fellowship: def.- companionship, company; a community of interest, activity, feeling or experience. a company of equals or friends; the quality or state of being comradely.
I had the unique and enviable opportunity to attend a women’s retreat with the ladies of Brainerd Presbyterian Church this past weekend. Some had told me it was special, but I didn’t know. Not without the experience.
Would you believe me if I told you I watched women from ages 18-80 having real fellowship? No cattiness, no cliquish behavior… just true kindness and encouragement. Oh- there was teasing and joking and mischief, too. But, these women have taken care to do something really important. They are caring for one another, young and old alike – in a “company of equals.” Beyond their personal interests or experiences, they are following one commandment very well.
“Love one another.”
It sounds simple in theory, but to do it… as females… it is much harder.
I am so thankful the Lord allowed me to have such an amazing time of fellowship with some pretty incredible women this weekend. I’ve tried to use words to describe it. We hiked, we shopped, we ate, we studied God’s Word… but this is what it looked like:
The cabin.
the view.
the peace and quiet.
the snacks. (no one was going hungry on this retreat.)
the early morning coffee
the bird’s-eye view
the laughter
the knitters. (and there were quite a few)
the hikers.
the nature lovers.
the hikers who went further…
the beauty.
the friendships, old and new
the nurturing from God’s Word
the dinner preparation, by mother and daughter.
the encouragement
the caring
the perfect ending, to an unforgettable weekend.
Thank you to all of my new friends at BPC. I am so blessed by this treasure you so graciously shared with me. My heart is grateful.
Originally written November 2012
daily portion 
Hey, I’m in here! LOL! It was wonderful having you speak to us this last weekend. Don’t you love it when we listen to God? Thank you for the bookmark, it will be a great reminder to me.