{"id":2137,"date":"2026-04-08T12:53:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T16:53:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/uniquelyconstructed\/?p=2137"},"modified":"2026-04-08T22:21:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T02:21:35","slug":"restoration-with-jesus-bloom-again-virginia-beach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/uniquelyconstructed\/2026\/04\/restoration-with-jesus-bloom-again-virginia-beach\/","title":{"rendered":"A Time of Restoration with Jesus: Bloom Again Virginia Beach"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

\"Collage
A collage of photos with other leaders and friends at Bloom Again Virginia Beach. ~ Photo courtesy of the author.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

Welcome back to the continuation of my story,\u00a0 A Time to Retreat with Jesus: Bloom Again<\/a>.<\/em> If you haven\u2019t 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\u2019t fit them all into one column. So, I decided to share more of what God did during this unforgettable weekend.<\/p>\n

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, \u201cI have been to many conferences and retreats over the years, but this one is different. There\u2019s 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\u2019ve ever been to!\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Group
Look at the smiles on these faces at Bloom Again Virginia Beach! Gotta love it! ~ Photo courtesy of the author.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Tables Were Set in Anticipation of What Jesus Had in Store<\/span><\/h2>\n

From the very beginning, I think it was obvious that the speakers and worship music shared a common theme\u2026 and it was one that the women were clearly hungry for. \u201cRest, and retreating with Jesus! Yes, Please!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

And while most of us didn\u2019t really know exactly what to expect, a retreat with Jesus certainly sounded refreshing, and needed!<\/p>\n

We came with expectant hearts. Ready to stop the \u201crat race\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

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

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

<\/h2>\n

Remembering Who We Are Without the Titles<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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?<\/p>\n

\"Photo
AI created this photo to go with this part of my article\u2026 I thought it fit perfectly!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The women in attendance<\/span> 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.<\/p>\n

In order to find our true identity, it is imperative that we first remember \u201cwhose we are.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n
\"Speaker<\/a>
As part of the leadership team, I was grateful for the opportunity to speak at this event\u2026 Stepping out to do new things! ~ Photo courtesy of the author.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By doing so, we realize that God sees us as His daughters. That is who we are first and foremost:\u00a0 Daughters of the King. So let this be your reminder today:\u00a0 you are a daughter of the most high God and He loves you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m 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\u2019m boldly walking through them! God\u2019s plans for my life are for more than I ever imagined! Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)<\/a><\/p>\n

As Daughters, We Need to Hear God\u2019s Voice<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of our sessions was about the importance of taking time to sit with God and just be still. That\u2019s not always easy<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
Loved meeting some of the other Bloom Again leaders daughters at this event! ~ Photo courtesy of the author.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

I especially loved the open table talk discussions because I found myself learning from the very women I was there to lead!<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It was a sweet time of connection! The willing hearts, and testimonies invited the Holy Spirit to make us courageous. God\u2019s wisdom flowed in many ways. Some women spoke of hearing God\u2019s voice audibly. Others shared about visions, dreams, or journaling the things God placed on their hearts.<\/p>\n

I recently spoke to one of the ladies that sat at my table, and she shared an amazing testimony with me. She said that \u201cshe found her voice again.\u201d And that since the retreat, she had become more bold in talking about her faith.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Her voice held excitement as she shared that she\u2019d experienced breakthrough. Proof that God was in this sacred space!<\/p>\n

Raising Up the Next Generation of God\u2019s Daughters<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Next<\/a>
The smiles on the Next Gen girls faces were so beautiful, and their nails were too after there fun PJ night! ~ Photo courtesy of the author.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many times throughout the weekend, we were all reminded that God has placed specific callings on each of our lives.<\/p>\n

God created us differently on purpose and gifted us uniquely! ~ We were never meant to be exactly like someone else. (Now, read that again!)<\/h3>\n

But let\u2019s be honest\u2014comparison syndrome can be hard to ignore!<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n

But Praise God for Scriptures like Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)<\/a> \u201cBefore I formed you in the womb I knew you,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>before you were born I set you apart\u2026, seemed to resonate deeply with all of us.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This was especially true with the Next Gen Girls<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Many of these precious girls shared that they often feel like they aren\u2019t enough: not pretty enough, not smart enough, not good enough. And said that they feel unseen, unloved and unwanted.<\/p>\n

Life has to be incredibly challenging in this era of social media, where so little feels private and comparison is everywhere.<\/p>\n

\"Next
The Next Gen PJ Dance Party was a huge success. Friendships were forged and fun was had by all. ~ Photo courtesy of the author.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While I did not work directly with this group of young ladies, I heard wonderful testimonies from within their group.<\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

Unexpected Declaration of War Brought Unity in God\u2019s Perfect Timing<\/span><\/h1>\n
\"Women<\/a>
There was a sweet spirit of worship throughout this gathering. It was beautiful to see! ~ Photo courtesy of the author.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

We invited those women to come forward, and we surrounded them\u2014praying over them, their families, and our nation.<\/p>\n

In that moment, our carefully planned itinerary went right out the window.\u00a0But it didn\u2019t surprise God in the least.<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n
\"Group<\/a>
No one wanted to leave too quickly so we gathered out on the beach to grab some photos. ~ A Beautiful Day the Lord Made! ` Photo courtesy of the author.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What followed became a powerful outcry for God\u2019s protection as we lifted our voices together as warriors\u2014prayer warriors, that is!<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

We felt the Spirit of God meet us in that moment, and I don\u2019t believe a single woman present will soon forget that sacred space in time.<\/p>\n

Women Lingered, Not Wanting the Weekend to End<\/span><\/h2>\n

As the weekend came to a close, it was clear that something special had taken place during our time together in<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
Loved meeting some of the other Bloom Again leaders\u2019 daughters at this event! ~ Photo courtesy of the author.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Virginia Beach. And it was clear that many were not ready for the time together to end.<\/p>\n