Welcome!
All sessions are held in the Maple Lawn Ballroom in the Conference Center. The first session begins promptly at 7pm Friday evening with doors opening at 6:30pm.
Commuters can park in the building 5 lot and enter through the Conference Center Entrance.
Schedule


Weekend Meditation
Surrendered Rest
Opening her front door, her breath catches as a soft glow of oranges and reds paints the sky. Closing her eyes, she lifts her face to the sun, inhales and puts one foot in front of the other. Her morning walk is the only time of the day that is hers. Without it, she has no patience for the demands of the day. This is when she talks with Jesus. Today, the pressures of life are bearing down on her. “Lord, I am overwhelmed, tired, anxious. I can’t slow my thoughts. Jesus, I need some rest.”
Sound familiar?
The demands and worries of life can prevent us from seeking rest, especially as women. Our culture applauds self-sufficiency and eyebrows raise when we rest or seek help. But if we’re honest, an unrested mind and body affects every area of our life. When our mind and body are overwhelmed, it’s difficult to fully engage in the life God desires for us.
Jesus promises His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness. The fact that we need rest from what we’re carrying is not a weakness. The weakness lies in our human desire for independence. We were designed to depend more on Him and less on ourselves. The more we turn to Him, the more He strengthens us, and we receive the rest we are seeking.
To receive the rest we need, we must surrender the weight to Jesus. What do you need to surrender into His hands today?
Surrendering our burdens into Jesus’ capable hands isn’t always easy—it isn’t for me. Conceptually I get it, but in practice I struggle. I’m sure I’m not the only one. But when I surrender, my tight muscles release, my posture changes and my breathing slows. My mind and body rest in His presence.
I have a practice of opening my hands before the Lord. It’s a symbolic reminder that I will no longer cling to my own strength but will accept His help. He understands my weaknesses and is trustworthy to provide what I need.
Surrendering is less challenging as we invest time in our relationship with Jesus. The more consistent we are, the easier it is to trust Him. As we invest time worshipingHim through music, prayer and reading His Word, our eyes will open more fully to His love, compassion and support.
The way you worship Jesus will look different than your friends and that’s okay. Maybe you listen to the Bible, journal or pray in the shower. You might choose to sit and listen to worship music. The importance is your consistency to have a daily conversation with Jesus. This deepens your relationship and increases your awareness of His presence. Then you become more attuned to His beautiful voice, and you will hear His invitation for the rest He alone offers.
God has prepared a place of rest just for you. His is an open invitation to come and sit by His side. The invitation is unconditional and open to anyone who humbly seeks Him. In His presence you will find the rest you seek.
Picture Jesus sitting next to you right now. Turn to Him and tell Him what burdens you are carrying. Now take a few deep breaths. Open your hands, place your palms up and close your eyes. Surrender it all to Him.
Lord Jesus, surrendering is not easy. It seems easier to control what is happening around me. Yet, the more I try to control, the more life feels out of control. Help me be honest with you and surrender what I am carrying into your capable hands. Amen.
Recommended Resources
Books
Sensible Shoes: A Story about the Spiritual Journey by Sharon Garlough Brown
Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
Freedom of Simplicity: Finding Harmony in a Complex World by Richard J. Foster
Abundant Simplicity: Discovering the Unhurried Rhythms of Grace by Jan Johnson
Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age by Nancy Wilson
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest by Bonnie Gray
Renovation of the Heart in Daily Practice: Experiments in Spiritual Transformation by Jan Johnson
New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp
Breaking Free from Body Shame: Dare to Reclaim What God Has Named Good by Jess Connolly
Find Your People Study Guide: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World by Jennie Allen
Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts by Jennie Allen
The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life by Joshua Becker