Now if you said,
“It’s too hard!
I don’t want to try!” or “I’ve given up!”
– I would understand those answers. I have been there and done that. There are times when that is the most honest answer we can give. I would be sad for you and try to encourage you!
We are headed back to the DEEP WOODS to pray! We want you- and your spouse, or your friends, or even family to join us.
FRIDAY EVENING, August 1st: anytime after 5:30pm- you can stop by the DEEP WOODS for a few minutes or for the whole evening.
The DEEP WOODS is located behind Crossroads Church, 775 S. Thayer Road, Lima, OH 45806. Click here for directions.
We’re going to meet to pray- as individuals, as couples, as a group. There is no agenda- just a challenge to PRAY!
We may talk some
Walk some
sleep some
laugh some
eat some (we will have some light refreshments- feel free to bring one to share)
But through it all we will pray!
For the NAKED TRUTH Women’s Conference, Oct 3 & 4.
For the women- from speakers to attendees who will be part of the conference
For tickets sales which begin August 1st.
For the lives that will be impacted
For the healing that will result
For the marriages that will be made whole.
For confession, forgiveness, and peace.
For awareness of the consequences of seeking counterfeit intimacy.
For HOPE! GREEN HOPE of course! Hope that grows out of faith and flows into Love.
Bring your own requests- to share- or to speak privately.
If you don’t live close- but feel God stirring your heart to pray for these things as well- Please join us in prayer! Last time we went to the woods, women from Texas to Minnesota, from Pennsylvania to Colorado were praying with us! We would love to hear from you!
Come to the WOODS! God will meet you in this sacred space!
Nonsense! You are a woman! You were created as a sexual being. You were created to desire intimacy.
Whether you are:
Married and want to grow your marriage
Married and want out of your marriage
Formerly married and dealing with the loss of a marriage
Never been married and wishing you were
Or single and glad of it
We are all longing to be known and loved for who we really are. The thing is that our view of intimacy has been skewed in so many ways. What we think is true is nothing but a distorted view of what God intended for us.
What if you could see intimacy & sexuality for what God really meant for us to experience? No, it doesn’t mean life will be perfect- but it can mean that we will be seeing ALL of life from a new vantage point. It can mean that we will understand how cherished and loved we really are- and the freedom we have to be deeply loved.
The message of this conference is powerful- pointing us to God in every area of our life- but especially our sexuality. We are all created as sexual beings. That’s not negative or derogatory- THAT’S GOD DESIGN! Chances are – married or single- we have ALL dealt with issues related to our sexuality. Linda Dillow and Juli Slattery are brave enough to speak God’s Word into this discussion.
SO HERE’S THE CHALLENGE: Who do you know that needs to be invited to this conference? What church or organization needs to get a promo pack with brochures?
A few days ago, a business woman asked me if I thought I was doing the right thing by focusing so much of my coaching business/ministry these days on someone else’s ministry. She was referring to all the Facebook sharing and blog posts I have written that have to do with Authentic Intimacy. Her concern was that I was building their business and not my own.
At the time, I told her that this was something I have wanted to be part of for a long time and it was worth it for me. But as I’ve thought about it- it is much more than that.
You see, 35 years ago, I was given a book called Creative Counterpart written by Linda Dillow. It was a book I went back to time and again early in my marriage and have reviewed often since.
Through the years I’ve had several opportunities to not only hear her speak – but spend time with Linda. I’ve listened as she lived out in her spoken words what she had written in several books by now, including ‘Calm My Anxious Heart” or Intimate Issues, Intimacy Ignited or more recentlyWhat’s it Like to Be Married to Me, and Passion Pursuit. (See titles below)
Kathy with Linda Dillow 2002 – Ukraine Retreat
In 2002, I was invited to lead a worship team for a women’s ministry retreat in Kiev, Ukraine. I was thrilled when I learned the speaker was none other than Linda Dillow.
Her topic was worship- it was the beginning of her book called “Satisfy My Thirsty Soul”.I was the so-called worship leader- but she was the one who led me in into the Presence of the Blessed Controller.
