Rise Above: Strength For The Climb


I had the privilege of attending this year's Renew Conference at the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp over the weekend, joining more than 500 more ladies from across the state around the area. It's been a couple of years since I was able to go, so this year was extra special. 


A group of our church ladies has been going to Renew for years, and it's something we always look forward to. This time we were assigned to an amazing cabin with real beds, comfortable furniture, and air conditioning! Even the adorable bridge to get there was lovely.


And what an encouraging Scripture above the front door to remember as you're leaving each morning: Commit to the Lord everything you do, and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3. 


The first stop we make as soon as we get to camp is the popcorn bar. This has been a staple of the basement of the Cove as long as I can remember, so you grab your retreat shirt and a bag full of popcorn and candy. It's good to be an adult and get to fill your very own popcorn bag!


Next is the Faith Baptist Bible College Library's book sale. This is literally my kind of heaven - new and used books, gifts, and sheet music on table after table. I save up for weeks to have enough mad money to get a whole stack to take home. I was able to get Danny two trumpet books with accompaniment parts for me, and six Bible study books. 


I couldn't wait to dig in to those new books, so our group sat outside by the lake and read for a while. There is plenty of time sprinkled through for camp activities like zip lining, prayer walks, and pontoon boating, many with lit campfires and the coffee shop open. 


That's part of the draw of a ladies retreat. We have so many pressures and so much "hard" happening in our lives, and just getting away to relax and let someone else take care of everything is the biggest blessing. The view doesn't hurt, either.


Throughout the weekend there are workshops mixed in with the general sessions. This year we were blessed by Faith Taylor, pastor's wife and Bible professor at Faith Baptist Bible College, and one of our favorite teachers ever. Her theme of Rising Above struck a special place in my heart, having to go through pressure and negativity in life back home. But with God's word at the core of my life and my day, I can rise above the chaos and calamity.


    Staying overnight away from home can be an adventure when you're an adult and love your own bed and routine, but it's also a beautiful opportunity to spend time with your church family, have time to talk that you wouldn't normally have, and enjoy a beautiful natural setting. IRBC is a gorgeous venue, and it's designed to be welcoming and rejuvenating.


If you have any opportunities to get away from the routine and mundane, take them. Reconnect with the Lord before any more time goes by, then find out what kind of influence you can be on the women around you. God can work in powerful ways when we get out of the ordinary and take time to listen to what He has to say.

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