Winter Retreat 2002 was a wonderful spiritual experience for me. 4 days of nothing but full focus on our Savior and spiritual development. Not only did He change me, i could see Him work on many of my fellow brothers and sisters.

      These last 2-3 yrs have been extremely difficult for me. I strayed from God. I went through so many hardships and so much pain. I now realize that God was always there for me, even when I didn't look to Him or when i didn't even think of Him, he was always there for me. It brings tears to my eyes that there is such a God that would do this for me when i dont even deserve it. So many times I hear phrases such as "God loves you no matter what" or "God is always watching over you." I never did take those phrases to heart in FULL meaning until now. God has saved me numerous times, without Him I don't know if I would be alive right now. God has given me a second chance at life and I plan to serve and honor His name with every minute of it.

      I must have been at a spiritual high during WR worship because I constantly found myself overwhemed w/ emotion for Him (props to the Worship Team for creating that atmosphere). Thomas taught us to surrender our sinful lives so we can then live our lives "recklessly" for Him. That night when Thomas asked for the ppl who wanted to rededicate their lives to God to stand up, I took that stand. I wanted God back in my life. Because we are nothing without Him. As I'm writing this, there's this one song that's running through my mind, and its "Love Song For A Savior" by Jars of Clay. "I want to fall in love with You..."