REAL

Well, sweet peeps, it's getting to be that time. That crunch time where everything for the girls retreat needs to be done in less than 48 hours. I could not be more excited. But, at the same time, could not be more anxious. Thankfully, I have a handful of ladies who have helped me tremendously and I am forever indebted to them. Without them, I would be the most frazzled chicken with a head cut off you've ever seen.

I am completely overwhelmed by what the Lord has already done and provided for this retreat, and I can't wait to just watch it all play out. I have never felt more privileged to serve such a huge and faithful God. And y'all, He is faithful. And He is good. He has answered prayers far beyond what I have ever prayed or what I have believed for this retreat. However, I AM believing God. I just have to keep reminding myself, "Lindsee, believe Him!"

Would you please pray for us this weekend?! I promise you that your prayers will not be wasted. We (as in everyone involved, especially Shelly and Abby) would be forever truly grateful. Because without Him this weekend, the retreat will mean nothing. Only HE can change hearts. And oh, I pray that HE would. I have been praying the enemy away in Jesus name all week, because we all know he is wants to get a hold of us so very bad. But, ultimately my prayer is that Jesus would be glorified. And that HE would be the ONLY one Glorified. Because He is the only one worthy of our Praise. Amen?!

1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 has been so very dear to me this week, and has been a prayer of mine too. It says:

"You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else..."

We are simply human beings who have been approved by God to preach the Gospel. We are not approved by God because of what we do, but because of who we are in Him. We are not trying to please men, nor are we looking for approval from them, we are only trying to please God. And boy oh boy has that been the cry of my heart. Far be it from me to say I did anything for this retreat, without my Jesus none of this would be happening. Paul's idea of success was that he preached the gospel because that is what he was told to do. Paul's idea of success wasn't who like him, or accepted him, or what not, he was completely content being approved by God, and that being IT. I pray this in my life, too. I pray that for this retreat, too.

Oh, that the girls would walk away with a better understanding of Jesus, who they are in Him, how much He loves them, and how He longs to have a relationship with Him. That each and every girl in there would come to realized their own need for a Savior.

Thank you so much for your prayers, friends. I'm sure I'll be forever indebted to y'all, too! :)

In t-minus 22 hours, I'll have both Abby and Shelly in Houston and heaven knows we'll be goin' ninety to nothin'. Well, hopefully not because I do want them to get some rest, but I am thrilled they'll be here so we can really get the ball rollin'!

Hope y'all have a great weekend! I'll be checkin' in when it's all been said and done!

Oh, Lord, be exalted and have thine own way.