we all be deep enough to challenge one another to stay out of the shallows.

May we all be rich enough in character to set a new standard in our conversations.

May we all be humble enough to admit when we are wrong.

May we all be true enough to be faithful to our friends.

May we all be holy enough to love, lean on, and walk with Jesus first and foremost.

Comments

[Karen]

Susie:You're right! What would I do without my friends. I don't think I would have made it through the last couple of years, especially last year. In addition to my husband being very ill and unable to work, last year my Dad had open heart surgery, and I had to help care for him. There were many complications and he was in the hospital for 6 weeks, nearly dying several times. Friends came by the hospital to see him and ME.They prayed, always in the nick of time...just when I needed strength.Within weeks of my Dad's return home from the transitional care facility I became very ill with a golf-ball sized female cyst and spent several months recovering because of infections and complications. Friends helped come by when I was to weak to take care of myself. When I was strong enough to take a trip to be with my family, my Momwas diagnosed with breast cancer. My dear friends let me be "out of it" at times. Always supporting me.There is no such thing as aself-made woman - everyone needs friends, encouragement and help!

[Susie Larson]

Karen,You are such an inspiration to me.May God redeem every single thing in your life!Blessings, my friend.

[Andrea]

Sisterhood ROCKS! God is so good to give us these special gifts. Thank God for old sisters and new! Your stories bless me every week, Susie! Bless you and your ministry!

[Anissa]

Susie, I really enjoyed getting to know you at the retreat! You are so right about sisterhood, especially sisters who are bonded through Christ. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself. :)

[Susie Larson]

Andrea,I am so glad I've found a sister in you. I'm still believing God for more events together in the future!

Anissa,Thank you for your church's wonderful hospitality up in the mountains.

God is good!

[Christy]

Susie, what a blessing you are. As I said when we said good bye- You are my sister. Your words are inspiring to all who listen to them. I started doing a few "microwave minutes". My little Rose wondered what I was doing and thought it looked a little funny, but she actually started doing her little 4 year old squats along side me. Love you to pieces and you always have "family" here in Idaho.Blessings to you my friend.

Christy

[Kay]

Oh, Susie I am so blessed to have you as one of my treasured sisters. Each sister God has given me has a special role and I wouldn't trade one of them. They are wonderful gifts from God. Thank you for all you have taught me over the years. I have appreciated a friend who can say the last 10%. It has been a catalyst for great growth.Love you, Kay

[Susie Larson]

Kay-Kay,You are such a dear friend to me. It's such an honor to do this journey with you. Bless you for your constant support!

Christy,My Idaho friend! Thank you for taking such great care of me again this year! May God continue to bless your ministry to women.