Melody's Memories of her Set-Apart Team...

Hey Everyone,

Been enjoying the posts and sharing! Even recognized a couple people from the first session pictures. I think Brenda and I were both in the AG Reunion group, and maybe one or two others. Anyway, isn't it incredible what God has been doing in our lives? I just praise Him!

Although I have my own blogspot and have already posted numerous comments and pictures there, I thought I'd also post a few of my favorite pics and comments on this site as well!

Wasn't it a blessing to be invited into Eric and Leslie's lives and those of their team, and see authentic Christianity in action? The "warm glow" to their home in the picture above reminded me of what our lives are to be...literally glowing with God's love and beauty.

Of course, each of our teams were unique and different, but I believe God put us each together for a purpose. I am thankful for each of my team members!





Here, Eric was telling us stories about Ashley! (Or was it the other way around!) Needless to say, they both exude a very unique and set-apart personality and life. No wonder they are cousins!

Now, for a special memory I have from the weekend for each of my teammates:

Sarah (Here with Leslie) had a sweetness and earnestness for seeking God's will. And I believe she found more of that this weekend! When questioning her about her life and relationship with Nick and how God was leading, she replied that they were seeking God's will and didn't want to do anything that would make others stumble. Now days, who thinks of that perspective on life, especially when you are madly in love??! What a blessing to be touched by Sarah's life.

Nick - (In Middle, with Sarah to right. By the way, Nick and Sarah are engaged to be married next summer!) The thing that sticks out to me about Nick was his determination to be used by God and to grow. Especially the last night, as we prayed all night over Jess, I'm sure he was getting worn out and tired as he helped keep her from hurting herself. He had no complaints though, just whispered "Tensile strength!" :-)

Levi (On the left showing something in the Bible) - was the first gentleman we girls met at the airport. He probably felt oddly alone and strange, until Fork joined his side. I spent most of the sessions sitting beside Levi, and while He didn't say a lot, what He did say contained a lot! Thanks Levi for being willing to step out of your comfort zone and join the "Set-Apart Life."

Carlianne - (To left of Hudson) This gal has been a friend of the Ludy's for a number of years, yet she had a hunger and thirst for not just a deepened friendship, but a deepened relationship with the God that they serve, thus she too stepped out to come apart and grow. Carlianne sang a beautiful song of praise during one of our worship sessions, and I know her life will continue to be a praise and honor to God as she seeks Him first.

BenZ - (To the right of Hudson) was not afraid to be honest or show his love, praise and adoration of our King. It was inspiring to see a young man determined to "Follow Christ whatever the cost." I also appreciated his sensitivity and courtesies to all of us in the group, from opening doors, pulling out chairs for the ladies, leading a beautiful praise service, and giving words of encouragement when needed. I know God has incredible plans in store for Ben.

Cindy - (to the Right of Jess) This beautiful girl happened to be one of my roommates, and the whole weekend I could see God's love radiating through her life and care. Her life exuded a sweet childlike innocence, and she was the open to the spirit of God's working on her life, even if it meant stepping out of her comfort zone. Thanks Cindy for being a part of our group, for pointing us to Psalms 91 in the hour of distress, and for being so loving and giving! May your life continue to shine for Him.

Josh Forkner - (The animated character at the left) This guy had a priceless personality all his own. But it touched me how he allowed God to take all, and sought to fully YIELD to Him. (If there are no "Yield" signs left in Windsor, it's because Josh took them!) :-) I especially appreciated him reaching out during one of our prayer sessions to offer support. I know that God is going to continue to do incredible things with a Josh that is "yielded."

Sarah Regina - (To right of Bri) This girl also was a special addition to the team. She radiated a picture of beautiful femininity and mystique, and when she spoke up during our sessions had some profound insights to share that made things more real. Thanks Sarah for your blatant honest, sharing, and beautiful smile. I personally, am more of a tom-boy type girl, but I could learn a lot from you! :-)

Braxton - A one-of-a-kind Warrior Poet! Braxton didn't have a whole lot to say during the weekend, but by his own admission realized his need of God's words in his mouth instead of his own. You should have heard him pray!! This man was transformed during our retreat, and in the process touched a lot of our lives. Thanks Braxton for being willing to be silent that a greater voice might speak.

