Welcome back to the continuation of my story,  A Time to Retreat with Jesus: Bloom Again. If you haven’t read it yet, I invite you to go back and start there. This Bloom Again Virginia Beach retreat with Jesus was filled with so many meaningful moments that I simply couldn’t fit them all into one column. So, I decided to share more of what God did during this unforgettable weekend.

As an example, in one conversation I had, a really sweet lady walked up and shared her amazement with me just out of the blue. She said something like this, “I have been to many conferences and retreats over the years, but this one is different. There’s such a feeling of connection and belonging. I love that the leaders, are just hanging around and talking to everyone. This is the best retreat I’ve ever been to!”

God knew I was thinking the very same thing! But for her to walk up and just start sharing her thoughts openly, was great confirmation for what my heart was feeling. I began walking around the rooms, watching the women interact, laugh and talk to each other like they had been friends forever. Yet, many had just met for the very first time. I loved that intimate feeling, and I also sensed that Jesus was in our midst the whole time.

The Tables Were Set in Anticipation of What Jesus Had in Store

From the very beginning, I think it was obvious that the speakers and worship music shared a common theme… and it was one that the women were clearly hungry for. “Rest, and retreating with Jesus! Yes, Please!”

And while most of us didn’t really know exactly what to expect, a retreat with Jesus certainly sounded refreshing, and needed!

We came with expectant hearts. Ready to stop the “rat race” pace we typically endure daily. As wives, mothers, caregivers, entrepreneurs, daughters, the titles we carry can be weighty, and keep us busy and stressed, for sure. Our tendencies are filled with hurry as we endeavor to tackle countless tasks and responsibilities in our everyday lives.

I believe many of us showed up weary and tired, but determined to turn all of that stuff off for just a little while.

This Bloom Again Virginia Beach Retreat with Jesus created space for hearts to slow down and truly receive what God had in store.

Remembering Who We Are Without the Titles

Oftentimes, I struggle with my own identity. Who was I before I was a wife, mom, grandma, business owner and all the worldly titles I carry.

The routines of daily life, seem to drain my energy and leave me wondering who I am, and who I am meant to be. What dreams did God place in my heart before all the rest?

The women in attendance likely shared this unrest in their spirits on some level too. Different seasons of life, different questions, but ultimately a need to reconnect with their own identities.

In order to find our true identity, it is imperative that we first remember “whose we are.”

By doing so, we realize that God sees us as His daughters. That is who we are first and foremost:  Daughters of the King. So let this be your reminder today:  you are a daughter of the most high God and He loves you. 

As daughters, we are seen, known, loved and cared for so intimately. Yet, we easily lose touch with just how incredible it is that Father God cares about the things we care about. He knows our concerns, and He knows what we need.

I’m personally grateful for all the opportunities that God is giving me to step out and try new things. Bloom Again, Patheos, and becoming an author are unique doors God has opened, and I’m boldly walking through them! God’s plans for my life are for more than I ever imagined! Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

As Daughters, We Need to Hear God’s Voice

One of our sessions was about the importance of taking time to sit with God and just be still. That’s not always easy

for some of us to do. But, it is so vitally important that we take time to listen to what He has to say. This opened up time at our tables for us to discuss different ways we hear from God.

I especially loved the open table talk discussions because I found myself learning from the very women I was there to lead!

It was a sweet time of connection! The willing hearts, and testimonies invited the Holy Spirit to make us courageous. God’s wisdom flowed in many ways. Some women spoke of hearing God’s voice audibly. Others shared about visions, dreams, or journaling the things God placed on their hearts.

I recently spoke to one of the ladies that sat at my table, and she shared an amazing testimony with me. She said that “she found her voice again.” And that since the retreat, she had become more bold in talking about her faith. 

Her voice held excitement as she shared that she’d experienced breakthrough. Proof that God was in this sacred space!

Raising Up the Next Generation of God’s Daughters

Many times throughout the weekend, we were all reminded that God has placed specific callings on each of our lives.

God created us differently on purpose and gifted us uniquely! ~ We were never meant to be exactly like someone else. (Now, read that again!)

But let’s be honest—comparison syndrome can be hard to ignore!

But Praise God for Scriptures like Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…, seemed to resonate deeply with all of us.

This was especially true with the Next Gen Girls though I think. These middle and high school girls are growing up in a world where comparison and criticism often comes daily, in school and at home.

Many of these precious girls shared that they often feel like they aren’t enough: not pretty enough, not smart enough, not good enough. And said that they feel unseen, unloved and unwanted.

Life has to be incredibly challenging in this era of social media, where so little feels private and comparison is everywhere.

While I did not work directly with this group of young ladies, I heard wonderful testimonies from within their group.

A big shout out to the leaders who poured into these girls and have such a heart for the next generation of daughters that God is raising up. You did a phenomenal job making them feel seen, loved, and heard!

Unexpected Declaration of War Brought Unity in God’s Perfect Timing

During the Bloom Again gathering, an unexpected moment unfolded when we were informed that the United States had entered into conflict with Iran.

Almost immediately, we realized there were women in the room whose husbands, sons, and family members were on active duty. Some of their loved ones were already on the ground and in the midst of what was happening in real time.

We invited those women to come forward, and we surrounded them—praying over them, their families, and our nation.

In that moment, our carefully planned itinerary went right out the window. But it didn’t surprise God in the least.

What followed became a powerful outcry for God’s protection as we lifted our voices together as warriors—prayer warriors, that is!

As our prayers intensified, one of the leaders released a bold, Spirit-led cry that echoed through the room like the roar of a lion. It was completely unplanned, yet it stirred something deep in all of us as we continued to pray for our nation and our loved ones.

We felt the Spirit of God meet us in that moment, and I don’t believe a single woman present will soon forget that sacred space in time.

Women Lingered, Not Wanting the Weekend to End

As the weekend came to a close, it was clear that something special had taken place during our time together in

Virginia Beach. And it was clear that many were not ready for the time together to end.

• Women who had arrived timid and unsure were leaving encouraged, refreshed, and reminded that God sees them, knows them, and has a purpose for their lives.
• New friendships were forged, and our community grew larger.

Plans for the next Bloom Again event were already being revealed.

Many stepped out in faith just to attend Bloom Again Virginia Beach, unsure of what they would find. Yet over the course of the weekend, we witnessed hearts opening, prayers rising, and women reconnecting with their Savior in meaningful ways.

There was even an ocean baptism Sunday morning! To my surprise, I walked into the lobby and met up with April Foster, one of our amazing leaders. She had just baptized a sweet lady who could hardly contain her excitement. She shared that she had an encounter with Jesus during the night. Then, she got up determined to be baptized before she left! (How amazing is that!?)

Retreating With Jesus was an Incredible Time of Connection

Moments of worship, prayer, honest conversation, and even unexpected circumstances reminded us all that when we intentionally make space to retreat with Jesus, He faithfully meets us there.

That’s exactly what this Bloom Again Virginia Beach retreat with Jesus became—a place where hearts were restored and faith was renewed.

• Looking back now, I am more convinced than ever that not one woman who attended that weekend was there by accident.
• God knew exactly who would gather in that room, and He orchestrated those moments long before any of us arrived.

And what a beautiful reminder that when God’s daughters come together with open hearts, incredible things can happen.

Over and over again, messages told us that we are not just busy women navigating through life—we are Beloved Daughters of God!

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