Winter Retreat 2002 was awesome. Using my own words, I cannot describe how God changed me this year. I could see His work in all of my friends and my fellow youth.

Lately, I had been straying away from God. I had never thought about surrendering my life, heart, mind, and hands to God before. Retreats to me aren't just for friends and I hope that no one goes just to see a friend or boyfriend and girlfriend.

      Many times, we all have to be reminded how much God loves us and how much He can change our lives. I've been stressed out lately but I just got a lot of prayer and I prayed myself and my worries were gone.

      I cannot begin to explain to you how much God has changed me this past year and how much I love to worship and praise Him. I was definitely feeling His love at Winter Retreat as I saw all my fellow youth worshipping Him with their hearts set only on one thing, His love for all of us. Many people say "Reckless living? What's that mean?"

      Thomas taught us to surrender our lives so we can live for the Spirit and not for sin. We need to do our part to surrender our hearts to Him, so as Steven Curtis Chapman says in his song "Dive," in the rush I hear a voice that's telling me it's time to take a leap of faith, SO HERE I GO!!!!