a NEW creation

This past weekend was a time of true reflection for me.  It was a time of fun, fellowship, prayer, and meditation with the Sons of God who had endured the trials and tribulations of life and were determined to rise above through the love & strength of Jesus Christ.

I had experienced my first men`s bible retreat @ Via De Cristo over the past friday, saturday & sunday, and it was an experience that was literally life changing. Not just a  change in lifestyle, but an inward change…a change of heart. The 3-days were filled with laughing, crying, sharing, good food, and abundant blessings.

It was a time to remove ourselves from the influences & distractions of the world, to leave our pride and selfishness at the foot of the cross and have total commitment and focus on our Lord & Savior.  Each of the men that attended had come from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, but we all gathered for one reason: to allow our HEART to be opened to God`s Word and allow Him to break us down and build us back up.

i’m here again
a thousand miles away from you
a broken mess, just scattered pieces of who i am
i tried so hard
thought i could do this on my own
i’ve lost so much along the way
then i’ll see your face
i know i’m finally yours
i find everything i thought i lost before
you call my name
i come to you in pieces
so you can make me whole

(lyrics by RED – “Pieces”)

The above lyrics pretty much summed up the experience, because we all arrived on that weekend with worldly “baggage”, but we left there with a Spiritual renewal and a real grasp on the Grace of God.