Saint Matthew Women's Retreat

I was lucky enough this year to go the Saint Matthew Women's Retreat 

held in Santa Cruz (AKA beach paradise). 

So blessed to be surrounded by women of all ages filled with such love. 

I decided to go on the annual retreat this year since a few of my friends 

were going and I heard nothing but positive things about past retreats. 

I was hoping to meet some new friends, while also 

taking away some meaningful life lessons. 

Here is the view from the front of the retreat center. 

The scenery was beyond words. Peaceful and so beautiful. 

It made for the perfect spot for reflection and relaxation.

Our "Saint Matthew's Young Mom's Group" with Pastor Mary

With a few missing since they couldn't make it to the retreat.

I love these girls! 

(I'm not quite mature enough at the age of 33 to call us women yet)

Some of us have been meeting for weekly Bible Study for over 5 years. 

They give me such perspective in life and have helped me though some tough times. 

I feel so blessed to have met each and every one of them. 

My roommate for the weekend, Amie, along with Lisa and Loni

My girl, Marsha. 

The pre-retreat began with a 5 week Bible Study that led up to the topics that we would be discussing during the retreat. I didn't really know what to expect, but knew that it would all be good. There were guest speakers that lead discussions and lessons on the following topics: Forgiveness, Compassion, Gratitude and Being Enough. Each lesson left me with important things to think about, ways to challenge myself and how I can take these lessons and apply them in my own life. Always a humbling experience to be faced with some tough self reflection, but also wonderful to realize that we are all such works in progress and that is what God loves the most about us.   

We got a few hours of free time, so a few of us went down the beach and took a nice walk. It was crystal clear and so peaceful. I wasn't used to having a weekend all to myself, so really tried to take advantage of the peace and harmony around me. 

Thank you Saint Matthew for a memorable weekend away. 

I came home relaxed and feeling like my heart was so full.