CCLH Women's Retreat 2013 -- Personal Revival--Through The Book of Habakkuk

Last weekend, a large group of women filled the Maranatha room at Calvary Chapel's Bible College in Murrieta for our annual women's retreat.  The theme was "Personal Revival", it was a time spent sitting at our Lord's feet, attentively seeking Him. 

Friday night, the retreat started with amazing worship by Sherri Youngward and a devotion by Lori Cook.  Lori reminded us what revival is.  Revival is the state of being revived, alive, flowing, and fresh.  Revival comes as we study God's word.  Revival is to strengthen something that once was vibrant.  Lori gave us six key actions that bring revival in our lives:

1.  Salvation
2.  Prayer
3.  Confession of sin
4.  Brokenness
5.  Obedience
6.  Boldness

What a sweet first night!  Everyone was excited and ready to receive what God had for them!

Saturday morning, we started our day worshiping our Lord. Sherri took us straight to the throne and the room was filled with His presence.  As a special treat, Gia Lucid joined Sherri for worship!  Two amazing voices leading us in worship.  It was beautiful and quite the surprise!

God's work in our hearts had only begun, Sandy Macintosh followed and shared a rich study out of the book of Habakkuk.  She covered the entire book in three sessions, too much to cover now (the entire recording is available to order).  One of the many things she shared that hit home for many of us is, "it's NOT our feelings that give God pleasure, it's our FAITH."  She also said, " it is so important to watch, write and wait on God's word."   Additionally, she mentioned that God has a hole in His heart with our name on it.  He is waiting on us to have a relationship with Him, He longs for us.

In between studies, we saw a clip of the movie:  "Billy The Early Years".  A movie depicting the life of Billy Graham.  We also saw a brief music video of the song "Feel the Love" by Love Song.  A tribute to Pastor Chuck Smith.  Examples of two men who loved Jesus and brought revival to the world.

After a delightful lunch, Xochilt De La Cueva, led us in a powerful prayer where there was adoration of God, confession of trespasses, thankfulness towards our God and petitions in supplication to Him.  We did this all together as women, as the body of Christ.  It was a special time.

Then, Bea Martin, led us in a thought provoking craft that reminded us to be refreshed and revived by God's Word and each other.

Our time with Sandy ended Saturday evening with an incredible time of prayer.  There were so many spirit led prayers lifted to our Lord.  It was intimate and heartfelt.

To end this amazing time spent with our Lord and each other, on Sunday, Sherri Youngward shared her heart in a study out of Luke 8:43 and Luke 22.  She reminded us that Jesus came to earth to teach us who our father in heaven is.  After, in a time of reflection and remembrance, we ended with communion.  A perfect ending to a blessed weekend.

In this retreat, there was joyous laughter, fun and quite time with our Creator.  More importantly, there was restoration of hearts, re-dedication of lives, and it was beautiful to see a non-believer fall in love with Jesus.  Praise the Lord!  A memorable weekend for many who experienced His power to save and His power to transform and revive hearts.

In Him,

CCLH Women's Ministry



Love Song Music Video "Feel The Love"

Sherri Youngward "She Looks To The Sky"

Upcoming Events: A Night With Joni Eareckson Tada

Ladies,

We are so pleased that Joni is coming this Friday, May 24th at 7:00 p.m .  Have you put your reservation in yet?  We are almost full.  

I'm so encouraged as I am reading her books and watched her movie.  She is my hero who displays a perseverance above all others.  Her tenacity for Jesus is overwhelming and  inspirational to me.

We plan on having refreshments afterwards in the mini chapel for fellowship. Bring a generous portioned dessert as well!

Most importantly, please keep this evening in prayer.  We are amazed at her willingness to come and share with us.  

 It will certainly be an inspiring evening filled with worship, fellowship and a fabulous message by a pillar in our faith.

In His mercy & grace,

Lori Cook
womensministry@calvarylahabra.org

Speaking From The Heart

This past Sunday during service, Pastor Lance continued to teach on 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3. Towards the end of his teaching he stressed the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He mentioned that the return of Jesus is mentioned more than three-hundred times in the New Testament. As I was listening to the teaching, the Lord so graciously gave me a simple but very effective illustration of His return that I felt led to share with all of you.

When I serve with the toddlers, whose ages are between 1-2 years, there is inevitably at least one child, sometimes all of them, that will cry for their mom. They feel abandoned, lost, uncomfortable with strangers, or just plain upset. I have found that there are five words that brings comfort to their little hearts. I tell them, "Your mommy will be back." I don't tell them what time she will be back because they don't yet understand the concept of time but I sometimes add that she will return in little while. For these precious souls who find love, comfort, and security in the arms of their mommies, those five words bring peace to them. Some have to be reminded several time but eventually are comforted by those words. It's no wonder that Jesus tells us to become like little children (Matt 18:3).

 If we find love, comfort, and security in Jesus, then trusting that He will be back will bring us peace in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. The trials today are temporary and will soon pass. In the meantime, we learn through these circumstances how to bring glory to God.

So, when I see the huge smiles on theses precious kids as their mom or dad returns for them, I envision myself with the same expression on my face running to my Abba-Father's outstretched arms as He returns for me or He calls me home.

Thank you Jesus for loving us so much and reminding us of Your soon return. Help us to trust and focus on Your unfailing promise to come back for us. Thank you that until then, the Holy Spirit will help us become more like You so that You may be glorified in all that we do!

Awaiting the soon coming King,
Xochilt De La Cueva

CCLH Women's Spring Tea 2013

Here is a recap of this month's Tea.  It was amazing for those who missed it.  The ladies worked so diligently to provide an exquisite setting.  We savored the delicious food that our women prepared in our church kitchen!!  We have the link for more pictures click here: http://calvarylahabra.org/photo.php?pageID=40

Our guest speaker was Lenya Heitzig who has authored many of our women's bible study books.  She was delightful to listen to and was emotionally moved as she began to share what this area has meant to her as she grew up in La Habra Heights!!

Also the message was intense on His Peace which is also on our website: calvarylahabra.org under teachings, women.

In His mercy and grace,
Lori Cook