A Night of Refreshing

Nothing restores my soul more than spending time in nature! I’m always amazed by God’s creativity. His creation teaches me so much about Him—His sovereignty, beauty, order, and power. What is more, life’s challenges seem to fade amidst the glory of God’s handiwork. Humility and praise are my immediate responses.

Our church women’s group is planning “A Night of Refreshing” this September at a beautiful place in nature—our city’s botanicalgardens. We will enjoy an early dinner, catered by a local Italian restaurant, in a reserved room overlooking the gardens. Table hostesses will provide dessert and small party favors for the eight women seated at each table. Hostesses will also help everyone feel welcome and facilitate conversation throughout the evening.

Following the meal, the women will have full access to the botanical gardens where they can stroll and view the incredible scenes of nature. To end the evening, we plan to return to our meeting room for a time of worship that will include Scripture reading, music, and prayer. What could be more refreshing than friendship, food, breathtaking scenery, God’s Word, and worship?

Consider planning your own “night of refreshing” with a group of friends or your church’s women’s group. Take advantage of a beautiful place in nature close to where you live: a lake, nature center, river walk, beach, park, garden, zoo, woodland cabin, campground, forest preserve, etc. Your event could be as simple as walking, talking, and taking time to pray; or you could reserve a room nearby and plan an entire evening, including food and a program. But make sure to allow time for the women to enjoy God’s creation and contemplate His power and beauty. Consider printing Scripture verses on cards for the women to carry with them as they enjoy God’s handiwork.

Suggested Scriptures:

Genesis 1; Job 38; Psalm 8; Psalm 19; Psalm 23:1-3; Psalm 121; Psalm 124:8; Psalm 139; Isaiah 40:10-15, 21-22, 22-26; John 1:1-14; Colossians 1:15-17.

Suggested Songs:

God of Wonders (Steve Hindalong and Marc Byrd)
Indescribable (Chris Tomlin)
Unfailing Love (Chris Tomlin)
Amazing Love (R. Kelly)
Agnus Dei (Michael W. Smith)
Shout to the Lord (Darlene Zschech)
How Great Thou Art (original hymn by Carl Gustaf Boberg, translated by Stuart K. Hine)

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the earth”
(Psalm 19:1-4, NIV).

God has opened many doors for KERRY CLARENSAU, which have prepared her for her current position as Leadership Development Coordinator for the national Women’s Ministries Department. Kerry has served the Kansas District in different ministry roles and as national Missionettes Coordinator. Under her leadership the current Mpact girls clubs (formerly Missionettes) program was developed in 1998. She has also served as women’s pastor at Maranatha Worship Center in Wichita, Kansas, where her husband serves as senior pastor. She is a Bible teacher, writer, wife, mother and much more. Her role as pastor’s wife is instrumental in developing effective leadership resources for the local church.