Michelle - Was another one of my roommates. And her sweet smile gives a glimpse into her character. She struggled with stomach problems a lot of the time, but endured patiently and often without complaint. During this weekend she too made some radical decisions about her schooling and life that will have long-lasting impact. Michelle, I know that God will honor your stand for Him. Stay strong!

Melissa - This is the first girl I met in the airport in Denver. I had been sitting down and she circled around, as if "looooking for someone." Then she just stopped and parked mid-way btw the North and South side of the fountains and watched. I watched too! "Hmmm....I wonder if she's part of the Set-Apart Group. She looks like one of us!" After a bit, I got up the courage to go and ask, and sure enough, she was waiting for the same people I was! :-) Melissa is from the cold land of North Dakota, but you could tell she had a very warm heart, and it was awesome to have her a part of our group!

Michael - This man took a risk to come from the warm coastlines of Florida to the bitter winter cold of Colorado. Yet, I think he will never regret stepping out in faith. Though his knees and heart may tremle, his faith is strong, and God did some incredible things in this man's heart and life. Thanks Michael for being a part of our team, for your quiet humble witness, for your prayers, and for your steps of faith. You are a special "Warrior Poet" and we will always remember you.

Beth - (To right, of course!) Bethany was a beautiful picture of servant hearted eagerness to simply rest and sit at the feet of her Lord. I can't wait to see how God works in this young girl's life, and I'm thankful that God brought her into my life. She's already been a huge inspiration! I'll never forget sitting on the hard floor sharing a blanket as we looked for God's promises and prayed for Jess, along with our team, all through the night. What blessing Beth, to have you in our lives. Thanks for what you've already shared on this blog!

Lauren - (To the right) This girl I really identified with as we are both Nurses, and yet both have a passion for knowing God even more. Lauren has a special sense of humor, as well as a knack for reaching out to others and seeing need. I could see God in her heart and life, and I also look forward to continuing to stay in touch with Lauren and seeing how God leads. Thanks Lauren for being part of our team. You are a true Authentic Beauty!

Me - (I'm to the left of Lauren and I go by Melody or Mel) I've been to a couple of Eric and Leslie's retreats so far, but none have impacted me as much as this one did! Wow!!! Don't even know how to describe what it meant to me. Yes, I did take a lot of pictures, but besides many wonderful memories and new friends, I've tasted a piece of what promised land living is all about. And this, I pray, I never let go!

Thanks Eric and Leslie and Hudson, Annie, Kendra, Ashley, Bri, Jess and David, for stepping out and being willing to share the authentic "Set-Apart Life." It has profoundly forever impacted our lives!

Just a couple more pictures and I'll be done!

Here, Lauren and BenZ prepare to step our of their comfort zone...out of the warmth, into the cold. The world lays before them, and before each of us. We have no idea what lies blanketed beneath the snow, or what adventures lie around the bend, but it doesn't matter. All that matters is that we are following our creator, and He is leading us to the promised land. So step forward friends, keep walking...leave the warmth behind and press forward to the endless frontier that He is calling you to!

As you will notice, once BenZ stepped out, his footprints did not resemble the normal footprints we usually see. :-) And so, it will be for all of us that seek to truly follow God. As long as we are walking this different path, our tracks will not be like the rest of the world. And they aren't suppose to be. We walk to the beat of a different drummer, and His name is Jesus Christ. Let us not be ashamed, but press forward saying, "Whatever it takes Lord, keep me tender toward you..." (Steve Green song)

Thanks again to everyone that has been a part of this great Adventure.

- Melody -

www.echohislove.com

To see a more complete album of our time together, go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/94932435@N00/sets/604907/