Pursuit 31 San Diego Retreat

Last week I had the extreme privilege of traveling to San Diego for a LONG awaited Pursuit 31 retreat. My heart was full and anxious as the girls arrived. Each one getting clobbered by a bear hug the second they walked in. Of course! I mean, I didn’t get voted most huggable in high school by accident

Within minutes I seriously felt like I had a new group of besties. Keary had a smorgasbord of goodies beckoning us to fill our tummies which of course made everyone super comfy right away. And before long we were laughing and crying like the best of them.

I seriously can’t put into words what happened that day.  I promise I grow more at each retreat than the girls do! LOL!  Well… I don’t know that for fact, but I certainly am stretched and blessed with each one.  God never fails to show up, reveal Himself and share more and more of His heart with me.  For that, I am so SO thankful.

I asked the girls to share their favorite photo and a few words with all of you… so without further ado….

The ladies of P31 San Diego!

“P31 was exactly what I needed in my already busy and overwhelming life. I’ve been trying to juggle being a mom to two little boys, a wife, and a business owner/photographer, and basically doing all of it with utter mediocrity. My boys were desperate for my undivided attention, my husband cringed every time I sat down to edit, and my photography business was suffering because I was trying to do it all, on my own. Karen’s words of encouragement and wisdom seemed so profound yet so simple, and her plea to turn to God was exactly what I needed to hear. He created me to live life utterly satisfied, and Karen planted the seeds of ideas, love, and hope that will propel me into that life, and finally give me the strength, knowledge, and courage to simplify and prioritize so that GOD is first in my life, marriage, relationship with my boys, and in my business!”

Words & Photo by Christina Hendrick

THANK YOU SOO MUCH!! For EVERYTHING! I LOVED the testimony time, knowledge/business sharing time, shooting time, and eating time!! You are such an inspiration to so many people, (women AND men!). I am so honored to have met you and to have been blessed by being in your fellowship. Thank you so much! I really look forward to meeting you again sometime in the future!!”

 

Photo & Words by Christina Cho

 

 

“My favorite part was….everything!! I especially liked the time of reflecting and journaling just about what God has for us. You
can learn all the “technical” things in the world, but the best thing for any of us is to be centered in Christ, and to be seeking His will
for our lives – to know just how much He LOVES US!!! That’s all He really wants us to know, and it’s up to us to respond in kind, in order
to be a part of the vine and a part of the blessings He promises us.

Keary is just an amazing cook – I wish I had gift of hospitality and cooking that she has – just give me the tip of her finger and I’ll be 10x better than I am now

What a blessing….. Thank you for sharing all you know with us.”

Words & Photo by Kathy McGarry

 

“After a year of waiting, I finally was able to attend my P31 Retreat in San Diego! I won a scholarship last year and it felt forever for the time to come, but let me tell you it was worth the wait! I thought we were going to talk photography, business and God but it was the other way around, God, photography, business and food! The day was carefully planned by Karen, Keary and Susannah. I’ve been thinking on how to summarize my experience and I can’t find just one word, so I’ll try to use a couple of sentences. Karen, your obedience to God is an inspiration; it’s true when people say that God equips those who are willing! Thanks for encouraging me to take a little step in faith to start the journey! Keary, I never thought I would learn a new view on nutrition! Girl you totally blew my mind and opened my eyes to a new way of living! Susannah, you are just adorable and I’m so thankful for the time you put into styling the shoot! I could have not had better models than you and Lukas! I can’t wait to see what God has in store for all of my new friends and the amazing couples behind these retreats!!”

Words & Photo by Jessica Chavez

 

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Thank you ladies for your sharing your words, your hearts and your lives with me.  You are why I do what I do and sharing in your stories has become one of my greatest treasures.  SO thank you.  I love you dearly.

With lots of tears and hesitation God has began a new direction for Pursuit 31.  I am actually headed to the  final Pursuit 31 Retreat of this kind while I type this.   As these doors close, I am so very thankful for the time that I have spent in each of these cities this past year. The women I have met and the laughs that we have shared are priceless to me and I am so thankful for what God has done.   This fall we are walking through a new set of doors.  The doors of a breathtaking retreat center in Georgia where we will hold our very first Pursuit 31 Conference.  The goal was to bring Christian women photographers and artists together for a time of relaxation, pampering, inspiration and encouragement.  It is my hearts desire that each of you walk in your full destiny that God has, and I hope this Conference helps you do that.  If this sounds like it is for you, you can find out more information on the Conference website HERE

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!
Karen Stott 

 

 

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