A Day of Refreshment

  Several months ago, the Lord impressed it upon my heart to have a ladies luncheon with words of encouragement and inspiration for young ladies in their calling as daughters. I had been reading the book 'So Much More' when I was inspired with this idea. I was struck with the realization of how vital our roles as daughters and mothers in the home are. Never before did I realize to what an extent a high calling that is. It is far more than "Oh! It would be so sweet to have a baby" or "It would be so fun to have my own home and decorate it just so!" I have come to see more than ever that all of civilization is brought forth out of our homes and that our society is only as strong and Christian as our homes are strong and Christian. Satan is on a war path out to destroy the home and family. We live in a society that has believed the lie that women's greatest success lies outside the home in the workforce, teaching Sunday School, or volunteering at some mission. There could be nothing farther from the truth. As women, whether we are a daughter, a wife, or a mother, we have the opportunity to be a sanctifying influence in our homes through our faithful prayers, our unwavering confidence in our menfolk, and our gentle, guiding hand in the lives of the young ones. We have the ability to make our homes the most blessed places on earth. Not only that, but all that comes forth from our homes, good or bad, will effect future generations. For example, do we ever give the impression to our children or siblings that they are an annoyance, that we can't wait to get away from them, or that other things are more important than spending time with them? Do we convey to them that they are of value, that we do love them and the things that are important to them are important to us? Believe me, this is a challenge for myself when I feel that I must get something done or when one of my own siblings seems extra cranky. How about the ways we treat our fathers, brothers, or for some of you, husbands? Do we admire them, show them respect, give them our hearts, support them, and submit to their leadership? Do we allow them to lead out? These our areas in which we can help create a stable enviroment, and that brings unity into our homes. Remember, what is in our homes will flow out into society.  
 Anyway, I was deeply impressed to share these truths with others thru a ladies luncheon. I shared these thoughts with my dear friend, Marcia, knowing that she, too, would have such a heart to encourage girls and young ladies in this high calling. (She was the one who gave me the book to read to begin with). As I had suspected, she too, had thought of doing something like this in the past. We began praying and planning as the Lord led and by August we had a daughterhood retreat scheduled for the end of the month.
 Marcia found a lovely secluded spot at a nearby state park with a pavilion and beautiful walking trails. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for it either! It ended up being just a small group of us, I think 18 altogether, which probably was just as well for it being our first time doing something like this. We decorated the tables vintage style and played soft music in the background. Marcia began with a talk on "It All Begins With God". She reflected on Psalm 16 and Rev. 4:11, pointing out that when we are walking in the path that God intended for us we receive fullness of joy, and most importantly, God receives the glory. After that, I did a talk on "Lessons from History". I focused on America's past, considered her at present, and then gave hope and vision for the future of our nation and for the generations to come. Later, we listened to Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin's CD "Strength and Dignity for Daughters" and after that we had a prayer and share time. In between sessions we would take walks along the trails and even waded in the running water nearby.
 I think it turned out to be a refreshing day for all of us. I praise God for making it happen. My prayer is that the message we brought forth to these girls will go into their hearts and that they will get a vision to bless their fathers and families, and that through their families they can have an impact on the world around them for the glory of God.