Retreat Topics

CJ prepares for an event by combining your vision or theme with prayer, confident that we will arrive at the message God wants delivered to His women. One of the greatest joy's I have as a teacher, is waiting on God and delivering exactly what He lays on my heart to minister to a specific group. With that in mind, every message I deliver is different and tailored for a specific audience. So although I have prepared messages, I love to write new topics as the Lord provides.

My passion is to reach women with the life-changing truths found in God's Word. I appreciate that everyone learns differently and so my teachings are peppered with a mix of humor, personal examples, poems, visual aides, and stories all woven through biblical teaching and life application.

My hearts desire is for women to leave each event where I am teaching excited about what they have learned, able to apply it their lives, and with a renewed hunger to study God's word.  

All retreat topics consist of  four sessions depending upon the needs of the group. Each includes Points to Ponder for small group discussion. Personal quiet time and journal exercises are also provided upon request to encourage women to journey deeper with the Lord.  

Don't see the topic you are looking for? CJ has a passion for writing and will create a retreat around your theme.

I AM Says, "You Are…" – Understanding Your Identity in Christ

Loved, accepted, valued, confident; these are the characteristics that define a woman's rock solid identity in Christ. But we live in a culture that threatens to rob women of their God-given spiritual identity. Negative messages about personal worth and value bombard us throughout our lives. They attack the way we think, threatening to rob us of both our life purpose and our identity in Christ. Ultimately, the lies influence who and what we become. Our only hope is to combat the lies with the truth found in the Bible. In His Word, God teaches us who He is, who we are in His sight, and how He wants us to live. The principles offered in I AM Says, "You Are…" will set women free to become all God created them to be as they practice what they learn in the Bible.

Under Construction – Built Up in Him

1 Peter 2:5 says you and I like living stones are "being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood." In other words, we are a work in progress. God's building plan for our lives is far more than we can image. As the Master Builder, He begins by laying a solid foundation of faith that will withstand the strongest storms that blow through our lives. He then frames our hearts and minds with His truth, remodeling our character to be more Christ-like. The end result of being built up in Him is that we become a reflection of His glory and a light in this dark world.

U.R.O.C. – University of Refining Our Character

Tossed, tumbled and still trusting! We live in uncertain times when people everywhere are facing difficult circumstances and yet James tells us to consider it pure joy when we encounter trials! Why? Because in the midst of our circumstances God calls to us, beckoning us to draw closer and hold on tighter; to walk by faith, through life's ups and downs, and not by sight. His ultimate goal is to have an intimate, trust filled, vibrant relationship with you. In the midst of our difficulties do we press in closer or do we pull back? Based on timeless principals from the book of Ruth, U.R.O.C. will encourage you as you withstand, are refined by, and overcome the trials and troubles of life.

Cherished

To be cherished means to be held dear. God cherishes his women. Jesus clearly cared deeply for the women he ministered to crossing cultural and social boundaries to touch them, heal them, teach them, and ultimately give them a purpose in his kingdom. In this retreat, we examine the lives of four women whose lives were forever changed by their encounters with Christ. Their lives demonstrate how we, too, are cherished.

Daughters of the King

Created in His Image -- Made to Love—Destined to live Forever

You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand. –Isaiah 62:3

Do you realize that you are a Daughter of the King of the Universe? Being His daughter comes with blessings and responsibilities. We have:

  • Session One - I AM says, "You Are..."
  • Session Two - Living Subject to my King
  • Session Three - The Beauty of Restoration.
  • Session Four - The King and I - Cultivating Intimacy with our King

Find out what it means to live as a "Daughter of the King."

Developing Intimacy with God: Heart Lessons from the Life of Mary of Bethany

How do you define intimacy with the Father? What have you done to cultivate a deep, personal, abiding relationship in the Lord? In this crazy, busy world how do you stay connected? By studying the life of Mary of Bethany, we find three keys that help us draw near to God.

Got Beauty?

"Who is this that appears like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, majestic as the stars in procession?" –Song of Songs 6:10 NIV

What is beauty? How do you define it? True beauty comes from allowing the Spirit to invade every fiber of your being, renewing you... Sloughing off the calloused layers of our hearts, and softening the rough edges. His beauty regime makes over our character, and allows us to reflect with an unveiled face the glory of the Lord. Learn how spiritual transformation is the key to having unfading beauty.

  • Session One - True Beauty
  • Session Two - Pretty is and Pretty Does
  • Session Three - The Fairest of them All
  • Session Four - The Moses Make Over

The Abundant Life: Living Spirit Led and Fruit Filled

Are you living the abundant life that God intended? Are you growing in Christ-like character? Are you following the leading of the Holy Spirit? Are you connected to the Vine?

Explore the secrets to the abundant life that Christ promised in this four session retreat.

  • Session One - Got Fruit?
  • Session Two - The Greatest of these is...
  • Session Three - Walking in Love
  • Session Four - De-Vinely Inspired

Loved Completely

You are loved by God lavishly and his love makes you complete. You are without blemish, without spot, and you shine like star in the night sky. God demonstrates his complete love and acceptance of you in many ways. In this four session retreat, with built in quiet time reflection, you will discover the transforming truths of the love God has for you.

  • Session One - Whole and Complete in Him
  • Session Two - Loved Completely in your Design
  • Session Three - Loved Completely in your Position
  • Session Four - Loved Completely in your Relationship

Blessed to Believe!

"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord." –Luke 1:45

Luke 1:45 tells us that we are blessed when we believe God. I realize many of us believe in God, but do we believe God? Do we read the promises in His word and believe that they are for us? Can we in spite of our circumstances trust that God has a good plan for our lives? Do we believe that we are significant, loved, and secure in Christ? You can live a blessed life...be encouraged as you walk by faith and not by sight.

Hearts on Fire: Living with Confidence, Passion and Purpose

Do you ever wonder if there is a specific reason God created you? Well, there is and we only need to look back to the garden to discover God's unique calling for women. We have all been designed with a specific purpose in mind. We all have been gifted in order to accomplish that purpose. The question is, are we living it...Are we living with confidence, passion and purpose or are we just existing? Journey back to creation as explore God's high calling for women. Be inspired by the women in scripture and be ready to discover the Great Adventure God has in store for those who love Him and seek to do His will.

Treasure Hunters Series

Bible Study is an adventure! And yet it is estimated that of the 80% of Americans who say they are Christian, less than 10% read their Bibles. In this retreat, encourage your women to learn to mine the scriptures for themselves. You don't need to be a theologian, God can and will meet you in His Word!

  • Study the following books:
  • Ephesians
  • Philippians
  • James
  • Colossians

Precious Promise: The Gift of God

When Isaiah spoke of the coming Messiah he said, "and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace." Have you ever wondered exactly how the throne names of God apply personally to your life? Examine the different names of Jesus and the incredible truth of how He works in our lives.