NEW! A New Lens on Life: Finding Focus through the Gift of Gratitude
Do “have-tos,” “got-tos" and "ought-tos" suck the joy out of life? Learn to refocus through the lens of gratitude and spark excitement for life—your life! Discover creative ways to practice the art of gratitude for the people, the activities, and the possessions in your everyday world. Explore how being grateful even when problems come can bring growth and expand contentment. You may even be inspired to invite your community to be part of your journey to joy!
Balance in the Circus of Life: Thriving Amid the Tension
Life is a circus. You’ve got so many things going on, so many opportunities to choose from. Is it possible your life feels overwhelming because you’re in the wrong circus act? Identify which circus act you’re currently performing in and discover God’s desired place for you. Learn to make intentional choices that focus your life, allowing you to find joy and rest amidst the tension.
Journaling the Bible: Meeting God in New Ways
Discover how journaling—through words, art or even music—can enhance your relationship with God as you explore his word. This interactive workshop provides opportunities to experience a variety of journaling styles that bring fresh insights from God’s word, allowing you to hear from God in new forms and express your heart to him in ways that uniquely encourage and refresh you.
“Carol spoke for our women’s retreat on Finding Balance in the Circus of Life, and these were some of the comments on our evaluation forms: ‘Carol Cool was an excellent speaker – the perfect combination of humor and encouragement,’ ‘She was real!’ and ‘Great takeaway applications for everyday life.’”
Nancy Kerry, Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church, Martinsburg, PA
Living in the Present: Practicing the Lord’s Prayer
Why do we humans spend so much time living anywhere but the present? We worry about the future—either over-planning and prepping or using frantic busyness to ignore the gnawing fear. At other times, regret and if-onlys eat away at us, dragging us back to the past. Discover how practicing the Lord’s Prayer—rather than just praying it—allows us to live joyfully in the present, and for God’s kingdom.
Living in His Presence: Practicing Psalm 23
Do you ever feel alone? Do your problems ever seem to get the best of you? Let the well-loved Psalm 23 become a daily prompt to practice the presence of God. The good Shepherd never leaves you to face the hard times of life alone. Allow his Spirit to rejuvenate your spirit and strengthen you to live purposefully and powerfully.
“I Just Need a Rest”: Taking Time to Reset
Somehow, life keeps accelerating. Work, kids’ activities, even church. We move faster and faster, we don’t have time to think, and suddenly we can barely breathe. Maybe we should run away—or at least take a spa vacation. Sadly, a retreat isn’t always feasible. But a reset is. In this interactive workshop we will dig down into priorities and schedules and, most importantly, our whys, so we can put on the brakes enough to enjoy the scenery.
Antiques and Heirlooms: Crafting a Legacy of Faith
We all have items we cherish from parents or loved ones, or a treasure we discovered ourselves. Some of the most precious heirlooms we can offer our children and grandchildren aren’t things at all. Uncover ways to leave a legacy of faith, of character, of a life well lived for those who follow in your footsteps.
Power Cleaning for the Soul: Getting Your Life Aired Out
Feel like your spiritual life could use a little power cleaning? Learn God’s plan to clean out the dirt, remove the excess clutter and remodel your inner “house.” Find out how you can simplify your life and beautify your spirit. Feel refreshed and ready to welcome the guests God brings into your life.
Being the Friend I Need: Discovering the Secrets of Great Friendships
Who doesn’t need friends? But friendships don’t simply happen. How can we ensure that we find the friendships we crave? How do we become the friends others need? Discover the secrets of profound friendship as we look at the life of Jesus and learn how to create lasting, meaningful relationships.
Atta Girl!: Turning Dreams into Reality
What are your dreams? Which ones refuse to die? What impedes them? Learn how to define your God-given dreams and visualize them as realities. Practice seeing a world in which you cannot fail and money doesn’t dictate your choices. Learn techniques to turn dreams into goals and goals into accomplishments.
Thermostat or Thermometer?: Dealing Positively with Anger
Ever react inappropriately when angry? When the heat is on in our relationships, we make choices on how to respond. But are we making informed, constructive choices? Discover whether you react to tense situations as a thermometer or a thermostat. Learn how to avoid being a thermometer, simply registering the heat of the moment. Practice being a thermostat, moderating the temperature to influence a positive outcome.
You’ve Got Personality! Getting Along with Every Personality Type
Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore? Do you interact with others more like Rabbit or Winnie the Pooh? Have fun figuring out your personality type and those of your family members and friends. Then turn that knowledge into power to find more harmony (and humor) in your relationships.
Just as They Are: Loving Your Friends to Jesus
“If I just can’t accept this faith of yours, will you still like me?” How can you overcome the natural fears of your coworkers and friends outside of the church in order to gain the chance to share the gospel of Jesus Christ? Master the Zacchaeus Principle. Discover how to live an accepting, attentive, authentic and available life that draws nonbelievers to the place of curiosity about your beliefs.
I’m No Mother Teresa: Serving the Way You Were Designed
Do you want to make a difference in your world but have no desire to move to the slums like Mother Teresa? Are you tired of responding out of guilt to the needs you see around you? Uncover your own unique design for service in the world. Learn how to avoid guilt and the good intentions of others so you can serve passionately and freely.