Words fall flat. The same three words that come to mind first every year when I try to type a caption about our women’s retreat weekends.
These three words have come to mind following every other retreat weekend yet somehow, this time, they carry even more depth as we wrap our 6th retreat weekend in seaside / watercolor.
We saw what we see every retreat. Women arriving as strangers leaving with newfound hope as they have received the space to rest and be encouraged by the other women around them doing the same.
This year though, for me as a leader, the women who linked arms with me gave me a newfound energy to be even more present with our guests than I’ve ever been able to be before. I’ve prayed that, in God’s perfect timing, He would bring the right people who I can trust with carrying some of the execution pieces of the weekend. Allowing me to pass off coordinating so I can sit with the incredible women who walk through our door. This year, God answered my prayers in bigger ways than I knew to ask for. We partnered with local businesses to put together, deliver and stage our guest gifts, to deliver and display lunch, to watch my sweet Hudson in the moments I needed / wanted Michael to be at my side, to make coffee on the porch, and more. The other piece is my host team. Bethany, Hannah and Rhianna. Most of us entered the weekend as friendly acquaintances, that I knew were divinely appointed to lead this weekend, and left with deep and meaningful friendship. The safety I felt with these women leading alongside me, the trust, the ability to feel truly seen and known as a leader BLESSED ME. They came alongside me and carried the vision God created with grace and love. They showed up not solely to support me but to lead this weekend for the Lord and it showed.
These weekends are some of the most precious moments I’ll experience in my lifetime. Getting to see women say “yes” to something they don’t quite have the ability to wrap their arms around in trust that God is here. Leaving with an intangible experience of God’s presence through His gifts of rest, joy and friendship. Thank you, Lord, for these weekends. We give YOU all the Glory!
📸 @momentswithmphoto
2025 “Surrounded” Retreat 5-year celebration tickets are available now here. If you’re curious, I’d love to invite you to lean in and join us! ✨🌊
Known Seaside Watercolor, FL Women's Retreat
