Into the Light

I have so many things to tell you about. 
So many incredible stories to share about the women's retreat I attended last weekend. 
However, I am having trouble putting my thoughts into words. I want to express it well and just haven't had enough time to reflect on all that occurred. It is coming. Soon. I promise.

Today, I want to explain what happened before the retreat and what God had me share with the twelve women in my group.

Prior to last year's retreat, I prepared something for each woman in my group about the meaning of their name. I presented each woman with a piece of paper, which described the origin and meaning of their name and challenged them to think about how or if they were a reflection of this meaning.

Since many of the same women were attending the retreat again, this year, I wanted to do something different. I wracked my brain, but couldn't think of anything. Then, I did what I should have done first. I prayed.

And, God gave me an answer. Every time I prayed I thought of this song, Marvelous Light. This is not a new song, and I couldn't remember the last time I had sung it, so I knew it must mean something more to God than it did to me.

I read and reread the lyrics of this song. Then, I searched the Bible for a verse that I felt reflected the theme of the song. The verse that I was led to was 1 Peter 2:9:

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

The next challenge I faced was how to present this verse in a creative way. That's when I thought of Mandy of This Girl's Life. I have followed Mandy on Instagram for awhile and admire her creativity. So, I contacted her and asked if she would be willing to create a custom print based on the verse I had chosen.

I was thrilled when she said yes, and even more excited when she sent me the finished print.

I decided to frame a print for each woman in my group. I found very inexpensive frames at Wal Mart (thanks to this post by Kaitlyn) and spray painted them white.

(If you follow me on Instagram, you saw that I was still finishing the painting and framing two hours before leaving for the retreat.)

I was completely satisfied with the finished product. It was a great keepsake that each woman seemed to appreciate.

Throughout the time I was preparing this gift, I wondered how this verse would relate to the theme of the retreat and what it would mean to each woman who received it. During our third meeting of the weekend, the speaker shared how God had led her through a tragedy, a dark time. Through her circumstances, she felt that God had taught her three main lessons. The last one was, "Walk in the light."

Although I had felt God leading me to 1 Peter 2:9, I had never been more convinced then at that moment, when the speaker spoke those four words.

My friends, God is alive and active. He speaks to me and He can speak to you, if you will allow Him.

***

If you would like to have a copy of the print Mandy designed, you can purchase it in her Etsy shop. Or, for a chance to get it for free, enter to win it here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway