Dancing in the Light

I John 1:7 "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin."

Name:
Location: North Platte, Nebraska, United States

I am a christian wife, mother and grandmother. I am a licensed Social worker and a licensed Christian counselor. I am most proud of the relationships I have with God, my family and friends all over the world. I have been blessed beyond my dreams.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Wonderful Wyoming

I was born in Wyoming and raised just over the state line in Northern Colorado. I got used to living in the mountains, seeing wildlife in my front yard and falling asleep to the peaceful sounds of the river. This past weekend, I was blessed enough to relive those childhood experiences. I was honored to be the speaker for a retreat sponsored by the Worland Church of Christ. Resting on the Western slope of the Big Horn Mountains, Worland is everything beautiful I remember from my childhood. The retreat was held at nearby Circle J camp in tiny Ten Sleep. (The circle J is a reminder that Jesus is to be the center of all that happens there.) With the red rock cliffs on one side and the rambunctious Platte river on the other, the camp is surrounded by the majesty of creation. While we were there, the snow came--someone said there was a total of 8 inches. All I know is that it was white and pure and very beautiful, the perfect setting for the deer that boldly ambled into camp. It was so peaceful and awe-inspiring and the scenery alone would have been enough to make it a great weekend!
But my God gives me more than enough! I am always, always impressed that Father God takes just the right mixture of relationship and setting to inspire and encourage. The women came from Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska. They represented every age group, lifestage and marital status. Some were friends of my parents when they attended Bear Valley School of Preaching, some had lived in North Platte and worshipped with us there, some had heard me speak at the Casper retreat a few years earlier and some I had never met before. They were so very beautiful, these sisters of mine. They each encouraged and inspired me---from the prayers to the songs, to the fellowship and fun, I left the retreat wanting to do better at being a woman of God---wanting to be more bold in proclaiming His love, desiring more compassion and praying for a gentler spirit and gracious attitude. I left there grateful that God made me part of a community of believers and that He had allowed me to be the recipient of such an outpouring of Christian love and community.
The retreat was over just after lunch on Saturday and we returned to Worland. Ned and I were given the blessing of staying with our good friends, the Mayas. We laughed and ate and prayed and sang! It was so wonderful---I knew that this was just a taste of what Heaven would surely be like---all of the very best things God has, just for our pleasure! Sunday morning we were able to worship with the Worland congregation. What a gift this body is---to each other and to those who visit. The love and concern, the feeling of family is tangible and truly wonderful!
Goodbyes and tears and we began the ten hour journey home. The time passed quickly because we travelled with a godly Christian couple who love and mentor us and who always seek out the spiritual best of those they love. We arrived home just before midnight--excited, tired and inspired. What a great weekend!
When I was a child, the signs at the border of Wyoming said, "Wonderful Wyoming" and that is exactly how I found it to still be. God is so good to me and the blessing of this past weekend just reiterates what I know to be true---I am His favorite child! I am His favorite child! :)
Blessings
Neva

17 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am sure they were inspired and encouraged by you also! So glad you are feeling better!


Pat

7:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wyoming is very beautiful! I know how much you wanted to go and have prayed you would be well enough to speak. I know you did a great job!

Jarrod

7:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sounds like fun!


Carlos

9:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good :) Glad you had a time to rest and refresh.

10:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just popped by to say hello. Glad you had a great time.

Grace and peace,
Tim

5:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wish I could have been there to hear you speak. I just know you are a wonderful and effective speaker. Praise God for your continued healing!

In Him
Georgia

6:06 AM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Echoing all the previous comments, and am SO pleased you've improved to the point of being able to do two 10=hour road trips and all the extra activities involved in a retreat! PTL! \o/ for your healing and teaching!!!

Love ya' dear friend,

8:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Only you would be the speaker at a retreat and come back home telling how THEY encouraged you---You are amazing girl!

Love ya
Kel

9:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm so glad the weekend went well! I was in prayer for you and glad that God blessed you all with an uplifting time. Love you!

11:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am with Kel, you are such a humble servant of God, what an example! Bless you for letting God use you and for just being you.

Rachel

11:54 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was in Wyoming last summer on our way to Yellowstone. It is a beautiful state. I think we stopped to worship in Casper. I am thankful to see you feeling so well.

Carlos

4:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Neva - I'm glad to hear that all went well on the retreat...you were and are in my prayers.

This post is powerful...God truly is amazing in all his ways...and very creative! Thanks for the reminder.

BTW - the part where you said..."God is so good to me and the blessing of this past weekend just reiterates what I know to be true---I am His favorite child! I am His favorite child!" I totally get this, and I believe it to be true for me...you know that's totally possible with God. :)

have a great evening...

6:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love ladies retreats. The love shared by a group of women who love the Lord is so contagious. I am so glad you had a good time and felt well enough to particiapte.

Jeneane

6:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As I have heard you say, "God is good, all the time" What a blessing you were to them and them to you. God IS good!

Carol

11:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have yet hear a definite answer. Is there such a thing as 'Godly jealousy'? I think there. And, I know what it looks like. I am so glad you were up toi the trip. I am not surprised you can away filled. I look forward to more news from you. And, as a final note, as usual I question your claim. I AM!







[ You know we all are really aren't we]

3:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love you, Neva. Thank you so much for coming. We are all praying for your recovery and feel so blessed that you pushed through and came to Worland even though you weren't feeling well. Your touch can still be seen in the ladies of our church. The table in the back was full yesterday of cards and gifts of encouragement. The men are joining in too! Karsyn is making a habit of helping Holly during services. She comes away just as blessed as Holly. :)

Did I mention that I love you? Cause I do... :)

Tammy

8:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip. I can't wait for you to come this way! :)

Paula

8:17 PM  

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