Above Rubies Family Retreat

For some time now we have wanted to host an Above Rubies Family Camp, but the time just didn`t seem right. Several families that we know have talked about it but nothing ever came of it. After a lot of prayer I decide to just go for it, and the Lord has gone before me every step of the way, preparing details that I just could not have even thought of.

I am so excited to see how the Lord is going to move at this retreat! 

So if you are ready to be equipped, encouraged and challenged in your marriage, in your family, and in bringing up the next generation for The Lord, then please join us for a great weekend.

Where: Camp Windermere  Roach,Mo

1-800-346-2215 ext 1200

When: April 12-14 2013

Cost: there is a $50 registration fee per family, which needs to be paid to me no later than April 7th,2013, plus the accommodations you choose through the camp. They have several options, from motel rooms, family cabins with full kitchens, to RV and tent camping. You can go to the website to get an idea of their prices,but because it will still be the off season some facilities will still be winterized. If you plan to eat in the dining hall you must make your reservations by April 5th as well.

You can mail me your registration (call for address) or you can pay here 

My hosting partner, Em Roehrman, has decided to head up the retreat. She can be contacted to register and for further information.
Phone: 785 447 0708
E-mail: simplycleansing@gmail.com.


Contact: Kristi Wilbanks 

Phone: 417-413-7953

E-mail: kmomathome@yahoo.com
FB event page
 

 We will have door prizes, and a table set up to buy the Campbell`s books. There will also be a love offering taken up at the end of the conference for the Campbells. 

Itinerary

 Friday: check-in begins at 3pm (on your own for dinner) with opening meeting and meet and greet starting at 6pm

Saturday: (on your own for breakfast and lunch)
first meeting starting at 9-10:30 am
Break: 10:30
Second session: 11-12
 Break: 12-4pm (lunch/free time)
Q/A time: 4pm
Pot-luck Dinner:5:30

Talent Show: 7pm

Sunday: (on your own for breakfast) 

Worship and Lord`s supper:9am

Lunch and closing 11am

Check-out 12pm

  If you have any questions please feel free to call or e-mail me or Em for more details. 

We look forward to hearing from you. Blessings, and may God be Glorified- Kristi

Praise The Lord!!

Psalm 113:9 "He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise The Lord." NIV

God is just so Good, isn't He? Who can praise him enough? I read this verse in Psalms the other day and just had to share with you all, the way it touched me. For so long I was that barren woman, barren in my soul. But God saved me, literally lifting me out of the depths and has settled me in a happy home. I love being a wife and mother, so much so that I wonder what my next stage of life will bring. I am more blessed than I could have ever asked to be. Why does God bless me so greatly? I am nothing but a wretch, a sinner. Yet He continually blesses me with His love and Grace. There are days, of course, when I don`t want God`s blessings! ( blasphemy to think much less write, but true none the less) I would rather go to the gym, or have coffee with friends, or spend hours uninterrupted, doing crafts. Yet, in my heart of hearts, I know this is not what I want, nor is it what God has given me. I can always tell when I have started to try to do things on my own, because this is the thought process I begin to have, poor, self-rightelous me. If I were to spend my time doing these things, I know I would miss out on, not only eternal blessings, but a chance to further Christ`s Kingdom. Not that these things aren`t important to some extent, we all need a little time to our selves, but every time I see Gabe learn a new word, Matilda sing to Eli, or the girls learn a new skill in the kitchen, I am filled with a sense of awe for Christ`s Creation and that He would bless me in being a part of His plans. I am forever greatful to my wonderful husband as well. He has truely taught me so much about dying to self and living for others. Every day when most people are still snug in their beds he drags himself out of bed and out of the house, to earn a living, that I may stay home with our children and be blessed by them throughout my day. Praise The Lord.... for so many things, too many to name.

P.S. in this video, Matilda is singing a song about God she made up"if you see a rainbow, you see God`s hands" notice the baby in the backround, and the vaccum cord. Just a day in the life... :)

`Tis The Season

Hello All. It`s been so long since I`ve visited blogland. It`s good to be back. ;)

I`m sure you all are gearing up for the holidays and I just wanted to share a few things on my heart, and some of the things we will be doing as a family this year.

Several years ago, I really felt that God was calling us to stop "doing" Santa with our kids. It`s not that we wanted to take the joy, fun, or surprise out of Christmas, but we did want to get Christ back in, and this was the most obvious way to start.

We also started observing/celebrating Advent. We have a little wreath, with candles that we set out on our dining table along with some kid friendly nativity figures. (kid friendly meaning chipped;) Each night we have a little devotional and light the candle that goes with that week, until Christmas morning when we light the white candle in the middle, representing Christ. What a joy it is to build up to that morning, not only to give gifts, but to reflect on the Real reason for this season. Sweet baby Jesus who would not only choose to die for me, but A Heavenly Father willing to send that baby, His Baby. I have often thought of my own babies and wondered, could I do it for anyone, much less a filthy wretch like myself? If I am perfectly honest, my answer would be no each time. I am too selfish to risk my own pain, or the pain of my offspring, for anyone. What an amazing God we serve. This is why we as a family want to look differently than the rest of the world. This is THE reason for so many of the choices that we make throughout the year, but also and especially now, during this season of reflection, and rejoicing.

Which brings me to the next thing that we have started doing. We wanted to play down the "stuff, I want" aspect and the commercialism of this Wholly Season and one of the ways we`ve been able to do that is by making all of our gifts. This will be the first year we are going all the way, nothing bought (except a few stocking stuffers). I can not tell you how stoked I am about this. It is a wonderful way to get the children focused on others and off of themselves. It is also a great opportunity to teach them new skills, and the value of hard work.

One other quick thing, we have always limited the TV time, but now we do not allow them to watch commercials. It is a good way to help them learn to not only guard their eyes, but it helps to eliminate the coveting that tends to happen with us all. Just pay attention to the amount of toy commercials that come on during a Christmas special, it`s sickening to take advantage of younglings this way. I certainly don`t want my money going to further an industry that abuses young minds this way. I`m not saying I will never buy my kids store bought toys, but certainly not during this time of year, when it`s so... disgustingly obvious that money is the end objective. This is just not what we want our children to learn or focus on. Sweet Baby Jesus is the true gift to each of us, and I really want my children to grasp that.

And so I would just encourage each of you to take a little time with God this season and ask Him, is there some little thing, it doesn`t have to be as extreme as we are going,(this has been a gradual change for us over several years) but is there one little thing we can do to get us focused on a more biblical, slower,reflective Christmas with our families? I hope that you will share how God moves your hearts. Blessing to each of you during this exciting season-K