Sweet Tea with Jesus

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Oct 15, 2025
4 min read

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The Women’s Reflection Conference at Lake Yale, better known by the New Life ladies as Glamping, for 2025 is in the books. What a wonderful weekend of praise and worship, deep biblical teaching, and a rich time of fellowship for the women. This weekend was a time of reflection on where we are with the Father and looking to where He wants to take us.

The staff at Lake Yale made this weekend one none of us will forget. From our first impression at the camp entrance to the gift bags of goodies, our hotel rooms ready for us, and the food —oh my, the food —and to the helpful volunteers who guided and directed us throughout the weekend. Of course, the ever-present golf cart drivers are available to take us around the camp. Our needs were anticipated and met.

Our main speaker, Melissa Spoelstra, spoke on the Sweet “T” truths of Jesus’ I am statements in John. Each of these statements brings life.

Jesus said, I am the bread of life. Where do you find your spiritual nourishment? Taste and see that Jesus is good, and take him into your innermost being.
Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Let the light of Jesus shine into the darkness and bring his eternal life to a dark world.
Jesus said, I am the Good Shepherd, and he came to bring an abundant life, not a comfortable or easy life. His purposes are always good, even when our circumstances aren’t.
As our good shepherd, Jesus said I am the gate of life. The shepherd’s concern is outcomes, and the sheep’s concern is to listen, to obey, and to follow the good shepherd.
Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. When we see no good purpose in what we may be going through, we are told to trust the good shepherd’s purpose.
Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. Trust in God and don’t let your circumstances get the last word. Be assured, Jesus delights in answering our prayers, but he wants to hear us ask.
Jesus said, I am the true vine that leads to life. When we stay connected to the vine, we have life.

We were left with this final question: “What have you learned this weekend that you will take with you?” And we were challenged to ask the Father, “What are you asking of me?” when we pray. Don’t be surprised by what a small group of ladies will do in the coming days in response to the sweet “T” truths.

Our Breakout Sessions continued in this theme of life in trusting Jesus and what it looks like. We heard Tonya Whitehurst speak on the sweetness of surrender and letting go of control to taste the goodness of God. We can trust God with all that we hold dear.

Sara Chauncey shared her testimony of how the Father took a heartbreaking experience and used it for His glory and her good. Those who heard her story were inspired and challenged to surrender to the hands of the Master Potter.

Savannah Parvu shared her story as a survivor of human trafficking. The Father is using her in a powerful way to shed His light in the darkness and guide others to His light. Those who heard her speak walked away encouraged, informed, and inspired to discuss the benefits of supporting the most vulnerable.

Emily Pearson provided time-tested strategies for accurate interpretation of the Bible. Those who attended her session were given simple steps to get the most out of their time in the Bible. It is through our faithful study of the Word that we gain understanding, and that is life-giving.

In addition to the time spent with our main speaker and the breakout sessions, we were given free time to fellowship with our church group. We played games, shared what we were learning through the speakers, and made crafts together. So much happens around a table that has little to do with the activity, but much more with the one who binds us together – Jesus.

The praise and worship team from Leesburg First Baptist leads us on Friday and Saturday night. There is nothing so heavenly as 400 women praising their heavenly Father in unison. Our morning worship leader was Joy. Her name says it all. She brought beauty and joy to our time of morning worship.

Sunday morning, our speaker was Merry Lee Worrell. Her message was on using the word of God to correct our spiritual vision. She used humor and strong biblical teaching in her message on aligning our thoughts with God’s. Our time ended with a prayer walk. This time was for personal reflection and prayer. What a sweet time we were given to talk to our Savior in the beauty of Lake Yale.

REFLECTIONS WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2026

Dates for next year's conference are September 25-27, 2026

The Main Speaker will be Allison Allen. Allison is a Bible teacher, speaker, and author of Shine, Thirsty for More, and her newest book, Seen, Secure and Free. She also co-hosts the Back Porch Theology podcast with Lisa Harper.

Sign-ups for next year will be from October 26th through January 31st, allowing our group to receive the discounted price.

To sign up, contact Dori Weinberg at dlweinberg.bruning@gmail.com. Please provide the following information: your name, email, phone number, and your room preference (single or double). You will only be asked to pay a $50.00 deposit, and the remainder will be collected in June/July of next year. Our church will reserve 20 rooms for next year, so the sooner you sign up, the better.