This past week-end, eight ladies from Faith attended the “Heart to Heart” retreat at Camp Sparta. All of us agree that it was a very good and profitable time.We were assigned our cabin and all enjoyed a “bottom bunk.” One stayed at the inn where she was well treated and one came for Saturday only.

We were fed a great dinner which was accompanied by a beautiful sunset over Lake Sparta. All of our meals were delicious and plentiful. Bethany Baptist of Avon Park, the sponsoring church, knows how to give a pleasurable retreat. They did a fantastic job in all aspects.

Our speaker, Barb Reynolds, left -4° in Iowa to come speak. That gave her a “Merry Heart” to start. The three sessions were informative, inspiring and challenging: (Excerpts from our handout)

My Broken Heart:

Even when I am busy serving God, I can have heart issues.

• When my heart is broken God cares. 
• When it is overwhelmed, God provides. 
• When my heart is sinful, God forgives. 

God uses all of the above situations for His Glory.

My Merry Heart:
A merry heart is not about my circumstances. It is about my choices.
If my life is totally in my hands and what happens is dependent on me, then I’m in trouble! In spite of my circumstances I can choose a merry heart. Sometimes we get more concerned about out circumstances, than about the One Who controls them.
A merry heart is not about my stuff. It is about my Saviour.

Pro 17:22  A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

My Servant’s Heart:

1Sa 12:24  Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

Remember

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. (1 Samuel 17:37 KJV)

Respond

Serve Him in truth with all your heart.

God has chosen to use me, but it is, oh so not about me. It is all about Him.

We were also provided with good music, and comedy by a “Barbershop Quartet” singing about their “Rubber Ducky.” Win-it-in-a-minute brought many laughs.There was also free time with different things to do. Helen VanHorn did her Scissor thing for some of us with Renee and Mary’s help. I was privileged to be able to show a Birds of the Bible presentation. Helen and Cindy Harrell joined the volunteer choir. Eilene went Antiquing. Cindy gathered at the Bonfire.

Here are some of their comments: “Fellowship was outstanding. Didn’t come away with a quilt feeling.” (Helen); “Excellent” (Jonita); “Fantastic” “Enjoyed the fellowship” “Refreshing”  (Lee); “Great food” “Laid-back and Fantastic” (Cindy); “Fun” “Great at Hotel” (Eilene); “Speaker was very encouraging – very good” (Esther) “Would do it again” (by all).

Check out Bethany Baptist’s Photos of the Retreat