Just the two of us kneeling at her couch.
Just the two of us sitting on her big rock near her home in the foothills of Colorado.
Then with my team in Ukraine!
Precious, intimate moments with our God!
For me, this opportunity to bring Linda Dillow and Juli Slattery to the Lima area for the NAKED TRUTH conference is an answer to a 20 year long prayer. I told Linda then that someday, I would build a platform for her to speak her voice, God’s message to the people in my world.
It’s not just her books,
or the times she has emailed me
or the times she has cried with me,
prayed with me
worshiped with me
always showing up in my life just when I needed her message.
But that is just the point- for 35 years, she has shown up in my life through her books,
her speaking,
her friendship
with a consistent message.
A message that pointed me time and time again to see the Lord; lifting my chin to see His face.
That’s a message I want to be part of!
It’s an act I want to be known for!
It’s a voice I want to not only have- but build a platform for when I hear others speaking that same message.
This isn’t about my ‘business’ – or even Linda’s ministry.
It’s about what God is saying and doing in the heart of women all over the world.
Those are the voices I love listening for!
How about you?
I challenge you to listen and heed the message that Linda & Juli have to give all of us in October. Click here to find out more!
Several days ago I wrote that I woke with a LONGING to be in God’s presence to bring to Him all the dreams and desires building in my heart for women to hear THE NAKED TRUTH about God’s great love and passion for them.
If you remember, I invited you to join me in the WOODS for prayer.
Even though many weren’t able to join me in the WOODS- several let me know they were praying- from Texas to Colorado- to Pennsylvania and lot’s of places nearer. Women lifting this conference – and all the women who will take part to the Lord.
But I got to share my prayer time with Janet; passionate prayer warrior, encouraging friend and champion of all things DEEP WOODS. We’ve spent other times together in this sacred space, but today we shared our hearts as we acknowledged our Great God and voiced our petitions for each other,
for you,
for the conference,
for Linda & Juli,
for marriages
for our marriages
for intimacy
for our churches
for their leaders
for our husbands & precious families.
Then we walked the path and spoke of God things that are happening- in the WOODS and in our lives. We took the footpath to the back of the woods and as we turned the corner I was amazed at this sight. The image immediately spoke volumes to me.
I am like that tree- erosion has exposed my roots many times already, but I continue to stand- only as I continue to dig my roots into the soul and drink from the water that gives life.
For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water, whose branches are refreshed with the dew. Job 29:19
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:3
Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:12
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7
This was a good day!
We’ll be doing it again! I have to check the dates with the church calendar. But keep your eyes open for the next one. You may just want to spend some quiet time at the woods yourself.
for our marriages and the health of marriages in our world.
for our intimacy with our Lord and the depth of our relationship with Him.
Will you meet me there? I invite you to wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty and bring your bug spray. There is a mile long hiking trail that ends where it begins. And there are cabins with comfortable seating and even beds if you need to find rest physically.
I probably won’t get there much before 9:00am. But you are welcome to come earlier to walk the trails or use the prayer stations along the way. I’m planning on staying till noon.
If you let me know your coming ahead of time, I can be sure I’ve reserved enough cabins if we need them because of the weather. But if you forget to let me know- just come! Your presence is welcome.
God is at work! I see it! I feel it every day! I want to be sure I’m listening well, seeking him daily so that I can be in right partnership with him.
Join me in the DEEP WOODS- any time between 9:00am -12:00 noon -rain or shine. Behind Crossroads Church 775 S Thayer Road, Lima, Oh 45806.
If you can’t come- but still want to join me in prayer- or if you have questions? email kathy@greenhopecoaching.com or text/call me at 419-306-8311.
warrior, encouraging friend and champion of all things DEEP WOODS. We’ve spent other times together in this sacred space, but today we shared our hearts as we acknowledged our Great God and voiced our petitions for each other,
Well, Saturday morning, July 12th, I’m going to the WOODS- Deep Woods. It’s a spiritual retreat center in the 25 acre woods behind Crossroads Church.