Whew! The last month has been one I’ll never forget. I had to take some time off from all things sewing to take care of final preparations for a huge speaking engagement.
I was invited to be the Guest Speaker at the Desert Winds Community Church DEEPLY ROOTED Women’s Retreat. The event was held November 1 – 3 at the Four Points Sheraton in Ventura, California.
With over 80 women in attendance, I shared the story of our family’s recent tragedy, how I’m overcoming, and words of encouragement to those in attendance.
In the Bible, Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart. I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) When the storms of life SHAKE you to the core, what will your roots reveal?
When the trials of life are upon you, will you be able to STAND, TRUST & ENDURE? These are some of the questions I addressed in the message that was shared with the women.
I witnessed the power of God at work in me over that weekend. He prepared me to stand before His daughters and speak the message He placed on my heart. It was a message of hope, one risen from the ashes of devastation.
If you are interested in hearing the message I shared, you may listen on the DWCC Podcast. There are 5 Sessions. Click HERE to listen.
If you prefer the old school method, DWCC will have a 5-CD Set available for online purchase soon at $20/set. I will let you know when the CD’s are available. DWCC is donating 50% of the proceeds from CD sales to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Fire Fighters Fund, a Division of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association. This organization has been a huge support during our family’s storm.
Below, I’ve posted a video highlighting the special moments from the Retreat.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW
SEWING SKIRTS WITH ANITA
If you are following the Sewing Skirts with Anita Series, excuse me for the delay. I will be resuming the series now. I’ve already cut the next skirt and will be announcing the release date of the video shortly. Keep your eyes open for the next email if you’re subscribed to my Private Email Community. If you’re not a member, you may sign up below so you don’t miss out on any upcoming exclusive content.
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I found you on you tube today after deciding to get back into apparel sewing. i saw your video on your husband and you dealing with the tragedy and all day i thought about you. My husband is going through some serious health issues and its hard to find the strength. i plan on following your blog and vlog on you tube. I admire you for what you and your sons have been through. God bless you.
What a blessing to stumble on your blog today. I’m delighted to meet another woman of Faith who sews!
Heeeeyyyy Elaine! So glad to have you visit me. I’m always delighted to meet fellow sew sister of the faith too.
You are amazing Anita! Either sewing or as a guest speaker you are touching lives in so many different ways.
I did notice you were missing in action and knew it had to be something big.
Keep being a great inspiration!!
Thank you so much Dayana!
Hi there! i missed you too! But doing talks like this are so important too! Your sewing work is so inspirational! Keep it up!
From your fan in Canada!
Thank you so much my Canadian sew sister!
I missed you and was concerned how you were. You don’t know this but God put you in my path. I have not had a death but have had a traumatic separation. I bought the new baby lock serger and found you. I became deeply attached to you by your faith shinning through your sewing business. I watched the memorial and cried along with you and your boys. Now this. I lived in Ventura county in California for 32 years. We moved to New Mexico when we retired. I owned a store on Main street in Ventura and sold it to move. I watched every picture in the slide show. I watched hoping to see some one I knew. That would have been heaven to have been there with you. I will definitely listen to your messages in my quite time. I do not want to miss one word. God bless you. You are special.
OMGoodness Delma! You have melted my heart with this message. I’m so very sorry about your separation. I pray you are healing, one day at a time. I do pray that you will find some encouragement and hope from the message. We are all so resilient and I’m finding that overcoming is a choice. It’s a daily choice. I am thrilled to have you on this journey with me, sister. I pray for you today as you move forward.
Congratulations on the purchase of your Vibrant serger.
I am definitely going to listen to your talks. I’m so glad you had the opportunity to make a difference in other women’s lives. and I noticed you were gone! I missed you! In regard to future sewing, I’m wondering if you would ever consider making a top with a ribbed knit fabric on a sewing machine. I’m a beginner-intermediate and would love to learn how to sew on this fabric. God Bless You on your journey in this life and may you continue to bless all who know you!
Hi Maureen,
Thank you so much for your interest in listening to the message.
Regarding a sew along with rib knit fabric; there is definitely a change of that because I love that fabric. I have made several garments using it. I can’t say when but one day.
Radiant! Anita, you have captured my ?! I am at awe of how Father (God) is leading and healing you! As I listened to and watched the clips, it is just so evident that many will be touched as you yield to Him and share your story! I am Godly proud of you. Much love from the east coast.?
Thank you so much Caroll! I’m in so much AWE at how God works. I’m really blown away by His demonstration of provision in this season of my life. I’m experiencing Him in a way I never imagined. His POWER is beyond words. Sending love back to you, sister!
Wow! Such a powerful video! I’m in tears just from watching this small portion! God is continually using you to bless others!
I’ll be listening to the podcast later today!
Thank you!
Thank you Carrie! Yes, He is!
Hi Anita
Welcome back. Thank God for using you as his vessel. Thank you for sharing the highlights of the retreat. I love it and truly: “Life is so precious. Live now! Enjoy everyday now! Do what makes you happy. Say no to that which doesn’t. Take time to see the beauty around you. Thank God for every day He gives you. You are blessed.”
Much blessings and love on the path that God has designed for you.
Oooooohhhhh, Aileeen! Yes! Yes! YES! Thank you for speaking the sentiments of my heart, sister. I have a totally different perspective on life now. All the you have mentioned is FREEDOM! That’s my heart’s desire. God bless you too.
Wow Anita, This is so profound because I just lost my husband on October 29th after a 2 years of caring for him with pancreatic cancer. My heart is broken but I understand because I know he is with GOD now.
Bless You
Martha
Oh, Martha, my HEART! I wish, with all my heart, that I could be there to give you a hug or just sit with you. I understand some of what you’re experiencing right now. I send you my love and lift up prayers to God for you as you walk through this very difficult journey. God is with you every step of the way, Martha. I pray that you will feel His presence and just allow yourself time to grieve–however long it takes. If you ever need to reach out to me privately, please do.
co*****@an***********.com
Hello Anita and welcome back! I just want to say, your words were near and dear to my heart. I know that it’s only been a few month since my storm in life. Many people comment on how strong I’ve been through it all, but they don’t see me at home. But I know with God and your inspiration I will get through this.
Oooohhhh, Gwendolyn, you’re right. They don’t see us at home. BUT, when we’re at our weakest, when the screaming and crying is taking place, our God’s strength is there, surrounding us and holding us. Each episode of heart wrenching, painful, unexplainable crying is taking us another step closer to our healing. Yes, we will get through this. It’s been 18 months since my husband’s death and it still feels like yesterday to me. We are on a journey to healing and God IS building our faith and strength. Only God! I love you sew sister.
You are truly an inspiration, Ms. Ainta. Much Love!
Thank you Mirline!